Dokkan Brugghus
The Westfjords' first and only craft brewery, pouring locally brewed beers in an atmospheric taproom in the heart of Isafjordur.
The Westfjords are Iceland's most remote and dramatically beautiful region, and until recently, they were also one of the few parts of the country without a craft brewery. Dokkan Brugghus, which opened its doors in Isafjordur in 2017, changed that, and in doing so created one of the most atmospheric drinking spots in the entire country.
The Brewery
Dokkan -- the name means "The Dock" -- is a genuinely small operation. This is not a brewery with a marketing department and a distribution network. It is a family passion project, run by people who love beer and love the Westfjords, and that passion is evident in every glass.
The brewing water comes from the pristine mountains surrounding Isafjordur, and the recipes incorporate Icelandic ingredients where possible. The result is beer with character and a sense of place -- you can taste the Westfjords in these brews, though admittedly that might be the romanticism of the setting talking.
The Beers
The range is small and rotating, typically featuring four or five options. The IPA is well-hopped and balanced, the pale ale is drinkable and clean, and the darker options have a richness that suits the long Westfjords evenings. Seasonal specials appear throughout the year, often incorporating foraged herbs or unusual ingredients that reflect the creativity of a brewery unbound by convention.
The Taproom
The taproom is the real draw. Located in a characterful building in the centre of Isafjordur, it has an atmosphere that combines industrial brewing equipment with cosy Nordic warmth. On a Friday evening, with the rain lashing the windows outside and a fresh pint of IPA in hand, there are few better places in Iceland to be.
The crowd is a mix of locals and travellers who have made the journey to the Westfjords, and conversations flow easily. The owners are often behind the bar, happy to talk about their beers, their town, and the Westfjords in general.
Getting There
Isafjordur is accessible by domestic flights from Reykjavik (about 40 minutes) or by road, which is a long but spectacularly scenic drive. If you are visiting the Westfjords, an evening at Dokkan should be near the top of your list.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Dokkan Brugghus?
- Dokkan Brugghus is a family-owned microbrewery in Isafjordur, the capital of the Westfjords. Established in 2017, it is the first and only brewery in the Westfjords region.
- What beers does Dokkan brew?
- The brewery produces a rotating selection of craft beers, typically including an IPA, a pale ale, a lager, and seasonal specials. The beers incorporate local Westfjords water and Icelandic ingredients.
- Is Dokkan Brugghus open year-round?
- The taproom is open Wednesday through Saturday, though hours may be reduced during the quieter winter months. Check their website or social media for current opening times.
- Does Dokkan serve food?
- The taproom offers light snacks and bar food to accompany the beers, but it is not a full restaurant. For a proper meal, combine a Dokkan visit with dinner at one of Isafjordur's restaurants.
- Where is Isafjordur?
- Isafjordur is the largest town in the Westfjords, a remote and dramatically beautiful region in northwest Iceland. It is accessible by air from Reykjavik or by a long but spectacular drive.
- Can I tour the brewery?
- The taproom is small enough that you can see much of the brewing equipment from the bar. The owners are often present and happy to discuss their brewing process over a pint.
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