We offer Guided Walks through Ísafjörður in the Westfjords of Iceland

Ísafjörður Walk                                                  An interesting journey through time

 

Are you interested in history and how people lived in the past centuries? 

Are you fascinated by old houses?

Why are people proud to live here now?

Do you like listening to legends and stories?

Do you like to get information about Nature?

Customer testimonials

We did a walking tour with Helga during our day in port as part of a cruise. She was very informative and we loved the way she presented the history of the town in contrast to its current state. She took us off the beaten path to areas we probably wouldn't have seen on our own and certainly gave us a better experience by sharing information about the area. We would highly recommend this tour! (2023)

Helga is the best! Even though she has only lived in Iceland since 1997, she has totally accepted this country as her own, and she is very knowledgeable in the local culture of Isafjordur. Dressed in her traditional garb of the 1800s, she tells the story of how people worked and lived life in this town back in 1873, which we found very interesting. We also opted for the additional nature walk, tasting tour, and church tour and were definitely not disappointed. (2023)

Thank you Helga for the wonderful tour!!! You have transformed a cloudy and cold day into a spectacular one, full of information in so many fields: local legends and modern life, geology, flora and fauna and many, many others. It was a pleasure to meet you. Best regards, Eugenia.  (2023)

This was the best tour we had on the entire cruise. We were lucky to be the only ones and to get Daniel, a great tour guide. He was in character as an Icelandic person from 1830 for part of the tour. He was very knowledgeable about the history of the area. I would recommend this tour over the (overpriced) tour options that we had offered from the ship. Dress warmly - it’s windy by the shore. (2023)

Really enjoyed this walking tour. Daniel is a fantastic guide. We met Daniel outside the secured cruise port area at the scheduled time of 11 am. We were the only customers so it ended up being a private tour. In 2 hours we walked around most of the town and learned Isafjordur history dating back to the 1800s. Daniel even had photos showing what the area looked like in the 1800's. Spoke to another couple who took the ship sponsored walking tour, our tour was much better. (2023)

Many thanks Helga for the very personal and informative walk through Isafjordur. We got a very good first insight into the city and the way of life in the past and today. (2023)

We had a very wonderful and informative tour with Dan today. He is a very good guide and we enjoyed our time and learned a lot. Thanks  (2023)

Fabulous time. Tobias was most informative and very pleasant. Thank you! (2023)

Helga, dressed in the traditional garb of a 19th century fisherwoman, took 11 of us on a delightful and informative tour of the town of Isafjordur, pointing out the history and uses of its buildings. She also shared with us some of the foods of the past times that remain popular today: dried, salted fish, aquavit, chocolate and licorice. What a delightful person Helga is: jolly and patient with our children. I highly recommend her! (2022)

We were in Isafjordur during a recent cruise. We enjoy private or small group tours and Helga’s tour was exactly what we were looking for. We learned a lot about the history of the area. She was a superb guide for our two hour tour. (2022)

We did a walking tour with Helga during our day in port as part of a cruise. She was very informative and we loved the way she presented the history of the town in contrast to its current state. She took us off the beaten path to areas we probably wouldn't have seen on our own and certainly gave us a better experience by sharing information about the area. We would highly recommend this tour! (2022)

Really enjoyed this tour with Helga. It was so thorough, and I learned so much about Isafjordur and its fishing history. Particularly enjoyable, was the walking the trail above the town. There are beautiful panoramic views of the area, and the blue/purple lupine were in full bloom. And, Helga is delightful! (2022)

We had an excellent, guided walk with Helga yesterday. She knows her town well and filled our time with history and tales from long ago, as well as many current beliefs. She dressed the part, too! We highly recommend the walk - fresh, cool air with beautiful views. Can’t get better than that. (2022)

We did a walking tour with Helga during our day in port as part of a cruise. She was very informative and we loved the way she presented the history of the town in contrast to its current state. She took us off the beaten path to areas we probably wouldn't have seen on our own and certainly gave us a better experience by sharing information about the area. We would highly recommend this tour! (2022)

