Best Things to Do in Seyðisfjörður: Art, Colorful Streets & Mountain Views
1. Walk the Iconic Rainbow Street to the Blue Church
The charm of Seyðisfjörður finds its most vibrant expression on Rainbow Street, known locally as Regnbogagatan. This cheerful pedestrian path, running through the heart of the village, has become one of the most photographed spots in East Iceland.
More than just a colorful spectacle, the rainbow path embodies the town's creative, inclusive spirit. The story of its creation is as beautiful as it looks, a grassroots effort spearheaded by locals. First painted by residents in 2014, it began as a community project to brighten Norðurgata Street. The result was a joyful arc of color that quickly came to symbolize joy, unity, diversity, and artistic pride.
The effect is magical. The dazzling path guides your eye straight toward the iconic, powder-blue Seyðisfjarðarkirkja (Blue Church). Beyond its eye-catching hue, the church’s traditional Icelandic architecture creates a striking contrast against the backdrop of the rugged fjord mountains. During summer, guests are welcome to step inside the church for a glimpse of its simple, beautiful interior.
Together, the Rainbow Street and the Blue Church form the most recognizable milieu of Seyðisfjörður. Aptly, this is the perfect snapshot of the town’s harmony between art and nature.
Photographer: Thrainn Kolbeinsson
2. Hike to Seyðisfjörður’s Singing Sound Sculptures
Experiencing the Tvísöngur Sound Sculpture is one of the most unique things to do in Seyðisfjörður, Iceland. Perched on a hill overlooking the town, the one-of-a-kind installation by German artist Lukas Kühne beautifully merges art, nature, and music.
Five interconnected concrete domes sit on a hilltop, with the gentle slopes of verdant mountains rising as a picturesque backdrop. Each dome is tuned to resonate with a specific tone in Iceland’s traditional five-harmony style. Step inside, hum a few tunes, and hear the sounds transform; the tones reverberate, blend, and fill the chambers with an otherworldly resonance!
The hike to Tvísöngur takes about 15 to 20 minutes from the town center. It’s a gentle uphill walk, and the panoramic views of Seyðisfjörður from the top make the climb refreshingly pleasant.
Photographer: Icelandic Explorer - Gunnar Freyr Gunnarsson
3. Wander Among the Colorful Wooden Houses
Beyond the Rainbow Street and the Blue Church, the beautifully preserved wooden buildings are an enduring architectural landmark of Seyðisfjörður. Traditional Icelandic buildings couldn’t have found a more sublime setting than this pretty town. Here, clusters of vibrantly painted houses create an eye-catching foreground against the unspoiled, fjord-side mountains.
This unique style traces back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when the herring boom transformed Seyðisfjörður into a lively commercial hub. Many of these distinct, ornate timber houses were pre-fabricated in Norway and shipped across the water, before being assembled here.
The Seyðisfjörður center is wonderfully compact; you only need about an hour for a leisurely stroll. Take your time to appreciate the historic timber style that strikingly contrasts with the rugged, raw nature surrounding it.
Photographer: Thrainn Kolbeinsson
4. Visit the Technical Museum of East Iceland
A refreshing departure from the artsy things to do in Seyðisfjörður, the Technical Museum of East Iceland offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s industrial past. It invites travelers to explore the ingenuity, innovation, and mechanical craftsmanship that helped shape both Seyðisfjörður and the wider Eastfjords.
Established in 1984, the museum showcases Iceland’s technological evolution through exhibits on engineering, energy production, fisheries, and early telecommunications. Travelers can browse an extensive collection of historic machinery and tools, including antique radios, printing presses, and fishing engines. Through engaging, interactive displays, you gain appreciation for the resilient people and pioneering spirit that forged East Iceland’s technological heritage.
Housed in a former fish processing building near the harbor, the Technical Museum of East Iceland presents a less-explored side of the country. It’s an under-the-radar gem that reveals a different side of Icelandic heritage, highlighting local innovation, resilience, and hands-on creativity.
Photographer: Ingvi Örn Þorsteinsson
5. Witness the Misty Beauty of Gufufoss Waterfall
While the famous cascades of Iceland's Golden Circle often steal the spotlight, the quieter waterfalls of the Eastfjords are equally worthy of attention. Just a short distance from Seyðisfjörður, the beautiful Gufufoss awaits.
This cascade is a remarkably easy addition to any Seyðisfjörður, Iceland itinerary. Located only 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) southwest of the port, it is one of the easiest natural wonders to reach in the region. Drive there in just five minutes from the village center, or enjoy a scenic, hour-long walk through the valley. From the small parking area, a short, well-marked path leads you to the viewing area.
Even without the staggering height of some of its cousins, Gufufoss is stunningly powerful. Waters rush roughly over dark volcanic rock, framed by lush scenery that changes with the season: from summer’s sun-kissed green slopes to winter’s majestic snow-capped peaks. Its name means "Steam Falls," coming from the powerful spray that often creates a misty veil over the churning waters below.
For a bit more adventure, follow the short but steep trail to the top of the waterfall. From there, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Seyðisfjörður’s fjord and valley.
Photographer: Jessica Auer
6. Hike Seyðisfjörður’s Scenic Trails and Mountain Ridges
The dramatic geography surrounding Seyðisfjörður makes it an especially captivating playground for hikers. It’s home to trails for every level, from waterfall-laden valley walks to challenging multi-summit ascents.
For a classic local hike, head into the Vestdalur Valley, a protected nature reserve just beyond the village. The trail follows the Vestdalsá River, winding past the beautiful Vestdalsfossar waterfalls and the ruins of Vestdalseyri, an abandoned 19th-century settlement. Continue upstream toward Vestdalur Lake, where the landscape opens into sweeping alpine scenery framed by rugged peaks.
