Seydisfjordur Travel Guide

Seydisfjordur is a small town in East Iceland, nestled at the end of a narrow fjord surrounded by steep mountains and waterfalls. Known for its colorful wooden houses, creative atmosphere, and quiet pace, it offers a distinct contrast to busier destinations.

The town is often featured in Eastfjord tours thanks to its colorful buildings and distinct character. Many cruise passengers also join shore excursions from Seydisfjordur that focus on nature, such as the e-bike tour of hidden waterfalls from Seydisfjordur.

Despite having a population of only around 700, the town offers a range of services, including shops, guesthouses, and cultural venues for visitors. In fact, there are probably a lot more things to do in Seydisfjordur than you would think.

This guide takes a closer look at what makes Seydisfjordur worth exploring. You'll find insights into its history, the top attractions in and around town, where to stay, and how to get there.

Key Takeaways

• A Hidden Gem in the East — Seydisfjordur is a vibrant hub of history and art tucked away in East Iceland's stunning fjords. Think colorful houses, captivating stories, and outdoor adventures you won't forget.

• From Fish to Festivals — While it once thrived on fishing, it's now buzzing with tourists drawn to its unique charm. Cruise ships are docking, and the town is alive with visitors eager to explore its beauty and culture.

• Your Base for Adventure — Seydisfjordur has the perfect place to rest your head. It's easily accessible by road and by ferry, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the wild landscapes of East Iceland.

• Nature's Playground — Seydisfjordur is a dream destination for anyone who loves being outdoors, with a nature reserve teeming with wildlife just a short trip away.

History of Seydisfjordur

The town of Seydisfjordur dates back to 1848 when it was settled by Norwegian fishermen who found their wealth in “the silver of the sea” — herring. 

Its location on a protective fjord gave these fishermen an advantage over their neighbors, allowing Seydisfjordur to grow into one of the most prosperous towns in East Iceland. Reminders of these original settlers can still be seen today in the unique, multi-coloured wooden buildings that dot the town. 

In 1906, Seydisfjordur became the land side of the first undersea cable connecting Iceland to Europe, marking a significant milestone in Iceland’s communication history.

Seydisfjordur was a base for Allied forces during the Second World War. The sole attack recorded off Iceland occurred on the British oil tanker, the El Grillo, which was anchored in the fjord. After being heavily bombarded by German fighters stationed in Norway, the El Grillo’s captain decided to scuttle the ship, and the boat was sunk.

It now rests at the bottom of the fjord, and its wreckage has become a popular site amongst scuba divers.

In recent times, Seydisfjordur gained international attention as a filming location for the television series "Trapped" (Ofaerd), which started airing on the UK’s BBC4 in 2015 and showcased Seydisfjordur's unique landscapes.

Culture of Seydisfjordur

Seydisfjordur has a vibrant cultural scene. Renowned Swiss artist Dieter Roth had a residence and studio in town and formed a local art collective in 1996. The principal center for visual art in East Iceland, the Skaftfell Center for Visual Art, was established two years later, housing a public exhibition space, arts library, and the Skaftfell Bistro. 

Other cultural institutions in Seydisfjordur include the Technical Museum of East Iceland and East Iceland’s only cinema, the Herdubio. The town is also known for the Tvisongur Sound Sculpture, an acoustic art installation of interconnected concrete domes that resonate with harmonic tones when the wind blows through them.

The LungA independent arts school also has a home in Seydisfjordur. From 2000 to 2024, the LungA Art Festival, a week-long arts and music festival, hosted many of Iceland’s top musicians and attracted visitors from around the world. Though the festival ended after 25 years, it remains an enduring example of Seydisfjordur’s cultural significance.

Winter Sports in Seydisfjordur

Open from approximately December through April and located just five miles outside of Seydisfjordur is the Stafdalur Ski Station, a cozy winter retreat offering pristine slopes and stunning mountain views for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. As one of Iceland’s smallest ski stations, Stafdaular is also a perfect choice for families and beginners.