Enjoyed listening to Helga as we walked around town and into the hills of Isafjordur. She obviously loves her home and sharing stories about how life has changed over the years. Definitely the better choice over a cruise ship tour!! I hope our paths cross again! (2019)

I cannot say enough positive things about our Isafjordur walk with Helga Hausner last June. Ms. Helga promptly responded to all communication to help us book our custom tour well in advance. She was warm and personable and made us feel at home for our walk. It's clear she really enjoys what she does and is extremely knowledgeable about the history of Isafjordur. (2018)

Helga's tour was everything it was advertised to be. The tour began promptly as she led us through the town, sharing highlights of the history and culture of the town in its heyday. She shared photos of the city in the 1890's and told stories about the buildings and the people who inhabited the buildings. We left with a real sense of what life was like during that time period, while also learning about current events. (2019)

Helga is a passionate and very nice person. Historical walk with all the stories around Isafjodur was not only enlightening but also full of emotion. We highly recommend. (2019)

 

Helga led a Wonderful tour of Ísafjörður -- fun and knowledgeable. A great way to see this special town and environs. She is a great tour guide...a very nice addition to our week in Iceland. (2019)

 

We had booked a 2-hour walk with Helga. She was dressed in the national costume at the turn of the century to the meeting point. On this walk we learned a lot about the trolls, ghosts and fairies, but also about the development of the place, which she reported with great passion. Also for children certainly an interesting kind of educational walk. We would always book with Helga again. (2019)

 

Helga appeared over punctually and dressed in the national costume at the turn of the century to the meeting point. On this walk we learned a lot about the trolls, ghosts and fairies, but also about the development of the place, which she reported with great passion. Also for children certainly an interesting kind of educational walk. We would always book with Helga again. (2019)

 

It was a very interesting walk we had with Lisa. She told us light and funny stories about elves and trolls, just as if she had just experienced that. We also learned a lot about history. We can highly recommend that walk!

Helga led a Wonderful tour of Ísafjörður -- fun and knowledgeable. A great way to see this special town and environs. She is a great tour guide...a very nice addition to our week in Iceland. (2019)

We took the walking tour of the town with Nina in August and thoroughly enjoyed our experience. She was very informative, had a great since of humor, and provided a most enjoyable tour. (2019)

Our small group met Nina on the quayside during our cruise call at Isafjordur. She was pleasant, spoke good English and was very informative. The history and culture of the town and Icelanders in general came through very strongly to us. Nina took us up on to higher ground on the outskirts of town and then we finished our tour down in town again inside the interesting church. Nina recommended food places and coffee stops to round off our tour. Would definitely recommend this tour. Something different, personal, and very interesting. (2019)

We enjoyed our walk so much. You certainly helped us see what it was like for the farmers, fishermen and, most importantly the women back so many years ago.  It’s an amazing part of our world. (2018)

It was a real experience! Thank you to take us on the journey through the time. (2018)

The small town of Ísafjörður is unique in Iceland. Its unusually well-preserved city centre dates from the 19th century and still reflects its charming history that remains alive in the legends and stories. Ísafjörður is known today for its cultural and artistic diversity.

Our guide meets you, dressed as a fishworker from the 19th Century, and takes you on a walk through the city. You will visit interesting places, such as historical houses and trade centers from the prime time of Ísafjörður and get an insight into the history of Ísafjörður and hear legends and stories from the past and present.

You will learn interesting facts about the people, their living conditions, their beliefs and their culture, which are reflected in the legends.

Below the avalanche barriers on the slopes above Ísafjördur, you have a fascinating view over the ford and encircled by valleys and mountains. You will receive a clear introduction to the geology and vegetation of the Westfjords and the function of the avalanche barriers.

On the way she shares her lunch box with you. Our walk ends at the church. 

