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Ísafjörður Cruises

It’s hard not to feel a sense of awe when you cruise into Ísafjörður, with its incredible scenery on all sides. This working port has long been a centre for commerce, used as a trading post for at least 500 years. The town centre features quaint wooden fishing huts with tin roofs, built in the 1800s by merchants. You can explore this Icelandic town’s illustrious history at the Westfjords Heritage Museum, play a round of golf next to spectacular natural scenery, or go hiking in the Hornstrandir nature reserve. From bird watching to kayaking, it’s a playground for outdoor enthusiasts!

What You Need To Know About Ísafjörður

How to reach Ísafjörður from the cruise terminal?

Ísafjörður’s cruise terminal is conveniently located just a short stroll away from its Old Town, so you’ll find most sights you’d want to see within easy reach. While there aren’t any shuttle services available at the port, excursion buses do stop here to take passengers around the region. You can also order taxis in advance or hire rental cars if you wish to explore the region at your own leisure. The town centre is just 300 metres away from the port’s entrance, with a clearly marked tourist office on hand to assist you with any questions you might have. Ísafjörður’s airport is 5 kilometres from the port.

What are the can’t-miss sights in Ísafjörður?

Kick off your time in Ísafjörður with a walk around the town centre to get your bearings. Here you’ll find the charming Old Town with its 19th-century wooden homes and narrow streets. The Old Hospital is a popular destination for art and culture, hosting rotating exhibitions throughout the year. The city’s public gardens feature the Whale Bone Arch, standing five metres in height as it’s made from a blue whale’s jaws. Get out into the countryside to see attractions like the majestic Dynjandi waterfalls, visit the Arctic Fox centre or tour around the neighbouring fishing villages where you can get a taste of Icelandic life.

Typical food and restaurants in Ísafjörður?

You’ll eat like a king In Ísafjörður, particularly if you enjoy seafood! The catch of the day could range from cod to halibut, redfish to bacalao – whatever you choose, you can be sure that it’s super fresh. Icelandic fish stew is a popular option at family-owned restaurants like Tjoruhusia. Typical Icelandic food you should try here includes Skyr, a cultured dairy product quite like Greek yoghurt, usually served with fresh berries. Enjoy slow roasted lamb, cooked with fresh herbs to make it particularly fragrant. The lamb is also made into a soup, often combined with root vegetables, leeks and herbs to lend flavour.

ÍSAFJÖRÐUR - DID YOU KNOW?

Ísafjörður’s beautiful natural setting is one of its prime attractions, so if you’re a fan of hiking you’re in for a treat. Head to the Hornstrandir nature reserve to enjoy its spectacular landscapes, walk up to the Naustahvilft to admire the view, or follow the paths leading out of town into the hills. Hornstrandir covers 600 square kilometres, notable for its bird life, wildflowers and lack of any roads.

Naustahvilft, in particular, is hard to miss, with its massive indentation that’s given it the name of ‘troll seat’. It sits just above the airport, making it the first thing you may notice if you’re flying in and out. Legend holds that this indentation was formed by a troll rushing home before the coming daylight would turn her to stone. After running so fast, she had to stop and have a rest here!

Although it may be remote, there’s a lively, cosmopolitan culture to Ísafjörður. It’s the central gathering place of the Westfjords region, hosting sporting events like a Triathlon, Runners festival and International Swamp Football Championship.

The island of Vigur is a popular excursion, located just 30 minutes away. It’s popular with bird watchers for its colonies of black guillemots, Arctic terns, puffins, and eider ducks.