This calm fishing town in Iceland's Westfjords has narrow streets lined with 18th-century timber houses and serves as a gateway to hiking trails along dramatic fjords.
Ísafjörður, population 2,600, lies between mountains and the waters of Skutulsfjörður fjord in Iceland's Westfjords region. Walk through streets lined with 18th-century wooden buildings, ski down mountain slopes in winter, or paddle a kayak past seal colonies in summer. Stop at the Westfjords Heritage Museum to see fishing equipment from the 1800s, then try a fresh-baked kringla at the town's Old Bakery, a local institution since 1871.
Getting to Ísafjörður
Air Iceland Connect flies twice daily from Reykjavík's domestic airport, with a flight time of 40 minutes. By car, the journey from Reykjavík takes 5-6 hours on mountain roads that often close during snowstorms between November and March. A 5.4-kilometer tunnel connects Ísafjörður to neighboring towns, making it easy to explore the region.
Winter Activities in the Mountains
The ski area Dalirnir tveir operates from December to April when snow conditions permit. The area includes both beginner slopes and black diamond runs for advanced skiers. Cross-country skiing trails wind through the valley for 15 kilometers, and you'll find equipment rental shops in the town center. Each April, over 1,000 skiers participate in the Fossavatnsganga ski marathon.
Summer Activities Around the Fjord
Kayak tours run from May to September, with guides taking small groups along the shoreline where seals often rest on rocks. The water temperature stays around 10°C (50°F), and the fjord's sheltered location means minimal waves. The Naustahvilft hiking trail starts at the town's edge and climbs 500 meters up for panoramic views of the fjord and mountains.
Museums and Historic Buildings
The Westfjords Heritage Museum occupies a wooden building from 1757, displaying fishing equipment, photographs, and daily life objects from the 1800s. The former hospital building from 1925 now functions as a cultural center, hosting art exhibitions and maintaining a public library with books in several languages.
Local Food Scene
The Old Bakery (Gamla Bakaríið) bakes kringla daily - a horseshoe-shaped bread flavored with caraway seeds that locals eat for breakfast. Restaurants along the main street serve fish caught in nearby waters, including cod, halibut, and haddock. Many cafes operate from restored wooden buildings, some dating back to the 1800s.
Festivals Throughout the Year
During Easter weekend, the Aldrei fór ég suður music festival brings together Icelandic bands for free concerts. The European Swamp Soccer Championships in August turn muddy fields into soccer pitches. In July, runners race through mountain trails and along the fjord during the annual Runner's Festival.
Day Trips from Ísafjörður
Summer boats take you to Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, home to Arctic foxes and cliff-nesting seabirds. Visit the Arctic Fox Center in nearby Súðavík to learn about Iceland's only native land mammal. Drive to Dynjandi waterfall to see water cascade 100 meters down rock formations. The red sand beach at Rauðasandur, two hours south by car, stretches for 10 kilometers along the coast.
