Ísafjörður — Capital of the Westfjords★
Culture in Seclusion
Ísafjörður (population: 2,600) is the largest town in the Westfjords and is dramatically situated on a sandbank in the Skutulsfjörður, surrounded by steep mountains and fjords. The town has a surprisingly vibrant cultural scene for its size:
- Westfjords Heritage Museum (Byggðasafn Vestfjarða): In one of Iceland's oldest houses (1734–1784). Fishing and maritime history of the region. Admission: 1,500 ISK (10€)
- Edinborg Cultural House: Concerts, exhibitions, café. The cultural heart of the Westfjords
- Aldrei fór ég suður Festival: "I Never Went South" — Iceland's coolest music festival (Easter). Free! Icelandic bands play in a fish hall. Free entry, priceless atmosphere
From Ísafjörður, boat tours depart to the Jökulfirðir fjord (seals, seabirds) and the Vigur islet (puffins, eider duck farm). The town is also the starting point for Hornstrandir expeditions.
Restaurants: Tjöruhúsið (the best fish restaurant in the Westfjords — fresh catch in cast iron pans, unlimited buffet, in a historic wooden house by the harbor) and Húsið (fine dining with fjord view).
