Isafjordur Travel Guide
As a regional hub for services and commerce, Isafjordur is also the perfect jumping-off point for exploring the surrounding region: If visiting the Westfjords is on your itinerary, Isafjordur is where you should stay.
Isafjordur is just one part of the larger Skutulsfjordur fjord, and is one of the few Icelandic Westfjords settlements large enough to be considered a town. With a population of around 2,700, Isafjordur (spelled Ísafjörður in Icelandic), is the largest town on Iceland’s entire northwest peninsula.
But don’t worry, town visitors still have plenty to do, including a sightseeing boat trip to Hornstrandir. For more adventurous travelers, a four-day Westfjords tour is the perfect way to take in both the city’s highlights and its more remote surroundings.
Key Takeaways
- Isafjordur serves as a central hub for exploring the Westfjords region.
- The town offers a mix of cultural and outdoor activities, including museums, festivals, hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.
- Isafjordur's was historically a fishing town, though its economy is shifting towards tourism.
- The surrounding Westfjords region boasts natural attractions like Dynjandi waterfalls, Latrabjarg sea cliffs, and Raudisandur Beach.
- Summer is the recommended time to visit due to the challenging winter conditions and road accessibility.
Why Visit Isafjordur?
Set against a stunning backdrop of mountains and the sea, Isafjordur is considered the unofficial capital of the Westfjords. Visitors from all over the world book their stays in Isafjordur to take advantage of its hotels, shopping, cultural attractions, as well as a vibrant dining scene that features local craft beers and some of the best fresh seafood Iceland has to offer.
Isafjordur's Old Town is the city’s crown jewel, featuring a well-preserved area of historic buildings that date back to the 18th century. These brightly colored buildings were once used as trading posts, homes, and warehouses, but now give visitors a glimpse into the town's past and make for a supremely picturesque stroll.
History of Isafjordur
According to Iceland's Book of Settlement, the Skutulsfjordur fjord was first settled in the 9th century by Helgi Magri Hrólfsson. Isafjordur itself grew rapidly during the 16th century, becoming a center for trade and fishing thanks to its natural harbor. In 1786, the town gained municipal status.
Isafjordur had been one of the largest fishing areas in Iceland; however, declines in local fish populations, fishing restrictions, and more prominent fisheries in Reykjavik have led to a shift in the town’s economic focuses, particularly toward visitors. Seafood still makes up a large part of the local food culture nonetheless.
Things to Do in Isafjordur
Cultural Attractions
Besides its historic and gastronomic draws, Isafjordur is a creative hotspot of museums, galleries, artisan workshops, and year-round cultural events.
The Museums in Isafjordur
- Visit the Westfjords Heritage Museum to learn about the history and cultural significance of the region. The museum is housed within one of the oldest buildings in Iceland, and is located in the Nedstikaupstadur area, which is home to the country's most extensive body of old timber frame houses.
- Located in one of Isafjordur’s most historically significant buildings, the Culture House is a striking blend of old and new architecture that merits a look, even if you don’t go in. Initially serving as a hospital, it’s now a public library, museum, and exhibition hall, each designed to foster deep connections to Icelandic culture.
If you’re traveling to Isafjordur around Easter, you can discover local Icelandic musicians and bands at the free Aldrei for eg sudur alternative music festival or enjoy a range of outdoor activities during the Ski Week festival.
Outdoor Activities in Isafjordur
Isafjordur's natural beauty also makes it the perfect destination for visitors who enjoy the great outdoors. The town’s surrounding mountains offer excellent opportunities for snowboarding and both downhill and cross-country skiing. The town ski club is open to locals and visitors alike.
Kayaking in Isafjordur
Kayaking is a great way to explore Iceland during the warmer months, and kayaking from Isafjordur is no exception. Travelers can navigate the Westfjord waters while admiring fantastic views—and keeping an eye out for seals and native sea birds.
