The 15 Best Things to Do in Ísafjörður

1. Dive into Ísafjörður’s Museums

If you want to get to know the Westfjords’ history, Ísafjörður’s museums are a great starting point. The Westfjords Heritage Museum is right on the harbor and gives you a feel for how important fishing has been here. You can check out old fishing boats, nets, and gear, plus learn about the cod trade that pretty much built Iceland’s economy. It’s all about life by the sea and the people who worked it.

2. Wander Through the Old Town

The Old Town of Ísafjörður feels like stepping back in time. You can start at Hæstakaupstaður, one of the oldest wooden houses in Iceland, dating back to the 1700s. This spot is like the town’s historic heart. Just down the street is Tjöruhúsið, another old building that’s now a popular seafood restaurant (more on that later).

While you’re walking around, make sure to check out the Edinborg Cultural Center. The building itself is from 1907, and now it’s home to art shows, concerts, and other cool events. If you need a snack, stop by Gamla Bakaríið (the Old Bakery) for some Icelandic pastries like kleinur (those twisty doughnuts) or some hearty rye bread. The mix of history and local flavor makes wandering the Old Town a must.

3. Eat at Tjöruhúsið Restaurant

For seafood fans, Tjöruhúsið is where you want to be. This place serves up some of the freshest fish you’ll ever eat, cooked in a buffet style. They don’t mess around here—everything from grilled cod cheeks to their famous fish stew (plokkfiskur) is on the menu, depending on what the fishermen brought in that day.

What really sets the experience apart is the setting. You’re dining in Iceland’s oldest timber house, right by the harbor, with long wooden tables where everyone shares their meal family-style. It’s laid-back, rustic, and exactly what you’d want from a seafood joint in a fishing town. Just be sure to book a table, especially in the summer, because this place fills up fast.

4. Take a Boat to Vigur Island

If you’re up for a quick escape into nature, a trip to Vigur Island is perfect. It’s a short boat ride away, and once you’re there, it feels like you’ve stepped into a different world. The island is a haven for puffins, eider ducks, and Arctic terns, and you can roam freely, taking in the birdlife (just keep an eye on the terns—they can be a bit protective of their nests!).

Vigur is also home to Iceland’s only surviving windmill, and Europe’s smallest post office. If you’re lucky, you might even get invited in for a cup of coffee and some homemade rhubarb cake by the family that lives there. It’s a peaceful place, and the views from the island are pretty stunning.

5. Hike to the "Troll's Seat"

If you’re up for a short hike with a great reward, make your way to Naustahvilft, also known as the "Troll's Seat." The trailhead is right outside of town, and it’s a pretty easy hike, although it does go uphill. Legend has it that a giant troll sat down here and left a big dent in the mountain.

Once you reach the top, you’ll be greeted with awesome views of the town and the surrounding fjords. It’s one of those spots where you’ll want to take a moment, sit down, and just enjoy the view. And trust me, you’ll definitely want your camera handy for this one.

6. Explore Hornstrandir Nature Reserve

For a real adventure, hop on a boat to the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. This place is as remote as it gets—no roads, no houses, just wild, untouched nature. You’ll find hiking trails that take you through dramatic cliffs, meadows, and along the coast, where Arctic foxes roam freely.

If you’re up for a hike, one of the best routes is from Hornvík Bay to Veiðileysufjörður, passing the massive Hornbjarg cliffs. It’s not the easiest hike, but the views are worth every step. Whether you’re on a guided tour or exploring solo, Hornstrandir is one of those places where you’ll feel completely disconnected from the world—in the best way possible.

7. Hit the Slopes at Mount Tungudalur

If you're in town during the winter, head over to Mount Tungudalur for some skiing. It’s just a quick drive from town, and the Seljalandsdalur Ski Area has slopes for everyone, from beginners to seasoned skiers. If you’re into cross-country skiing, there are tracks for that, too, and they even light up the trails for night skiing.

After hitting the slopes, you can warm up in the ski lodge with a hot drink or some hearty Icelandic lamb soup. If you’re lucky, you might even catch the northern lights while you’re out there. It's a laid-back, friendly spot where you can get your snow fix without the big-resort vibes.

8. Check Out the Aldrei Fór Ég Suður Music Festival

If you happen to be in Ísafjörður around Easter, you’ve got to catch the Aldrei Fór Ég Suður music festival. It’s a local favorite, started by Icelandic musician Mugison and his dad. The whole idea is to bring great music to the Westfjords, rather than have everyone leave for the bigger cities.

