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Why Seyðisfjörður Should Be on Your Iceland Itinerary.

If you’re driving Iceland’s Ring Road, don’t make the mistake of rushing past Seyðisfjörður.

Tucked away at the end of a beautiful fjord in East Iceland, this colorful little town is one of those places that is well worth making the detour to.

Between the scenic drive over the mountain pass between snowy peaks (even in the summer!), the famous blue church with the Rainbow Road, and the peaceful atmosphere, Seyðisfjörður is sure to steal your heart!

I didn’t have as much time to explore as I wished (we totally overscheduled our day in the Eastfjords!), but even the short time I spent there was very memorable.

Here is everything you need to know about visiting Seyðisfjörður, including the things I’ve missed, and some practical tips to help you make the most of your visit.

Let me show you why this picturesque fjord town deserves a place on your Iceland itinerary!

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Where is Seyðisfjörður?

Seyðisfjörður is located in East Iceland (Eastfjords).

It’s 27 km from Egilsstaðir (about 30 minutes), 275 km from Akureyri (3.5 hours) and over 650 km from Reykjavik (8-8.5 hours).

How To Get To Seyðisfjörður

By car

The easiest and most convenient way to get to Seyðisfjörður is by driving, and the best starting point is Egilsstaðir.

You will drive on route 93 over a mountain pass (Fjarðarheiði Pass)

Fun fact: at 620 m elevation, it is the highest paved road in Iceland!

It is an amazing drive – I can easily say that it was one of the most scenic routes I drove in Iceland so far.

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I have to admit that I was nervous about driving it as I’m not the biggest fan of steep mountain roads with switchbacks, but it wasn’t nearly as “scary” as I was preparing myself for.

So if you have the same doubts – just go for it!

The views will take your breath away and you won’t even think of the twists and turns of the road.

Just make sure you check the weather forecast and the road conditions. 

We did the drive in June and were fortunate to have a nice, sunny, and wind-free afternoon, which definitely made the drive easier.

It took us about 30 minutes to get to Seyðisfjörður, not counting the time we were stuck in road construction traffic. Yes, we were actually stuck in traffic in Iceland for the first time!

It wasn’t more than 10-15 minutes, and it also served as a reminder why you need full insurance in Iceland – when everyone finally started driving, we were on freshly laid gravel, and the little rocks were coming at us from all directions, and we got a couple of small chips on our windshield. If we weren’t fully insured, it would have been our responsibility to fix them.

Watch the video of our drive here:

By bus

There is a public bus from Egilsstaðir – Strætó Line 93 – so if you’re not up for driving the mountain pass on your own, it may be a good option.

There is no direct bus from Reykjavik or Akureyri – check connections on the Strætó official website. If you’re not renting a car, you may be better off flying to Egilsstaðir and catching the bus there.

By ferry

If you’re arriving from Europe on a cruise ship, the Smyril Line Norröna ferry line docks right in the Seyðisfjörður harbor.

Good to know: while there are no tours TO Seyðisfjörður, there are many tours FROM Seyðisfjörður – perfect for those arriving be cruise/ferry, interested in seeing other attractions of East Iceland.

What you’ll see on the way

Heavier Mountain cube art 

Shortly after we started climbing, we passed a set of brightly colored cube structures on the left side – I wasn’t able to take a picture on the way up, and we just drive past it on the way down – so be on the lookout!

It’s called “Heavier Mountain” and was created by a local artist as a reference to the harsh winters in this area.

Here are some screenshots from my dash cam recording:

Monument to Þorbjörn Arnoddsson and Múlafoss

It’s a simple memorial composed as a cluster basalt columns, with a plaque dedicated to Þorbjörn Arnoddsson, who in the 1950s helped make winter travel over the mountain pass possible so the residents of Seyðisfjörður weren’t as isolated as in the past.

Again, I breezed right passed it even realizing it was there.

I did find it on my dashcam recording later, so here is a screenshot:

There is a nice waterfall next to the monument (Múlafoss), and the spot provides a wonderful view of the fjord on a clear day.

I will definitely be stopping there next time I visit!

Gufufoss (Gufu waterfall)

You’ll see this waterfall from the road – there is a small parking area where you can pull off to stop. It does get full easily and it was for us both on the way to and from Seyðisfjörður so we just checked it out from the car.

If you visited the South Coast already, don’t you think it resembles Skógafoss a little?

Helpful hint: the Monument and Gufufoss are only a 4 minute drive apart so don’t rush!

Here is a map of all these stops to help you not miss them!

Helpful hint: the Heavier Mountain cubes will be on your left when driving to Seyðisfjörður, and the waterfalls and the monument will be on your right. So it may be best to plan to visit the waterfalls on the way to town and the cube art installation on the way back.

And then you’ll finally descend into Seyðisfjörður!

Best things to do in Seyðisfjörður

There is definitely more to this charming town than I was able to see in my limited time there but here are the highlights:

1. Visit Seyðisfjarðarkirkja

The famous blue church with a rainbow road leading to it became the symbol of Seyðisfjörður (and a very popular Instagram spot!).

The church serves both as a place of worship and as a community gathering place, where events like concerts and art shows are held.

It just closed when we got there, so we could only see it from the outside, but it was enough for us.

