Seyðisfjörður
City guide · Eastern Region · Iceland
Skaftfell Center for Visual Art, the principal center for visual art in eastern Iceland, housing an exhibition space, artist book library, and bistro · Technical Museum of East Iceland
About Seyðisfjörður
Seyðisfjörður is a small town in Iceland's Eastern Region, nestled at the innermost point of the fjord of the same name. Known for its old wooden buildings, vibrant artistic culture, and dramatic mountain scenery, it serves as the Icelandic port for the Norröna car ferry, connecting to mainland Europe via the Faroe Islands and Denmark. The town is surrounded by mountains, with Mt. Bjólfur (1085 m) to the west and Strandartindur (1010 m) to the east, and is accessible via a road over the Fjarðarheiði mountain pass (600 m elevation), 27 km from the Ring Road and Egilsstaðir.
Who this destination fits
Highlights worth planning around
Strong fit
- Distinctive artistic and cultural identity, including the Skaftfell Center for Visual Art and the LungA art school and festival
- Scenic location surrounded by mountains and waterfalls, with a popular hiking path along the Fjarðará river featuring 25 waterfalls
- Only car ferry connection between Iceland and other countries, via the MS Norröna to Denmark and the Faroe Islands
- Historic wooden buildings and remnants of early settlement dating back to 1848
- Access to the Skálanes nature and heritage centre, 17 km east, home to diverse wildlife
Tradeoffs
- Remote location requiring travel over the Fjarðarheiði mountain pass, which can be challenging in winter
- Small town with limited infrastructure; the local fish-processing plant has closed, shifting the economy to tourism
- High annual precipitation (over 1,650 mm), with wet conditions common outside summer
- Past vulnerability to natural hazards, including a major mudflow in December 2020 that damaged 39 houses
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options beyond the local cinema and cultural events
Plan the trip
Best time to visit
Summer months (June–August) offer the mildest temperatures (mean daily max 13.0–13.2°C) and lowest precipitation (55.9–56.8 mm per month), making it the most comfortable period for hiking and outdoor activities.
Planning lead time
Moderate planning recommended, especially for ferry bookings and winter road conditions over the Fjarðarheiði pass.
Decision factors
Safety
The town experienced a significant mudflow in December 2020 that damaged 39 houses, twelve of which were completely destroyed. Residents returned in October 2021 after protections were installed. Travelers should be aware of the region's high precipitation and mountainous terrain, which can create hazardous conditions, particularly in winter.
Getting around
Seyðisfjörður is connected to the Icelandic Ring Road (Route 1) at Egilsstaðir via Route 93. Route 951 travels east along the northern side of the fjord, and Route 952 along the southern side. The MS Norröna car ferry of Smyril Line arrives weekly from Hirtshals, Denmark and Tórshavn, Faroe Islands, providing the only car ferry link between Iceland and other countries.