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With a population of only 2,750 residents (Dec. 2006), Ísafjörður is the largest community in the West Fjords. This picturesque fishing town nestles comfortably amongst imposing mountains on a spit of land that juts out into the calm waters of the Skutulsfjörður Fjord. Several 18th century houses, one of which houses a local museum, add pleasing additions to a walk about town.
The cultural life of Ísafjörður has always enjoyed national celebrity status, for example Iceland’s first music school was founded there in 1911. Still proudly flying the Icelandic music flag today, the town has its own enormously popular rock legend “Mugison.” (There is even a sort of tongue in cheek verbal branding wherein his father is “Papamug,” his girlfriend “Mugilady,” and his web site the “Mugiweb.” They have humour here in the West Fjords, and need it as they face the most difficult winter weather in the entire country.
Cultural life thrives in summer as in winter. There are local museums, art galleries, pubs, coffee houses and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the modern present set in a landscape of tradition.
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