Arriving in Ísafjörður

Ísafjörður Airport (IFJ) is the small domestic airport that connects the Westfjords to Reykjavík, with short flights that land just a few minutes’ drive from the town centre. From IFJ, it is typically around a 5–10 minute drive into central Ísafjörður, following simple fjordside roads from the runway to the harbour, hotels and main services.

If you plan to start your Westfjords road trip right after landing, picking up your Hertz rental car at Ísafjörður Airport keeps your arrival simple and efficient. With the Hertz Iceland location at IFJ, you can step off your domestic flight, collect your keys, and be driving into town or out along the coastal roads of the Westfjords within minutes.

When you’re ready, we can move on to “Weather Conditions for Driving in Ísafjörður” to highlight summer vs winter Westfjords conditions and why summer (June–August) is the best self‑drive season.

Weather Conditions for Driving in Ísafjörður

Ísafjörður and the wider Westfjords have a longer, harsher winter than many other parts of Iceland, with cold, windy conditions and frequent precipitation. Summer is short and cool, with average daytime highs of around 8–10°C in July and August, so roads are generally clear but temperatures still feel fresh, especially near the coast.

From roughly September through May, winter conditions can affect driving on a regular basis, with temperatures often around or below freezing, frequent snow or sleet, and very strong winds on exposed fjord roads. Storms can arrive quickly, reduce visibility and make even short trips between fjords challenging, particularly on narrow coastal sections and higher stretches of road.

Because winters here are long, freezing, snowy and extremely windy compared with much of the rest of Iceland, driving between November and March is best suited to confident winter drivers in well‑equipped 4×4 vehicles. Always check the latest information on vedur.is and road.is before you set out, and be prepared to delay or change your plans if conditions worsen along the Westfjords routes around Ísafjörður.

Top Tips for Renting a Car in Iceland

• • Check Your Driving Licence Before You Arrive: Most international licences are valid in Iceland. However, if yours isn’t in Latin script, you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP). Sort this before you fly, you won’t get far with a car rental in Isafjordur without the right documentation.

• • F-Roads Require a 4×4, No Exceptions: Planning Isafjordur trips into the Highlands? F-roads are restricted to 4×4 vehicles and are often closed until June or July. Always check with locals or the rental office for live conditions before heading out.

• • Know the Speed Limits: Fines are steep, and cameras are common. Stick to 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on gravel roads, and 90 km/h on paved highways. Getting a fine will put a damper on exploring Isafjordur tourist attractions.

• • Headlights On at All Times: It’s a legal requirement to drive with headlights on 24/7 in Iceland, year-round. Most rental cars handle this automatically, but always double-check at pickup.

• • Off-Road Driving is Illegal: Iceland’s landscapes are breathtaking, but driving off designated roads is strictly prohibited and carries heavy fines. Whether you’re exploring Isafjordur culture in the city or venturing into the wilderness, stay on marked roads at all times.

• • Watch for Single-Lane Bridges, Blind Hills & Sheep: Icelandic roads have quirks that catch foreign drivers off guard. Narrow single-lane bridges, steep blind hilltops, and sheep freely crossing rural roads are common sights. Slow down and stay alert, especially on day trips outside the city.

• • Never Let Your Fuel Run Low: Fuel stations get scarce fast once you leave Isafjordur. On longer Isafjordur day trips or remote routes, there can be 100+ km between stations. Fill up whenever you can, don’t wait for the warning light.

What to Wear When Exploring Ísafjörður

Weather in Ísafjörður and the Westfjords can change quickly, so dressing in layers is essential whenever you head out exploring. A moisture‑wicking base layer, warm mid‑layer such as fleece or wool, and a windproof, waterproof outer shell will keep you comfortable whether you are walking around the harbour or driving out along the fjords.

Even in summer, daytime temperatures usually sit around 7–11°C, and coastal winds can make it feel cooler, so a light hat and gloves plus sturdy, closed footwear are often useful for viewpoints and short hikes. From autumn through late spring, pack a warmer insulated jacket, waterproof boots with good grip, and winter accessories like a hat, scarf and gloves, as snow and ice are common and conditions can feel significantly colder than the thermometer suggests. Keeping an extra layer, dry socks and a waterproof jacket in your Hertz rental car is a smart idea in every season, especially if you plan to stop frequently at viewpoints, beaches or hiking trails around Ísafjörður.

