ISAFJORDUR

 Ísafjörður is a small town in the Westfjords region of northwest Iceland. It has a population of just under 3,000 residents, and the striking landscapes and old wooden houses have a knack for charming everyone who visits.  

 The old town is a few minutes’ walk from the pier. You’ll find the new church with the famous altar piece “The Birds of the Sky”. Next door is the Old Hospital, which has various exhibits throughout the year. Continuing down the narrow streets is the public garden, Jónsgarður. Here you’ll find the Whale Bone Arch—a striking structure made from the jaws of a blue whale. Need help? There’s a convenient tourist information center that can offer assistance.

 If you are curious about the town’s history, head to the Ísafjörður maritime museum. It’s in a house that dates back to 1780, and you can learn all about the history of fishing and fish production in the region. Or consider making the trip to the Osvor Museum where you can learn all about the fish drying process as well as the different types of boats.

For a unique experience, take a 30-minute boat ride to Vigur Island to admire the abundant bird life. Notably, puffins, black guillemots, and eider ducks. For more wildlife, check out the Artic Fox Center—a non-profit research center and museum dedicated to this impressive mammal. Waterfall hunting? Make the trip to Dynjandi (also known as Fjallfoss). Seven different falls flow together with the width of 30 meters from a cumulative height of 100 meters.

 Other unique Iceland experiences to have include a visit to the abandoned town of Hesteryrian or the stunning town of Sudavik.