The dramatic landscapes of the wild and unspoiled Westfjords dazzle visitors who typically make the former trading post and fishing town of Isafjordur their base. It’s the perfect jumping-off point for tours around the region, to natural wonders such as Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, Drangajökull glacier, the seabird-filled cliffs of Látrabjarg, and Dynjandi Waterfall. Meaning “Fjord of Ices” in Icelandic, Isafjordur itself is known for its thriving cultural scene and summer brings music festivals and exhibitions, while Hversdagssafn (Museum of Everyday Life) and the Old Hospital (Culture House) are year-round attractions. Horseback riding, hiking, visiting Vigur Island, and sea kayaking are other top things to do in Isafjordur.
Summer offers extended daylight hours for hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, day trips, and enjoying the outdoors, as well as the best opportunities for spotting wildlife (including puffins). Winter can be a challenging time to visit the Westfjords, as heavy snow and ice often block the roads. That said, this area is beautiful in the snow, and visitors enjoy skiing, snowshoeing, and gazing at the northern lights. If you love music, visit in the spring for the annual Aldrei fór ég suður music festival.
Isafjordur is compact, and its main attractions are all easy to reach on foot. There are several hiking and biking trails you can take along the coast to other, smaller towns, and you can rent bicycles in town. For adventures further afield, to destinations like the Dyrafjordur fjord, you’ll need to rent a car or book a guided tour. Isafjordur has a domestic airport.
For a great meal, head to Tjöruhúsið, one of the Westfjords’ best-kept secrets. This rustic seafood restaurant, housed in a late-18th century wooden building, serves only catch of the day, fresh off the boat from the harbor nearby—and it’s still more popular with locals than with tourists. The restaurant is typically open only in spring and summer, and on sunny days you can eat outdoors, at wooden picnic tables.
