Isafjordur and Seydisfjordur

I have been to both. What are you looking for? I am assuming you are coming for a day on a cruise ship? How much time do you have in each location?

Yes by cruise ship. We will be in Isafjordur from 10-7p and Seydisfjordur from 9-7

We will be there in August for 2 nights hoping to relax mid-way through our 3 week ring road trip. I am looking forward to seeing Hafnarholmi Puffin Marina in nearby Borgarfjordur Eystri, hiking the 4-mile loop around the valley, and eating dinner at Nord Austur for Icelandic sushi. I'm addicted to the puffin marina's live webcam!

With such limited time in each place, why not do an excursion that the cruise company offers? That is going to be your best bet. In Isafjordur, those will often go to Dyjandi which is beautiful. If you don't want to do an excursion, you could kayak there. We have done that and it was very enjoyable, but I have no idea what your interests are. You could hike up the Troll seat as well. Or enjoy the local pool and just wandering the town. There is a waterfall next to the campground, but it is a bit of a walk since that is not right in the heart of town. Seydisfjordur is even smaller, so either do an excursion with the cruise company or just wander the cute little town. Car rentals in both are limited/extremely limited, so that may dictate what you can actually do.

Due to the very small populations of each of those towns, you won't find private tours or taxis. I agree that you either wander the town on foot like most of the other people on your cruise ship, or take one of the offered excursions.

Thanks everyone for all your recommendations!

Isafjordur is a very functional town with an airport if you want to fly there from Reyjkavik. I go there because I love to hike in the remote parts of Hornstrandir nature reserve and you can catch a boat going there from Isafjordur. As far as things to do, that's about all there is - they are overrun by cruise ships in season. But if you want to catch a boat and go to one of the most isolated areas of Iceland, I highly recommend doing so!

Anita—The OP is coming on a cruise ship and only has a day, not long enough for Hornstrandir. I agree it is a great place to hike, but not an option for them.

Our August cruise stops at these ports as well, and we have opted for shore excursions that can cover a lot of ground, including a great hike, which we enjoy. However, Rick Steves’ Iceland guide offers good suggestions on local companies and guides in both of these towns. You might look at those. Good luck!