Ísafjörður
Adventurous travellers seeking Iceland's most dramatic and remote landscapes with excellent aurora viewing
About Ísafjörður
Ísafjörður is the largest settlement in the Westfjords — Iceland's most dramatic and least-visited region, a remote peninsula of deep fjords, towering cliffs, and preserved medieval Arctic culture. The Westfjords contains the highest concentration of fjords in the country, and Ísafjörður's historic old town, built on a narrow spit jutting into Skutulsfjörður, is one of Iceland's most beautiful settlements. At 66°N — closer to the Arctic Circle than any other Icelandic town — winter darkness is extended and aurora activity is frequent and intense. Puffin colonies nest on the dramatic cliffs at Látrabjarg in summer, and sea kayaking between fjords is extraordinary in calm conditions. The Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, accessible only by boat from Ísafjörður, is one of the few places in Iceland where Arctic foxes remain completely wild and curious of humans. Winter access to the Westfjords requires flying — the mountain road closes in avalanche conditions — but the journey rewards those who make it with complete solitude, dramatic scenery, and outstanding aurora viewing.
Best Time to Visit
Monthly Weather & Aurora
| Month | Avg Temp | Dark Hours | Aurora Chance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan★ Best | -2°C | 17h | High |
| Feb★ Best | -1°C | 13h | High |
| Mar★ Best | +1°C | 8h | Med |
| Apr | +4°C | 3h | Low |
| May | +7°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Jun | +10°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Jul | +12°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Aug | +11°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Sep | +7°C | 5h | Med |
| Oct★ Best | +3°C | 11h | High |
| Nov★ Best | 0°C | 15h | High |
| Dec★ Best | -1°C | 17h | High |
Activities
Getting There
Fly to Ísafjörður Airport (IFJ) from Reykjavik Domestic Airport (45min). Road access possible via F roads in summer only; flights recommended in winter. Very remote — book well in advance.
Accommodation Highlights
- ✓Historic town hotels
- ✓Guesthouses
- ✓Remote fjord lodges
Location
Budget Estimator
Based on avg $150/day in Ísafjörður. Includes accommodation, food, local transport & one guided tour. Flights not included.
Quick Info
Compare Destinations
See how Ísafjörður stacks up against other top aurora destinations.
Compare Now →🏨Where to Stay(10)
View all on Google Maps →
Gistihúsið við Höfnina
Dalbraut 1, 465 Bíldudalur, Iceland
hotel
Gistiheimilið Bergistangi
Bergistangi 524, 524 Árnes, Iceland
hotel
Dúfan Apartments
Þjóðólfsvegur 14, 415 Bolungarvik, Iceland
guest house
The Ísafjörður Inn by Ourhotels
Sundstræti 43, 400 Ísafjörður, Iceland
bed and breakfast
Skúlagarður Country Hotel & Restaurant
Skúlagarður, 671 Ásbyrgi, Iceland
hotelHótel Ísafjörður
Silfurtorg 2, 400 Ísafjörður, Iceland
hotelHótel Edda Ísafjörður
3VF9+J6C, Torfnes, 400 Ísafjörður, Iceland
hotelHótel Horn
Austurvegur, 400 Ísafjörður, Iceland
hotelMánagisting Guesthouse
Mánagata 4, 400 Ísafjörður, Iceland
guest houseÍsafjörður Hostel
Mánagata 1, 400 Ísafjörður, Iceland
hostel🍽️Where to Eat(10)
View all on Google Maps →
Bubbly
Austurvegur 1, 400 Ísafjörður, Iceland
wine bar
Jötunn restaurant
Arnardalur, 401 Ísafjörður, Iceland
restaurant
Húsið
Hrannargata 2 400, 400 Ísafjörður, Iceland
restaurant
Heimabyggð
Aðalstræti 22b, 400 Ísafjörður, Iceland
cafe
Dokkan Brugghús
Sindragata 14, 400 Ísafjörður, Iceland
breweryThai Tawee
13, Hafnarstræti 9 400, 400 Ísafjörður, Iceland
thai restaurantHeydalur
heydalur, 401 isafjordur, Iceland
guest houseEdinborg Bistro
Aðalstræti 7, 400 Ísafjörður, Iceland
restaurantHamraborg ehf
Hafnarstræti 7, 400 Ísafjörður, Iceland
fast food restaurantLogn, restaurant & bar
Silfurtorg 2, 400 Ísafjörður, Iceland
restaurant🎯Things to Do(10)
View all on Google Maps →
Wild Westfjords
Pollgata 2, 400 Ísafjörður, Iceland
travel agency
Amazing Westfjords ehf
Sundstræti 32, 400 Ísafjörður, Iceland
point of interest
Tungudalur Vestfjarðagöng
3R52+5R, 400 Ísafjörður, Iceland
tourist attraction
Ísafjörður Guide
Seljalandsdalsvegur, 400 Ísafjörður, Iceland
tourist attraction
ATV-Ísafjörður
Æðartangi 10, 400 Ísafjörður, Iceland
serviceSjóferðir
Ásgeirsgata, 400 Ísafjörður, Iceland
ferry serviceWestfjords Adventures
Þórsgata 8a, 450 Patreksfjörður, Iceland
tourist attractionBorea Adventures, Main Office
Aðalstræti 17 400, 400 Ísafjörður, Iceland
point of interestWest Tours
Aðalstræti 7, 400 Ísafjörður, Iceland
travel agencyÍsafjörður Tourist Information Center
Neðstakaupstað, 400 Ísafjörður, Iceland
tourist information centerNearby Destinations
Snæfellsnes
Photographers wanting Iceland's most iconic aurora foregrounds within a convenient self-drive from Reykjavik
Reykjavik
First-time arctic travellers who want to combine northern lights with Iceland's unique landscapes
Vík í Mýrdal
Landscape photographers wanting volcanic drama and ice caves alongside aurora opportunities
Akureyri
Iceland returnees and aurora chasers who want higher latitude and fewer crowds than Reykjavik
Related Destinations
Akureyri
Iceland returnees and aurora chasers who want higher latitude and fewer crowds than Reykjavik
Húsavík
Wildlife lovers wanting whale watching in combination with excellent aurora viewing
Egilsstaðir
Independent travellers exploring the Ring Road who want authentic Iceland beyond the tourist trail