There’s a reason artists have claimed Seydisfjordur (Seyðisfjörður) as their own.
The colorful houses, interesting sculptures and quiet beauty of this whimsical little town feels like a Nordic fantasy tale brought to life.
Even though I don’t have a visually creative bone in my body, this is the kind of place that makes you believe you could trade your day job for a paintbrush and never look back. 💃
One can dream, right?
If you’re craving the quieter, small village experience Iceland is known for, then Seydisfjordur in East Iceland is a must on your itinerary.
Join me, will you, as we discover this swoon-worthy place together?
Let’s get into it!
Where is Seydisfjordur?
The gorgeous little town of Seydisfjordur is located in East Iceland.
Carefully placed between mountains at the bottom of a fjord, it’s just 20 minutes from the Ring Road and about 16 miles from Egilsstaðir, the closest town. It’s a detour that’s absolutely worth your time!
Oh, and if you’ve ever wondered where that famous skateboard scene in the movie ‘The Secret Life of Walter Mitty’ was filmed, it was right here!
Pro tip: Seydisfjordur is pronounced ‘Say-this-fyur-thur.’ I know Icelandic place names can feel impossible at first, so I’ve linked a handy video that walks you through pronouncing some of the major spots correctly. 👇
How to Get From Reykjavík to Seydisfjordur
You’ve got a couple of options for getting from the capital to Seydisfjordur:
Flight: One option is to fly from Reykjavík to Egilsstaðir. From there, you can rent a car or take a bus to Seydisfjordur.
By Car: It takes about eight and a half hours to reach Seydisfjordur by car. Interestingly, it’s almost the same distance whether you drive clockwise or counter-clockwise on Route 1.
I’ll always recommend renting a car when you visit Iceland. You’ll have far more freedom to explore at your own pace, without having to stick to someone else’s schedule.
Renting a reliable vehicle from a reputable company is especially important here.
Go with a local company that understands the unique weather challenges and terrain. I highly recommend Blue Car Rental.
They offer 24/7 assistance if anything happens on the road insurance is built into the rental cost.
Get 5% off your rental price when you use this 👉 VIP LINK, NO CODE NEEDED!
Getting to Seydisfjordur from Europe
For travelers arriving in Iceland from Denmark, the Hirtshals-Seydisfjordur ferry called the MS Norröna connects the two. It’s a popular choice for European travelers bringing campervans to Iceland.
Seydisfjordur Weather
Seydisfjordur is windy year-round, with frequent rain and fog thanks to its fjord-side setting.
Summers are cool, with temperatures between 44°F (6°C) and 57°F (13°C), while winter temperatures range between 23°F(-5°C) and 34°F (1°C)
You can expect rain most of the year, but September tends to be especially wet.
Packing the correct rain gear and layers is so important. If you’re not sure what else you should pack, I’ve made it super easy for you with my 👉Ultimate Iceland Packing Guide.
Inside, you’ll get a complete, printable checklist for every season, recommendations for gear and clothing I personally recommend, and tips for personal care items and travel essentials you won’t find easily in Iceland.
Grab your FREE Iceland Packing Guide below.👇
Best Time to Visit Seydisfjordur
Seydisfjordur is a place you can enjoy all year round, so the best time to visit depends on what kind of experience you’re after.
Summer brings longer daylight hours and milder weather, which makes exploring easier and driving less stressful. Winter, on the other hand, comes with fewer visitors and the chance to see the Northern Lights.
One thing to keep in mind though, is that the mountain pass leading into town can be closed off during winter if there’s bad weather. Make sure you check the road conditions before committing to the drive!
East Iceland is still wildly underrated, so you’re far less likely to deal with the crowds you’ll find in places like the Golden Circle or South Coast. That quieter, slower pace is part of what makes this region so special.
If you’re as smitten with the small towns in Iceland as I am, you don’t want to miss this post.👇
➡️ READ: Towns in Iceland: 10 of the Best Villages That’ll Leave You Breathless
Seydisfjordur Accommodation
There aren’t all that many accommodation options here, so if you plan on staying the night, make sure you book well in advance.
Hostel Hafaldan: This hostel has a great location for an easy, no-fuss stay in the heart of Seydisfjordur. Breakfast is available, there’s a sauna and spa to unwind in, and the Seydisfjordur swimming pool is just around the corner. If you’re traveling with kids you’ll also find a playground and a small fishing lake nearby to keep everyone entertained.
👉 Make a booking: Hostel Hafaldan
Hotel Aldan: This charming hotel is especially popular with solo travelers. The rooms are cozy and well equipped with free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee facilities, and private bathrooms. On site, you’ll find the Aldan Restaurant, Seydisfjordur serving Icelandic dishes and a café known for great coffee and homemade cakes.
👉 Make a booking: Hotel Aldan
Seydisfjordur Camping Site
The Seydisfjordur campsite is located right in the centre of town… it doesn’t get much more convenient than that!
The facilities here are well-maintained, with hot showers and a shared kitchen for easy meal prep. When you’re ready to explore and don’t feel like walking, you can rent a bike and soak in the surroundings around that way.
While camping offers a lot of freedom, setting up a tent isn’t always the most comfortable way to end the day. 😉
That’s why a campervan offers a nice middle ground.
