The port of Ísafjörður is the largest harbour in Iceland’s Westfjords region, with fishing being the area’s traditional and ongoing primary industry. As Iceland’s third busiest port of call for cruise ships, vessels visiting Ísafjörður embark on a dramatic journey up the Ísafjarðardjúp Bay, which shelters numerous smaller fjords. The town of Ísafjörður is nestled in one of these, Skutulsfjörður, and is surrounded on three sides by towering mountains, creating an almost perfect natural harbour.

Close to the cruise quays, the Maritime Museum, housed in one of Ísafjörður’s oldest buildings, showcases the settlement’s history with a fascinating collection of fishing gear and various boats. Additionally, the town is home to Iceland’s oldest group of houses, merchant properties dating back to the 18th century.

Rooted in a rich history as a trading post since the 16th century, Ísafjörður has evolved from its humble beginnings into the vibrant heart of the Westfjords. Known for its significant role in Iceland’s fishing industry since the mid-19th century, today, Ísafjörður is a cultural epicentre, surrounded by the scenic towns of Þingeyri, Flateyri, Suðureyri, Súðavík, and Bolungarvík. Each offers unique insights into the area’s heritage and contributes to the rich tapestry of community life and natural beauty.

As the largest town on the peninsula, Ísafjörður serves as a central hub for exploring the rugged landscapes and pristine wilderness of the surrounding areas, including the untouched Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. Ísafjörður is accessible by car, bus, or flight; it provides visitors with unparalleled access to outdoor adventures ranging from hiking and kayaking to bird watching and skiing, inviting a deep connection with nature.

Ísafjörður is a delightful summer destination, especially when the nights are bright. Visitors can explore a variety of local handicrafts, activities, and art, all contributing to the town’s unique atmosphere just below the Arctic Circle. Among the local attractions is the remote Hornstrandir nature reserve. Covering 600 km², this paradise for hikers and nature lovers features no roads, only abundant wildflowers, birds, and natural beauty.

A short 15-minute bus ride away is Ósvör, a reconstructed fisherman’s hut made of stone and turf, offering a glimpse into the past.

A popular excursion is a boat tour to the island of Vigur, located 30 minutes from Ísafjörður. Vigur is home to a large eider duck colony with around 3,500 nests producing 60 kg of eiderdown annually. The island is also populated by puffins, black guillemots, and Arctic terns, making it a must-see for bird enthusiasts.

Ísafjörður Town
Right in the town centre, just a few minutes’ walk from where you disembark, you will find the Old Town, with its narrow streets and wooden 19th century houses.
Strolling further up along the main street you will soon come to the new church with its famous altar piece “The Birds of the Sky”.
Next to the church you will find our culture house, the Old Hospital, which offers various exhibitions throughout the year.
From the Old Hospital, there is just a short walk to the public garden Jónsgarður, the home of the Whale Bone Arch, a structure that is five meters high and made from the jaws of a blue whale, the largest living mammal on planet Earth.
If you prefer a guided Ísafjörður walk, please seek assistance at the tourist information office.

Visit our Neighbours
Ísafjörður is rich when it comes to good neighbours.
We are surrounded by beautiful villages, all with plenty to offer visitors.
The Arctic Fox Centre, the Old Fisherman’s Hut, local food tasting, the Old Blacksmith’s Workshop, beautiful walks, and unspoiled nature.
To visit our good neighbours, you can either rent a car or join a guided tour.
Ask for assistance at the tourist information office.

Hornstrandir
This territory of the Arctic fox has been uninhabited since the 1950s.
As isolated as it was then, it attracts the casual half-day visitors and serious Gore-Tex hikers alike.
Its main attractions are three.
First, the bird cliffs surrounding the bay of Hornvík, are a magnet of gigantic proportions.
On the eastern side of the bay the cliff reaches a height of more than 500 metres, and the birds are teeming.
Second, as there are no infrastructure and the tourists few in relation to the sheer size of the area, the sense of remoteness is strong.
You can hike days on end without seeing a single person.
The nature is pure and the tranquillity unmatched.
Third, as the area is a haven for the Arctic fox (think hunting-ban and bird-packed cliffs), the chances of spotting one is high.
Most tours, especially day tours, depart from Ísafjörður.
Hikers wanting to go on their own can also take boats from Bolungarvík and Norðurfjörður.

Dynjandi waterfall
Dynjandi is one of Iceland’s most majestic waterfalls.
To access it, you would need to either rent a car or join a tour.
Expect the tour to take up to five hours, especially if the weather is good and you want to hike up along the waterfalls.
The drive between Ísafjörður and Dynjandi also offers spectacular scenery.

Whale Watching
Around 20 species of whales can be found in the sea surrounding the country but the most common are the beaked whale, the hump-backed whale, dolphins and a few others.
Whale watching is an incredible experience for people of all ages.

Westfjords Heritage Museum
Most travel books refer to it as the Maritime Museum.
Fisheries have always been the most important economic activity in the Westfjords, and the museum gives a unique insight into the rich maritime history and culture of the area.