Although Eastfjords tours don't focus on the Stafdalur ski area, independent travelers renting a car in Iceland can visit it at their leisure. This 15-day self-drive around Iceland has plenty of time in East Iceland, while those in a rush could still have time skiing on an eight-day winter road trip.

Nature & Wildlife Around Seydisfjordur

Seydisfjordur is surrounded by incredible nature, including mountains, waterfalls, and beautiful sea views. Reindeer wander the area, and seals and porpoises frequent the shores.

One popular attraction is the Gufufoss Waterfall, famous for its mysterious, almost magical appearance and its similarity to another popular waterfall in Iceland, the Skogafoss Waterfall. The waterfall is approximately 88 feet (27 meters) tall. Because it faces east, it is often best viewed at sunrise.

Vestdalsfossar Waterfalls Trail is a series of stunning waterfalls connected by scenic hiking trails — yet another breathtaking reason to explore Seydisfjordur. The falls are fed by the Vestdalsa River and cascade over rocky cliffs on the picturesque hiking trails, which offer options for both short and long walks.

A notable stop along the Vestdalsfossar trail is the monument to Þorbjörn Arnoddsson, a local figure remembered for his role in preserving the area's natural and cultural heritage. The monument stands quietly in the landscape and adds a reflective element to the hike.

About 10.5 miles (17 kilometers) from the town is the Skalanes Nature Reserve, home to a diverse range of wildlife. The reserve is known for its diverse wildlife, boasting 47 species of birds, four species of Icelandic mammals, and over 150 species of plant life. 

It's a perfect entry point for anyone wishing to explore the south side of the fjord. It’s open to the public and features a charming guest house.

The reserve's variety of habitats — freshwater wetlands, intertidal areas, cliffs, and meadows — have also made it a hub for international scientific and conservationist exploration and cooperation. 

While at the reserve, check out the Skalanes’ heritage center, a perfect example of Icelandic conservation and cultural preservation. The Heritage Center hosts a variety of educational workshops, from sustainable fishing techniques to organic farming.

Climate & Geography of Seydisfjordur

Because it sits in a fjord, Seydisfjordur is prone to fog, strong winds, and rain showers year-round. Summers are cool and mild, and the long daylight hours make it a beautiful time to visit. Seydisfjordur’s winters are indeed cold, but with average temperatures hovering just around freezing, the area is still perfectly welcoming for visitors in search of seasonal fun. 

It should be noted that the town’s steep-sided valleys make it prone to avalanches. An avalanche in 1885 killed 24 people, making it the worst avalanche tragedy in the young country’s history. More recently, in 1996, an avalanche crushed a local factory. SafeTravel and the Icelandic Meteorological Office are great resources for travelers, providing warnings about safety risks in Iceland, including avalanches and landslides.

To defend against such natural disasters, avalanche dams, some as high as 20 meters, have since been constructed around the town.

In December 2020, the largest landslide to ever hit an Icelandic town destroyed 13 buildings. Thankfully, no one was injured, but the disaster caused major infrastructure damage, displacing residents and leading to significant economic hardship.

The Technical Museum of East Iceland was hit especially hard, losing many artifacts and historic buildings. Since then, the museum has worked to restore its collection, and today, visitors can explore new exhibitions, including one dedicated to the landslide.

How To Get To Seydisfjordur

Seydisfjordur connects to the rest of Iceland via several road routes: Route 93 heading west, Route 951 to the northeast, Route 952 to the southeast, and the Ring Road Route 1 at Egilsstadir.

The town is also the entry point for the Smyril Line’s car and passenger ferry, the MS Norrona. This ferry connects Iceland to Hirtshals in Denmark and Torshavn in the Faroe Islands. It is the only car ferry between Iceland and other countries, making Seydisfjordur a key transportation hub for those arriving by sea.

Note: Ferry schedules and routes can change seasonally, so it’s best to check your route’s schedule closer to your travel date. 