With Happy Campers, you can keep things simple while still enjoying the outdoors.
They’re the original camper van company in Iceland, and their vans have everything you need for a comfortable trip. WiFi, built-in kitchen, and the highest safety standards for peace of mind on the road.
Use my special code: IWV10 when you book with Happy Campers.
Seydisfjordur Restaurants
Because the town sits right on the fjord, seafood lovers are in for a real treat!
Norð Austur: There are times when you just NEED good sushi! At Norð Austur Sushi & Bar, they aim to source fresh fish from the fjord daily, and it really shows in the flavor of their carefully crafted, artisanal sushi.
Cafe Lara (Kaffi Lara): This family-run spot is a great stop by for locally brewed beer, Icelandic grilled dishes, or just a great cup of coffee with homebaked cakes.
Aldan Restaurant, Seydisfjordur: A delicious gourmet restaurant where the ingredients are beautifully paired. The cod is excellent, and if you’re curious to try another East Iceland specialty, reindeer is on the menu too. As for drinks, you can’t go wrong with their Swiss Mocha!
For a more in-depth look at what this region of Iceland has in store, don’t miss this.👇
➡️ READ: East Iceland: Your Guide to 7 Unforgettable Sites in This Beautiful Region
Seydisfjordur Tours + Things To Do in the Area
Small doesn’t have to mean boring. Seydisfjordur and the nearby area are packed with surprises.
Wondering what to do in Seydisfjordur? Let’s start here. 👇
Seydisfjordur Church + Rainbow Street
Look no further than the iconic blue church and rainbow street in Seydisfjordur if you’re looking for an Instagrammable photo opp!
This church is called Bláa Kirkjan, and there’s an annual summer event where musicians gather at the blue church to perform.
Keen to visit some of the most scenic churches in Iceland? Here’s my top favorites. 👇
➡️ READ: Churches in Iceland: 15 Scenic Stops You’ll Want on Your Road Trip
Tvísöngur Sound Sculpture
This piece of art is just a 15-minute hike up the hill from town.
You’ll see that it looks like a cluster of interconnected domes of different sizes.
Each dome has a little doorway cut-out, perfect for stepping inside and belting out a note, or testing your “hidden” singing talent, to hear how the acoustics change.
After you’ve tried out your singing skills…or lack thereof… 😉take a moment to appreciate the view of the fjord and town below.
Seydisfjordur Waterfalls + Hiking
There are some beautiful, scenic trails around Seydisfjordur, with the added bonus of waterfalls. Would it even be Iceland without them?
Vestdalsfossar Waterfall Trail: For anyone looking for a beautiful waterfall trail, this one doesn’t hold back. The landscapes are lush and green, and if you extend the hike you’ll see multiple waterfalls along the way. Summer is definitely the best time to experience it in all its glory!
Gufufoss: This waterfall is between Seydisfjordur and Egilsstaðir, and the drive is incredibly beautiful.
Mist is often seen over Gufufoss and if you’re lucky you might even see a rainbow over it. If you want to extend your time here, there are hiking trails around the area too.
Iceland is a magical place for hiking, check out some of the top trails in the country. 👇
➡️ READ: What Are the Best Hikes in Iceland? 13 Trails You Need to Explore!
Skalanes Nature Reserve: Seydisfjordur Puffins + Wildlife
Few places satisfy your craving for the outdoors quite like Iceland.
People visit Skalanes Nature Reserve for experiences such as hiking, kayaking, and wildlife, including puffins.
It’s also a popular place for wildlife photography.
Pro tip: A little over an hour away from Seydisfjordur, you’ll get to Borgarfjörður Eystri, a fjord in Northeast Iceland. The cliffs in this area are one of the best places to view puffins in Iceland.
They’re usually here from mid-April to mid-August and are a must-see for any wildlife lover!
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Puffin Tour from Seyðisfjörður with Gufufoss Waterfall & East Iceland Village
Stuðlagil Canyon
About an hour and a half away, Stuðlagil Canyon is a gorgeous hidden gem. The canyon is lined with towering hexagonal basalt pillars and bright blue-green water.
Don’t forget your camera because it’s absolutely breathtaking!
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Stuðlagil Canyon from Seyðisfjörður
Seydisfjordur Map
Seydisfjordur is one of those rare spots that lives up to the hype… and then some!
The colorful houses, the creative energy, the dramatic fjord setting, it all comes together to create something truly magical.
What I love about East Iceland is the slower pace and lighter crowds, which let you soak it all in, but finding reliable planning information can be surprisingly hard to come by.
That’s exactly why I’ve traveled here many times and created my region-specific 👉 Iceland Maps + Guidebooks. They’re your all-in-one toolkit for exploring Iceland’s iconic sights, hidden corners, and local secrets, so you can plan your trip with confidence.
The digital map is especially helpful. With East Iceland’s long driving distances and fewer stops, it shows exactly where the nearest gas stations, restrooms, restaurants, and scenic detours are, helping you craft a smooth, stress-free adventure.
Now that Seydisfjordur is on your radar, my Iceland Maps + Guidebooks is the easiest way to make sure you experience it fully, without missing the magic along the way.
Happy Planning!
Pin it for later!
