Guide de Voyage : Skaftfell Art Center

Skaftfell Art Center is a vibrant cultural hub in Seydisfjordur, East Iceland. It’s an independent, not-for-profit art organization with exhibitions, a gallery, artist residencies, workshops, community events and a bistro.

Skaftfell is the art center of the charming town of Seydisfjordur, which promotes contemporary art, artistic expression, and creativity in the Eastfjords. It boasts diverse activities and has a welcoming atmosphere. With its commitment to supporting emerging and established artists, Skaftfell Art Center attracts visitors from across Iceland and beyond. The center provides an opportunity to appreciate and engage with art in a vibrant and interesting environment.

Although most guided tours may not visit the art center directly, you can choose from several accommodations in Seydisfjordur and visit the art center independently. You can easily include the location in self-drive tours of Iceland, as you'll enjoy the freedom of a rental car.

Seydisfjordur is an excellent starting point for discovering East Iceland’s wild landscapes. Book a unique seven-hour nature and culture tour or a beautiful 10-hour East Iceland and Highlands sightseeing tour from Seydisfjordur. These excursions offer immersive and unforgettable experiences.

Location of the Skaftfell Art Center and How to Get There

The Skaftfell Art Center is in the heart of Seydisfjordur, a gorgeous town in the Eastfjords. It’s on Austurvegur road, close to cafes and hotels, and just 1148 feet (350 meters) from the ferry terminal to mainland Europe.

The art center is about 17 miles (27 kilometers) from Egilsstadir, the largest town in East Iceland. Regular flights connect Reykjavik and Egilsstadir for fast and easy travel across the country. Egilsstadir is on the Ring Road, so a short detour to Seydisfjordur and the Skaftfell Art Center is also easily accessible for those on Ring Road tours around Iceland.

From Egilsstadir, drive along Road 93 (Seydisfjardarvegur) to Seydisfjordur. Then turn right onto Austurvegur Road at the fjord’s base. The Skaftfell Art Center is on the right-hand side of the road.

History of Skaftfell Art Center

Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Cornell University Library. The town of Seydisfjordur around the year 1900.

The Skaftfell Art Center is in a beautiful timber-frame house built by Norwegian fishermen in 1907. It maintains the building’s original name from this time. Garðar Eymundsson and Karólína Þorsteinsdóttir donated the building to the Skaftfell Group.

The Skaftfell Group, a collective of art enthusiasts, included the renowned Swiss artist Dieter Roth (1930-1998). They officially founded the Skaftfell Art Center in 1998 in honor of Roth. 

Roth moved to Iceland in 1957 and played an integral role in contemporary art development in Iceland. He immersed himself in Seydisfjordur’s cultural life and greatly influenced the local art scene.

Skaftfell Art Center Features and Exhibits

On the first floor of the Skaftfell Art Center, visitors will find the gallery and shop, showcasing a rotating selection of exhibitions. These exhibits feature a dynamic mix of progressive contemporary art and traditional pieces from domestic and international artists. Each artwork in the collection tells a unique story, engaging visitors with its creativity and depth.

Located on the ground floor, the Skaftfell Bistro presents a blend of art and culinary delights. It's one of the best places to eat in Seydisfjordur, so it's recommended to book a table at Skaftfell Bistro ahead of time.

Additionally, the restaurant has a cozy library designed by artist Bjorn Roth, filled with artist books where you can explore the world of art through literature. The restaurant also hosts changing displays of works by contemporary artists, providing a visually stimulating environment for diners to enjoy.

The Skaftfell Art Center also has a charming gift shop where visitors can find a curated selection of artistic souvenirs and locally crafted goods. Whether seeking a memento of their visit or a unique gift for a loved one, the gift shop offers a delightful array of treasures to explore.

Skaftfell Residency Program

The Skaftfell Residency Program allows artists to immerse themselves in a secluded and inspiring environment for one to three months. Nestled amidst the extraordinary natural beauty of Seydisfjordur, this program provides space for artistic exploration, research, and collaboration.

Artists reside in two buildings conveniently located within walking distance of the Skaftfell Art Center. These accommodations offer private rooms and shared living and working spaces, catering to the needs of individual artists or small groups. 

One apartment is above the fine art print workshop Prentverk Seydisfjordur. Here, professional printmaking facilities are available for artists in residence.

Artists can engage with the local community throughout their residency by presenting their work through open studios, artist talks, or workshops.

Attractions Near the Skaftfell Art Center

Photo from Regína Hrönn Ragnarsdóttir. No edits made.

Those interested in art, music, and nature will love Tvisongur, an outdoor art sculpture that's also part of the center. It’s a concrete structure with five connected domes reflecting the five-tone harmony of traditional Icelandic music.

Tvisongur is accessible via a short, steep hike up a mountainside and boasts spectacular views of the mountains and fjord. Start from the parking lot, 0.4 miles (750 meters) from the Skaftfell Art Center.

While in Seydisfjordur, visit the Technical Museum of East Iceland. This interesting museum has an excellent collection of machinery, tools, and artifacts, providing insights into the development of technology in Iceland.

The road between Seydisfjordur and Egilsstadir, known as Seydisfjardarvegur, has several points of interest. Check out four picturesque waterfalls, Gufufoss, Haifoss (a small waterfall, not to be confused with the famous Haifoss on the edge of the Icelandic Highlands), Gljufurfoss, and Fardagafoss, each a short drive apart. Or, walk to Gufufoss via the well-maintained hiking trails from Seydisfjordur.

Seydisfjardarvegur Road also features an art installation called “Heavier Mountain,” made with colorful blocks. The lookout spot, “Egilsstadir Utsynisstadur,” is a fantastic place to watch the sunset or northern lights, and the Stafdalur ski resort is just off this road.