Ísafjörður, the largest town in Iceland’s remote Westfjords, sits dramatically on a narrow peninsula that juts into the fjord. Surrounded by steep mountains that are breathtaking in summer yet perilous in winter, this old fishing and trading post is both rugged and picturesque. The region has long been prone to avalanches, and in 1995, a nearby tragedy claimed 20 lives. In response, the town built an extensive avalanche barrier which is now a defining feature of Ísafjörður and even a favorite hiking trail for locals and visitors alike.
Hiking the Avalanche Barrier
After docking at the edge of town, we set out toward the Seljalandsdalur avalanche barrier. Climbing up to its ridge rewarded us with sweeping views of the town, the surrounding fjord, and the towering peaks beyond.
Most of us turned back after reaching the end of the barrier, but Kelsey and Ed decided to push further up the mountain in search of a waterfall. Their detour turned into an extra two-mile hike, but their determination paid off with more mountain views before they eventually caught up with us.
Exploring Old Town
The rest of us followed a lower trail back into Old Town, a charming section of Ísafjörður filled with colorful wooden houses and cozy cafés. We settled into a local restaurant for lunch, keeping an eye on Kelsey and Ed’s progress. Just as we were finishing up, they arrived, tired but triumphant. We had already ordered for them, and their meals arrived at the table just after they sat down, a perfectly timed reward.
Afternoon in Ísafjörður
After lunch, we strolled through a few small shops, stopped at a bakery for sweet treats, and finally made our way to the Dokkan Brugghús Brewery, the oldest craft brewery in the Westfjords. Sharing a couple of tasting flights, we sampled a variety of local brews to expand our experience of Icelandic craft beer.
With evening approaching, we returned to the ship for departure. The fjord views as we sailed away were stunning, and after logging several miles on the trails, we enjoyed a quiet evening of dinner, drinks, and a card game. It was an early night to bed with images in our minds of the dramatic landscapes of the Westfjords.
Next up: our final stop – Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital.
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