Isafjordur is a port of call on Iceland circumnavigation and North Atlantic itineraries concentrated from May through September, with Princess, Viking Ocean Cruises, and Holland America among the lines calling at this fjord-side town.
Set on a narrow spit between deep blue fjords and flat-topped mountains, Ísafjörður is the largest settlement in the Westfjords, a remote corner of Iceland long shaped by fishing. Its compact old town, with wood-clad 19th-century houses along the harbor, is easily explored on foot from the pier, while surrounding peaks and coastal roads open onto some of the country's most dramatic scenery.
Beyond town, the region rewards those willing to venture further: the thundering, tiered Dynjandi waterfall ranks among the Westfjords' signature sights, and quiet valleys and cliffs shelter birdlife and the occasional Arctic fox. Once dependent almost entirely on its fishery, Ísafjörður has diversified into music and the arts, anchored by a local school of music and an annual festival that draws performers from across Iceland, giving the town a creative pulse well beyond its small size.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Isafjordur.
Trek to Dynjandi Waterfall
A tiered, fan-shaped cascade tumbling nearly 100 meters down a rocky cliff, widely considered the Westfjords' most spectacular sight. Reaching it requires a scenic drive of about two hours each way, so book a full-day excursion in advance.
Wander the Old Harbor Quarter
Stroll past wood-clad 19th-century houses lining the waterfront, just steps from the pier, for an easy, self-guided look at the town's fishing heritage and small museums.
Scan the Cliffs for Wildlife
Coastal roads and quiet valleys around town shelter nesting seabirds and Iceland's elusive Arctic fox; a short drive or guided walk offers a good chance of spotting both amid dramatic mountain scenery.
