Isafjordur, Iceland

Isafjördur is a town in the north-west of Iceland. It is the largest town on the Westfjords peninsula. The town lies in the far north-west of Iceland and sits on the shore of the Ísafjarðardjúp bay, one of the branches of the largest fjord in the Westfjords region, the Ísafjarðardjúp. The town is the trading and economic center of the Westfjords region. The town’s area is constantly expanding through land reclamation by draining and filling the fjord’s waters with sand. The population of Isafjördur is 3,968 people (as of 1 December 2008).

The town’s name-translated as “ice fjord”-is attributed to ice floes that drifted down the long channel of the eponymous fjord. Floating ice in spring sometimes caused difficulties for local residents, as the port would be closed for several months due to the ice. Today icebergs do not enter these waters, but temperatures here are never very high.

The first settlers appeared on the site of the present-day town as early as 920. Later, Norwegian and Icelandic merchants settled here, and in the 16th century several English and German companies established their trading posts in Isafjördur. On the southern outskirts of the town, a number of buildings were erected, which are today the oldest surviving buildings in Iceland (e.g., Tjöruhúsid, built 1734). Isafjördur received city status in 1866.

If most of Iceland is known for its unprecedented volcanic activity, then the country’s slightly isolated north-western part is a realm of fjords. Perhaps Isafjördur can be considered the capital of all the Western fjords. Iceland’s Westfjords resemble Norway’s fjords in some ways, but at the same time have their own unmistakable character.

This northern town looks old-fashioned and is located on an island surrounded by incredible, completely wild nature. Strange streets of Isafjördur wind through the valley of a hook-shaped peninsula that juts right into the middle of Skutulsfjórður fjord. Massive mountains surrounding the town on all sides look like the high walls of a medieval fortress. Getting here or leaving is possible only via a narrow tunnel or open sea. Depending on the weather, the town can feel either fully protected or utterly cut off from the rest of the world.

Usually, tourists come to Isafjördur to set off on a journey through the Westfjords. These places are considered among the most beautiful in Iceland. From a geological standpoint, the Westfjords are the oldest Icelandic region left over from the volcanic plateau of Tula. Here flows the Dín-djandi river, with a waterfall that plunges from a height of 100 m, and at the bottom splits into five smaller waterfalls, which ultimately reach the ocean. In the Old Town, you can see buildings from the 18th century. The town’s main attraction is also located here: the Maritime Museum of the Westfjords. The museum complex consists of several old houses showcasing maritime exhibits and photos of the region. The town park is especially interesting. The entrance is decorated with an arch made from a whale jawbone. Not far from Isafjördur stretch two valleys-Tungudalur and Engidalur. This place is known among hiking enthusiasts. There are many trails here, especially in the forested areas of the valleys.

The climate here is maritime, moderately cool, with strong winds, humid and changeable weather. July and August are the warmest months in Isafjördur. The average annual temperature in the town is +1–2 °C, the average January temperature is +1 °C, and July is +11–12 °C.

Darkness lasts from mid-November until the end of January. At this time, the height of the Sun at its highest point does not exceed a few degrees (there is no polar night in Iceland). Throughout the summer, “white nights” can be observed in Isafjördur; on 21 June the sun rises at 02:54 and sets at 00:02 the next day. December, unlike June, is the darkest month-daylight lasts no more than 5 hours.