Top destinations

The small town of Seyðisfjörður is famous around Iceland for its colour and creativity. One of its best-known features is the Rainbow Street (referred to as Regnbogagatan in Icelandic) in the heart of town, which can best be described as a beautiful community project. On a sunny day in the summer of 2016 the town's residents got the idea to paint Norðurgata, a cute street in need of some love and restoration. That same night, people in town as well as the town’s employees got together and painted the colours of the rainbow onto the street – unknowingly creating one of the most popular visual landmarks in East Iceland. Year round, guests from all over the world come to visit the Rainbow Street in Seyðisfjörður to snap a "selfie" of themselves on this colourful street, surrounded with old historic houses which the town is also known for. At the end of the street stands the town’s picturesque church, usually referred to as “Bláa kirkjan” or the Blue Church. Ever since then the residents get together regularly each summer to repaint the street, and everyone is welcome to take part.  The Rainbow Street is located right in the town’s center and close by are some great restaurants, the local handcraft market and Blóðberg, a design boutique, all worth checking out. One of Iceland’s best sushi restaurants, Norð-Austur on the second floor of Hotel Aldan, serves sushi from the freshest ingredients available. Café Lára is the perfect stop for some soul food, juicy burgers, and local fish.  Every summer, the Blue Church Summer Concert series takes place and has become one of the major cultural events in East Iceland. It offers a varied program of music where some of the country’s most interesting musicians perform.  Seyðisfjörður is one of the highlights on our Fjord to Fjord travel route. If you are currently travelling around East Iceland or planning your next trip, we highly recommend taking checking out our travel routes for inspiration.

The Church in Seyðisfjörður is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Iceland. With its distinct colour and buildingstyle it has become a popular spot for tourists, especially since the street leading up to it was painted in the colours of the rainbow. The church used to stand at Dvergasteinn farm and in 1882 it was moved to Vestdalseyri. At first the church stood on a hill overlooking Vestdalseyri but in 1894 it was blown over and damaged by a huge storm. The church was rebuilt, this time down on the peninsula and stood there until 1920 when the decision was made to move to its present location in the heart of Seyðisfjörður. In 1989 the the Blue Church was damaged by fire when renovation work was being carried out on the building and a pipe organ that was installed in 1987 was ruined by the flames. Today the Blue Church has a pipe organ of the same type as the one that was lost to the fire. The Church is open for visitors in the summer.

Gufufoss waterfall is a beautiful waterfall in Seyðisfjörður. The name is due to the steam emitted by the waterfall and envelops it in a certain mystery. The road over Fjarðaheiði lies next to the waterfall, and the access to it is very good.

Tvísöngur sculpture, by artist Lukas Kühne, mixes concrete, nature, and sound to create an interactive tribute to Iceland’s unique tradition of five-tone harmony.  The installation piece looks like a grouping of interconnected cement bubbles from afar. Up close the five segments are quite large, ranging from roughly 6 to 12 feet tall and can be entered via rounded arches built into the walls. Once inside the stark industrial domes, visitors will find that they have each been designed to resonate at different harmonies as the wind blowing in off the cliff rushes through the openings. The collective effect is almost as though the wind itself is playing a giant instrument. The five chambers of the piece are meant to recall the Icelandic musical tradition of quintal harmony, with each dome reflecting a tone in the tradition. Juxtaposed with the serene and stark surroundings, it seems as though Iceland itself is creating the music. Tvísöngur is a permanent work and is meant to keep the country’s musical traditions alive, which is not an easy thing to do simply with concrete.

Skálanes nature and heritage centre is situated in a beautifully restored Icelandic farmhouse set in its own nature reserve at the mouth of Seyðisfjörður East- Iceland. Dramatic snow-capped mountains, vast sea cliffs, secluded shoreline and coves, and a vibrant bird colony make Skálanes a place for relaxation, research, contemplation, and a different pace of life.     

Brimnes peninsula is situated on the north side of Seyðisfjörður´s coastline. A 10 km. drive from the town centre brings guests to Selsstaðir farm. A hiking trail leads from the farm to Brimnes. For centuries, this was one of the bigges fishing centres in Iceland. Traces of old buildings are still visible, along with a lighthouse that is located at Brimnes. 

