5 Best Sights in Ísafjörður, Westfjords

Ísafjörður is the place to catch a ferry to the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. Two companies offer regular service to the area in the summer: Borea and Sjóferðir. Tickets can be pricey, but it's worth the investment. There is a wide range of hiking trails, and it's common to see arctic foxes, as this region boasts one of the largest communities of them in the country. Note that winter visits to the area are often not possible due to severe weather.

Learn about the rich history of the local fishing industry and how it's helped regional growth at the Westfjords Heritage Museum. It takes a deep dive into the lives of the fishermen that built this community and what it was like to live in the area when it was first settled. Note that some resources refer to this museum as the Maritime Museum.

Iceland isn't known for its abundance of wildlife, but it is home to the adorable and elusive arctic fox. You can find these animals in the wild—and if you do, watch them from afar and let them be—but you're sure to see them at the Arctic Fox Centre in Súðavík, a quick drive from Ísafjörður. At this wildlife refuge and research center, guests are invited to learn all about these curious little mammals. The arctic fox population has been dwindling for years, and the center puts forth efforts to maintain it.

The main tourist information center here is also a cultural hub and an archive of all things Ísafjörður. The ground floor serves as the town's library, while the second floor houses a number of exhibits covering life in the Westfjords through the ages. They also host live events and run youth theater programs. As if that wasn't enough, they have a bistro if you're in the mood for a cold beer and some fried fish.

If you've got a short amount of time in the area, head to Tungudalur for some natural sights. Here you'll find a small but beautiful waterfall, a modest forest, the town's skiing center, and a full golf course. There's plenty to do, but take some extra time around the waterfall and forest; you won't find many of the latter around the country.