3 Days in Seydisfjordur: A Practical Guide

Iceland's Eastfjords hide a tiny town of rainbow streets and mountain silence—here's how to spend three days without rushing.

Day 1: Arrive and Acclimatise

Most travellers reach Seydisfjordur by ferry from Hirtshals, Denmark, arriving at the town's small harbour after a 2–3 day crossing. If you're driving from Egilsstaðir, the 27 km Route 93 over Fjarðarheiði pass takes about 30–40 minutes in good conditions—check road.is before setting out, as the pass can close in winter. The town itself is compact: the Blue Church, the rainbow-painted street of Strandgata, and the old timber houses date from the herring boom a century ago. Settle into your hotel—options cluster around Strandgata and the harbour, with double rooms typically from around €150–220 per night in summer—then walk the 1 km loop to the lake at the town's edge.

Spend the afternoon on the short hike to Tvísöngur, a concrete sound sculpture by the German artist Olafur Eliasson, about a 20-minute uphill walk from the centre. The view over the fjord is worth the climb. For dinner, the town has a handful of small restaurants and a café; the selection is limited, so book ahead if you're travelling in July or August. Skip the temptation to drive onward to Egilsstaðir for dinner—the return over the pass at night is not worth it when you can eat locally.

Day 2: The Fjord and the Valley

Start early with the 5 km walk or drive to Vestdalseyri, the abandoned whaling station at the head of the fjord. The gravel track is flat and takes about an hour on foot, passing the town's cemetery and a waterfall. In summer, kayak tours paddle the calm waters of Seydisfjörður (around 2–3 hours, weather dependent); the fjord is sheltered, making it one of the safer places on Iceland's east coast for beginners. If you prefer dry land, the hike to the Bjólfur ridge above town takes 3–4 hours return and gives you the classic postcard view of the rainbow street.

In the afternoon, drive 30 minutes west to Egilsstaðir, the region's service town, for groceries and fuel—Seydisfjordur has a small shop but limited supplies. Continue another 20 minutes to Hallormsstaðaskógur, Iceland's largest forest, where marked trails wind through birch and larch; the Skriðuklaustur literary museum nearby is worth an hour. Return to Seydisfjordur for the evening. I'd book a room with a fjord view if available—the light on the water at 10 pm in June is the reason to stay here rather than in Egilsstaðir.

Day 3: Slow Mornings and the Road West

Use your last morning for the town's small but excellent technical museum, which documents the 19th-century herring era, and the art gallery on Strandgata. The town is small enough that you can cover both in two hours. Have lunch at one of the harbour cafés before departing; if you're driving west, fill up in Egilsstaðir first, as the next reliable petrol is in Mývatn, 160 km away. The drive to Mývatn takes around 2 hours via Route 1, passing the turnoff for Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall, which adds an hour each way on rough gravel.

If you have a late ferry, spend the afternoon on the 3 km walk to the Selá river mouth, where Arctic terns nest in June and July—keep your distance. The ferry to Denmark typically departs in the afternoon, so check-in is required a couple of hours beforehand. For a three-day stay, I'd book a hotel on Strandgata for the first two nights and a harbour-side room for the last, giving you different perspectives on the fjord without repacking completely. Skip the organised day tours from Egilsstaðir; they rush the pass and leave little time for the town itself.

Questions, answered

Do I need a car in Seydisfjordur?

A car is useful for reaching trailheads and Egilsstaðir, but the town itself is walkable. If you arrive by ferry, you can rely on local walks and the occasional taxi; for wider exploration, hire a car in Egilsstaðir.

When is the best time to visit?

June to August brings mild weather, long daylight and the ferry season. May and September are quieter and cheaper, but some services close. Winter is dramatic but the mountain pass can be hazardous; check road conditions daily.

How many days do I need?

Three days allows a relaxed pace: one day for the town and Tvísöngur, one for the fjord and Egilsstaðir, and one for the museum and departure. Two days is possible if you skip the valley, but you'll miss the region's contrast.

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