Region
Westfjords
450 km from Reykjavik
Isafjordur: Capital of the Westfjords
Capital of the Westfjords: a remote town ringed by steep mountains and the gateway to the Hornstrandir wilderness.
Population
~2,700
Westfjords • Regional capital
Quick Answer
Isafjordur, the largest town in the Westfjords with about 2,700 residents, is the gateway to Hornstrandir, a 40-minute flight or 6-7 hour drive from Reykjavik.
Isafjordur is the main town of the Westfjords, built on a sand spit in Skutulsfjordur fjord and surrounded by steep mountains. It has kept its old timber center and is the usual base for trips into Iceland's least-visited region.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
Check road conditions before driving to the Westfjords. Flights are recommended for winter visits.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Population
~2,700
Westfjords' largest town
Known for
Hornstrandir access
Boat access to the nature reserve
Top Attractions in Isafjordur
Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
Boat trips to the remote nature reserve
Westfjords Heritage Museum
Maritime and regional history
Sea Kayaking
Explore fjords and coastline
Tungudalur Skiing
Local ski resort with backcountry options
Historic Town Center
Well-preserved old timber buildings
Bolungarvik & Osvor
Nearby fishing village and museum
How to Get to Isafjordur
By air: Domestic flights from Reykjavik provide an alternative to the long drive. Allow flexibility for weather disruption.
By car: 6-7 hours from Reykjavik via Route 1 and Route 61. Scenic but demanding drive with mountain passes.
By ferry: Baldur ferry from Stykkisholmur to Brjanslaekur, then drive to Isafjordur.
Best Time to Visit Isafjordur
Summer (June-August): Summer boat connections make Hornstrandir trips possible. Book both directions and check route, weather and operating dates.
Winter: Skiing depends on conditions. Mountain passes and flights can be affected by winter weather.
Book the Hornstrandir landing and return, not just the boat
West Tours’ 2026 ferry overview distinguishes Borea Adventures and Sjoferdir departures from Isafjordur from HornstrandirTours departures in Bolungarvik. Check the harbor on the booking. The companies serve different combinations of landing places, and changing an existing booking between operators may incur a penalty.
Borea’s 2026 table gives departure times from Isafjordur, not collection times from Hornstrandir. Its listed fares are one way. For example, the table lists Hesteyri at 14,900 ISK each way, so an adult return at that rate is 29,800 ISK before any extras. Confirm both dates and the pickup instructions before choosing a hike between landing places. The operator asks passengers to be at the docks 20 minutes before departure.
The timetable describes summer service without establishing that every listed destination operates on a particular September date. Check the booking calendar or contact info@borea.is. Return timing can also depend on weather and other stops; leave room in the rest of your itinerary for changes.
Planning help
Isafjordur FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
What is the population of Isafjordur?
Isafjordur has approximately 2,700 residents. It is the largest town in the Westfjords and the regional capital.
What does Isafjordur mean?
Isafjordur means 'Ice Fjord' in Icelandic.
How far is Isafjordur from Reykjavik?
Isafjordur is about 450 km from Reykjavik (6-7 hours driving) or 40 minutes by domestic flight.
Is Isafjordur very remote?
Yes, it's in Iceland's most remote region. The journey requires mountain passes and winding fjord roads, but flights make it more accessible.
Is there skiing near Isafjordur?
Yes, Tungudalur ski resort is nearby, and the town is known for backcountry skiing in steep mountain terrain.
Is kayaking popular in Isafjordur?
Yes, sea kayaking in the fjords is a popular activity, with tours along the coastline and to abandoned villages.
How do I get to Hornstrandir?
Borea Adventures and Sjoferdir offer Hornstrandir boat connections from Isafjordur. Book the landing place and return journey separately, checking the operating dates and pickup arrangements. Some other services depart from Bolungarvik.
What services does Isafjordur have?
As the regional capital, Isafjordur has a hospital, airport, supermarkets, hotels, restaurants, and comprehensive services.
For national population totals and trends to put local figures in context, see our Iceland statistics.