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Ísafjörður, capital of the Westfjords

WestfjordsTownFree entryOpen all year
Written by locals at Iceland Travel Guide · Checked by Heiða · Updated October 2026
Ísafjörður
Ísafjörður
ÍSAFJÖRÐUR IN SHORT

Ísafjörður is the largest town in the Westfjords, built on a narrow sandspit inside Skutulsfjörður and hemmed in by steep mountains. It is about 454 km from Reykjavík, a 5–6 hour drive, or a 35-minute domestic flight. Entry to the town is free and it is open all year, though the Westfjords' mountain roads mean a visit here usually means committing at least two or three days to the region.

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About Ísafjörður

Ísafjörður was first settled in the 9th century and grew into an important trading post by the 16th century, and its centre still has some of Iceland's oldest surviving wooden buildings, clustered at Neðstikaupstaður near the harbour. The town's setting, on a low spit of land surrounded on three sides by fjord and backed by mountains, makes it one of the more dramatic town locations in the country.

As the largest settlement in the Westfjords, Ísafjörður is the natural base for exploring the region: it has the widest range of services, the main hospital, and connections onward to Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, a roadless wilderness reachable only by boat. Two music festivals, Aldrei fór ég suður and Við Djúpið, bring extra life to the town at Easter and in summer.

The town has the feel of a place that sits between past and present: old timber houses and a working harbour, next to long-established schools, a hospital and a lively cultural scene. The regional tourist information office for the Westfjords is here too, which makes it the best place to ask about road conditions, boat timetables and hiking routes before you head further out.

Quick facts

RegionWestfjords, on Skutulsfjörður
PopulationAbout 2,700
From ReykjavíkAbout 454 km, around 5–6 hours by car
By airAbout 35 minutes from Reykjavík Domestic Airport
EntryFree
Municipal statusGranted in 1786
Opening hoursA working town, open all year

Iceland's oldest trading houses

Ísafjörður became one of Iceland's main trading posts under the Danish trade monopoly in the 16th and 17th centuries, and Neðstikaupstaður, the cluster of timber buildings by the harbour, dates from this era. Some of these buildings are now museums, and they are among the oldest surviving houses in the country, a rare sight in a nation where most old wooden buildings were lost to fire or replaced over the centuries.

How to get to Ísafjörður

On a guided tourMulti-day Westfjords tours typically include Ísafjörður as a base, often combined with Dynjandi waterfall and Rauðisandur or Látrabjarg.
By carFrom Reykjavík, take Route 1 north then Route 60 into the Westfjords, joining Route 61 towards Ísafjörður. The route crosses mountain passes that can be slow in poor weather.
By airDomestic flights connect Reykjavík and Ísafjörður in about 35 minutes, though flights can be affected by strong winds.
By public transportSeasonal buses serve the Westfjords, but services are limited compared with the south and north of Iceland.

The Westfjords' mountain roads can close temporarily in winter storms. Check umferdin.is and allow extra time, especially outside summer.

Things to see and do in and around Ísafjörður

Westfjords Heritage MuseumAt Neðstikaupstaður by the harbour, in one of four 18th-century houses that have been restored over the years. It tells the story of the fishing that built the town, with old boats, nets and gear.
The Tar House (Tjöruhúsið)Another of the four old houses is now a fish restaurant serving the day's catch. Plenty of locals will tell you it is the best in Iceland. Book ahead in summer.
The Museum HouseThe Old Hospital, renovated in 2002–2003, is now known as the Museum House. It holds the town's archives and a photography collection, a good stop if you are curious about Icelandic photography and local history.
Hornstrandir Nature ReserveNorth of the town, across the bay, lies one of the wildest parts of Iceland, with no roads and rich plant and animal life. In summer, boats and most tours leave from Ísafjörður. Independent hikers can also take a boat from Norðurfjörður on the east side.
Hiking and kayakingIn summer there are hiking trails and long walks straight out of town, and calm fjord water for kayaking. The deep fjords give you a view in almost every direction.
Skiing and the poolIn winter the town turns to skiing in the valleys just outside it, and the warm swimming pool is open all year.
Festivals and eventsFor a small town the calendar is full, from football tournaments to art and music festivals. Aldrei fór ég suður at Easter is the best known.

