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Isafjordur is the regional capital of the West Fjords region of Iceland and is a popular starting place for yachts bound for East Greenland. A couple of commercial yachts operate from here as well as a few local yachts. Visiting yachts sometimes overwinter either afloat or ashore. Visitors are made very welcome.
This is a great base for exploring the Hornstrandir National Park which is very accessible. We can thoroughly recommend a Spring visit to enjoy the ski mountaineering potential and we had excellent conditions in late April 2016. The local ski field usually closes in mid April. In the depths of winter ice forms in the harbour but the commercial yachts offer ski trips to the National Park from February onwards. Summer visits to the Hornstrandir National Park are characterised by wonderful wild flowers, bird life and marine mammals. The town is surrounded by mountains and there is said to be some very good mountain biking there in the summer and an annual cross-country ski race in April.
Primarily this is a fishing harbour but quotas have meant that the quantity of fish landed is declining and so the harbour is seeking new ways to attract business. Cruise liners visit often through the summer and visiting yachts are welcomed. Muggi, the Harbour Master, is very keen to provide an excellent service to visiting yachtsman. If a local marine tradesman is required to assist he will, invariably, find one even on public holidays. There is an abundance of marine electricians and mechanics in, or around, the town who support the fishing industry. It is possible to dry out along side and there are some facilities to slip yachts. Space on the pontoons is very limited but usually there is room to dock against the harbour wall. In April 2016 six moorings were put in (2 ton concrete blocks with rope risers). These moorings are available for summer rent at reasonable rates if a pontoon berth is not available. Local yachtsman and the Harbour Master take a keen interest in the security of these moorings. Muggi 's office overlooks them and Halldor Sveinbjornsson (a local kayak outfitter and sailor) inspects the boats on moorings most days. Alternatively there is plenty of room to anchor.
The town is small with a permanent population of 3,000 but has good restaurants, a supermarket and a swimming pool. A good selection of marine supplies are available although these are mainly designed to support the fishing industry. Hiking maps and local charts are available in the shops. There is a small fuel dock with 2m depth at low tide. Water and electricity are available alongside. There currently is no available washing machine but a laundry service is available. Toilets are in the Harbour master 's office but are locked overnight.
It takes about 7 hours to drive to Reykjavik and cars can be rented one way from the airport. There are scheduled flights to Reykjavik and Greenland from the airport 2 miles out of town. Bicycles can be hired from the Tourist Office. Kayaks can also be hired and Halldor will arrange kayak expeditions anywhere in the West Fjords. Wifi is available in most cafes and the Tourist Office and local SIM cards can be bought. There is good 3G coverage in the town but this diminishes and disappears as you venture north into the National Park.
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