Brimnesviti lighthouse is loated on Brimnes peninsula, which is situated on the north side of Seyðisfjörður´s coastline. A 10 km. drive from the town centre brings guests to Selsstaðir farm. A hiking trail leads from the farm to Brimnes. For centuries, this was one of the bigges fishing centres in Iceland. Traces of old buildings are still visible. 

Stafdalur ski resort in Seyðisfjörður is located near road nr 93 between Egilsstaðir and Seyðisfjörður. In the area are 3 skilifts and hills for all kind of skiers. Beginner’s lift is a rope lift 100 meters long and only open on weekends and holidays. Lift nr 1 is a tow lift 900 meters long and has 190 meters vertical drop. Lift nr 2 is a tow lift 700 meters long and has 160 meters vertical drop. Stafdalur has a nordic ski track which is about 5 km long. Ski and snowboard rental is on the area and a hut for all guests.

A walk to Vestdalur Nature Reserve, Vestdalur lake and the Mountain Lady cave. The route was used to transport mail and trade in the old days between Seyðisfjörður and other towns in East Iceland. In 1880 – 1910 this was one of East Iceland’s most frequently used trails and still presents several pretty, piled-rock constructions, including cairns. After several tiers of glorious waterfalls, you will arrive at a small lake, Vestdalsvatn, which remains frozen most of the year. There you will see Mt Bjólfur to your left. To the right you’ll find the tiny cave where the remains of the Mountain Lady were found in 2004. Around the Mountain Lady cave a group of workers found bones of a 30 year old lady, more than 400 pearls and brooches from the Viking era which have been identified as remains from the year 940.

A trail leading to the uppermost mountain slopes (>600 m.) offers a breathtaking view of Seyðisfjörður and the Snow Avalanche Barriers. This 5 km. trail is an F-road and presents a rare opportunity for high-altitude sights for those generally averse to mountain climbing. Furthermore, the spot is ideal for paragliders. The ascent takes about 15-20 minutes from the Fjarðarheiði heath road up to the Snow Avalanche barriers. The trail is open from June - September.

Dvergasteinn (Dwarfs´rock) is situated on the northern shore of Seyðisfjörður, abour 3 km. outside the town. The stone is easily accessible and it is a prominent figure on the shore. According to legend, the rock originated on the other side of the fjord but moved across the sea on its own accord as the local church was movoed from one side of the fjord to the other.  . The legend states that the rock is a site of prayers for the local dwarfs and the idea of staying behind when the Christian church was moved to the other side was simply unacceptable to them.

A walk to the Vestdalur Nature Reserve in Seyðisfjörður, up to the Vestdalur lake and the cave of "The Mountain Maid". The route once served as the principal communication link between Seyðisfjörður and other regions in East Iceland. Relics of this 19th - 20th c. pillar of transport can still be detected through meticulous road constructions, stone walls, and Cairns. Having passed several tiers of glorious waterfalls, the wanderer reaches a small lake, Vestdalsvatn, which remains frozen most of the year. With majestic Mt. Bjólfur to the left., a tiny cave awaits to the right, the site of one the most important archaeologic discoveries of later times. In 2004 a group of workers unearthed some human bones, later defined as those of lady, around thirtyish - along with more than 400 pearls and some pins dating back to the era of settlement.  The remains are believed to date from the era around 940. These are now conserved at the National Museum. Vestdalseyri / Vestdalur valleyDuration: 3,5 hours / 6 km Period: June - September 

An easy and pleasant walk from the center of Seyðisfjörður town, by a walkway partly gravel, partly grassy through a forested area towards the vale Fjarðarsel where beautiful waterfalls and varied green growth await the wanderer. A visit to the oldest operational power plant in Iceland at Fjarðarsel (1913) is optional, provided that it is arranged beforehand. The plant marked a turning point in the history of Icelandic electrification. For the avid waterfall lover an added walk along the south side of Fjarðará river up to Neðri Stafur rock stratum, (300 m. alt.) is a must. Out of a total of 25 waterfalls, in river Fjarðará some of the most spectacular ones can be seen along the way. At Neðri Stafur rock stratum, the wanderer is presented with an exquisite view over Seyðisfjörður fjord and town, along with a fine selection of berries in late August. The scenic mountains, waterfalls, vegetation, and the history of the town is a wonderful blend that makes this walk unforgettable. Fjarðará River & Fjarðarsel MuseumDuration: 2,5 and 4 hours / 2- 4 km. Period: June - September