Where To Stay in Seydisfjordur

Seydisfjordur accommodations offer deluxe, modern options as well as more rustic, cozy dwellings well-suited to nature lovers. For a scenic, tranquil stay, consider accommodations along the fjord, which offer picturesque views of the ocean and surrounding mountains. These locations provide a serene atmosphere and allow you to enjoy the beauty of the town right from your doorstep.

If you prefer a central location, the town center is a great option. Staying in the town center allows you to explore Seydisfjordur's colorful wooden buildings, visit museums and art studios, and enjoy the local dining scene.

• Blabjorg Guesthouse features a guesthouse, restaurant, and spa. The guesthouse offers a wide range of accommodation from rooms with shared facilities to luxury apartments.

• Hotel Aldan is spread over three buildings and offers a range of rooms and apartments; it has something for all travellers to this remote part of the country.

• Hafaldan HI Hostel | Old Hospital is one of the most charming hostels in Iceland, complete with an on-site sauna.

Popular Tours in and Around Seydisfjordur

Seydisfjordur offers a perfect mix of vibrant town life and stunning natural landscapes. There are plenty of tours that showcase the best of the Eastfjords. Below are some of the most popular options for visitors.

Day Tours Around Seydisfjordur

Shorter day tours are ideal for those with limited time, offering focused experiences like hiking and sightseeing in Seydisfjordur and the surrounding area.

• 5-Hour Mjoifjordur Fjord Tour Departing from Egilsstadir or Seydisfjordur — See a beautiful fjord up close on this off-the-beaten-path tour. 

• 3-Hour Winter Snowshoeing Tour — Conquer the snowy landscapes of the winter wonderland that is Iceland’s Eastfjords.

• Studlagil Canyon and The Reindeer Park Private Tour — Witness one of East Iceland’s natural wonders and get up close and personal with the country’s wildlife on this day tour. 

Self-Drive Tours to Seydisfjordur

These tours allow you to explore the Seydisfjordur, the Eastfjords, and all of Iceland at your own pace, offering flexibility and independence.

• 19-Day Self-Drive Tour Around Iceland — Embark on an incredible trip around Iceland, allowing you to explore and immerse yourself in many of Iceland’s top attractions. 

• 1-Week Winter Self-Drive Tour of the Ring Road — Explore the whole Ring Road, including the Eastfjords and Golden Circle. You might even catch the northern lights along the way. 

• 1-Week Summer Self-Drive Tour of the Ring Road — Bask in the midnight sun on this summer tour of the Ring Road and Golden Circle. 

Vacation Packages

Vacation packages bundle flights, accommodations, and activities for a hassle-free experience.

• 7-Day Summer Holiday Vacation Package — Make the most of your summer holiday in Iceland, including Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, and the Golden Circle. 

• 9-Day Northern Lights Winter Vacation Package – Experience the ultimate Icelandic winter with an experienced guide and discover the South Coast, Eastfjords, and Lake Myvatn. 

• 11-Day Ring Road Summer Vacation Package — Explore Iceland on this carefully crafted itinerary of the most iconic destinations in Iceland, including Gullfoss Waterfall, Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, and the Golden Circle. 

Multi-Day Tours

Guided multi-day tours allow you to experience the entire Eastfjords — along with other parts of Iceland — with the help of knowledgeable guides and planned itineraries.

• 6-Day Ring Road Tour with Summer Glacier Hike and Winter Ice Caving — Led by an expert guide in a modern minibus, experience the whole of Iceland.

• 7-Day Guided Minibus Tour of the Ring Road — Jump aboard this guided minibus tour around the Ring Road of Iceland and discover all the famous attractions and hidden gems along this iconic route.

Discover Seydisfjordur: East Iceland’s Most Charming Town

Seydisfjordur may be small, but this lively town is one of the most charming places to visit in all of Iceland. As a gateway to the Eastfjords, it’s an excellent starting point for exploring some of Iceland’s most stunning natural areas. Thanks to its colorful buildings and thriving creative community, the town is worth lingering in. Seydisfjordur may be remote, but getting there is well worth the effort.