 

Price for one: 12.900 ISK; children up to 16 free

(minimum 2 people, but if only ONE want to go 25.000 ISK) 

------------------------------------------

Extension: Out into nature

The walk after Ísafjörður Walk takes us into the beautiful nature on the mountain slopes with a beautiful view over the fjord and the adjacent valleys. Depending on your interest, you will get an insight into the Icelandic vegetation, see the plants in their natural environment, learn how the Westfjords were formed and hear legends and stories.

Price Ísafjörður Walk (2 hrs) + 1 hrs extension: 19.500 ISK

 

Extension: Tasting of traditional foods

 

Here a tasting is integrated in the Ísafjörður Walk. You will have the opportunity to taste the following dishes: fermented shark, Brennivín (Islandic brandy), Icelandic flatbread with smoked lamb and typical Icelandic sweets. You will also receive information about the history and preparation of these dishes.

Price Ísafjörður Walk (2 hrs)+ tasting 20 min: 16.700 ISK

 
Extension: Church tour

After the Ísafjörður Walk, you have the opportunity to visit the evangelical church with its famous mural. Of all the tourists, only my guests are allowed to visit the church outside of the very unreliable opening times. It is a special experience to admire the flock of 746 red clay golden plovers that cover the wall behind the altar. All the birds are unique because they were made by the residents of our place.

 Price Ísafjörður Walk (2 hrs) + Church tour 20 min 15.700 ISK

 

You can also book all extensions together with the Ísafjörður Walk.

 

Daily in summer at 10:00, 14:00 and 17:00 (On cruise ship days change start times)

in winter at 14:00

Meeting point: Tourist-Information-Center (or at the port)               

Elevation: up to 68 m 

Group size: 2-12 people

 

 To make a booking, please contact me. I will answer you quickly.

 

Useful tips for a Walk

Useful tips for participants on a walk with Ísafjörður Guide


Weather

Please be aware of rapidly changing weather conditions in Ísafjörður. The change from sunny weathers to rain and storm can happen within half an hour. So be prepared to experience rain, snow, storm as well as a bright and sunny sky during only one day.

Clothes

Therefore, I recommend you the peel-off method: wear several layers of clothing so that you are able to adopt your clothes to the weather conditions during the walk. Depending on the weather, it would be best to start layering with a T-shirt, as even Icelandic summers can be warm! For the next layer, I would recommend you a fleece or a proper sweater, which keeps you warm at shady places. A wind and weather-proof jacket will protect you from rain and winds. However, even during summers the temperatures might drop so that you should bring a warm, lined outdoor jacket.

As Ísafjörður is surrounded by the sea, we have a maritime climate with chilly winds. Therefore, I would also recommend you to bring a cap (or headband) and gloves.

Footwear

While walking through town and up to the surrounding hills, we will meet various road conditions. In nature we will find uneven gravel roads and narrow tracks. Please choose rather sturdy shoes with a good tread. Hiking boots would be a good choice.

For a Walk in the nature hiking sticks can be helpful.

Sunlight

The sunlight in the north might be more intense than it is back in your home country. Please protect sensitive skin with suntan lotion on sunny days.

Winter

The winters in the West Fjords can be very snowy. With good hiking boots you are perfectly equipped. Please do not forget underglove Spikes for your shoes. The weather is very unstable, even in winter. It often changes from frost to thaw of snow to rain. Therefore, rapidly forming ice, which can easily lead to accidents.

 

Exclusion of liability

Please keep in mind that I cannot accept any liability for personal or material damage if not gross negligence came into existence. Therefore, I ask you to be prepared and wear suitable clothing including safe walking shoes and thus prevent accidents. Usually I ask my guests if and to what extent they feel able to walk on uneven paths in nature. Please inform me in advance about any physical ailments or handicaps which I need to take into consideration when planning the Walk.

Lose dangling cameras or other valuables can for example hit against rocks, cause you to get caught or fall down and get broken during a hike. Please ensure in your own interest for any equipment to be stored in a protective case or suitable carrier bag.