For panoramic views, set your sights on Mount Bjólfur. Rising 3,560 feet (1,085 meters) above the fjord, it offers a bird’s-eye view of Seyðisfjörður and the surrounding Eastfjords. Climb the peak on foot or via a gravel road leading near the summit; it’s a rewarding journey either way.
Adventurous climbers can take on the Seven Peaks Hike, a local challenge that earns participants the honorary title of “Seyðisfjörður Mountain Viking.” The route covers seven summits encircling the fjord, each marked with a summit stamp you can collect to record your victories. It’s an ambitious, exhilarating way to test your endurance against the wild beauty of Iceland’s Eastfjords.
Photographer: Þorsteinn Roy
7. Dive Into Seyðisfjörður's Creative Culture at Skaftfell Center and More
Seyðisfjörður has earned a reputation as the artistic heart of East Iceland, drawing creators and enthusiasts to its small, inspiring community. Indeed, the town’s creative energy is palpable, spilling from its galleries onto the streets, mountainsides, and public spaces. Among the most rewarding things to do in Seyðisfjörður is to explore this thriving cultural scene.
The anchor is undoubtedly the Skaftfell Center for Visual Art, housed in a historic timber building from 1907. Founded in 1998, it operates as a non-profit gallery, cultural hub, and artist residency, dedicated to nurturing contemporary Icelandic and international art. Don’t miss the opportunity to wander through the museum’s ever-changing exhibitions.
Of course, the creativity of Seyðisfjörður isn’t bound within four walls. It bleeds outside, from the hilltop Tvísöngur sound sculptures to the street art woven into the townscape. Keep an eye out for the murals painted across town, reflecting the town’s playful, collaborative spirit.
Photographer: Jessica Auer
8. Drive Route 93 Over the Mountain Pass
For many travelers, the true highlight of a visit to Seyðisfjörður isn't just the destination itself, but the journey there.
Seyðisfjörður is accessible only by a single road: Route 93. The spectacular mountain pass links the village to Egilsstaðir and the Ring Road, a drive stretching just 17 miles (27 kilometers). Though short, this road ranks among Iceland’s most memorable, tracing a dramatic transition from gentle plains to steep, fjord-carved slopes.
Leaving Egilsstaðir, the road climbs steadily over Fjarðarheiði heath, a high plateau dotted with mirror-like ponds and mossy tundra. At its summit around 2,030 feet (620 meters) above sea level, the scenery feels stark and otherworldly.
Then, the descent into Seyðisfjörður is the showstopper. As Route 93 drops sharply toward the fjord, sweeping views open across the entire valley. Soak in the awe-inspiring vistas: colorful houses by the harbor, waterfalls tumbling down mountainsides, and the sheer walls of the Eastfjords rising on either side. If you are road tripping in East Iceland, you won’t want to miss this place.
Fun fact: The breathtaking downhill stretch was famously featured in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. It’s the iconic scene when the protagonist longboards down the winding road, a fitting tribute to one of Iceland’s most cinematic drives.
A Colorful, Creative Fjord Town Worth the Journey
Tucked away beyond Iceland’s usual tourist circuit, Seyðisfjörður, a quaint town in East Iceland, rewards those who venture east with a one-of-a-kind experience. This vibrant fjord town feels like a living canvas, combining heritage architecture, contemporary creativity, and monumental landscapes in complete harmony.
Whether you’re scaling towering peaks, exploring modern art, or photographing Rainbow Street, every corner of Seyðisfjörður tells a unique story. For travelers seeking an authentic connection to Iceland’s culture and wilderness, the variety of Seyðisfjörður, Iceland things to do makes this town a worthwhile stop.
- Our Fjord to Fjord travel route is a spectacular journey setting off from Egilsstaðir and winding through the region's most scenic fjords. Seyðisfjörður, accessible via the legendary Route 93, is the first stop on this visual treat. It then continues over dramatic mountain passes and through valleys to vibrant villages like Eskifjörður and Neskaupstaður. Whether you're climbing a winding pass or descending toward the sea, you'll enjoy spectacular views of the fjord coastline whichever way you travel.
FAQs About Seyðisfjörður, Iceland
Is Seyðisfjörður, Iceland worth visiting?
Yes, Seyðisfjörður is one of Iceland’s most charming small towns, known for its colorful wooden houses, vibrant art scene, and stunning fjord setting. It offers a peaceful contrast to the busier regions of South and West Iceland.
How long to spend at Seyðisfjörður?
Plan at least one full day to explore the town, visit art galleries, and enjoy a local hike. With two days, you can experience the Technical Museum, longer hikes, and a more relaxed exploration of the fjord.
Are there puffins in Seyðisfjörður?
Puffins aren’t typically found right in Seyðisfjörður, but you can spot them nearby during the summer months. The best-known colony in East Iceland is at Hafnarhólmi in Borgarfjörður Eystri, about a two-hour drive north.
What to do in Eastfjords, Iceland?
The Eastfjörðs offer dramatic coastal drives, numerous hiking trails between fjords, and opportunities to visit small fishing villages like Seyðisfjörður, Eskifjörður, and Fáskrúðsfjörður. You can also explore unique natural sites like the Stuðlagil Canyon.
Is Seyðisfjörður walkable from cruise port?
Yes, Seyðisfjörður is very walkable from the cruise port. The town center is only a short 5- to 10-minute walk from both the piers and the tender landing area.