Birding in Isafjordur
Speaking of birds, Isafjordur and the Westfjords in general, are a bird lover's paradise. Guillemots, Arctic terns, and Atlantic puffins make the remote region their home.
The island of Vigur, just off the coast of Isafjordur, is famous for its impressive colonies of birds; visitors can experience it for themselves on a kayak and wildlife tour.
Whale Watching in Isafjordur
Whale-watching is one of Iceland’s most popular tourism activities, and it’s yet another item animal lovers will be glad to add to their Westfjords itinerary.
Family-friendly boat excursions from Isafjordur provide ample opportunities for spotting both whales and dolphins in their natural environment.
Hiking the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
Isafjordur is also one of the main entry points to the Hornstrandir nature reserve, one of Iceland’s most remote and untouched areas. A must-visit destination for avid hikers and nature enthusiasts alike, it’s home to the Arctic fox, Iceland's only native mammal, and over 250 plant species. Book a single-day guided hiking excursion if you’re pressed for time, or take advantage of the Reserve’s remote location and camp overnight. Take a boat from Isafjordur to Hornvik or another reserve area to reach the hiking trails and campgrounds, as the area isn’t accessible by car.
If the Horstrandir reserve is on your list, consider passing through the coastal settlement of Hesteryi village which has been abandoned since the 1940s. It offers a rare and unique glimpse into the country’s past, as well as a tranquil first step on your escape into nature.
Other Attractions in the Westfjords
The Hornstrandir Nature Reserve doesn’t need to be the only stop on your journey—the Westfjords are home to some of Iceland’s most incredible natural sites, and Isafjordur is the most convenient place from which to visit them.
Dynjandi Waterfalls
Known as "the jewel of the Westfjords," the Dynjandi waterfalls are some of the most impressive and beautiful falls in all of Iceland. Standing about 330 feet (100 meters) tall, with a top width of 98 feet (30 meters) and a bottom width nearly double that, they’re also the largest waterfalls in the Westfjords region. Located about 35 miles (60 kilometers) west of Isafjordur, visiting the falls is an easy stop on a day trip out of town.
Latrabjarg Sea Cliffs
The Latrabjarg sea cliffs are the westernmost point of Iceland. Sitting on the western edge of the Westfjords, about 113 miles (180 kilometers) from Isafjordur, they’re quite a distance away but worth the journey. Thought to be home to an estimated five million sea birds in summer, it’s yet another must-see for bird lovers.
Arctic terns, edier ducks, guillemots, and razorbills all make their homes at the sea cliffs, but the main attraction is the massive colony of nesting Atlantic puffins. The puffins are protected and relatively tame, so opportunities for photographing puffins in nature are plentiful.
Raudisandur Beach
Most beaches in Iceland have jet-black sand made up of volcanic rock and dried lava. Raudisandur Beach, however, has sands of red and gold. These sands are unique because the Westfjords region is no longer volcanically active.
About 90 miles (150 kilometers) outside of Isafjordur, the beach lies in close proximity to the Latrabjarg cliffs on the Westfjords’ western coast. This location makes it a popular spot for both bird- and seal-watching.
How to Reach Isafjordur
Getting to Isafjordur can be challenging because of its remote location, but it is well worth the effort. The easiest way to get there is by flying into the local airport. Icelandair operates regular connecting flights from Reykjavik's domestic airport.
Alternatively, visitors can drive, taking the Ring Road north out of Reykjavik and turning onto Route 60, which leads into the Westfjords. The drive is long (about 260 miles or 420 kilometers), but it's incredibly scenic and takes you through some of Iceland's most beautiful landscapes.
In addition to how you travel, it’s also important to be mindful of when you travel to Isafjordur: The Westfjords and Isafjordur are tundra regions, meaning the winters are freezing, and icy conditions are typical. Additionally, the roads in the Westfjords are mostly unpaved and are rarely clear of snow during the winter. With that in mind, it's recommended that you only visit the Westfjords during the summer, and even then, you may prefer to take a guided four-day tour through Iceland’s untouched nature.