Parking Information

Parking in Ísafjörður town centre is straightforward, with free street parking and public lots around the harbour, main streets and supermarkets. You can usually leave your car near cafés, shops and attractions without worrying about meters or paid zones, as long as you respect any signed restrictions and do not block access roads or private driveways.

At Ísafjörður Airport (IFJ), parking is not free and is typically managed through an automatic licence plate system similar to other Icelandic airports, where cameras register your plate on entry and exit. If you leave your car there while picking up or dropping off your Hertz rental, you must pay for your stay before you leave the car park, either via the Autopay system (website/app or machine) or any local solution indicated on the signs to avoid an invoice with an extra service fee.

If you plan a day trip to Dynjandi waterfall, remember that parking at the Dynjandi car park is charged and must be paid on site. The easiest way is usually to use the Parka app, which allows you to select the Dynjandi parking area, choose the duration and pay quickly on your phone before you continue your Westfjords drive.

Electric Car Rental in Isafjordur

Renting an electric car in Ísafjörður is a great way to explore the Westfjords more quietly and sustainably, and Hertz Iceland now offers a growing range of modern, long‑range EVs in its fleet.

Long‑range batteries are especially useful in this remote region, where distances between small towns can be longer and weather can slow you down, giving you extra confidence on coastal and mountain routes.

Charging Points

In Ísafjörður itself you will find public fast chargers from networks like Ísorka and other operators, including units at central locations such as the N1 station and dedicated fast‑charging points in town. Across the wider Westfjords, there is a small but growing network of fast and AC chargers in villages and at key stops, including destinations like Dynjandi, so it is increasingly realistic to tour the region in an EV.

To make charging simple, we recommend using apps such as ON, Ísorka and planning tools like PlugShare or Iceland EV charging maps, which help you find chargers, check speeds and payment options, and build your route around confirmed charging points. With a Hertz long‑range electric rental, a bit of advance planning and the right apps, you can enjoy the quiet roads and dramatic scenery of the Westfjords while keeping your emissions and fuel costs low.

Key Roads & Travel Routes

Ísafjörður is linked to the rest of the Westfjords by narrow coastal roads and mountain passes, rather than big highways, so driving here feels more remote and scenic than in many other parts of Iceland. With a Hertz rental car in Ísafjörður, you can follow these key routes along the fjords and over the heaths to reach neighbouring villages, viewpoints and day‑trip destinations.

Key Roads

• • Route 60 (Vestfjarðavegur) – The main road connecting the central Westfjords to the rest of Iceland, linking Ísafjörður’s wider region south towards Dynjandi waterfall and onwards to Route 1.

• • Route 61 (Djúpvegur) – The primary road east from Ísafjörður towards Súðavík and on towards Hólmavík, running along Ísafjarðardjúp with big fjord views and several small communities along the way.

• • Route 60 / 624 via Þingeyri – The scenic way towards Þingeyri and Dynjandi, crossing mountain passes such as Dynjandisheiði (paved but exposed, with winter closures and difficult conditions in bad weather).

• • Routes 60 / 62 / local roads to Flateyri and Suðureyri – Shorter drives from Ísafjörður through tunnels and along fjords to nearby fishing villages, offering classic Westfjords scenery and easy half‑day trips.

Getting from Ísafjörður to Súðavík

• Around 20–25 minutes’ drive along Route 61, following the shoreline of Skutulsfjörður and Ísafjarðardjúp, with simple navigation but potential for strong winds and winter conditions.

Getting from Ísafjörður to Flateyri

Typically 20–30 minutes via the Vestfjarðargöng tunnel and local roads, passing through dramatic mountains before emerging by the fjord and village.

Ísafjörður to Dynjandi waterfall

Usually around 1.5–2 hours’ drive via Route 60, but timing can vary with weather and road conditions on the heaths; check road.is before you set out.

Ísafjörður towards Route 1 (Ring Road)

Connecting from Ísafjörður to the Ring Road involves a long drive through the Westfjords – often 4–6 hours or more depending on route and conditions – so plan this as a substantial travel day with fuel and weather checks

Driving Tips

• • Speed limits: Speed limits: 50 km/h in built‑up areas like Ísafjörður, 80 km/h on gravel roads and 90 km/h on paved rural highways unless signs state otherwise.

