Seyðisfjörður: Wooden Houses, Art and Hiking Trails

Seyðisfjörður combines a well-preserved collection of historic wooden houses with art and seasonal activities on foot.

Wooden Houses, Art and Culture

The Blue Church Summer Concert series takes place every summer in Seyðisfjörður and is one of the major cultural events in East Iceland. If you plan your trip around a concert, check the dates for the event. Rainbow Street is also one of the town’s best-known features: it ends in front of the blue town church.

The Seyðisfjörður Swimming Hall combines a piece of architectural history with a present-day amenity. It was built in 1948 to a design by Gudjón Samúelsson, the state architect. The indoor swimming pool has hot tubs and a sauna. Opening hours vary by season, so check them before your visit.

At Harbour Garden, the Technical Museum of East Iceland presents the outdoor exhibition “Working Women” about the history of women in Seyðisfjörður around 1900. As the exhibition may change, it’s a good idea to check before your trip whether it is currently on display. The Skaftfell Center for Visual Art holds exhibitions and events throughout the year. It also offers an international artist residency program and an art education program; individual events and programs may change.

Geirahús is a small museum run by Skaftfell. Visits are available by appointment. If you plan to visit, arrange it in advance.

Walks, Hikes and Golf

Fossastígur is an easy walking trail from the town center toward Fjarðarsel Valley, and is listed as accessible from June to September. Along the Fjarðará River, the trail passes some of the most impressive of the 25 waterfalls. The route combines a walk with a specific landscape feature, while the listed season helps with planning.

Fjallkonustígur is listed as six kilometers long, with a duration of 3.5 hours. The hike leads to Vestdalur Lake and the cave of the “Mountain Maid” and is intended for June to September. Vestdalur Trail also has a historical dimension: it was once used to transport mail and goods between Seyðisfjörður and other places in East Iceland.

The Seven Summits Challenge involves climbing seven peaks around the fjord and is listed as a summer activity. Check the details and route conditions locally. Another option is Hagavöllur, a 9-hole golf course on the edge of Seyðisfjörður. Eastfjords Adventures is based in town and offers hiking and snowshoe tours. The options range from a walking trail with a listed season to a summit challenge and guided tours.

Arriving by Ferry

The Smyril Line ferry route to Seyðisfjörður runs from Hirtshals in northern Denmark via the Faroe Islands to East Iceland. A stopover in the Faroe Islands is possible.

Discover more destinations: Fáskrúðsfjörður, Breiðdalsvík, Egilsstadhir, Vallanes, Brekka, Kleppur, Djúpivogur, Eskifjorður.

For the main travel overview: Austurland.