How do I get to Seyðisfjörður?

Check the location on a map app and verify road conditions at road.is. A regular car is sufficient for most paved roads, but a 4x4 may be needed for gravel or highland roads.

Is there an entrance fee?

Entry fees vary by site. Many natural attractions in Iceland are free, while museums and organized tours typically charge admission.

When is the best time to visit?

Summer (June-August) offers the best weather and longest days. Winter brings possible Northern Lights but shorter daylight hours and potential road closures.

Iceland/Things to Do/Seyðisfjörður

Seyðisfjörður

Picturesque Eastfjords town known for colourful wooden houses, a strong arts scene, mountain scenery and its international ferry connection.

At a Glance

Visit time

2–3 hours

Best Season

June–September, ferry from Europe arrives here

Getting There

27 km from Egilsstaðir via Route 93 over Fjarðarheiði mountain pass. Ferry terminal for Smyril Line.

GPS

65.2598, -14.0049

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About

About Seyðisfjörður

Picturesque Eastfjords town known for colourful wooden houses, a strong arts scene, mountain scenery and its international ferry connection.

Rainbow Street leading to the iconic blue church

Photos

Gallery

Background

History & Background

Seyðisfjörður has been a significant site in Iceland's landscape. Throughout the years, this location has played an important role in Icelandic culture and natural history.

Seyðisfjörður sits at the head of a long, narrow fjord in East Iceland, surrounded by steep mountains and waterfalls. The town is known for its colourful historic wooden buildings, active arts community and distinctive streetscape, while the ferry harbour provides Iceland's regular sea connection with the Faroe Islands and continental Europe. For visitors, the town works as a destination in its own right and as a base for nearby walks such as Fossastígur and other routes into the surrounding mountains.

Folklore

Story & Folklore

Seyðisfjörður is arguably the most beautiful town in Iceland — a collection of colourful 19th-century Norwegian wooden houses at the end of a long, steep-sided fjord in East Iceland. The town built its prosperity on the herring boom of the early 20th century; the merchants' houses and workers' cottages that remain are now painted in pastels and house artists' studios, cafés and the wonderful Skaftfell arts centre. The ferry from Denmark arrives here weekly in summer, making it many visitors' first sight of Iceland. The rainbow road leading to the town's old church has become a pilgrimage for LGBTQ+ tourists. The waterfall Gufufoss crashes directly into the fjord above the town.

Did You Know?

Ferry terminal for Smyril Line to Faroe Islands and Denmark

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