Ísafjörður: what to see and do
In northwestern Iceland, the centre of Ísafjörður occupies a sand spit in Skutulsfjörður. The town serves as the administrative seat of the municipality of Ísafjarðarbær.
Things to do in Isafjordur
Timber frame houses form part of the Neðstikaupstaður area. Among its houses is Krambúðin, which dates to 1757. The Westfjords Heritage Museum began welcoming visitors in Turnhúsið in 1988, on Fisherman's Day. Built for storage in 1784, Turnhúsið later became the museum building.
The town received trading rights in 1786. Fishing has played the central role in the town's industry. The settlement of Skutulsfjörður by Helgi Magri Hrólfsson goes back to the 9th century.
The Westfjords in Iceland
The name Westfjords refers both to an administrative region and to a large peninsula in northwestern Iceland. Dozens of fjords cut into its coastline, which faces eastern Greenland across the Denmark Strait. An isthmus connects the peninsula with the rest of Iceland. The region extends over 8,842 square kilometres and had about 7,200 inhabitants in 2024.
Villages near Ísafjörður include Hnífsdalur, Flateyri, Suðureyri and Þingeyri. Trading in Flateyri dates back to 1792. Bolungarvík lies about 15 km north-west of Ísafjörður. Ísafjörður also provides access to the nature reserve on the Hornstrandir Peninsula. Hornstrandir has had nature reserve protection since 1975. At the northern end of the Westfjords, the reserve covers about 580 square kilometres.
A private Westfjords tour from Isafjordur by car or bus lasts 10 hours. It includes a private guide and vehicle, with a route and pace that can be customised. Included stops are Ísafjörður, Bolungarvík, Bolafjall, Flateyri, Þingeyri and Dynjandi.
Isafjordur tours to Dynjandi
Dynjandi stands in Arnarfjörður in the Westfjords, with a total waterfall height of about 100 m.
The private Dynjandi waterfall and farm tour in the Westfjords takes 4 hours. It includes private guided transport from and back to Isafjordur, a guided visit to Dynjandi and a stop in Hrafnseyri village with a café break. A visit to Audkula Farm and a local guide throughout are also included. The return route crosses the highlands when weather and season permit.
Vigur island
Vigur lies in the Ísafjarðardjúp fjord in the Westfjords. The island measures approximately 2 km in length and 400 m across. A colony of puffins lives on Vigur, which also has a historic windmill.
Music in town
Since 2004, Ísafjörður has hosted the music festival Aldrei fór ég suður each Easter weekend.
Air and road connections
Regular flights link the town's airport with Reykjavík. The Vestfjarðagöng tunnel opened in September 1996 and extends for 9.1 km. Its Tungudalur branch provides access to Ísafjörður and the northern Westfjords, while the Botnsdalur branch connects to Suðureyri. The Breiðadalur branch serves Flateyri and the southwestern Westfjords.
The seasons
Winters bring cold conditions, while summers remain cool.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the town centre of Ísafjörður?
The centre occupies a sand spit in Skutulsfjörður, in northwestern Iceland.
Which historic buildings are mentioned in Neðstikaupstaður?
Krambúðin dates to 1757, and Turnhúsið was built for storage in 1784. The Westfjords Heritage Museum opened in Turnhúsið in 1988.
What does the Dynjandi waterfall and farm tour include?
It includes private guided transport, a guided waterfall visit, a Hrafnseyri stop with a café break, an Audkula Farm visit and a local guide.
When does Aldrei fór ég suður take place?
The music festival takes place each Easter weekend and has been held since 2004.
Does Ísafjörður have flights to Reykjavík?
Yes, the town's airport has regular services to Reykjavík.