• • City driving: Expect narrow lanes, unguarded edges, single‑lane bridges and frequent changes between paved and gravel surfaces; slow down and keep plenty of distance

• • Tunnels: Some Westfjords tunnels are single‑lane with passing bays; follow the signs, yield where required and reduce speed when meeting oncoming traffic.

• • Winter awareness: Around Ísafjörður, snow, ice and strong winds are common from autumn to spring, especially on passes like Dynjandisheiði, so only experienced winter drivers should attempt longer trips in bad weather.

• • Lights: Keep headlights on at all times, day and night, as required by Icelandic law.

• • Weather checks: Always check vedur.is and road.is before driving longer distances, and be prepared to delay or change plans if wind, snow or visibility conditions worsen

Traffic Rules in Ísafjörður

In Ísafjörður and across Iceland you must drive on the right, wear seat belts in all seats and avoid mobile phone use unless you have a legal hands‑free setup. Watch for pedestrian crossings near schools, services and the harbour, and reduce your speed on narrower residential streets and around blind corners. In the surrounding Westfjords, be extra careful on single‑lane bridges and blind hills, and slow down if you see sheep near or on the road, especially in summer.

Road conditions in and around Ísafjörður

Roads in central Ísafjörður are paved and generally easy to navigate, but once you drive out of town you quickly meet narrower fjordside roads, occasional gravel stretches and tunnels. In winter and shoulder seasons, snow, ice and drifting snow can affect even short journeys between fjords, and some mountain roads may close temporarily during storms. Always allow more time than map estimates suggest, especially if you are not used to driving in wintry or coastal conditions.

Fueling Instructions

You will find at least one fuel station in Ísafjörður itself, where you can fill up before any longer Westfjords drive. Outside town, petrol stations are much more widely spaced than around Reykjavík, so make it a habit to top up whenever you pass a station rather than waiting for the low‑fuel warning. Most stations are self‑service and accept credit cards at the pump, but it is wise to keep at least one physical credit card (with PIN) available for payment.

Rental policies with Hertz Iceland

Before you pick up the keys, it’s worth familiarizing yourself with Hertz Iceland’s rental policies to ensure a smooth, hassle-free experience. Here are some essentials you need to know before hitting Iceland’s roads:

• • Driver’s Licence: A valid, physical licence held for a minimum of one year is required. Licences with English/Latin script are accepted as-is. If yours is in a non-English script, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is also required.

• • Minimum Age: The minimum rental age is 20 for standard vehicle groups (economy, compact, intermediate). For most other vehicles, it’s 23, and select prestige/luxury models require drivers to be at least 25. There is no maximum age restriction.

• • Additional Driver: Extra drivers can be added for a small daily fee. Any undeclared driver who drives the vehicle automatically voids the insurance coverage.

• • Payment & Credit Card: A valid physical credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or Amex) in the main driver’s name is required at pickup. Debit cards are accepted under specific conditions.

• • One-Way Rentals: One-way rentals are available but subject to a fee and location/vehicle availability restrictions.

• • Cancellation Policy: Prepaid bookings cancelled more than 3 days before pickup receive a full refund. Cancellations within 3 days or no-shows are non-refundable. Pay-on-arrival bookings can be cancelled up to the start of the rental.

Vehicle Options for a Car Rental in Ísafjörður

With Hertz car hire in Ísafjörður, you can match your vehicle to the way you plan to explore the city, the coast, and longer Route 1 drives. Hertz offers practical options for everyday cruising, plus vehicles built for comfort, cargo, and all-season travel.

• •  Economy Small Rental Cars :Great for central Ísafjörður streets and easy parking. A smart pick for short stays and budget-focused trips.

• • Compact Rental Cars; Comfortable for couples or solo travelers with light luggage. Ideal for city driving and quick day routes.

• • Mid-size Rental Cars: More space for passengers and bags without feeling bulky. A solid choice for longer day trips from Ísafjörður .

• • Full-size Rental Cars: Extra comfort for families or groups. Better for longer drives when you want more room to stretch out.

• • Automatic Rental Cars: Simple, familiar driving across Ísafjörður and beyond. Helpful on longer routes and changing conditions.

