Skaftfell Center for Visual Art

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 valley
Duration: 3,5 hours / 6 km

Period: June - September

A great trail for hiking which involves crossing Vestdalsheiði mountain range, from Hérað to Seyðisfjörður. Vestdalsheiði heath used to be a frequently traveled road. People walked along Gilsá river, across the heath, and into Vestdalur valley. Walk from the sign in Fjarðarheiði (N65°15.577-W14°13.524) and head towards the western part of the mountain Bjólfur. You will see the Lake when you get near the mountain.

This is a nice walk in rolling hills. When you get to Vesdalsvatn you can choose between three routes if you don´t want to take the same route back. Down Vestdalur by a staked trail to Seyðisfjörður; down Gilsárdalur valley down towards Gilsárteigur farm (east of Eiðar in Fljótsdalshérað) or go west of Bjólfur mountain down to Stafdalur valley. The cylinder with the visitors' logbook and a stamp is where Gilsá river runs out from the lake. You will need to cross the river if you choose to walk from Fjarðarheiði.

Part of Hiking Treasures in Egilsstaðir Region

GPS : N65°17.102-W14°17.887

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.

Center for visual arts
Period: All year round.
Austurvegur 42
710 Seyðisfjörður
s. 472 1632
skaftfell@skaftfell.is
www.skaftfell.is

Skaftfell is a cultural centre dedicated to nurturing and exhibiting visual arts, the main emphasis being on contemporary art. Skaftfell is a meeting point for artists and locals and serves as a center for visual arts in the entire region. Skaftfell was founded in the year 1998 by a group of art enthusiasts in the town of Seyðisfjörður. The centre is situated in an imposing old house, built in 1907. The main floor houses extensive exhibition space with standing exhibitions the whole year round. The top floor encompasses agreeable lodgings for visiting artists and scholars .On the ground floor there is a Bistro endowed with a good library on art and related material. In addition to serving fabulous food and coffee, the Bistro hosts the West-wall gallery, a space dedicated to showing the works of young, experimenting artists.

In the past decade Skaftfell has hosted a large number of exhibitions by international, national and local artists. With the main emphasis on contemporary art, Skaftfell has an important role in the area as a centre of information and education on art and related subjects. Every year Skaftfell organizes and/or hosts various seminars with art students in collaboration with the Icelandic Academy of the Arts and other schools and institutions. Skaftfell is founded in memory of the late artist Dieter Roth who lived and worked in Seyðisfjörður for periods of time during the last decade of his life. In Skaftfell you can find many of his books and prints on display.

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.

A trail leading to the uppermost mountain slopes (>600 m.) offering 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

Technical museum

The museum´s main focus is on the influx of modern times around 1880 to 1950. Technical innovations in areas such as mechanics, electricity, communications, telephony, commerce, and architecture are interlaced with changes in lifestyle and milieu. We also serve as a museum for Seyðisfjörður local heritage. Exhibitions are animate and seek to recreate the atmosphere of the times they portray. The museum surroundings are an open-air recreation area, outstanding for taking walks and enjoying each other's company. We support a family-friendly policy and work progressively on producing informative settings as well as constructive and worthwhile entertainment for guests of all ages.

How to get here

The museum is situated on the south shore of Seyðisfjörður town about 800 meters from the town center and about 500 meters from the Ferry Terminal/ Information Center. If you arrive via the mountain road you will cross the first bridge on the right side and drive about 1 km along the shore road, you will find the museum on the left-hand side.

The technical Museum of East Iceland is a non-profit organization. Our costs are mostly paid by public funds and donations from the general public. We are grateful for any support given.

Accessibility

A large part of our permanent exhibitions are on the ground floor and can be traversed in wheelchairs. The telegraph station has nevertheless been on the upper floor has no access to wheelchairs. None of the museum buildings were originally designed to be accessible to all and therefore present challenges in providing easy and independent access. We will keep working so the access to this space can be guaranteed to everybody

The golf course in Seyðisfjörður is called Hagavöllur, a 9-hole golf course just inside the town. Found on the right side of the road on Fjarðarheiði, on the way to Egilsstaðir. A cozy golf pavilion that gives a warm welcome to guests. Hagavöllur is renowned for its wide trails, unique tranquility, and its proximity to the mountain range.

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.

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.

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 Museum
Duration: 2,5 and 4 hours / 2- 4 km.

Period: June - September

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.

The scenic Fardagafoss waterfall is situated close to the main road to Seyðisfjörður as it winds its way up the mountainside of Fjardarheiði, about 5 km from Egilsstaðir. The ascent from the parking area to the fall takes about half an hour. Underway you can enjoy the beautiful gorge and views over the whole valley. The last stage of the trail is not an easy walk, a chain is fastened in the cliff to get down to the water, but it´s worth it.

Fardagafoss er skammt frá Egilsstöðum við rætur Fjarðarheiðar. Hann er efstur þriggja fossa í Miðhúsaánni en hinir heita Gufufoss og Folaldafoss. Merkt gönguleið liggur að Fardagafossi og er hún greiðfær næstum alla leið. Bak við fossinn er hellir. Sagnir herma að í honum hafi haldið til tröllskessa og var því trúaðað frá þeim helli lægju jarðgöng yfir í Gufufoss í Fjarðará, handan heiðarinnar. Önnur sögn hermir að náttröll búi í hellinum er hafi í fórum sínum ketil fullan af gulli.

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.

Period: summer

By climbing seven of the peaks surrounding the fjord of Seyðisfjörður, one earns the prestigious title of "a Seyðisfjörður Mountain Viking". Mostly exceeding an altitude of 1.000 m, these mountains are as follows: Sandhólatindur, Bjólfur, Nóntindur, Hádegistindur, Strandartindur, Snjófjall, and Bægsli. You´ll find guestbooks and ink stamps waiting at each peak. The cards for summit stamps and further details are available at the information centre in the ferry terminal, tel. +354 472 1551 and at www.seydisfjordur.is

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 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.

The Regnbogagata (rainbow street) in Seyðisfjörður is among the most photographed places in Austurland. The project was originally a temporary repair on the street and was supposed to last one summer. However, the project became a real success, equally loved by the townspeople who helped paint the street and guest who aspire to take pictures. At the end of Regnbogagatan stands the Blue Church, which also attracts visitors.

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.