Ísafjörður

Ísafjörður combines the history of a trading and fishing town with trails through the historic centre, maritime culture and a downhill ski area. The harbour is lively all year round. If you are looking for a holiday destination where you can include both urban history and a range of activities in your travel plans, you will find several specific options here.

Historic houses and maritime culture

Neðstikaupstaður is considered Iceland’s oldest group of houses. The four houses were built in the 18th century by Danish monopoly traders. The Westfjords Heritage Museum uses the buildings Krambúðin and Turnhúsið; the name Maritime Museum is also used for it. The museum offers insights into the maritime history and culture of the Westfjords. The museum grounds include a beach, boats and stockfish laid out to dry on racks. The group of houses, the museum and its exhibits offer different ways to explore the importance of the sea to the region.

Another cultural destination is Safnahúsið, also known as Gamla sjúkrahúsið. The building houses a library, a regional archive, a photographic archive and an art museum; a wide variety of exhibitions are held there regularly. This means that alongside maritime history, visitors to Ísafjörður can also explore a broader range of collection and exhibition themes. Suðurtangi beach reveals another side of the town: it has been preserved in its original state.

Art and remembrance also feature in the townscape. Einar Jónsson’s sculpture “From a spell” is located in Torfnes. There, the “Harpa Hafsins” monument commemorates the beginning of the mechanisation of boat fishing in Iceland. A hidden sculpture garden is dedicated to the Danish photographer, artist and magician Martinus Simson, who settled in Iceland.

City trails with different themes

The Old Town trail is 1.8 km long and makes for a walk through the historic centre. It passes through the old town and by the Nonsense Museum. The Uptown trail covers 2.3 km: it starts at the harbour, goes through Pollgata and ends at the whale jaw arch in Jónsgarður. If you would prefer to follow a loop, you can take the 4.3 km “Ring Around Town” route. It runs from the harbour along the fjord shore and through the old town. The routes differ both in length and in the way they are described as passing through the town.

Harbour, fishing and activities

Ísafjörður has a history as a trading town dating back to the 16th century. Since the mid-19th century, the town has also played an important role in Icelandic fishing. The year-round lively harbour is part of a town whose history is closely connected with trade and fishing. Neðstikaupstaður and the Maritime Museum illustrate its maritime heritage, while trails through the historic centre reveal further views of the town.

For a more active stay, there is a downhill ski area near Ísafjörður with three lifts and slopes groomed daily. Equipment rental is also available. This option complements cultural and urban experiences with a different way to spend time at your holiday destination. When choosing a holiday apartment in Ísafjörður, you can therefore first consider whether your trip will focus more on urban history and exhibitions, walks along the routes described here, or downhill skiing.

Music festival and more ideas for places to visit

The music festival “Aldrei fór ég suður” continues to be held in Ísafjörður at Easter. An agreement ensures collaboration for the years 2025 to 2027. The festival adds a specific musical event to the annual calendar alongside the ever-present themes of trade, fishing and culture.

If you would like to explore other place names in addition to Ísafjörður: Suðureyri, Súðavík, Hólmavík, Kirkjuból, Thingeyri, Hnífsdalur, Borðeyri and Bíldudalur.

For the wider travel overview: Westfjords.