• • EV/PHEV Rental Cars: A quieter, greener way to drive around town. Well-suited for people looking for ‘greener’ alternatives.

• • Tesla Rental Cars: Premium electric driving with modern features and comfort. A strong option for longer highway stretches.

• • Luxury Rental Cars: Elevated comfort and refined interiors for a premium trip. Ideal for business travel or special occasions.

• • 4×4 Rental Cars: Built for tougher conditions and seasonal travel. A good match for winter driving and approved highland routes.

• • Passenger Vans/Minibus: Practical for larger groups and extra luggage. Keeps everyone together for day trips and tours.

• • Campers and Motorhomes: Combines transport and accommodation in one plan. Ideal for multi-day adventures around Iceland.

• • Mini Vans : Useful for bulky luggage, equipment, or business needs. Extra capacity without compromising driveability. Special D-type driver’s license is needed for 9+ seats mini vans.

How much does it cost to rent a car in Ísafjörður?

Car rental prices in Ísafjörður vary by season, vehicle type and how early you book, but you can expect to pay noticeably more in peak summer than in winter. From June to August – the busiest travel months in Iceland – demand is highest and daily rates for rental cars across the country, including Ísafjörður, are often around twice the price of low season, especially for larger SUVs and 4x4s. In the quieter months (roughly November to March), you will usually find lower daily rates and more choice, particularly on smaller economy cars.

Unlike Reykjavík, Ísafjörður is a small Westfjords town with limited rental fleet and only a few providers operating out of the airport and town, so last‑minute availability can be very tight – especially in summer and over holiday periods. If you do not book in advance for June–August, you may find that only a few cars are left at much higher prices, or that the most popular categories (like affordable 4x4s) are fully booked. To secure the best price and the car type you want, we strongly recommend booking your Ísafjörður rental car as early as possible, particularly if you are planning a Westfjords road trip in peak season.

Compulsory Equipment in your Hertz Rental Car

Safety on Iceland’s roads isn’t optional, and neither is the right equipment.

Every Hertz Iceland rental car is thoroughly inspected before pickup to ensure it meets all legal and safety standards. For winter rentals, all vehicles come fitted with winter tyres meeting Iceland’s legal tread depth requirements, with studded tyre options available upon request.

Whether you’re navigating icy city streets or venturing beyond Ísafjörður, you can drive with confidence knowing your car is fully prepared before it reaches your hands.

Quick Guide to Ísafjörður(Restaurants, Hotels, Attractions)

Attractions in Ísafjörður

Westfjords Heritage Museum (Maritime Museum): Neðstikaupstaður, 400 Ísafjörður, Iceland

Housed in some of Iceland’s oldest wooden trading buildings by the harbour, this museum dives into the Westfjords’ rich fishing and maritime history with boats, tools, photos and engaging exhibits about life in a remote port town.

Naustahvilft – The Troll Seat: near 400 Ísafjörður (hillside above town, signed locally)

A short but steep hike leads up to this distinctive bowl-shaped hollow in the mountains above Ísafjörður, where local legend says a troll once sat, and you get wide fjord views and a great overview of the town.

Dynjandi Waterfall: Dynjandi car park, Arnarfjörður, Westfjords (about 80 km south of Ísafjörður via Route 60)

Often called the jewel of the Westfjords, Dynjandi is a towering multi-tiered waterfall reached by a scenic drive over the Dynjandisheiði pass, with a marked path from the car park up past smaller falls to a dramatic viewing platform.

Things to do in Ísafjörður

• Explore Ísafjörður’s old town and harbour: Wander between colourful timber houses in Neðstikaupstaður, visit the Westfjords Heritage Museum and stroll along the working harbour to feel the town’s fishing heritage up close.
• Take a fjord or wildlife boat tour: Join a fjord cruise or whale watching trip from the harbour to see dramatic cliffs, seabirds and, in season, whales and seals in the surrounding fjords.
• Go kayaking on the calm fjord: Book a guided sea kayaking tour to paddle along Ísafjörður’s sheltered waters, with mountain views all around and good chances to spot seabirds and occasional seals.
• Join a guided Hornstrandir adventure in summer (for longer stays): For multi-day or full-day trips, book a boat and hiking tour into Hornstrandir Nature Reserve to experience truly remote cliffs, birdlife and potential arctic fox sightings.

