The port of Ísafjörður is the largest harbor 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 harbor.

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.

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

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 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.

A stroll around Ísafjörður
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.

Dynjandi waterfall
Dynjandi is one of Iceland’s most majestic waterfalls.
To access it, though, 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 spend some time hiking up along the waterfalls.
The drive between Ísafjörður and Dynjandi also offers spectacular scenery.

Visit our neighbours
Ísafjörður is rich when it comes to good neighbours.
We are surrounded by beautiful villages, which all have plenty to offer visitors.
The Arctic Fox Centre, the Old Fisherman’s Hut, the Nonsense Museum, 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.