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.
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LOGISTICS
PORT-Ísafjörður | CURRENCY: Icelandic Krona (ISK)
DOCK* | Arrival: 8:00 | Departure 17:00 | 1 USD = 138.19 ISK (CURRENT EXCHANGE RATE)
LANGUAGE: Icelandic
Halló – hello (Hah-loh) | Bless – good bye (bless) | Því miður – sorry (thvee mi-thur) | Vinsamlegast – please (vin-saam-leh-gast | Takk – thank you (tak)
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!
The weird shadow was because I was watching it on my stateroom TV
The dock is in the center of town but note that larger cruise ships will tender for this port. As you can see from the above map, the town is very walkable.
TOURIST INFO
When cruise ships are in town, the Tourist Information Office operates an info-hut at the harbor that has free Wi-Fi (you will see this immediately when you come off your ship). The permanent Tourist Information Office is located at the Heritage Museum. There are free paper maps available in addition to a booklet that had information including hiking paths that you can do on your own withing town
TOP SHORE EXCURSIONS/TOURS
3.5 Hour Sightseeing Dynjandi Waterfall
Pick up from cruise terminal / Duration: 3.5 hours
Dynjandi Waterfall & Iceland Farm Visit
The other stop on the tour is Gemlufell Farm, nearby Þingeyria, which is working Icelandic farm with time to see the farmyard animals and enjoy coffee, tea and traditional Icelandic Cake (which is included in the tour).
Half day tours allows for time on your own to explore Ísafjörður.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 58 travelers
Pick up from cruise terminal / Duration: 3.5 hours
Westfjords Whale Watching Tour
Note that this tour sells out often so book early!
Meetup is close to cruise terminal / Duration: 3 hours
Vigur Island
Sjóferðir partnered up with West Tours to take you to the island – where you will take a guided tour around the island with highlights including: getting close to a colony of 100,000 puffins, seeing Iceland’s only windmill, mailing a postcard from Europe’s smallest post office and sampling complimentary home-baked rhubarb cake
Note Vigur Island bookings open in January for the summer and sell out quickly
Meetup is close to cruise terminal / Duration: 3 hours
Bolafjall Platform and Ósvör Museum Tour
Pick up at cruise terminal / Duration: 2 hours
Wild Dynjandi Full Day Tour
Notes: this is a private party tour so only your group will participate. All equipment wakeboarding equipment including wetsuit is included.
Pick up at cruise terminal / Duration: 7 hours
Dynjandi Waterfall & Flateyri Village Tour
Meet up very close to cruise terminal / Duration: 5.5 hours
Wakeboarding/Waterskiing and Paddle boarding in Westfjords
Meet up very close to cruise terminal / Duration: 6 hours
ÍSAFJÖRÐUR
Snow-capped mountains rise steeply from the sea, colorful wooden houses line the harbor, and daily life moves at a calm, distinctly Icelandic pace.
Unlike busier ports in southern Iceland, Ísafjörður feels wild, authentic, and refreshingly uncrowded. It’s an ideal cruise stop for travelers seeking raw landscapes, rich maritime history, and genuine local culture—all within easy reach of the pier.
HOW TO GET AROUND
Walking
Many attractions are within short/medium walking distance of cruise terminal; here are some of the attractions/main sights within Ålesund with walking distance/time info from cruise port
- Tourist Information Center (located in) the Heritage Museum: 400 meters / 6-8 min walk from cruise port.
- Seaman’s Monument: 1.2 kilometers / 17-21 min walk
- Observation Deck: 1.7 kilometers / 26-35 min walk
Electric Scooters
Scooter rental service is operated by Hopp; to locate and rent one, download the Hopp app.
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.
One of the oldest towns in Iceland, Ísafjörður’s historic center is filled with 19th-century wooden buildings, many painted in soft pastels. This beautifully preserved historic district is compact and perfect for a relaxed stroll between excursions.
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. There are many smaller waterfalls along the way to Dynjandi with the option to walk as far up as you can. Wear waterproof and sturdy footwear.
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
TIPS FOR DIFFERENT SEASONS IN ÍSAFJÖRÐUR
- Summer (June – August): Peak Cruise Season
- Best for: Scenery, wildlife, outdoor excursions
- This is peak cruise season and the most reliable time for weather.
- Daytime temps: 50 – 60°F (10 – 15°C)
- Chance to experience midnight sun in June
- Beautiful Tips: Book excursions early as they sell out quickly
- May & September: Shoulder Season
- Best for: Fewer crowds, moody landscapes
- Excellent for photography and quieter exploration.
- Daytime temps: 40 – 50°F (5 – 10°C )
- Limited excursion availability
- Beautiful Tip: Plan for possible snow at higher elevations
- Winter (October–April): Not likely to have cruise visit during this time
- Best for: Northern Lights (not typical for cruises)
- Many tours unavailable
- Expect cold and snowy weather with limited daylight as well as challenging road conditions
ÍSAFJÖRÐUR: SEASONAL EVENTS, HOLIDAYS AND CLOSURES
While Ísafjörður is a small town, it hosts several nationally significant festivals and cultural events that can dramatically shape your cruise day experience – both positively (vibrant atmosphere) and logistically (limited services or crowds).
