Ísafjörður
About Ísafjörður
Ísafjörður is the largest town in the remote Westfjords peninsula with a population of around 2,600. Nestled on a dramatic sand spit jutting into the Skutulsfjörður fjord and surrounded by towering mountains, it is one of Iceland's most spectacularly situated settlements. The town has been a fishing and trading center since the 16th century.
The Westfjords are Iceland's least-visited region, making Ísafjörður the gateway to some of the country's wildest and most untouched landscapes. From here you can access the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, Europe's last true wilderness, and experience a side of Iceland that most tourists never see — dramatic fjords, Arctic foxes, and profound solitude.
Useful links:
Quick Tips
- Currency: Icelandic Króna (ISK). Cards are accepted everywhere, though a bit of cash can be handy in very remote areas of the Westfjords.
- Transport: Ísafjörður is about 6 hours by car from Reykjavik, or a 40-minute flight with Air Iceland Connect. The drive through the Westfjords is stunning but demanding. A 4WD is recommended for smaller roads.
- Tipping: Not expected in Iceland. Service is included in all prices.
- Weather: The Westfjords are the most exposed region of Iceland. Weather can change rapidly and road conditions can deteriorate quickly. Always check road.is and vedur.is before driving.
- Hornstrandir: If you plan to hike in Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, book boat transport well in advance. There are no roads, shops, or services — you must be fully self-sufficient and register your route.
Interesting Places to Visit
Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
Europe's last true wilderness — an uninhabited peninsula with dramatic cliffs, Arctic foxes, and nesting seabirds. Accessible only by boat from Ísafjörður. Multi-day hiking or day trips available. The Hornbjarg bird cliffs are breathtaking.
Westfjords Heritage Museum (Byggðasafn Vestfjarða)
Housed in one of Iceland's oldest buildings — the 1784 Turnhús — this museum tells the story of the Westfjords' fishing and maritime heritage. The beautifully restored timber buildings on the Neðstikaupstaður historic site are worth visiting alone.
Dynjandi Waterfall
The crown jewel of the Westfjords — a magnificent 100-meter-high bridal veil waterfall cascading in a widening fan shape down a cliff face. About 90 minutes from Ísafjörður. Often described as the most beautiful waterfall in Iceland. Free to visit.
Vigur Island
A tiny island in Ísafjarðardjúp fjord home to thousands of puffins, eider ducks, and Arctic terns. Boat trips from Ísafjörður take about 30 minutes. The island has Iceland's only remaining windmill and a charming 19th-century farmstead.
Bolungarvík & Ósvör Maritime Museum
A fishing village 15 minutes from Ísafjörður with a reconstructed fishing station (Ósvör) showing how fishermen lived and worked in centuries past. The dramatic mountain road through the Óshlíð tunnel is an experience in itself.
Látrabjarg Bird Cliffs
Europe's largest bird cliff and the westernmost point of Iceland (and Europe, excluding the Azores). Home to millions of seabirds including puffins, razorbills, and guillemots. About 3 hours from Ísafjörður — a long drive but absolutely worth it.
Rauðasandur (Red Sand Beach)
A surreal 10-km-long beach of red and golden sand on the southern Westfjords coast — a dramatic contrast to Iceland's typical black beaches. The remoteness and beauty of this place are unforgettable. Seals are often spotted in the lagoon.
When to Visit
The Westfjords have a short but intense summer season. Planning around weather and road conditions is essential:
🌸 Spring (April – May)
Slowly warming (1–8°C) with snow still on the mountains. Some mountain roads may still be closed. Days grow rapidly longer. Migratory birds begin arriving.
- Mountain roads gradually opening
- Early puffin arrivals at Vigur Island
- Dramatic snow-capped fjord scenery
☀️ Summer (June – August)
The best and really the only practical season (8–13°C) for visiting the Westfjords. Midnight sun, all roads open, and Hornstrandir boat trips running. Puffins nesting at Vigur and Látrabjarg.
- Midnight sun and endless daylight
- Hornstrandir hiking season
- Aldrei fór ég suður music festival (Easter/early summer)
🍂 Autumn (September – October)
Cooling rapidly (2–7°C) with increasing storms. Mountain roads begin closing. Northern Lights appear. A beautiful but unpredictable time — check conditions daily.
- Northern Lights over the fjords
- Autumn storm watching from the harbor
- Fewer tourists — very peaceful
❄️ Winter (November – March)
Cold and dark (−5 to 2°C) with heavy snow and many roads closed. The town itself remains accessible by the main road and flights. A truly remote winter experience for the adventurous.
- Skiing and snowboarding in the surrounding mountains
- Northern Lights in pristine dark skies
- Avalanche awareness essential — check conditions
Where to Eat (Affordable & Good)
Ísafjörður has a remarkably good food scene for such a remote town, with several excellent restaurants:
Tjöruhúsið$$
Widely regarded as one of Iceland's best seafood restaurants, housed in a historic timber building. The fixed-menu dinner features freshly caught fish prepared in multiple ways — all you can eat. Around 5,500 ISK (~€38). Reservations essential.
Husið$ – $$
A cozy bistro and bar on the main street with a varied menu of burgers, fish dishes, and pasta. Good craft beer selection and a relaxed atmosphere. Mains from 2,500–3,800 ISK (~€17–26).
Edinborgarhúsið$ – $$
A cultural center and café in a beautifully restored building serving light lunches, cakes, and coffee. The fish soup and daily specials are reliable. A nice spot to warm up and connect with locals. Light meals from 2,000–3,000 ISK (~€14–21).
Gamla Bakaríið$
The old bakery serving fresh bread, pastries, sandwiches, and coffee since the early 1900s. A local institution. Try the traditional Icelandic kleinur (twisted doughnuts) and rye bread. Pastries from 400–900 ISK (~€3–6).
Hamraborg Pizzeria$ – $$
A popular local spot for pizzas, subs, and casual food. Great for families and a solid affordable option. Pizzas from 2,200–3,000 ISK (~€15–21). Takeaway available.
Við Pollinn$$
A well-regarded restaurant in the Hótel Ísafjörður with panoramic fjord views. Serves a mix of Icelandic and international cuisine with an emphasis on local seafood and lamb. Mains from 3,500–5,000 ISK (~€24–35).