The ship will dock in the port of Isafjördur, which is located within a natural harbor in the Westfjords region. Nearby, you’ll find the Old Town center and the Maritime Museum.
Isafjördur boasts of fresh seafood options, thanks to the town’s thriving fishing industry. During your visit to Isafjördur, you can indulge in a range of seafood options such as cod, haddock, and salmon, which are prepared in different ways, including roasted, boiled, and grilled. One of the local specialties that you must try is the mashed fish stew, plokkfiskur, which is a delightful mix of fish, potatoes, onions, and sauce. For those who are eager to explore new flavors, you could try Iceland’s national dish, fermented shark, or hákarl, which is a truly unique culinary experience.
The town of Isafjördur is located within Skutulsfjörður, a fjord that was established back in the 9th century. Over the centuries, Isafjördur grew into a thriving trade center and was granted municipal status in 1786. You can still see some of the 18th-century merchant buildings of the era by visiting the collection of old timber frame houses in the area. For many years, Isafjordur was home to one of Iceland’s largest fisheries. Today, most of its economic activity revolves around tourism and tours around the Westfjords.
Get your duty-free shopping fix at the cruise terminal, then head into town for authentic Icelandic artisan goods like locally made wool sweaters and knit hats that are typical of the region. Dressing warmly is an art in Iceland, and you can learn how when you chat with the local salespeople.
Almost everything in town is located within walking distance of the port, so you won’t need public transportation. If you choose to explore the Westfjords, there are several boat tour operators that will take you to nearby destinations, such as Vigur and the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve.
