Artists have long made Seydisfjordur (Seyðisfjordur) their muse, and honestly, it’s not hard to understand why.
Colourful houses, curious sculptures, and a quiet that feels almost deliberate — the town reads like a Nordic fairy tale someone forgot to finish.
Even someone like me, who lacks any artistic flair, finds inspiration here — so much so that one might envision trading a desk job for a paintbrush without a second thought. 💃
Isn’t it nice to dream?
If you yearn for the tranquil charm of a small village, Seydisfjordur in East Iceland deserves a prominent place on your itinerary.
Read on — we’re going to cover everything worth knowing.
Where is Seydisfjordur?
Seydisfjordur sits at the head of a fjord in East Iceland, tucked between mountains on either side. It’s just a 20-minute detour off the Ring Road and roughly 16 miles from Egilsstaðir, the nearest town. Short detour, big payoff.
And if you’ve ever wondered where that memorable skateboard scene from The Secret Life of Walter Mitty was filmed — you’re looking at it.
Pronunciation tip: Seydisfjordur sounds like ‘Say-this-fyur-thur.’ Icelandic names can be a bit tricky, so I’ve linked a handy video to guide you through the pronunciation of various key spots. 👇
How to Get From Reykjavík to Seydisfjordur
There are several ways to journey from the capital to Seydisfjordur:
By Flight: Catch a flight from Reykjavík to Egilsstaðir, then rent a car or take a bus the rest of the way to Seydisfjordur.
By Car: The drive takes approximately eight and a half hours. Interestingly, the distance is almost identical whether you go clockwise or counter-clockwise on Route 1.
Renting a car is my strong recommendation for visiting Iceland — you move at your own pace, stop when something catches your eye, and answer to nobody’s schedule but your own.
Go with a reliable local company that knows the terrain and weather. I personally vouch for Blue Car Rental, which provides 24/7 roadside assistance and comprehensive insurance included in the rental.
Plus, you can snag 5% off your rental price using this 👉 VIP LINK — no code required!
Getting to Seydisfjordur from Europe
Traveling from Denmark? The MS Norröna ferry runs between Hirtshals and Seydisfjordur, making it a popular choice for European visitors who want to bring their campervans along.
Seydisfjordur Weather
Living beside a fjord comes with a price: wind is a constant companion here, and rain and fog roll in regularly.
Summers are cool, typically ranging from 44°F (6°C) to 57°F (13°C), while winters see temperatures between 23°F (-5°C) and 34°F (1°C).
September tends to be particularly wet, so rain gear and layers aren’t optional. Not sure what to pack? I’ve done the hard work for you with my 👉Ultimate Iceland Packing Guide.
It includes a complete, printable checklist for each season, gear and clothing recommendations I actually trust, and tips on personal care items and travel essentials that can be surprisingly hard to track down in Iceland.
Download your FREE Iceland Packing Guide below.👇
Best Time to Visit Seydisfjordur
There’s no single wrong time to visit — it really depends on what you’re after.
Summer brings long daylight hours and mild temperatures, which makes getting out and exploring far more comfortable. Winter, on the other hand, means fewer people around and a real shot at seeing the Northern Lights.
One thing to bear in mind: winter storms can close the mountain pass into town. Always check road conditions before you head out.
East Iceland as a whole remains quieter than the Golden Circle or South Coast, and that’s a big part of its appeal — you actually get to breathe.
If you share my love for Iceland’s quaint towns, don’t miss this post.👇
➡️ READ: Towns in Iceland: 10 of the Best Villages That’ll Leave You Breathless
Seydisfjordur Accommodation
Options here are limited, so booking ahead is not just advisable — it’s essential, especially in summer.
Hostel Hafaldan: Right in the heart of town, this is a solid, no-fuss choice. Breakfast is included, there’s a sauna and spa for winding down, and a swimming pool is just a short walk away. Families will appreciate the nearby playground and small fishing lake.
👉 Make a booking: Hostel Hafaldan
Aldan Hotels: A charming option, particularly popular with solo travellers. Rooms are cosy with free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee facilities, and private bathrooms. The Aldan Restaurant serves up Icelandic dishes downstairs, and the café is well known for good coffee and homemade cakes.
👉 Make a booking: Hotel Aldan
Seydisfjordur Camping Site
The Seydisfjordur campsite sits right in the town centre — you can’t beat it for convenience.
Facilities are well kept, with hot showers and a shared kitchen. Bicycles are available to rent if you want to explore without covering everything on foot.
