Saga & Heritage

The Arctic Fox Centre is a non-profit research and exhibition center, focusing on the arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) - the only native terrestrial mammal in Iceland. The Arctic Fox Centre was established on September 15th 2007 in Sudavik Westfjords. Founders were 42, mostly local people, tourist operators and municipalities in the Westfjords. All of which share their interest in the arctic foxes and believe in increasing ecotourism in Iceland. The idea of the Arctic Fox Centre comes from prof. Pall Hersteinsson, University of Iceland and he serves as a quality witness for the center. The long term aim is to collect all available knowledge and material relevant to the arctic fox in past and presence.  We house an exhibition focusing on educating material:  About biology and history of the arctic foxes as a species. About the war that has been waged between the man and the arctic fox, since the early settlement of humans in Iceland (1100 years). About the status and specialities of the Arctic Foxes in Iceland and other regions of its distributional range. About fox hunting as the oldest paid operation in Iceland, methods and materials, stories and descriptions. About fox farming activities and it´s consequences for the wild population throughout the decades. We emphasize on: Participate in and promote research programs on Icelandic arctic fox populations, in collaboration with academic and research centers. Participate in developing sustainable wildlife torism in Iceland, in collaboration with the authorities and other interested parties. Stimulate development and manufacturing on handicraft and souvenirs, specialized for The Arctic Fox Center. Open: May: 10:00-16:00 June - July: 09:00-18:00 September: 10:00-16:00  Oct 01 - May 14: Upon request

Ísafjörður Guide – For Unforgettable Experiences City Walks - Shore Excursions - Nature Walks - Private Tours  Local guides and small groups  Immerse yourself in the rich history of Ísafjörður with Ísafjörður Guide, a family-run company offering authentic, personalized walks and tours through the small town and into the surrounding area in German or English.  With over 13 years of experience, Helga, the heart and driving spirit behind this family-owned business, invites you to explore the scenic town of Ísafjörður in a way only locals know.  Explore remarkable historic sites, accompanied by captivating legends and stories that have shaped local life for centuries. Let the unique nature of the Westfjords—with its breathtaking landscapes—fascinate you, as well as the culinary customs rooted deeply in Icelandic culture and reflected in traditional dishes.  Ísafjörður Guide provides a unique blend of culture and nature, ideal for traveller’s looking to experience the authentic Iceland beyond the usual tourist spots.  2024 the company got from TripAdvisor: Travellers´ Choice Awards Winner 2024 with the best reviews. Personal, informative, and full of passion—a must for every visitor to the island!  Helga´s Garden Tour– a bus tour through the historic town and visit with a coffee in Helga´s garden for 4-7 people (1,5 -2 hours)  Historic City Walks  Ísafjörður Walk - An Interesting Journey Through Time (2 hours)  Trolls and Stories (2 hours)  Walks into Nature  Geology (3 hours)  Plants or Autumn Colours (3 hours)  Nature Walk (5 hours)  Culinary Explorations  Please Taste! (3,5 hours)  Private Tours into the environment  for 4 to 7 people  Special tours into the environment on request  Ísafjörður Guide also sells tours in the environment and activities from other local companies like whale watching, kayaking, horse riding and more. 

In most travel books referred to as the Maritime Museum. Fisheries have always been the most important economic activity in the Westfjords, and the museum gives a unique insight into the rich maritime history and culture of the area. Open:15. May - 31. Aug. 10:00-17:00.1. Sept - 15. Sept. 11:00-15:00. Admission fee: Adults - ISK. 1.600,-Seniors    ISK. 1.200,-

The Old Bookstore in Flateyri is the oldest original store in Iceland, fourth generation family business since 1914. In this uniq store you will find all of the best products and books from the Westfjords, combined with high quality products from brands that are at least 100 years old from all around the world.  At the Bookstore you will also find the merchant apartment of the founder of the Bookstore. Nothing has been change since 1950, when Jón, the founder of the Bookstore past away. – It is a truly an unforgettable experience to take a step into the past, by visiting the old apartment in the Old Bookstore. But if you truly want to experience the real history of the Old Bookstore and the family you can stay at their home, above the Old bookstore.  See: https://bookstore.is/

Hotel Heydalur is located in the beautiful valley of Heydalur, around 320 km from Reykjavík and 130 km from Ísafjörður. The hotel offers 59 beds in 19 rooms (all with private WC) as well as three summer cottages. The hotel restaurant is renowned for its delicious, local food which is served in the old barn. The hotel also operates a campsite (open from June 1 until the end of October) with warm showers, flushing toilets and ample electricity plugs for RVs and trailers. Heydalur has recently been nominated as the best bathing site in the Westfjords area.  Near the hotel you will find two outdoor, geothermal hot tubs, as well as a small pool inside a tropical greenhouse. On the other side of the river Heydalsá you will find yet another natural hot tub. The opportunities for recreation and activities are almost endless. The hotel has a playground for children and youth, but also offers guided kayaking and horse riding tours that are suitable for most people. There are numerous hiking routes available, birdwatching is excellent during summer and freshwater fishing is also possible. During winter, visitors can enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and, of course, the magic of the northern lights.  

The Comedytheatre is the first and only professional theatre in the Westfjords, founded in 1997. The theatre has hosted 45 plays, which usually reflect the history of the Westfjords in one way or another. The Comedytheatre has focused on solo performances that have attracted considerable attention.   Find us on Facebook here.