Making the most of Isafjordur
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Cruise ships dock in the center of this small town. Larger ships will use tenders.
An information booth - "The Info-Container" - is also operated at the harbor where passengers disembark.
Webcam of the harbor.
Cruise Schedule choose month and year and port
The port of Ísafjörður is the largest of all harbors located in the Westfjords region of Iceland. Fishing has traditionally been – and remains – the area's main source of income. Ísafjörður is Iceland's third busiest Cruise Port for cruise ships. Calling vessels make a dramatic 80km journey up the Ísafjarðardjúp Bay which shelters a number of smaller fjords. Ísafjörður town is located in one of these, the Skutulsfjörður. Flanked on three sides by towering mountains, Ísafjörður is a near perfect natural harbor. Close to the cruise quays is the Maritime Museum, located in one of the oldest houses in Ísafjörður, which traces the life and history…
Getting around
Given the small size of the town everything is within walking distance.
A popular excursion is a boat tour to the island of Vigur, 30 minutes from Ísafjörður and home to a large eider duck colony of around 3,500 nests that generate 60kg of eider down a year. Puffins, Black Guillemots and Arctic terns are some of the vast bird population that make this magical island worth seeing.
Nearby places
15 minutes away by bus is Ósvör, a reconstructed fisherman's hut made out of stone and mud.
Food and shopping
The shops in Iceland are of international standard, and carry a wide variety of merchandise. Local specialties are woollen knitwear (for example sweaters, cardigans, hats and mittens), handmade ceramics, glassware and silver jewelry. Also available is a great variety of high-quality seafood.
Money
The Icelandic monetary unit is the "króna." Coins are in denominations of 100 kr., 50 kr., 10kr., 5 kr. and 1 kr. Bank notes are in denominations of 5000 kr., 2000 kr.,1000 kr., and 500 kr. All Icelandic banks provide foreign exchange and are generally open on weekdays from 09:15 to 16:00.
The major cards in Iceland are EUROPAY/MASTERCARD and VISA. Cash can be obtained at every bank branch (over 170) as well as in all ATMs throughout the country.
Staying connected
The Icelanders still speak the language of the Vikings, although modern Icelandic has undergone changes of pronunciation and, of course, of vocabulary!
There are Internet connections in the terminal.
Opening Hours and
Office hours are generally 09:00-17:00 and 08:00-16:00 during June, July and August. Shopping hours are Mon-Fri 09:00-18:00, Sat from 10:00 to 13:00/14:00/15:00 or 16:00. Some supermarkets are open to 23:00 seven days a week. Banking hours are Mon-Fri 09:15-16:00.