Miðbakki / Old Harbour Cruise Guide

About the Old Harbour (Miðbakki)

Miðbakki is the cruise quay in Reykjavik's Old Harbour (Gamla höfnin), right in the city centre beside the Harpa concert hall and the whale-watching boats. It takes smaller ocean and expedition ships (up to about 170 m); the largest liners dock at Skarfabakki in Sundahöfn instead. Adjacent expedition vessels sometimes berth at the neighbouring Faxagarður quay — both are the same downtown harbour.

The big advantage of docking here is location: you step off the ship and you're already about 0.5 km — a 5–10 minute walkfrom Laugavegur, the old town and the main sights. There is no dedicated terminal building as at Vör; this is a working harbour, so the city's cafés, shops and restrooms are your facilities.

Old Harbour berths at a glance

Not sure which berth your ship uses? See the Skarfabakki terminal guidefor the main cruise port, or check the live schedule below. Use the selected excursion's current meeting instructions.

Getting into the city

From the Old Harbour you can simply walk — most of central Reykjavik is within 10–15 minutes on foot. For excursions further afield:

• Shore-excursion meeting point: use the berth or meeting instructions shown for the selected product.
• On foot:Harpa, the old town, Laugavegur shopping street and the harbour-side restaurants are all a few minutes' walk away.
• Taxi: ranks are nearby in the centre; you rarely need one to reach downtown from here.
• City bus: central Strætó stops are a short walk away (≈550 ISK) if you want to reach the wider city.

Practical tips for cruise passengers

• Iceland uses the króna (ISK), but cards (incl. contactless) work almost everywhere.
• Dress in layers; Reykjavik weather changes fast even in summer.
• Compare the selected excursion's schedule with your ship's current all-aboard time.
• Tap water is among the purest anywhere — bring a refillable bottle.
• Keflavík International Airport is ≈50 km away — too far for a quick port-day trip.