2. Shop at Gullabúið

You’ll see this souvenir/craft shop along the Rainbow Street walking away from the church – you can’t miss its characteristic exterior.

Inside, you’ll find Icelandic sweaters and other goods made of wool, handmade soaps and candles, candy and other souvenirs.

Even if you’re not interested in shopping, Gullabúið is worth stepping inside because it feels more like browsing a local artisan workshop than a tourist souvenir store.

3. Visit the Joystick Art Gallery

We’re not art lovers, but this place will catch your eye – my kids spotted it from the church.

To get there, just walk along the water until you see all the brightly colored items displayed outside.

All the art pieces were made from the items found in the trash and in the ocean. It’s a really cool place to see. You can pay a fee to visit the inside, but we did not have the time for that.

On our way back to the church we stopped by a small souvenir store (I don’t remember the name, but there is only one along that road) and got a beautiful ceramic magnet with the iconic church – it is now proudly displayed on my fridge!

4. Hike to Tvísöngur Sound Domes

Tvísöngur is a set of 5 concrete domes set up on a hill to mimic the traditional Icelandic 5-tone harmony in music.

The hike is 1.3 km( 0.8 mile) long and takes about 20 minutes each way. This spot also offers great views of the fjord.

It’s a 4-minute drive from the church to the trailhead.

We did not see them, but here is the map to help you find them:

Helpful hint: on your way to the trailhead, make a quick stop to see the “How is it going” phone booth – a work of art created by another local artist to commemorate the first international telegraph cable in Iceland.

5. Hike to Búðareyrarfoss waterfall

You can see it right across the cruise ship/ferry terminal, and a few minutes of walking and a short hike to a viewing bridge will get you much closer.

Again, I wish we had more time in Seyðisfjörður as we missed that entire stretch of town along the fjord – next time!

6. Check if Masa the Snowman is still on its bench

It’s just a cute street art and photo spot in town, but if you have the time, it may be fun to visit, see the snowman and get yet another view of the fjord below.

Find it here.

7. Check out the view from Baugur Bjólfs

Baugur Bjólfs is a new circular viewing platform built on a mountainside and opened in September of 2025.

The drive to the viewpoint is a bit challenging and you have to hike the last kilometer to the platform, but the views are said to be spectacular.

Learn more here.  

This viewpoint is only open from June to November, and you should always check road conditions before you head out there.

If you’re not up for making the drive yourself, you can book a tour to Mt. Bjólfur viewpoint.

8. Visit the Skaftfell Art Center

It’s an art gallery showcasing contemporary art and hosting various art exhibits throughout the year, as well as workshops and other cultural events. 

9. Visit the Technical Museum of East Iceland

This museum is dedicated to the history and industrialization of Iceland and also presents themed exhibitions, like one about the major landslide that hit the area in 2020 or working women of  Seyðisfjörður.

Helpful hint: check the opening hours of both the art gallery and the museum when planning your day – both typically close by 5 pm.

10. Play golf at the Seyðisfjörður Golf Course

11. Swim in the Seyðisfjörður indoor swimming pool

Where to eat in Seyðisfjörður

We did not eat in town, but there are many places to have a nice meal. El Grilló Bar, the Aldan Restaurant, and the Norð Austur Sushi Bar are among the most popular.

Here is a full list of places to eat.

Where to stay in Seyðisfjörður

The most popular places to stay in town are Seyðisfjörður Guesthouse and Hotel Aldan.  

Here is an interactive map with more accommodation options:

You can also stay in Egilsstaðir, where you may have more choices.

If you’re tent camping or exploring in a campervan, you can stay at the Seyðisfjörður Campsite.  

READ MORE: Camping in Iceland: A Complete Guide and Tips from My Campervan Adventure.

Best time to visit Seyðisfjörður

Seyðisfjörður is accessible year-round; however, driving over the Fjarðarheiði Mountain Pass is easiest and most enjoyable in the summer months.

In shoulder seasons and winter months, the drive may be more challenging due to ice, winds and fog. Again – check the weather forecast and road conditions before you start your drive.

4X4 rental car is highly recommended outside the summer season. 

How much time do you need in Seyðisfjörður?

We only had a couple of hours in town, and as you can see, it was enough just to see the main highlights in the area close to the blue church.

If you are looking to explore more and hike, I recommend spending at least half a day in Seyðisfjörður.

Is Seyðisfjörður worth visiting?

It absolutely is – even for a short time!

The drive is stunning and the town charming, colorful, and peaceful. It’s a must-see!

Practical tips for visiting Seyðisfjörður

• Fill up on fuel in Egilsstaðir (although there is a small gas station in Seyðisfjörður)
• Check weather and road conditions before crossing Fjarðarheiði Pass. 
• Wear layers and comfortable walking shoes, especially if you plan on hiking.
• Allow extra time – you’ll need more time than you think!
• Book accommodation early if you’re visiting in the summer.

FAQ:

Nearby attractions:

• Vök Baths in Egilsstaðir
• Stuðlagil Canyon
• The Reindeer Park in Fellabær  
• Rjúkandi Waterfall
• Hengifoss Waterfall
• Vestdalur Valley Hike
• Borgarfjörður Eystri
• The Waterfall Circle Trail

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