ISAFJORDUR TRAVEL GUIDE: WHAT TO SEE, DO HIKE.
When we set off on our road trip through the Westfjords of Iceland, we didn’t have grand plans for Ísafjörður. It was just meant to be a convenient base after the long and winding drive from the south. But, as these things often go, we ended up staying longer than planned.
The campsite was excellent, the pace of life felt just right, and we realised pretty quickly that Ísafjörður has more going for it than its remote postcode might suggest.
If you’re visiting the Westfjords, or pulling in on a cruise ship, here’s our no-fuss guide to Ísafjörður: what to do, where to stay, and why it’s worth a stop.
Getting to Ísafjörður
First things first: you don’t accidentally end up in Ísafjörður. Getting here takes a bit of effort, but it’s part of the charm.
By road, it’s a good 5–6 hour drive from Reykjavík, depending on how often you stop to gawp at fjords or sheep. The road can be slow going, especially through the tunnels and mountain passes, so allow time.
Tip: If you are driving a 2WD, you can still get to Ísafjörður without hitting gravel roads. The best way to get here from the direction of Reykavik is to drive via Borganes on the 1, then take the 60 and 61 towards Holmavik. From there you can wiggle your way around the fjords on road 61. This is all tarmac and safe if you aren’t driving a monster truck.
By air, there are domestic flights with Icelandair, which zip you from Reykjavík in about 40 minutes.
By sea, if you’re arriving on a cruise ship, congratulations, you’ve taken the scenic route.
Why Visit Ísafjörður?
If you’re wondering whether Ísafjörðuris worth a detour, the answer is yes, especially if you like your towns with a side of wilderness or vice versa. We gravitated towards Ísafjörður because we had been out in wilderness for a week or so and wanted to visit a proper Icelandic town. It’s the largest settlement in the Westfjords (although “large” is relative) and acts as the region’s cultural, logistical, and economic hub.
It’s known for being the gateway to Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, for its dramatic setting (fjord in front, ridge behind), and for its unexpectedly good beer.
That said, even if you don’t visit Hornstrandir (we didn’t), there is still plenty to keep you entertained in the area.
Where to Stay in Ísafjörður
The Campsite
Tunguskogur Campground was our home for a few days, and it might just be one of the scenic campsites we encountered in Iceland. It’s not super central, it takes around 40 minutes to get into town on foot (although there is a bus stop nearby). And, I’ll be honest, the facilities are fine, but not anything to write home about.
The main draw is…..the waterfall view and stream running right through the campsite. Honestly, it’s so beautiful. No need to book, just turn up and pay when the reception is open or someone comes to collect money (you can pay by card.)
Hotels and Guesthouses
If you’re not camping, check out either Hotel Isafjordur or the Isafjordur Inn.
Things to Do in Ísafjörður
Here’s what we got up to, and what we’d recommend if you’re here for a day, a few nights, or just killing time before your ship sails.
1. Hike the Waterfall Trail
There’s a gorgeous waterfall Bunárfoss which really is the star of town. The path starts not far from the campsite and winds its way up past little cascades to the main drop. It’s a short but satisfying hike if you’re tight on time. We did it early one morning and there were very few people on the trail.
Tip: if you have the option in your schedule, then visit the waterfall early in the morning, later in the evening or on a day when there are no cruise ships docked. You’ll find you have the entire waterfall to yourself.
2. Climb to the Ridge
A short hike up from the fjord takes you up to a ridge, where you can get excellent views back to Ísafjörður. This is ideal if you just want a quick stretch of the legs. Going up and back will take around 2 hours.
3. Combine Both: Waterfall and Ridge
If you’ve got the legs for it, the full loop hike up past the waterfall and over the ridge gives you the best of both worlds. Just bring decent shoes and keep an eye on the weather. It can change fast up there.
We actually chose to walk this route the other way around – starting with the ridge and finishing with a descent past the waterfall. Both routes are great, but I think there’s something quite special about descending past the waterfall. Especially if you’re staying in the campsite.
You can see our exact route on Komoot here.
4. Ísafjörður Brewery (Dokkan Brugghús)
Yes, there’s a craft brewery in town. Dokkan is Iceland’s northernmost brewery, and they do a solid IPA, plus a few other interesting varieties.
John enjoyed the Dynjandi beer (named after the waterfall), whilst I opted for the gluten free option. Pop in for a tasting flight and a look at the fjord from their dockside spot. Pints are around 1500 kr (unfortunately no happy hour.)
Tip: There’s a selection of boardgames at the back of the bar. We settled in for a fair few hours of scrabble.
5. Visit the museum
Housed in an old warehouse down by the harbour, the Westfjords Heritage Museum gives a solid insight into the town’s fishing past, with plenty of nets, boats, and stories of life at sea.
6. Kayak to See Puffins
If you like your birds with beaks the colour of traffic cones (who doesn’t), join a kayaking tour out to Vigur Island. It’s a bit of a paddle (expect a full day on the water), but well worth it during puffin season (June to August). Tours tend to include gear.
You can book kayaking experiences in the area with Borea Adventures.
7. Day Trips to Hornstrandir
Hornstrandir is a nature reserve so remote it has no roads. You can only reach it by boat, and Ísafjörður is the main jumping-off point. It’s a hiker’s paradise, wild, rugged, and usually fox-filled. You can go for a day, but to really do it justice, consider an overnight or multi-day trek.
We sadly didn’t have the time, or budget quite frankly, to visit. But hope to return one day!
If you don’t want to organise travel to Hornstrandir yourself, consider Borea Adventures who are a top rated tour organisation in the area.
8. Whale Watching
Whales often frequent the fjords around Ísafjörður, and there are local operators offering tours. It’s not quite as busy as Husavík (which is sort of the Disneyland of whale watching), but that’s part of the appeal.
There are lots of options for tours, like this 2 hour tour.
9. Wander the Town
The town centre is compact but worth a wander. Look out for:
- The harbour, which is lovely at sunset.
- Tjöruhúsið, a seafood restaurant in a 200-year-old building (book ahead).
- A few independent shops and the rainbow murals.
- The swimming pool, which has indoor hot pots and saunas. Swimming pools are found in most towns in Iceland, I think it’s a bit of a hack to visit one, especially if the weather isn’t great. They are inexpensive and a great insight into local life.
10. Visit Flateyri
Just a 25-minute drive from Ísafjörður through a single-lane tunnel, Flateyri is a quiet fishing village with a bookshop in a living room, a quirky history museum, and a peaceful fjord-side vibe. Definitely a great stop, especially if you’re continuing your drive west around the fjords.
11. Hike to the Troll’s Seat (Troll’s Throne / Tröllsæti)
If you’re up for a bit of a climb and a touch of local folklore, this short trail just outside town leads to a seat-shaped rock with panoramic views over the fjord.
Legend says a troll used to sit here and admire the view (clearly a troll with taste). The hike is steep but short and perfect if you want big views without committing to a full-day trek.
You can find parking for the trail head here. And the full trail is found on Komoot.
12. Walk and Take in the Views at Hnífsdalur
A few minutes north of town, there’s a lovely view point and observation deck – Hnífsdalur.
We parked up and took a stroll along the cliff path and were rewarded with whale sightings from the shore. It’s a great spot for a quiet walk and a picnic. And we had it totally to ourselves.
13. Go to Bonus
A slightly niche recommendation, but one I feel a duty to pass on. Bonus is one of Iceland’s cheaper supermarkets and this town has a lovely one. As any thrifty traveller will know, finding a good supermarket when you are overseas – especially in an expensive country like Iceland – is gold dust! Find it here, just on the edge of town.
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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