Ísafjörður, Iceland

Nestled in the dramatic fjords of Iceland’s Westfjords, Ísafjörður [ˈiːsaˌfjœrðʏr̥] is a town shaped by the sea, sustained by innovation, and strengthened by community.

Our story begins in Ísafjörður, a small fishing town in Iceland’s Westfjords. It’s here, close to the ocean and its natural resources, that we found inspiration to create life-changing medical solutions from cod skin.

Facts About Ísafjörður

• Location: Ísafjörður is the largest town in the Westfjords region of Iceland. It lies on a narrow spit of land in Skutulsfjörður, a fjord that branches from the larger Ísafjarðardjúp.
  Surrounded by steep mountains and deep fjords, it is one of the most scenic towns in Iceland.
• Population: As of 2024, Ísafjörður has 2,679 residents. It is the capital of the Westfjords and a service center for nearby villages and rural areas.
• Economy: Also supported by tourism, education, public services, and small businesses. Traditionally based on fishing and fish processing. Home to Kerecis, a biotech company using cod fish skin for wound healing — combining tradition and innovation.

Supporting the Local Community

Kerecis proudly sponsors Íþróttafélagið Vestri, Ísafjörður’s multi-sport club. These folks are the true heroes of Ísafjörður, Iceland! Rain, snow, or shine, they won’t let the weather get in the way of their training. Our community in Ísafjordur is close to our hearts, and we know that sports binds us together. Kerecis is all in to back Vestri Soccer Club – whether it’s the kids, the guys, or the gals, we’re cheering them on every step of the way!

A Cultural and Educational Hub

🎶 Aldrei fór ég suður, Ísafjörður’s annual music festival, has grown since 2004 from a grassroots event into one of Iceland’s largest and most beloved music festivals.
It brings together artists from across the country and celebrates Icelandic creativity in its purest form.
The name means “I never went south” — a proud celebration of staying local and staying creative.

The festival is free, non-commercial, and deeply rooted in community.

Founded in 2005, Háskólasetur Vestfjarða (University Centre of the Westfjords) offers master’s programs in Coastal and Marine Management, drawing students from around the world and contributing to local academic life.

Sólardagur – Sun Day

In Ísafjörður, the return of the sun after the long polar night is marked each year on January 25 with Sólardagur (Sun Day). The tradition celebrates the first sunlight to reach the town after nearly two months hidden behind the surrounding mountains. Locals walk down Sólgata (Sun Street) to greet the sun with joy, music, and light.

A highlight of the day is gathering for Sólarkaffi and Pönnukökur — coffee and Icelandic-style pancakes dusted with powdered sugar and served with whipped cream and fruit preserves. The celebration not only welcomes the warmth and brightness of the sun but also looks ahead to the nearly endless daylight of summer still to come.

Kerecis – Innovation Rooted in Nature

From this small fishing town, Kerecis is transforming healthcare around the world.

More than 70 people work at Kerecis’ headquarters and production facility in Ísafjörður, making it one of the town’s largest employers.
Our work builds on Ísafjörður’s long-standing relationship with the ocean — bringing new life to one of its oldest industries: fishing.
Kerecis was founded here in 2013 and has grown into a global biotech leader — while staying true to its roots. Using sustainably sourced cod fish skin, Kerecis creates advanced products that help heal chronic wounds, burns, and surgical incisions.