Ísafjörður, the largest town in Iceland’s Westfjords region, is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes and vibrant history. This charming settlement offers a variety of attractions, making it an appealing destination for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation. Visitors can explore the unique local culture, enjoy outdoor activities, and appreciate the breathtaking scenery that characterizes the area. For those interested in luxury travel, Ísafjörður provides tailored experiences to help plan an unforgettable vacation, showcasing the beauty and heritage of this remarkable location. Overall, Ísafjörður stands out as a captivating spot for tourists looking to immerse themselves in Icelandic culture and nature.
Where Your Ship Docks
Ísafjörður has a large dock used by cruise ships only about a third of a mile from the town center. There are no public facilities at the pier but when cruise ships visit there is a town information office right at the port.
Wheelchair Accessibility Disembarking
This port has a largr cruise ship pier but the ease of disembarking varies by the individual ships gangway designs. The Ísafjörður pier disembarks only a short distance from downtown. For passengers using wheelchairs there can be a moderate ramp incline disembarking to deal with. has a well developed wheelchair friendly infrastructure. Ísafjörður is flat with few inclines. Intersection crosswalks have few issues with curbs or other wheelchair obstacles.
Transportation
In Ísafjörður there is a taxi service and limited buses for transportation. The main taxi operator is Leigubílar Ísafirði, which can be booked in advance (+354 666 6950 and stigurberg@gmail.com) There’s also a bus service between the airport and Ísafjörður town, connecting with flights. Additionally, buses operate to other nearby towns like Flateyri, Þingeyri, and Suðureyri.
Currency
Iceland uses the Icelandic Kronur and $1.00 US Dollar = 127.08859 Icelandic Kronur. There are ATMs located in most cities and all major credit cards are welcome.
Tipping
Tipping is generally not expected in Iceland. Service charges are often included in the bill, and workers are typically paid fair wages, so they don’t rely on tips. However, if you feel you’ve received exceptional service, you can tip 10% or round up the bill. Tipping is especially appreciated for tours, especially those longer than 8 hours, and with free tours.
Attractions
The old town has wooden houses with corrugated tin roofs built by fishing merchants in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Westfjords Heritage Museum has exhibits on the town’s maritime history, including a collection of old fishing boats. The old hospital, now a cultural center, contains archives and photography exhibits.
Tours are usually available out to Dynjandi Waterfall a famous waterfall near Ísafjörður also known as Fjallfoss, and is the biggest attraction in the Westfjords region. Dynjandi is a series of seven cascades, with the main fall being 300 feet high and 90 feet wide at the top. It’s located in Arnarfjörður fjord, about 65 miles from Ísafjörður.
Ísafjörður’s history is a tale of Norse settlement, burgeoning trade, and a shift toward tourism. The area, specifically the Skutulsfjörður fjord, was first settled in the 9th century, according to the Book of Settlement. It grew rapidly during the 16th century as a trading post and fishing center, thanks to its natural harbor. The town gained municipal status in 1786. While known for its fishing history, economic shifts due to declining fish stocks and the rise of Reykjavík’s fisheries led to a new focus on tourism, solidifying Ísafjörður’s role as the capital and tourism hub of the Westfjords.
The Intentional Travelers 