Popular Tours to Isafjordur
Tours are convenient ways to experience the best of Isafjordur or immerse yourself in the natural beauty surrounding areas in the Westfjords.
Self-Drive Tours
These tours allow you to explore Iceland's Ring Road and Westfjords at your own pace, offering flexibility and independence.
- 13-Day Self-Drive Tour of the Ring Road with the Snaefellsnes Peninsula & the Westfjords
- In-Depth 10-Day Summer Self-Drive Tour of the Ring Road with Waterfalls & Glaciers
- Epic 2-Week Self-Drive Tour of the Ring Road & the Westfjords
Vacation Packages
Vacation packages bundle flights, accommodations, and activities for a hassle-free experience in the Westfjords.
- 2 Day Summer Break in Iceland’s Westfjords with Flights from Reykjavik
- Off-the-Beaten-Path 8-Day Summer Vacation Package
Multi-Day Tours
Guided multi-day tours allow you to experience the Westfjords with knowledgeable guides and planned itineraries.
- Small-Group 3-Day Guided Westfjords Sightseeing Tour with Reykjavik Transfers
- 6-Day Hiking Tour in Hornstrandir with Camping in the Remote Westfjords
- Thrilling 7-Day Iceland Motorcycle Adventure Tour in the Westfjords with Waterfalls & Glaciers
Day Tours
Shorter day tours are ideal for those with limited time, offering focused experiences like hiking and sightseeing in the Westfjords.
- Small Group Hiking Tour in the Westfjords from Isafjordur
- Private 8-Hour Natural Sightseeing Tour of the Westfjords Departing from Isafjordur
- Fascinating 2-Hour Walking Tour of Isafjordur in the Westfjords
FAQ
1. Is Isafjordur a good place to see the northern lights?
Yes! During the winter months (September–March), Isafjordur has little light pollution, making it a great location to view the northern lights on clear nights. Visit between September and March, check the aurora forecast, and head to a dark, open spot like the fjord’s edge or a nearby mountain road for the best views.
2. What’s the minimum number of days I should spend in Isafjordur?
A 2–3 day stay allows time to explore the town, take a boat trip, hike nearby trails, and experience local food. Longer stays are great for adventure travelers.
3. What are some of the must-try local dishes in Isafjordur?
Try plokkfiskur (traditional fish stew), harðfiskur (dried fish), fresh Arctic char, and Icelandic lamb. Kaffihús-style bakeries also serve delicious pastries.
4. Do I need to rent a car when I visit Isafjordur?
A car is highly recommended for exploring beyond the town, especially for visiting remote fjords, Hornstrandir, and Dynjandi waterfall. However, within Isafjordur, walking and biking work well.
5. Is Isafjordur a good place for budget travelers?
Yes, but Iceland is expensive overall. Budget options include guesthouses, camping, and cooking your own meals. Some activities, like hiking, are free!
6. What kind of clothing should I pack for Isafjordur?
Always bring layers, a waterproof jacket, sturdy shoes, gloves, and a hat. Even in summer, weather can be unpredictable, and windchill is common.
7. What are some hidden gems in Isafjordur that most tourists miss?
Isafjordur has a vibrant underground music scene, unique art installations, and small, family-run businesses that aren’t widely advertised.
Are You Ready to Experience Isafjordur's Charm?
Isafjordur is an idyllic destination for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and bird lovers alike. With its stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and an array of outdoor activities, Isafjordur offers something for everyone.
Whether you're interested in hiking the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, spotting whales and dolphins in their natural environment, or simply enjoying the tranquility of Raudisandur Beach, Isafjordur has something to offer.
Book your trip to Isafjordur today to experience the magic of the Westfjords for yourself, or read more about what Iceland has to offer.
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