Shopping in Ísafjörður

• Aðalstræti and Hafnarstræti are the main shopping streets in Ísafjörður, where most of the town’s small boutiques, cafés and everyday services are clustered within easy walking distance.
• Gjafaland – Gift and Souvenir Shop： Browse Icelandic souvenirs, small gifts and homeware, including items inspired by Westfjords nature, for an easy memento of your trip.
• Ívaf or other local wool/handicraft stores: Look for local boutiques selling traditional Icelandic wool sweaters, hats and handmade crafts, ideal if you want something warm and genuinely Westfjords-made to take home

Frequently Asked Questions – Ísafjörður Car Rental

• • Do I need a rental car in Ísafjörður?
    Ísafjörður town centre is small and walkable, but having a rental car makes it much easier to explore the surrounding Westfjords fjords, small villages and viewpoints on your own schedule. If you want to visit places like Dynjandi waterfall, neighbouring fjords or remote beaches, a car is by far the most flexible and time‑efficient option.

• • What do I need to rent a car in Ísafjörður?
    To rent a car in Ísafjörður with Hertz, you need a valid physical driving licence held for at least one year, a credit card in the main driver’s name and a passport or national ID. If your licence is not in Latin script, you must also bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your original licence.

• • Is car rental in Ísafjörður worth it if I am staying in town?

    Yes. Even if you are based mainly in Ísafjörður, a rental car lets you easily reach nearby viewpoints, short hikes, hot pools and small villages that are difficult to visit by public transport. It also gives you more flexibility if the weather changes and you want to adjust your plans or chase better conditions in another fjord.

    Pro Tip: The Hertz Iceland Difference – Thanks to our Prime Location right at Ísafjörður Airport (IFJ), you can pick up your car immediately upon arrival and maximize your time in the Westfjords.

• • Can I drive outside Ísafjörður with a rental car?

    Of course. With a Hertz rental car in Ísafjörður you can explore the wider Westfjords, including routes towards Súðavík, Flateyri, Þingeyri and Dynjandi waterfall, as well as longer trips that connect back towards Route 1. Just choose a suitable vehicle, allow extra time for narrow coastal roads and mountain passes, and always check weather and road conditions before setting out.

    Pro Tip: The Hertz Iceland Difference – The rugged Westfjords demand a dependable vehicle. With Hertz, you are guaranteed a car from our Newer, Reliable Fleet, ensuring it is under 2 years old, has low mileage, and is expertly maintained.

• • Are electric vehicles available to rent in Ísafjörður?
    Yes, Hertz Iceland offers selected electric and plug‑in hybrid vehicles, and Ísafjörður has public fast chargers plus a small but growing number of charging points around the Westfjords. For EV road trips here, it is important to plan your route and charging stops in advance using apps and local charging maps.

• • What are the speed limits when driving around Ísafjörður and the Westfjords?
    In Iceland, speed limits are typically 50 km/h in built‑up areas, 80 km/h on gravel roads and 90 km/h on paved rural highways, unless signs state otherwise. Many Westfjords roads are narrow, winding and exposed, so it is often safer to drive below the posted limit, especially in bad weather or on gravel sections.

• • Can I drive the Ring Road if I start my trip in Ísafjörður?
    Yes, but Ísafjörður is not directly on the Ring Road; you first drive through the Westfjords to join Route 1 further south. This adds time and distance, so if your main goal is a full Ring Road circuit, plan several extra driving days or consider starting/finishing your rental in Reykjavík or another Ring Road town.

• • What are the key driving rules in and around Ísafjörður?
    In Iceland you must drive on the right, wear seat belts at all times and use headlights day and night; mobile phones are only allowed with a proper hands‑free system. Around Ísafjörður, be especially careful on single‑lane bridges, blind hills and narrow coastal sections, and watch for sheep on rural roads in summer.

• • Is fuel easy to find outside Ísafjörður?

    There is at least one fuel station in Ísafjörður itself, but petrol stations become much more widely spaced once you drive deeper into the Westfjords. Always top up your tank in town and refuel whenever you pass a station on longer drives, as there can be 100 km or more between fuel stops on some routes.

    Pro Tip: The Hertz Iceland Difference – When exploring the remote Westfjords, you can drive with absolute confidence knowing our comprehensive Nationwide Support and premium customer service are always just a phone call away.