Ísafjörður is a town with about 2000 inhabitants. This tiny fishing town is located in the North Western point of Iceland. Believe it or not, but this is still one of the biggest towns located on the Westfjords peninsula. This forms the oldest part of Iceland which is 17 million years old. The peninsula is best know for its dramatic scenery and for the glacier Drangajokull.
Cruise ships can either dock or tender in Ísafjörður. Check with your cruise line what will be the plan for your cruise.
From the cruise dock it is a short walk to the city center. It is a marked, short and flat walk.
On your way to the center of Ísafjörður you will come across a small information center and some local shops
Things to see in town are clearly marked.
This is the main square in Ísafjörður. This is a 10 minute walk from the cruise dock.
Take a picture with the funny floating crossing.
This local museum is a great way to learn the stories of the locals.
Cruise port Ísafjörður
Depending on the size of your ship you will either dock or tender in Ísafjörður. There is a dock available to facilitate cruise ships in the port. However, bigger ships might have to tender here. Docked or tendering, you will land in the port close to each other. The town is only a couple of minutes walk away.
Tourist information
There is a tourist information in town. Although you will not come across it when you walk from the cruise dock to the city center. However, there might be maps available at the pier, if not the local shops all have free copies available as well.
Taxis in Ísafjörður
There is a very limited amount of taxis available ashore. I would not count on the availability of a taxi and if you want to see the peninsula than a tour is highly recommended.
Tours in Ísafjörður
Shore side, on and just beyond the cruise port, there are local tours on offer.
Things to do within walking distance of Ísafjörður cruise port
The town’s main square is the located on the Hafnarstraett. This colourful rainbow square is home to most of the bars and shops of the town. There are a couple of museums in the town. Furthermore you will find some local crafts stores and nice coffee shops. To get the most of your day we recommend you to go out of town and enjoy the amazing scenery of the Westfjords.
One of the museum that is recommended to visit in town is the Sensory museum. It is small and quirky, but it gives you a nice sense of what life in Ísafjörður is like. It displays old pictures on the wall, as well as an exhibition of pairs of shoes that are accompanied by a small audio story of locals that the pair belonged to. Futhermore there is a sensory room and also a small cinema that plays a video of what wintertime is like for the locals. It is a great way to learn more about what life here is about on (what feels like is) a personal level. There is also a 3D zebra or crossing in town that is great for making a creative photo.
Things to do from Ísafjörður cruise port
Most people will chose to go to the island to the see the puffing and stay with the family who converted their former farm as a nice getaway for tourist. Hiking obviously is a great way to spend the day in port. We highly recommend you to make a stop by the local tourist information (which is 3 minutes walk from the cruise dock) to get some advice on the best routes that meet your needs and more importantly the latest up to date information about the accessibility of the routes and their current conditions.
Wi-fi at cruise dock Ísafjörður
There is no internet available on the cruise dock. However there are a couple of connections you can utilise at the local bars and restaurants when you purchase a cup of coffee.
Local currency in Ísafjörður
The local currency is the Iceland Kroner. Prices are clearly displayed and since Iceland is a near cashless society you can pay everything with your credit and debit card. There is no need to exchange to the local currency in the port of call of Ísafjörður. Tipping is also something that is not common to do in Iceland.
Scenis sail into Ísafjörður
Cruise destination Ísafjörður is known for its scenic and dramatic landscape. The steep mountains tower high from the Isafjardardjup fjord making it a very majestic fjord to sail in an out of. Make sure not to miss it. There is a great abundance of wildlife including birdlife and whales that you might encounter while sailing through the harpoon fjord.
Furthermore this fjord is a true testimony to how the former ice times have shaped this incredible landscape. Every piece of rock has been grinding and formed by the ice layers that have covered it for years, leaving U shaped valleys and fjords all around.
If your ship is going to Ísafjörður than you most likely will also go to Akureyri.
Check the Akureyri cruise port guide here.
