Northern EU Cruises NORTHERN EUROPE CRUISES

Cruises to Isafjordur

Isafjordur, Iceland

Take a memorable Alaska cruise adventure to Isafjordur, Iceland. Among the many captivating stops on an Icelandic cruise, Ísafjörður stands out as a gem, tucked away in the Westfjords peninsula. Known for its untouched wilderness, this town combines scenic beauty with a rich cultural heritage. The sparkling fjord, dramatic mountains, and the quaint charm of a historic fishing village promise an unforgettable experience. As your ship makes its way through the winding fjord towards Ísafjörður, you'll be greeted by the rugged beauty that's become synonymous with this part of Iceland.

As you approach Ísafjörður, the panorama of towering mountains cradling the tranquil fjord is an awe-inspiring sight. The harbor, with its colorful cluster of houses, is backed by steep snow-dusted hills, offering a postcard-perfect view from your ship. Nearby, the Vigur Island is a paradise for birdwatchers. Within the town itself, the old timber houses narrate tales of the past, while the Westfjords Heritage Museum provides deeper insights. The serene beauty of the Skutulsfjörður fjord, visible from various points in the town, adds to the location's allure.

Ísafjörður's history is deeply rooted in the fishing industry, which has been the lifeline of the Westfjords for centuries. Its cultural landscape is replete with old maritime traditions, highlighted in the Westfjords Heritage Museum housed in one of the oldest buildings in Iceland. Folk music holds a special place in the town's culture, with the annual Aldrei fór ég suður (I never went south) music festival attracting musicians from all over the country. Local culinary traditions reflect Ísafjörður's relationship with the sea, with fish being a mainstay in the regional cuisine.

The scenic beauty of Isafjordur

For photographers, Ísafjörður offers compelling subjects. The contrasting colors of the harbor with the rugged mountains in the backdrop create striking compositions. Old timber houses with their distinct architecture, the local birdlife, particularly puffins, and the serene Skutulsfjörður fjord, all provide beautiful imagery. On clear nights, the Northern Lights dancing over the fjord present a mesmerizing spectacle.

Landscapes

The landscape around Ísafjörður is characterized by dramatic fjords, rugged mountains, and a sweeping coastline. The untouched beauty of this terrain makes it an outdoor enthusiast's haven, while the serenity of the fjord brings a sense of peace. Whether it's the snow-covered peaks in winter or the green mountain slopes in summer, the area’s natural grandeur is captivating.

Wildlife

The rich biodiversity of Ísafjörður includes a variety of marine life and birds. Seals are often spotted lounging on the shores of the fjord. The birdlife is particularly diverse, with species like puffins, guillemots, and eider ducks commonly sighted. Boat tours offer opportunities to spot humpback whales and orcas in the waters around the Westfjords.

Attractions and Activities

Adventure enthusiasts can look forward to a plethora of outdoor activities in and around Ísafjörður. Excursions to the nearby Hornstrandir Nature Reserve offer challenging hiking trails, with the added reward of stunning vistas. Kayaking tours provide a unique perspective of the fjord's beauty, while birdwatching tours to Vigur Island offer close encounters with puffins and eider ducks. During winter, the snow-covered landscapes are perfect for snowshoeing or skiing.

Best time to visit Isafjordur

Summers in Ísafjörður, from June to August, are ideal for birdwatching and outdoor activities, with long daylight hours adding to the appeal. Winter, from December to February, offers the enchanting spectacle of the Northern Lights. However, due to its northern location, Ísafjörður enjoys less crowd, offering a serene experience any time of the year.


Isafjordur Cruise Schedule

A visit to Ísafjörður promises an immersive journey into Iceland's untouched wilderness, intriguing maritime history, and rich cultural traditions. With each winding fjord and towering mountain, you'll uncover the distinct charm of this northern wonder. Whether you're exploring the historic town, capturing its beauty through your lens, or indulging in adventure sports, Ísafjörður offers a memorable experience. As you leave this enchanting port, the images of its natural grandeur and the warmth of its people are sure to linger in your heart, etching Ísafjörður as a high point of your Icelandic cruise.

AIDA Cruises Svalbard 14-day route

14-day Svalbard cruise from Kiel

AIDAluna, AIDA Cruises

Date: May 12, 2024

Ports of Call: Kiel, Shetland Island, Reykjavik, Isafjordur, Akureyri, Spitsbergen, Spitsbergen, Honningsvag, Honningsvag, Hammerfest, Tromso, Leknes, Bergen, Hamburg; View Itinerary

Holland America Line North Cape 21-day route

21-day North Cape cruise from Copenhagen

Nieuw Statendam, Holland America Line

Date: May 18, 2024

Ports of Call: Copenhagen, Alesund, Trondheim, Honningsvag, Tromso, Leknes, Lerwick, Isle of Skye, Inverness, Edinburgh, Copenhagen, Oslo, Nordfjordeid, Akureyri, Isafjordur, Reykjavik; View Itinerary

Date: May 31, 2024

Ports of Call: Hamburg, Shetland Island, Reykjavik, Isafjordur, Akureyri, Spitsbergen, Spitsbergen, Honningsvag, Honningsvag, Hammerfest, Tromso, Leknes, Bergen, Hamburg; View Itinerary

Viking Ocean Cruises Iceland 14-day route

14-day Iceland cruise from Reykjavik

Viking Mars, Viking Ocean Cruises

Date: June 8, 2024

Ports of Call: Reykjavik, Heimaey Island, Djupivogur, Seydisfjordur, Akureyri, Isafjordur, Nanortalik, Qaqortoq, LAnse aux Meadows, Halifax, New York; View Itinerary

Viking Ocean Cruises Iceland 14-day route

14-day Iceland cruise from Reykjavik

Viking Star, Viking Ocean Cruises

Date: June 10, 2024

Ports of Call: Reykjavik, Heimaey Island, Djupivogur, Seydisfjordur, Akureyri, Isafjordur, Nanortalik, Qaqortoq, LAnse aux Meadows, Halifax, New York; View Itinerary

Date: June 19, 2024

Ports of Call: Hamburg, Shetland Island, Reykjavik, Isafjordur, Akureyri, Spitsbergen, Spitsbergen, Honningsvag, Honningsvag, Hammerfest, Tromso, Leknes, Haugesund, Hamburg; View Itinerary


Page