Ísafjörður
Ísafjörður is the main town of the Westfjords, a harbour on a spit inside a steep fjord, and the base for Hornstrandir nature reserve and the Dynjandi waterfall. Getting here is the hard part: a long drive on partly gravel roads or a short flight from Reykjavík. In return the region is nearly empty even in July.
How long to stay
Late June to August; many mountain roads close from October.
Typical daily budget
No budget published for this place yet
Best time to go
No seasonal guidance published for Ísafjörður yet
Is Ísafjörður right for your trip?
Based on what this guide covers, not a score. This is what Ísafjörður is known for.
Great for
- Nature
- Couples
Less of a focus
- History & culture
- Food
- Nightlife
- Family
- Solo
Build your Ísafjörður trip
Top things to do
Dynjandi
Free entry · Paid extras availableÍsafjörður
A 100 m fan-shaped waterfall in the Westfjords, with a series of smaller falls stepping down to the fjord below.
Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
Free entry · VerifiedÍsafjörður
An uninhabited peninsula reached only by boat, with arctic foxes, bird cliffs and no roads or services. Hornstrandir is a nature reserve in the far northwest of Iceland, and scheduled ferries run from Ísafjörður and Bolungarvík during the short summer season, usually from June to August. Many visitors join a day trip with a guided walk, while experienced hikers spend several days crossing between bays with full camping gear. The arctic fox is protected here and often curious, and the sea cliffs at Hornbjarg host huge seabird colonies in early summer. There are no shops, phone coverage is patchy and weather changes quickly, so carry all food, waterproofs and a map. Visitors are asked to register their route before setting out, and boat schedules should be confirmed in advance.
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Popular activities
Hornstrandir day hike
Boat transfer into the reserve for a guided coastal walk.
Sea kayaking in Ísafjarðardjúp
Paddle the sheltered fjord with a chance of seals.