Seyðisfjörður Village

Basic Information

Seyðisfjörður is a town located at the innermost point of the fjord in the Eastern region of Iceland. It is accessible by the road over Fjarðarheiði mountains pass that connects this municipality with the other parts of Iceland. This Icelandic town is situated amidst breathtaking waterfalls and the majestic snow-capped mountains with Mt. Bjólfur and Strandartindur marking the prominent landmarks of the area. It has a sizeable natural harbor from where the ferry Norræna is operated. Seyðisfjörður has served as a prominent trading center since the nineteenth century due to its proximity to the European continent.

History of Seyðisfjörður

The history of this eastern Icelandic town goes back to the era of Vikings. The burnt ruins of a Staf Church which was known to be built around the 10th century and graves dating back to the 8th century have been found in the area. The historians believe that the first settler of the town was Bjólfur, who named the highest mountain peak surrounding the area.

What to Expect in Seyðisfjörður?

The Scandinavian-styled buildings, multicolored houses, gorgeous surrounding mountains, arts center, and the telecommunications museum, cinema halls together make for the vibrant culture of the place. Residence dedicated to artists can be found in the town. Wandering the streets feel like walking amidst the surreal artworks. The unique colors on the walls along with paintings will leave you enchanted. Gardens are decorated with dramatic statues made up of iron, wood, or recycled materials, boasting the artistic culture of the place.

Must-Visit Places in Seyðisfjörður

Rainbow Street and the Blue church

Seyðisfjörður is highly recognized for its Majestic blue Church. Featuring large windows, pastel-colored walls, and a decent architecture, this church exudes simplicity and charm. The iconic blue church was moved several times across the fjord, before finding its home at the heart of the town. A pavement painted in the vibrant colors of a rainbow leading towards it marks its elegance, enticing tourists from around the globe. The picturesque rainbow street with the blue church visible at a vantage point serves as an ideal backdrop for a signed photograph of the Seyðisfjörður. This Blue church also witnesses a series of concerts, recitals, rendering traditional and folklore music.

Nature Reserve and Habitat Centre

A representative of the habitats and ecosystems of the East fjord region, the Skálanes nature reserve is situated about 10.5 miles from the town of Seyðisfjörður. Covering over the 1250-hectare area, this heritage center is a perfect place to indulge and interact with nature. The diverse array of habitats that includes intertidal, cliffs, freshwater wetlands, meadows, and more have been enticing researchers from overseas. The breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and abundant wildlife combine to facilitate inspiration and learning. With diverse wildlife, this natural reserve will treat you with close encounters with more than 47 species of birds. Reindeers, arctic foxes, and minks are often found wandering around the place, and seals and porpoises pay frequent visits to the shores. This natural reserve is known for its diverse wildlife that includes more than 47 species of birds, Icelandic mammal species, and several kinds of plants.

Activities in the area

Egilsstaðir Horse Riding
Vök Nature Baths
Hiking to Hengifoss & Litlanesfoss waterfalls

Best Time to Visit

Known for its tundra climate, Seyðisfjörður entices tourists all year long. April to October are the months that receive the highest footfall and if you want to be a part of the famous LungA art festival, the best time to pay a visit is the month of July. The decent infrastructure of the town that includes several hotels, restaurants, guesthouses, and even campsites serve as a warm host. If you visit in summers, one of the best things to enjoy is dining outside in the bright sunlight, savoring the picturesque landscape of the area. During the winters, you can enjoy skiing in the nearby Fjarðarheiði mountain pass and create the memories of a lifetime.