The festival is free, and you’ll hear everything from rock and folk to jazz and electronic music, often performed in unique venues like old fish factories. It’s a super laid-back event where you can mingle with locals and soak up some Icelandic tunes.

9. Kayak Through the Fjords

For a unique way to explore the fjords, try kayaking with a local outfitter like Borea Adventures. The calm waters around Ísafjörður are perfect for paddling, and you’ll get a completely different perspective of the mountains and coastline from the water. One popular route takes you to Hesteyri, a deserted village where you can stretch your legs and check out the old houses.

As you paddle along, keep an eye out for seals and porpoises that like to pop up now and then. Some tours even offer overnight camping, so you can really take your time and enjoy the midnight sun or the northern lights if the season’s right.

10. Visit the Arctic Fox Center in Súðavík

Just a short drive from town, the Arctic Fox Center in Súðavík is all about Iceland’s only native land mammal, the Arctic fox. The small museum explores the fox’s role in Iceland’s ecosystem and shares some cool stories about its place in local folklore.

If you’re visiting in the summer, you might even get to meet some of the rescued foxes that live at the center. They’ve been saved but can’t be released back into the wild, so they hang out here. It’s a great spot to learn about these little creatures, and the café offers homemade treats with a view of the fjord.

11. Soak in the Hot Springs of the Westfjords

Even though there aren't any hot springs right in Ísafjörður, the Westfjords have some amazing natural hot springs you should definitely check out. One of them is the Reykjafjarðarlaug Hot Pool. It's in the Reykjafjörður fjord, and soaking in its warm water while surrounded by mountains and the sea is just awesome. The drive there takes about 1.30h from Ísafjörður, but the scenery along the way makes it worth it.

There's also Hellulaug, a hidden hot spring near Flókalundur that's free to use. It's a bit more secluded, so it's perfect if you want to unwind away from the crowds. Checking out these hot springs is a great way to experience Iceland's geothermal wonders and enjoy the natural beauty of the Westfjords.

12. Drive to Dynjandi Waterfall

One of the best day trips from Ísafjörður is the drive to Dynjandi waterfall, about 90 minutes south of town. Dynjandi is actually a series of waterfalls, but the main one is massive—100 meters high, and it fans out like a bridal veil. It’s pretty spectacular, and the sound of the water thundering down is unforgettable.

There’s a path that leads you up past six smaller waterfalls on the way to the main event, each with its own unique vibe. The drive itself is also worth it, with plenty of chances to stop and take in the views of the fjords and mountains.

13. Trek the Seljalandsdalur Valley

Just a quick drive from Ísafjörður, Seljalandsdalur Valley is an easy spot to escape into nature. The hiking trails here range from simple, relaxing walks to more challenging climbs, so you can pick whatever suits your mood. In the summer, the valley is full of wildflowers, and in winter, it turns into a quiet, snow-covered landscape, perfect for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.

One trail takes you up to Borgarvirki, a natural fortress with some awesome views over the fjords. It’s peaceful and doesn’t take long to get to, making it a great choice if you want a break from town but don’t want to venture too far.

14. Grab a Beer at Dokkan Brugghús Brewery

After a day of exploring, Dokkan Brugghús is the perfect place to kick back and relax. This microbrewery is set right by the harbor in an old fish factory, and they serve a variety of craft beers brewed on-site. Whether you’re into something light and crisp or prefer a darker, richer brew, they’ve got a range to choose from.

The atmosphere is super laid-back, and the staff are happy to chat about the different beers they make. You might even catch some live music or a beer-tasting event while you’re there. It’s a great spot to unwind and enjoy a local drink.

15. Explore Ísafjörður’s Art Galleries

For something different, check out the local art galleries in Ísafjörður. Slunkariki Art Gallery is a cool place to see contemporary Icelandic art, with rotating exhibits that often reflect the natural beauty of the Westfjords. You’ll find everything from paintings to sculptures, with a mix of styles and ideas.

If you’re more into pottery, stop by Leir7 Ceramic Studio. The artist here makes beautiful, handcrafted pieces inspired by the surrounding landscape. It’s a great spot to pick up a unique souvenir to remind you of your time in Ísafjörður.

Conclusion

Ísafjörður is one of those places that makes you feel right at home. Between the amazing views and the easygoing vibe, it’s a spot where you can just enjoy the simple things. By the time your trip’s over, you’ll probably be thinking about when you can return.