Seyðisfjörður

Overview

Seyðisfjörður is a picturesque fishing village of 660 residents nestled in a narrow fjord in Iceland's remote East Fjords region. Famous for its rainbow-painted street and collection of colourful Norwegian timber houses dating from the early 20th century, this artistic enclave serves as Iceland's primary ferry connection to Europe via the Faroe Islands and Denmark. The village sits at the head of a 17-kilometre-long fjord, surrounded by steep mountains that rise dramatically from the water's edge.

What sets Seyðisfjörður apart is its unique blend of historical architecture, thriving arts scene, and spectacular natural setting. The town became a cultural hub following the establishment of the Skaftfell arts centre and hosts numerous festivals throughout the summer months. Its proximity to some of East Iceland's most pristine hiking trails and waterfalls, combined with its role as an international gateway, makes it one of the region's most significant destinations despite its small size.

The village gained international recognition when its iconic rainbow street appeared in the Netflix series "Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga," though locals had been celebrating diversity with this colourful road marking since 2015.

Quick Facts

**GPS Coordinates:** 65.2607°N, 14.0114°W

**Entry Fee:** None

**Opening Hours:** Village accessible 24/7; shops and restaurants vary

**Best Time to Visit:** June to September for full services; May and October for fewer crowds

**Access Level:** Easy; paved roads and flat walking

**Nearest Major Town:** Egilsstaðir (27km west)

**Ferry Connection:** Smyril Line operates weekly April-October to Tórshavn and Hirtshals

How to Get There

Driving

From Reykjavík, take Route 1 (Ring Road) eastbound for 480km to Egilsstaðir (approximately 5.5 hours). From Egilsstaðir, follow Route 93 north for 16km before turning east onto Route 92. The final 11km stretch over Fjarðarheiði mountain pass features numerous hairpin bends and gradients up to 12%. Total distance from Reykjavík is 507km (6.5 hours driving time).

From Akureyri, drive Route 1 south through Mývatn region for 270km to Route 94 junction, then east for 25km to Egilsstaðir before joining Route 93 north (total 325km, 4.5 hours).

Route 92 remains open year-round but requires winter tyres November-April. Check road.is for current conditions as the mountain pass can close temporarily during severe weather.

Parking

Free parking available along Norðurgata and in a dedicated area near the ferry terminal (capacity for approximately 100 cars). Additional parking at Skaftfell arts centre and near the church. No parking restrictions or charges apply.

Access

The village centre is entirely walkable from any parking area within 200-400 metres. All streets are paved with minimal elevation changes. The rainbow street and main attractions are within a 500-metre radius of each other.

What to See and Do

The rainbow street (Regnbogagata) stretching up Norðurgata towards the blue church (Seyðisfjarðarkirkja) forms the village's most photographed attraction. This 1922 wooden church, painted distinctive blue with white trim, anchors the town's visual identity.

Skaftfell – Centre for Visual Art occupies a renovated 1900s building and showcases contemporary Icelandic and international exhibitions year-round. The centre includes artist studios, a café, and hosts the annual LungA art festival in mid-July.

The Technical Museum of East Iceland displays the region's telecommunications and maritime heritage, including original equipment from the transatlantic telegraph cable that connected Europe and America via Seyðisfjörður from 1906-1959.

Tvisöngur, a sound sculpture by German artist Lukas Kühne, sits on Kirkjubólshlíð hill 15 minutes' walk from town centre. The five interlocking concrete domes create harmonic resonances when visitors hum or sing inside them.

Hiking opportunities include the moderately challenging Stafdalur valley trail (8km return) leading to multiple waterfalls, and the advanced Bjólfur mountain hike (12km, 6 hours) offering panoramic fjord views.

Best Time to Visit

**June-August:** Peak season with warmest weather (10-15°C), longest daylight hours, and all services operating. Ferry arrivals create brief Tuesday crowds. Accommodation fills quickly; book ahead.

**May and September:** Shoulder season offering mild weather, fewer tourists, and lower prices. Some restaurants may have reduced hours. Ferry schedule limited in May, resumes full operation September-October.

**April and October:** Cooler temperatures (2-8°C) but excellent for photography with dramatic lighting. Many tourist services closed, but locals' businesses remain open.

**November-March:** Winter season with limited daylight (4-6 hours in December) and potential snow. Ferry service suspended. Several restaurants and guesthouses close, but the arts centre and essential services continue operating.

Safety

Route 92 over Fjarðarheiði pass requires careful driving due to steep gradients and sharp curves. In winter conditions, the road becomes treacherous with ice and limited visibility. Always carry emergency supplies and inform others of travel plans.

The ferry terminal area experiences strong winds during storms, particularly in winter months. When photographing at the harbour, maintain distance from the water's edge as waves can surge unexpectedly.

Mountain hiking trails above the village require proper equipment and weather awareness. Conditions change rapidly, and mobile phone coverage becomes unreliable above 400 metres elevation.

Winter visitors should note that daylight hours are extremely limited December-January, with sunrise around 11:00 and sunset by 15:00.

Nearby Places

**Gufufoss Waterfall** – 2km north via walking trail; elegant 27-metre cascade accessible by moderate hike through birch woodland.

**Vestdalsheiði Pass** – 15km south on Route 92; dramatic mountain viewpoint overlooking multiple fjords with parking area and hiking trail access.

**Hallormsstaðaskógur Forest** – 35km southwest near Egilsstaðir; Iceland's largest forest offering camping, hiking trails, and the country's only native woodland experience.

**Lagarfljót Lake** – 27km west; Iceland's third-largest lake, allegedly home to the Lagarfljót Worm monster, with excellent trout fishing and scenic drives along its 53km shoreline.

**Reyðarfjörður** – 42km south; larger fishing town with aluminium smelter, maritime museum, and access to Eastfjords hiking trails including Stórurð boulder field (65km total).

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