Elding's Whale Watching Centre
Departure point for whale watching tours, located at the harbour.
🌐 whalewatching.is🕒 Jun-Aug 08:00-17:00; Sep-May 12:00-13:00
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Reykjavík Port
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Port
The Port of Reykjavík, managed by Faxaflóahafnir, is Iceland's maritime gateway and the nation's most critical hub for international trade. The port is divided into several specialized areas, with the Old Harbour (Gamla höfnin) now primarily serving tourism, whale watching tours, and cultural venues. In contrast, Sundahöfn functions as the modern container terminal, handling approximately 80% of all goods imported into the country. The construction of the modern harbor facilities took place between 1913 and 1917, a pivotal period that catalyzed the economic growth and urbanization of the capital. Beyond freight logistics, the port is a major destination for the cruise industry, hosting hundreds of ships annually and bringing thousands of visitors to the heart of the city. The fishing industry continues to be a vital component of the port's operations, with dedicated berths for the Icelandic trawler fleet and nearby processing plants. In recent years, significant infrastructure upgrades have been implemented to accommodate larger container vessels and enhance operational efficiency. The port serves as both an economic engine and a cultural landmark, blending industrial heritage with contemporary urban development.
- Location: Iceland
- Top sights: Elding's Whale Watching Centre · Fiskhöllin · I8 Gallery
- Nearby: Kópavogur (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 169 | 152 | 154 | 119 | 93 | 83 | 99 | 121 | 181 | 147 | 149 | 172 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
Reykjavík Port is the largest commercial harbour in Iceland, serving as a central hub for importing goods and exporting fishery products. It is the economic gateway to the capital.
Visiting
The port area is partially open to the public, especially along the coastline. Visitors can observe ship traffic and loading/unloading from walkways.
Where to view it
An excellent viewpoint is the harbor quay on Tryggvagata, offering views of large cargo ships and port operations. The top of Harpa concert hall also provides a good view.
Local products
Numerous fish restaurants and markets near the port offer fresh seafood. Direct sales from anglers or fishmongers can often be found at the harbour.
Active season
The port is active year-round, with peak export of fishery products in spring and summer. Cruise traffic is concentrated in the summer months.
Nearby
Combine a harbour stroll with Reykjavík city centre, especially the City Hall and Harpa. The nearby Kolaportið flea market is also worth a visit.
Geography
Facts
- The construction of the Old Harbour took place between 1913 and 1917.
- Sundahöfn handles approximately 80% of Iceland's total imported goods.
- The Port of Reykjavík is operated by the Faxaflóahafnir Associated Ports.
- More than 180 cruise ships dock at the port's facilities each year.
- The port provides a total of over 3 kilometers of quayside for vessels.
- The Harpa Concert Hall was built directly on the edge of the Old Harbour.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Reykjavík Port (10)
I8 Gallery
Contemporary art gallery with rotating exhibitions.
🌐 i8.is🕒 Mo-Fr 11:00-17:00; Sa 13:00-17:00
Flæði
Art gallery focusing on modern works.
Reykjavik Museum of Photography🏛 museum
Heritage institution with collections on photography history.
Reykjavik Art Museum🏛 museum
Largest visual art institution in Iceland.
Reykjavík Maritime Museum🏛 museum
Maritime museum in Reykjavík, Iceland.
Kolaportið
Flea market in Reykjavík, known for second-hand goods.
Steinbryggjan
Stone pier at the harbour, used for walking.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where do cruise ships dock in Reykjavík?
Larger ships usually dock at Skarfabakki, while smaller ones use the Old Harbour.
What can you do at the Old Harbour?
You can book whale watching tours, visit museums, or eat at fish restaurants.
How do I get from the cruise port to the centre?
There are shuttle buses, public buses, or you can take a taxi (about 10 mins).
Is the port safe for pedestrians?
The Old Harbour is very pedestrian-friendly, whereas Skarfabakki is more of an industrial area.
Are there museums in the port area?
Yes, the Víkin Maritime Museum and 'Whales of Iceland' are located nearby.
Reykjavík Port: where is it located?
Reykjavík Port is located in Iceland.
Reykjavík Port: what is there to see?
Highlights include Elding's Whale Watching Centre, Fiskhöllin, I8 Gallery.
Reykjavík Port: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Reykjavík Port: why is it worth visiting?
The Port of Reykjavík, managed by Faxaflóahafnir, is Iceland's maritime gateway and the nation's most critical hub for international trade.
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Nearby cities
Reykjavík
Reykjavík is the capital and largest city of Iceland, serving as the nation's cultural, economic, and governmental hub.
Kópavogur
Kópavogur is Iceland's second largest city, located directly south of Reykjavík.
Hafnarfjörður
Hafnarfjörður is a port city south of Reykjavík, built on an ancient lava field.
Hafnarfjörður
A charming port town just outside Reykjavík, known as the 'town in the lava' and famous for its Viking heritage and elf folklore.
Keflavík
Keflavík is a town on the Reykjanes Peninsula, part of the Reykjanesbær municipality.
Mosfellsbær
Mosfellsbær is located northeast of Reykjavík, known for its hilly landscape and thermal springs.
Garðabær
Garðabær is a growing town in the Greater Reykjavík area.
Selfoss
Selfoss is the largest service center in southern Iceland, situated on the banks of the Ölfusá River.
Akranes
Akranes is a port town on Iceland's west coast, known for its long fishing tradition and two distinctive lighthouses.
Seltjarnarnes
Seltjarnarnes is a small municipality on a peninsula just west of Reykjavík.
Vestmannaeyjar
Vestmannaeyjar is a town on Heimaey island in the archipelago of the same name off Iceland's south coast.
Blue Lagoon (Grindavík)
Iceland's most famous geothermal spa, known for its milky-blue, mineral-rich waters.
Grindavík
Grindavík is a fishing town on the south coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Hveragerði
Known as the 'Greenhouse Town', it sits on an active geothermal field and is famous for its hot springs and banana cultivation.
Hveragerði
Hveragerði is famous for its high geothermal activity, located about 45 km east of Reykjavík.