- Aldrei Fór Ég Suður (Easter Weekend): This iconic independent music festival takes place every Easter weekend and attracts artists and visitors from across Iceland.
- Free admission concerts
- Expect limited restaurant availability – plan meals early or book in advance.
- Ísafjörður Culture Night (Summer And Usually In August): A town-wide celebration featuring: Live music and performances / Art exhibitions and open studios / Food stalls and pop-up events
- Fishermen’s Day (Early June – National Holiday): Celebrated nationwide, especially meaningful in fishing towns like Ísafjörður.
- Harbor events and family activities / Local food and maritime-themed celebrations
- Reduced regular business hours possible
- Icelandic Public Holidays: On public holidays, shops, museums, and tour operators may have reduced hours or close entirely, especially in smaller towns like Ísafjörður.
- New Year’s Day (January 1)
- Good Friday & Easter Sunday (March/April)
- First Day of Summer (Late April)
- Independence Day (June 17)
- Commerce Day (First Monday in August)
- Christmas Eve & Christmas Day (December 24–25)
- Sundays in Ísafjörður: Unlike larger Icelandic cities, Ísafjörður becomes noticeably quieter on Sundays. Some shops and museums close but cafés and restaurants typically remain open
EAT / DRINK
- Where & What I Ate + Prices
- Food $28.35 Lunch at Húsið – Modern bistro-style café with great ambiance / Try the local dishes – the seafood soup was incredible – Vegetarian and gluten-free options available
Or consider trying these top rated restaurants / bar
- Tjöruhúsið (If Open During Your Visit): One of Iceland’s most famous seafood restaurants
- No fixed menu—fresh fish caught that morning is prepared buffet-style
- Make a reservation (especially on cruise days as they often are fully booked) 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)
- Gamla Bakaríið (The Old Bakery) Cozy spot for pastries, coffee, and sandwiches / Try: Kleina (Icelandic twisted donut) and cinnamon rolls
- Café Riis: Set in a historic house, perfect for: Coffee with harbor views / Homemade cakes and pastries / Ideal for a relaxed cruise-day café stop.
- Dokkan Brugghús (Microbrewery): Sample craft beer brewed in the Westfjords / Try: A tasting flight of local brews or Icelandic stout
Must-Try Icelandic & Westfjords Specialties
National Favorites: Lamb Soup (Kjötsúpa): Hearty and comforting / Skyr: Thick Icelandic yogurt, often served with berries / Plokkfiskur: Creamy fish stew
Regional Westfjords Specialties: Salt-Cured Cod & Haddock / Dried Fish (Harðfiskur) with butter / Local Craft Beer brewed in the Westfjords
SHOPPING & SOUVENIRS
Shopping here is small-scale, local, and meaningful—perfect for authentic souvenirs.
- Edinborg: A long-standing local shop offering a great balance of practicality and tradition.
- Icelandic wool sweaters (lopapeysa)
- Cold-weather accessories
- Quality outdoor gear
- Tjoruhusid Gift Shop & Local Crafts: prioritize Icelandic designers and small producers.
- Handcrafted jewelry inspired by fjords
- Ceramics and minimalist Nordic décor
- Locally made art and photography
Bring home a piece of the land of fire and ice with these popular Icelandic Souvenirs
- Wool blankets or scarves
- Icelandic sea salt
- Skincare made with geothermal or Arctic ingredients
Beautiful Tip: For authentic cultural souvenirs, look for local crafts rather than imported trinkets.
GOOD TO KNOW & FAQs FOR VISTING ÍSAFJÖRÐUR CRUISE PORT
- Dress in layers as the the weather changes fast
- Waterproof jacket is essential year-round but especially if you are heading out on the water
- Plan excursions early due to limited options and book ASAP as they sell out quickly
- Is Ísafjörður walkable from the cruise port?
- Yes, the port is directly in town.
- Are shore excursions worth it here?
- Absolutely especially Dynjandi and fjord tours. Most tours are half days leaving you plenty of time to explore the town on your own.
- What time zone is Ísafjörður in?
- Iceland follows Atlantic Standard Time (AST) and does not observe daylight savings. Be sure to double-check your ship’s time before returning to the port!
Unsure of what to pack? Oh I’ve got you! Here’s my Iceland and Norway Packing List that covers year-round essentials, season-specific items, and cruise-specific must-haves to ensure you’re always ready for your Nordic adventure!
PUBLIC TOILETS
- Ísafjörður harbor
- Tourist Information Office
- Edinborg Culture House
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About Author
Rosemary is a travel hacker, points nerd and female solo traveler who’s explored 70+ countries without a trust fund, sugar daddy, or sponsored content. Every mile, upgrade, and trip is completely self-funded using a mix of points, miles, and cash or earned with elite status. And she shows you the receipts along with a mildly concerning amount of spreadsheets. Through firsthand experience and plenty of trial and error, she teaches everyday travelers the art of travel hacking and how they too can travel for cheaper, better, and more often. While Rosemary doesn’t take herself too seriously, she does take award travel (and searching for the best ice cream) seriously – because seeing the world shouldn’t be reserved for the rich, the retired, or content creators with brand deals.
I really appreciate these guides
I am so happy that you are finding these useful – sometimes it feels like I am writing into the void so always appreciate feedback but especially when it’s reassuring and positive like this =) Rosemary
Good info!