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.