Ísafjörður: Capital of the Westfjords

Ísafjörður (population approximately 3,000) is the largest town in the Westfjords and the region’s de facto capital. It sits on a spit of land projecting into Ísafjarðardjúp fjord — an unusual topography that gives it water views on three sides. The town itself is small but has more genuine character than most Icelandic towns of its size: historic timber buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries, a proper fjord setting, and proximity to some of Iceland’s most dramatic and remote landscapes.

Getting There

By air: Eagle Air (eagleair.is) flies Reykjavík Domestic Airport to Ísafjörður Airport (IFJ). Journey approximately 45 minutes. Fares from approximately ISK 10,000–20,000 one way. Check eagleair.is for current schedules — service varies by season.

By car: Approximately 450km from Reykjavík via Route 1 to Borgarnes then Route 60 through the Westfjords. Allow 6–7 hours. The road passes several mountain passes — check road.is for conditions, particularly in spring and autumn.

By ferry: From Stykkishólmur (Snæfellsnes) to Brjánslækur via the Baldur ferry (seatours.is) in 2.5 hours, then drive north through the Westfjords. A classic approach route.

Old Harbour (Nedstikaupstaður)

The historic quarter of Ísafjörður, on the tip of the spit. Several wooden buildings from the late 18th and early 19th centuries — among Iceland’s oldest surviving structures. The oldest building (Tjöruhús) dates to approximately 1742. The area is compact enough to walk around in 30 minutes.

Westfjords Heritage Museum (Byggðasafn Vestfjarða) — Covers the history of the Westfjords from settlement through the fishing industry era. Entry approximately ISK 1,500 adult.

Tjöruhúsið Restaurant

One of Iceland’s most celebrated fish restaurants, housed in one of the 18th-century harbour buildings. An all-you-can-eat fish buffet — the day’s catch cooked simply and served communally. The menu depends entirely on what was landed that morning. Approximately ISK 6,500 adult as of 2026.

Reservations essential and available at tjoruhusid.is. Book well ahead for summer. Operates primarily June–August.

Hornstrandir Day Trips

The boat trips from Ísafjörður harbour to Hornstrandir nature reserve are the main activity draw for serious visitors. Hornstrandir is uninhabited, roadless, and accessible only by boat — the combination of dramatic coastal cliffs, accessible arctic fox encounters, and total absence of other infrastructure makes it unlike anything else in Iceland.

West Tours (westtours.is) is the main operator. Day trips to Hornvík bay (the most spectacular section) depart from the harbour in summer. Approximately ISK 12,500–16,000 adult return as of 2026. Multi-day hiking packages also available.

Sea Kayaking

The fjord system around Ísafjörður is one of Iceland’s best sea kayaking areas. West Tours and local operators run guided kayaking tours from approximately ISK 8,900 for a half-day. The sheltered inner fjords are accessible even for beginners; more experienced paddlers can go further.

Bolungarvík

A fishing village 15km northwest of Ísafjörður. The Ósvor Maritime Museum is a reconstructed 19th-century fishing station on the beach — one of the most authentic small museums in Iceland. Entry approximately ISK 1,200 adult.

Where to Stay

Hotel Ísafjörður — The main hotel. Central location. Doubles from approximately ISK 30,000–45,000 in peak season.

Edinborg Guesthouse — Smaller, in a heritage building near the harbour. Doubles from approximately ISK 22,000–32,000.

Gamla Gistihúsið — Budget guesthouse in the town centre. Doubles from approximately ISK 18,000–26,000.

Where to Eat

Tjöruhúsið — The first choice for fish (see above). Summer only, reservation required.

Við Pollinn — Year-round restaurant in the town centre. Lamb, fish, and burgers. Mains approximately ISK 2,800–4,800.

Thai Koon — A Thai restaurant that locals recommend for weekday dinners. Mains approximately ISK 2,200–3,500.

Húsið — A restaurant-bar on Aðalstræti (the main street). Burgers, pizza, and beer in a relaxed atmosphere. Mains approximately ISK 2,500–4,000. One of the few places open year-round with consistent evening hours.

Bonus Supermarket — On the main road into Ísafjörður. The only proper supermarket in the Westfjords. Self-catering travellers heading into the remote Westfjords should stock up here — the next comparable shop is in Borgarnes or Reykjavík.

Dynjandi Waterfall

Approximately 100km south of Ísafjörður on Route 60. The most spectacular waterfall in the Westfjords — a 100m-tall cascade that fans out as it falls, creating a bridal-veil shape. The drive takes approximately 1.5–2 hours on the winding Westfjords road. A short walk (15 minutes) from the car park leads to the base, passing several smaller waterfalls on the way. Free entry. Open year-round, though the road may close in winter. Allow half a day for the round trip from Ísafjörður.

Látrabjarg Cliffs

The westernmost point of Europe and one of Iceland’s largest seabird colonies. Millions of puffins, razorbills, guillemots, and fulmars nest on the 14km-long cliff face. Puffin season runs from approximately late May through mid-August. The cliffs are approximately 200km from Ísafjörður — a full day trip (4–5 hours driving each way on gravel roads). The final section of road is rough but passable in a standard 2WD in summer. Free access.

Swimming Pool

Ísafjörður Swimming Pool — Outdoor pool with hot tubs and a water slide, surrounded by mountain views. Entry approximately ISK 1,100 adult as of 2026. Open year-round. Located near the town centre.

Practical Information

Isolation: Ísafjörður is genuinely remote. The Westfjords receive fewer tourists than any other region in Iceland. This is part of the appeal but requires planning — book accommodation and Hornstrandir trips well in advance, particularly for July and August.

Weather: The Westfjords get more precipitation than most of Iceland. Rain gear is essential regardless of the forecast. Mountain passes on Route 60 can close for weather at any time of year — check road.is before driving.

Fuel: N1 station in town. Fill up before any day trip — there are very few fuel stops in the Westfjords, and the next one may be 100km+ away on gravel roads.

Ísafjörður Airport (IFJ): The airport runway is short and sits between steep mountains. Flights are occasionally cancelled or delayed due to weather. Build flexibility into your schedule if flying in — have a backup plan in case the flight is cancelled.

Browse Iceland tours — day trips, activity bookings, and multi-day packages across the country in one place.

Pre-book Keflavík airport transfers — Flybus and private options for the 45-minute route to Reykjavík.

Compare car hire in Iceland — a 4WD or campervan gives the flexibility to explore at your own pace.

Explore Ísafjörður Further

• Things to Do in Ísafjörður — Hornstrandir boat trips, Dynjandi waterfall, Látrabjarg, and local hiking
• Where to Stay in Ísafjörður — Hotels and guesthouses in the Westfjords capital
• Restaurants in Ísafjörður — Tjöruhúsið, harbour cafés, and eating well in the Westfjords
• Day Trips from Ísafjörður — Hornstrandir wildlife reserve, Dynjandi falls, and Látrabjarg cliffs