Best time to visit Ísafjörður

Summer (June–August)The easiest time to drive the Westfjords' mountain roads, with long daylight for hiking, walks and reaching remote places like Hornstrandir and Látrabjarg.
Winter (November–March)A quieter, snowier town with skiing, winter kayaking and the warm pool. From late November until late January the sun stays behind the mountains: there are only a couple of hours of daylight and no direct sunshine at all. Roads over the passes can close, so flights are often the more reliable option.

Both summer and winter are good times to visit, for different reasons. In winter the roads to the Westfjords can become impassable, so keep an eye on the forecast and on umferdin.is, and consider travelling with a local guide who knows the conditions.

Safety and practical tips

  • Allow at least two to three days in the Westfjords rather than a quick detour, given the driving distances between sights.
  • Check flight and road conditions before travelling in winter, since both can be affected by wind and snow.
  • Hornstrandir Nature Reserve has no roads and is reached by boat from Ísafjörður; plan ahead if you want to hike there.
  • Fuel up in Ísafjörður before heading to more remote parts of the Westfjords, where fuel stations are scarce.
  • Call in at the tourist information office for up-to-date advice on roads, boats and trails.
  • Book the Hornstrandir boat ahead in summer; sailings are limited and weather-dependent.
  • Visiting in midwinter? Plan outdoor sightseeing around the few hours of daylight.

Facilities and accessibility

Ísafjörður has hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, cafés, shops, a hospital, fuel stations and an airport, the fullest range of services in the Westfjords.

On the map

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Nearby places worth a stop

HornstrandirRoadless nature reserve reached by boat
BolungarvíkNeighbouring fishing town a short drive north-west
FlateyriFlateyriSmall fishing village nearbyDynjandiDynjandiThe Westfjords' best-known waterfallPollurinnPollurinnHillside hot pots above TálknafjörðurPatreksfjörðurPatreksfjörðurLargest town in the southern WestfjordsRauðisandurRauðisandurRed sand beach in the far south-westLátrabjargLátrabjargIceland's westernmost point and bird cliffsTálknafjörðurTálknafjörðurSmall village with a hot pool

Where to stay near Ísafjörður

Ísafjörður has the widest choice of accommodation in the Westfjords, from a modern hotel in the centre with harbour views to guesthouses with shared rooms and a lounge. Campers can use the Tungudalur campsite in the valley just outside town, which has flat pitches, electricity, showers (including an accessible bathroom), washing machines, dryers and free Wi-Fi. The town is the practical base for the region, with day trips possible to Dynjandi and the nearby villages.

Ísafjörður FAQ

How far is Ísafjörður from Reykjavík?

About 454 km, around 5–6 hours by car, or 35 minutes by domestic flight.

Is Ísafjörður worth visiting?

Yes, it is the natural base for the Westfjords and has some of Iceland's oldest surviving buildings around its harbour.

Can you visit Hornstrandir from Ísafjörður?

Yes, boats to Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, which has no roads, depart from Ísafjörður in summer.

Is the road to Ísafjörður open all year?

It is generally kept open but crosses mountain passes that can close temporarily during winter storms.

When is the best time to visit Ísafjörður?

Summer for hiking, Hornstrandir and easy driving; winter for skiing and a quiet, snowy town. Check road conditions carefully outside summer.

Is it dark in Ísafjörður in winter?

From late November to late January the sun does not rise above the mountains, so there are only a couple of hours of daylight and no direct sunlight.

What is there to see in Ísafjörður town?

The old timber houses at Neðstikaupstaður with the Westfjords Heritage Museum, the Museum House in the Old Hospital, and the harbour.

See Ísafjörður with a local

Tours and trips that include Ísafjörður, booked directly with a local travel agency in Iceland.

Isafjordur Whale WatchingDAY TOURIsafjordur Whale WatchingFrom 14,600 ISK per personIsafjordur Puffin TourDAY TOURIsafjordur Puffin TourFrom 25,000 ISK per personDynjandi WaterfallSHORE EXCURSIONDynjandi WaterfallFrom 17,990 ISK per personIsafjordur Kayaking TourDAY TOURIsafjordur Kayaking TourFrom 16,500 ISK per personKayaking and Biking Tour in the Westfjords from ÍsafjörðurDAY TOURKayaking and Biking Tour in the Westfjords from ÍsafjörðurFrom 27,900 ISK per personIsafjordur Biking TourDAY TOURIsafjordur Biking TourFrom 16,500 ISK per person
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