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 berth in this small town's centre, while larger vessels use tenders.
An information booth, "The Info-Container", operates at the harbour disembarkation point.
View the harbour webcam.
Choose a month, year and port for the cruise schedule.
Ísafjörður has the Westfjords region's largest harbour, and fishing has always been, and still is, its main income source. It is Iceland's third busiest Cruise Port for cruise ships. Calling ships travel dramatically for 80km up Ísafjarðardjúp Bay, which shelters several smaller fjords. The town stands in Skutulsfjörður, one of them. Towering mountains flank it on three sides, forming an almost perfect natural harbour. Near the cruise quays, Maritime Museum occupies one of Ísafjörður's oldest houses and traces local life and history…
Getting around
Because the town is small, everything can be reached on foot.
A popular trip is the 30-minute boat journey to Vigur. The island has an eider-duck colony of around 3,500 nests, producing 60kg of eider down annually, plus a huge bird population including Puffins, Black Guillemots and Arctic terns.
Nearby places
A 15-minute bus ride reaches Ósvör, a reconstructed fisherman's hut built from stone and mud.
Food and shopping
Icelandic shops meet international standards and stock wide-ranging goods. Local specialities include woollen knitwear such as sweaters, cardigans, hats and mittens, handmade ceramics, glassware, silver jewellery and a broad choice of high-quality seafood.
Money
Iceland's currency is the "króna." Coin denominations are 100 kr., 50 kr., 10kr., 5 kr. and 1 kr.; notes are 5000 kr., 2000 kr.,1000 kr. and 500 kr. Icelandic banks offer foreign exchange and usually open weekdays 09:15 to 16:00.
EUROPAY/MASTERCARD and VISA are Iceland's main cards. Cash is available from every bank branch, over 170, and all ATMs nationwide.
Staying connected
Icelanders still use the Vikings' language, although modern Icelandic has changed in pronunciation and vocabulary.
The terminal has Internet connections.
Opening Hours and
Offices generally operate 09:00-17:00, changing to 08:00-16:00 in June, July and August. Shops open Mon-Fri 09:00-18:00 and Sat 10:00 to 13:00/14:00/15:00 or 16:00. Some supermarkets trade to 23:00 every day. Banks are open Mon-Fri 09:15-16:00.