Cruise Port Stop Guide: Ísafjörður, Iceland

Ísafjörður serves as the gateway to Iceland’s remote and stunning Westfjords (Vestfirðir) region. The small charming fishing town of 2,600 surrounded by towering mountains and tranquil waters offers breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and some memorable excursions.

_{Please note: this post contains affiliate links which means if you buy something following a link on this page, I may get a small commission. There is no additional cost to you and helps reduce the ever-increasing costs of keeping this site active}. _{Thanks for supporting my blog (AKA feeding my ice cream addiction around the world!) Rosemary}

LOGISTICS

MONEY MATTERS

Credit cards were widely accepted (we were able to use Visa and Mastercard throughout Iceland but I couldn’t always use my AMEX). We found that other than for tipping in local currency, we didn’t need to carry cash (ie tipping guides on already paid tours). Speaking of which, Iceland is similar to Norway in that tipping is not obligatory with high/living wages and strong workers laws so there isn’t a need for a tipping culture (vs in the US where workers are reliant upon tips as part of their salary). It’s a gesture of appreciation to tip if you receive great service so I still do so when it’s warranted.

COMMUNICATION

English is widely spoken throughout Iceland.

PORT INFO

_{BEAUTIFUL TIP: Reminder that arrival times for port days are estimates for when the ship will be docked and may not be when the port has given approval to the ship to allow passengers to get off. IF the activity start time is close to arrival times, I will always reach out the activity/tour provider and find out exactly what their policy is if I am not able to be there on time. I have found that many operators are flexible especially if the majority/all of the participants are from the cruise ship but some may not be able to accommodate late arrivals with no refund given. Whilst both scenarios are valid business practices, don’t make the mistake of finding out it’s the latter when you aren’t able to join!}

Taxis

An expensive and scarce mode of transportation to get around – ask for assistance at the Tourist Information Office

TOP ATTRACTIONS/POINTS OF INTEREST

Old Town

Within Ísafjörður: 650 meters / 10-13 min walk from cruise port. Wander through Ísafjörður’s beautifully preserved historic district with colorful houses

Westfjords Heritage Museum + Neðstikaupstaður

Within Ísafjörður: 400 meters / 6-8 min walk from cruise port Located right by the harbor in a warehouse, this museum offers insight into the local fishing industry, seafaring traditions, and daily life in the Westfjords. It is on of four of Iceland’s oldest timber buildings dating back to the 18th-century when this area was part of the former Danish trading post known as  Neðstikaupstaður.

Whale Watching

Embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of Iceland’s icy waters with a whale watching tour departing from the picturesque town of Isafjordur. 

Dynjandi Waterfall

Outside of Ísafjörður 60 km / 45-50 minute drive: Known as the Jewel of the Westfjords, Dynjandi Waterfall resembles a bridal veil and cascades down nearly 100 meters

Vigur Island

Outside of Ísafjörður – accessible via boat/this is a working farm: On and around Vigur island there are almost 100.000 puffins, 1500 black guillemots (biggest colony in Iceland) and thousands of eiders

OTHER ATTRACTIONS/POINTS OF INTERESTS

Rainbow Path

Within town: 800 meters / 11-13 min walk from cruise port

Avalanche Barrier (Observation Deck) Hike

Within town: 1.7 kilometers / 25-30 min walk from cruise port That distance/time is to the stairs and about 5-10 minutes to walk up to where it ends. Beautiful views over Ísafjörður with great photo op of ship in harbor. Continue the hike up for a more strenuous work out

Naustahvilft (Troll’s Seat) Hike

Within town: . A moderate 1-hour roundtrip hike with epic views over the town and fjord (in the above photo, it is pictured behind and to the right of the cruise ship)

Hornstrandir Nature Reserve

Outside town: . Hornstrandir is one of the most remote and uninhabited regions of Iceland, with no permanent residents since the 1950s. This isolation has allowed the area to remain largely untouched by human development, preserving its wild beauty. Since 1974 the flora and fauna has been protected and now arctic foxes, birds, seals and plants have thrived undisturbed. Take a tour that includes the boat ride and a guide and experience this part of Iceland that few others ever explore

EAT/DRINK

Húsið

Modern bistro-style café with great ambiance / Try the local dishes – the seafood soup was incredible – Vegetarian and gluten-free options available

Gamla Bakaríið (The Old Bakery)

Cozy spot for pastries, coffee, and sandwiches / Try: Kleina (Icelandic twisted donut) and cinnamon rolls

Tjöruhúsið

Legendary seafood restaurant located in one of Ísafjörður’s oldest buildings.

• No fixed menu—fresh fish caught that morning is prepared buffet-style
• Make a reservation (especially on cruise days) email: tjoruhusid@gmail.com or call (+354) 456-4419
• Hours: 12:00 – 14:00 / 18:00 – 20:00 and note that it is closed on Mondays (that was so unfortunate for me)

Dokkan Brugghús (Microbrewery)

Sample craft beer brewed in the Westfjords / Try: A tasting flight of local brews or Icelandic stout

PUBLIC TOILETS

• Ísafjörður harbor
• Tourist Information Office
• Edinborg Culture House

Related Ísafjörður Posts

Holland American Nieuw Statendam

Here’s how I spent my time in Ísafjörður

Related Cruise Port Guides

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Reykjavík, Iceland

Ålesund, Norway

All My Cruise Port Guides

_{Please note: this post contains affiliate links which means if you buy something following a link on this page, I may get a small commission. There is no additional cost to you and helps reduce the ever-increasing costs of keeping this site active}. _{Thanks for supporting my blog (AKA feeding my ice cream addiction around the world!) Rosemary}