Tent camping has its moments, but after a long day of hiking, a proper bed matters. 😉
That’s where a campervan hits the sweet spot. Happy Campers is the original campervan company in Iceland, and their vehicles come ready for the road — WiFi, a built-in kitchen, and high safety standards.
Use my unique code: IWV10 when you book with Happy Campers.
Seydisfjordur Restaurants
Being right on the fjord has its perks — especially if you love seafood.
North East: For sushi, head to Norð Austur Sushi & Bar. They source fresh fish from the fjord daily, and the difference in flavour shows in every piece.
Cafe Lara: A family-run spot that does locally brewed beer, traditional Icelandic grilled food, and good coffee with home-baked treats. Relaxed, warm, and easy to linger in.
Aldan Restaurant, Seydisfjordur: The place to go if you want something more refined. The cod is exceptional, and if you’re feeling adventurous, the reindeer is worth ordering. Save room for the Swiss Mocha.
For a fuller look at what the region has to offer, check this out.👇
➡️ READ: East Iceland: Your Guide to 7 Unforgettable Sites in This Beautiful Region
Seydisfjordur Tours + Things To Do in the Area
The town’s modest size is deceptive. There’s far more packed into this corner of Iceland than you might expect.
Here are some of the highlights worth putting on your list. 👇
Seydisfjordur Church + Rainbow Street
The blue church and Rainbow Street together make one of the most photographed scenes in all of East Iceland.
Bláa Kirkjan, the blue church, hosts an annual summer music event where artists gather to perform inside its distinctive walls — well worth catching if your visit lines up.
Curious about exploring more of Iceland’s most photogenic churches? Here are my top picks. 👇
➡️ READ: Churches in Iceland: 15 Scenic Stops You’ll Want on Your Road Trip
Tvísöngur Sound Sculpture
A 15-minute hike from town brings you to this unusual installation — a series of interconnected domes of different sizes, each with a doorway you can step through.
Go inside one and make some noise. The acoustics do something strange and wonderful to your voice. Once you’ve had your moment, the views of the fjord and town below are worth staying for.
Seydisfjordur Waterfalls + Hiking
Scenic trails and waterfalls tend to go hand in hand in this part of Iceland — Seydisfjordur is no exception.
Vestdalsfossar Waterfall Trail: A beautiful trail that passes a series of waterfalls through lush surroundings. Summer is the best time to walk it.
Gufufoss: Sitting between Seydisfjordur and Egilsstaðir, this waterfall is frequently veiled in mist, and on sunny days that mist can throw up a rainbow. There are hiking trails nearby if you want to extend the stop.
Iceland is a hiker’s paradise — here are some of the best 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 a craving for genuine wilderness the way Iceland does.
Skalanes Nature Reserve offers hiking, kayaking, and puffin spotting — it’s a favourite among wildlife photographers for good reason.
Tip: Just over an hour from Seydisfjordur lies Borgarfjörður Eystri, home to cliff colonies that rank among the best puffin-spotting sites in Iceland. These birds typically arrive from mid-April to mid-August — don’t miss them if the timing works out.
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Puffin Tour from Seyðisfjörður with Gufufoss Waterfall & East Iceland Village
Tuðlagil Canyon
About an hour and a half away, Stuðlagil Canyon is one of those places that stops you in your tracks. Hexagonal basalt columns line the gorge on both sides, and the river running through it is a striking shade of blue.
Bring a camera. You’ll use it constantly.
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Stúðlagil Canyon from Seyðisfjordur
Seydisfjordur Map
Seydisfjordur has a way of exceeding what you imagined before arriving. The colourful houses, the creative energy, the fjord sitting right there behind everything — it adds up to something genuinely special.
What I keep coming back to with East Iceland is the pace. Nobody’s rushing, the crowds are thin, and you actually get to look at things properly. The only frustration is that solid planning information isn’t always easy to find.
That’s why I visit regularly and put together my own region-specific 👉 Iceland Maps + Guidebooks. They cover iconic spots, hidden corners, and local details that don’t show up in the standard guides — everything you need to move through the country without second-guessing yourself.
The digital map is particularly useful out here, where distances are long and stops are spread out. Gas stations, restrooms, places to eat, scenic pull-offs — it’s all marked so you’re never caught off guard.
Now that Seydisfjordur is firmly on the radar, let the Iceland Maps + Guidebooks take care of the rest.
Happy planning!
