Vör is Reykjavík’s new dual-use cruise passenger terminal and year-round port-city meeting place, developed, built and operated by Faxaflóahafnir / Ports of Faxaflói at the Port of Reykjavík.
The project was initiated to replace temporary passenger tent facilities with permanent, climate-resilient infrastructure designed for the demanding operating conditions of the North Atlantic. While the temporary facilities successfully supported a period of rapid growth in cruise tourism, they were never intended as a long-term solution. Periods of severe Icelandic weather occasionally damaged or displaced the temporary structures, highlighting operational, safety and environmental challenges and reinforcing the need for more resilient infrastructure.
Rather than simply constructing a new cruise terminal, Ports of Faxaflói reimagined how seasonal port infrastructure could create value throughout the year. During the cruise season, Vör provides safe, secure and efficient facilities for cruise passengers, supporting both transit and turnaround operations. During the winter months, when cruise activity is significantly reduced, the same building becomes a vibrant venue for conferences, book fairs, trade shows, concerts, cultural events, weddings, company celebrations and community gatherings.
This dual-use model transforms what could have been a seasonal operational building into a year-round public asset, maximising the value of a €21 million investment while strengthening the relationship between the Port of Reykjavík and the community it serves. Vör also supports future-ready passenger operations through close collaboration with Police and Customs authorities, ensuring secure and efficient passenger flows, including preparation for the EU Entry/Exit System.
The project directly contributes to the World Port Sustainability Program through Infrastructure, Health, Safety and Security, and Community Building, demonstrating that sustainable port infrastructure can simultaneously improve resilience, maximise public investment and create lasting value for both cruise passengers and the people of Reykjavík.