Isafjordur, Iceland

Isafjordur, which translates literally as fjords of ices, or ice fjord, certainly lives up to its name as so often the fjord and town are covered in snow and ice.

When the majority of cruise ships visit there during the warmer months, the snow may have gone from the town, but you will likely see some on the mountain tops surrounding you, which does give an inkling at life in the great white north of Iceland during winter.

The town is a great place to simply stroll around and enjoy the incredibly views at every turn but there is plenty to look at including numerus historical buildings.

Due to its relatively small size, it is easy to mix a shore excursion with taking in all that the town has to offer which is great as there are a number of shorex opportunities that are simply a must do.

But just what are the top 10 Isafjordur shore excursions? That is just what I answer in this list, which is based on my experience of visiting the port on a cruise holiday and the research I did before visiting there.

Shore Excursions In Isafjordur

Dynjandi Waterfall and the Westfjords

This is just what me and wife did when we visited the port on a cruise onboard the Celebrity Summit cruise ship and after a great day exploring the best of the Westfjords region, it is something I would highly recommend.

The highlight of the adventure is a visit to the beautiful Dynjandi waterfall, which is actually a series of 7 waterfalls that you can easily get up close to and explore.

We used a local company for our excursion which meant the waterfall was much quieter and we got more time there, as we were climbing back down to the car park when the coaches from the ship arrived.

We then drove along a fjord to the Hrafnseyri Farm, the birthplace of Jon Sigurdsson and whilst we were told that sometimes whales could be seen from the farm, the only thing we saw was a seal on the road there.

Your drive to and from the ship takes in some incredible scenery and fjordland landscape including the Onundarfjordur, the Dyrafjordur and the Arnarfjordur.

Dynjandi Waterfall

The Dynjandi Waterfall is often a highlight of a visit to the port for many visitors and it is just one of those things you can only see somewhere like Iceland.

A visit to the gigantic foss appears on a number of different shore excursion options but the cheapest and easiest one is to choose a trip that simply takes you there and back.

Sudureyri Village Visit

If you love seafood, this is a great option for you as the eco-friendly fishing village is home to a Seafood trail where visitors can walk around the town and try different samples of local produce from numerous different businesses.

This allows you to try some of the freshest catch you will ever get the chance to try and whilst what is on offer depends on the time, date and fishing conditions favourites such as fired cod cakes, halibut tempura and smoked salmon are often on the menu.

Bolungarvik Church

Historic wooden churches can be found throughout Iceland but one of the best examples is the Bolungarvik Church.

The location of the 1908 built church, in an evergreen valley at the head of a fjord, makes for the ideal spot for spiritual contemplation.

Arctic Fox Centre

There are few land mammals found in Iceland but one that has thrived in the cold conditions of the north of Iceland, is the Arctic Fox.

It is difficult to find them in the wild however but the nearby village of Sudavik offers the chance for cruisers to gain an understanding of these majestic animals at the centres museum before getting to meet some recused foxes.

Most trips to the Arctic Fox Centre will also often stop off for a local meal of waffles, jam and cream as well as giving you incredible views of the local landscape as make the 20 minute drive from Isafjordur.

Vigur Island

As you sail down the Isafjaroardjup fjords towards Isafjordur, you may catch a glimpse of Vigur Island as it is the 2nd biggest island in the fjord.

It is around 2km in length and 400 metres wide and has little on it but that is what makes it such a special place to visit as the local wildlife of Iceland has taken over.

The island is famed for is thriving seabird colonies including Atlantic Puffins and eider ducks.

As you walk around the island, you will get great views of the fjord and mountains that surround you as well as been able to see historic building including a beautiful windmill.

Fjord Kayaking

If you want to get close to the water, enjoy the stunning mountain views and maybe even get up close to whales but all with a sense of adventure, a fjord kayaking experience is for you.

The serene waters surrounding Isafjordur provide a great shelter for seabirds, whales and seals but those same smooth waters can make for a great few hours of kayaking, birdwatching and burning off those cruise calories.

Walking Tour

Isafjordur is the perfect size to stroll around and take in all that is on offer there including the stunning views, the historic buildings and of course enjoying a spot of local food and drink in the bars and cafes found there.

One thing that is trickier is to gain an understanding of just what you are looking at as you walk the town’s streets and that is where a guided walking tour comes into its own.

Guided by a local, you will gain an understanding of the history of the town, learn about the buildings found there, discovery what life is like today and of course find out what the future of the town could be.

Whale Watching Cruise

Although you can often see whales from your cruise ship, as I did when visiting the port, if you really want to get up close and see these majestic creates without the need for binoculars, many will head out on a whale watching cruise to do just that.

There are numerous species of whales that can be seen including humpback and minke whales but there is also plenty more to see including seabirds, seals and even dolphins.

Hesteyri Abandoned Village

If you love the remoteness of small Icelandic Villages, this is a great option for you as there are view places that offer that sense of remoteness as Hesteyri.

The only way to get to the village is by boat, so you board a motorboat to head to the Jokulfirdir fjord where you will arrive at the beautiful Hesteyri abandoned village.

Abandoned by its residents in the 1940’s, the village is like stepping back in time as it never had any road, electricity or phone links to the rest of the country.

What it does offer is incredible views, a chance to explore the building left behind trapped in history and now there is a chance to get up close to local wildlife, including Arctic Foxes.

Isafjordur Shorex

Isafjordur is one of the leading cruise ports in Iceland and features on many different itineraries including those sailing up from the European mainland and transatlantic adventures.

With everything from giant modern ships to small expeditions ships calling in there, it is no surprise that so many want to look for excursions in Isafjordur.

There are many great options for visitors to do what they want to do whilst in port and in this post we take a look at what I believe to be 10 of the best Isafjordur shorex opportunities.