West Fjords

It was one of the highlights of my trip and I recommend taking a detour from the ring road to spend several days (or longer) based in Ísafjörður.
 

Travel suggestions for Ísafjörður

How long? - in three days you would be able to: explore Ísafjörður town and Bólungarvík, make a day-trip to Hesteyri,  and go on a one-day hike over the mountains. You could do all this in two days if you are very organized.

Things to do

• Natural museum and Ósvör fishing museum in Bólungarvík
• Day-trip to Hesteyri by boat
• Day-hikes over the Ísafjörður mountains and fjords - the tourist office can provide maps and advice on suitable routes
• Film evening of local films arranged by the Ísafjörður toruist office. Nói albínói (recommended) and Börn náttúrunnar were both filmed locally
• Hiking in the Hornstrandir nature reserve (I didn't do this but it's next on my list of trips)

Food - coffee and pastries at the Gamla Bakaríið is a good way to start the day along with the locals and the local school kids who pile in. The bakery is run by a long-term resident Danish woman. There is a good chance you will meet her, and if not, there is a picture on the wall of her greeting the Icelandic president (who comes from Ísafjörður) and the Danish prime minister, which would be a proud moment for her.
There is pub fare in the local branch of Pizza 69. There is a Thai restaurant. Langi Mange cafe is more more, however, a new cafe/bar has opened in the Edinborgarhúsið, the same building as the tourist office.

Transport - it's a great experience arriving by air as the plane swoops around the fjord. Flights are a relative bargain if you book ahead through the Internet . A shuttle meets each flight and will take you into town. I really liked the driver - he wouldn't accept my payment until he made sure I understood the Icelandic for "500 Kroner".
A car is useful for exploring the towns and fjords, however, it's possible to get around by foot/bike/bus. The tourist office rents out bikes. You need to plan your schedule ahead to make the most of the local buses.

Accommodation - I stayed at the Gistiheimili Áslaugar (guesthouse). Recommended.

Borea Adventures run by local Sigurður Jónsson offers wildlife and adventure tours. Local travel agent Vesturferðir has regular boats and day-trips to the Hornstrandir nature reserve (can book through the tourist office.)

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