Things to Do in Seyðisfjörður: Complete Guide

Seyðisfjörður sits at the end of one of Iceland’s most dramatic fjord drives — a 17km run from the Ring Road junction through steep valley walls with waterfalls dropping on both sides. The town itself is small (population around 650), but it has a well-established creative community, an arts festival, a genuinely distinctive street art installation, and — uniquely in Iceland — a weekly ferry connection to continental Europe.

Most visitors come as a day trip from Egilsstaðir. The mountain pass road (Route 93) is part of the experience — the descent into the fjord is one of the more striking arrivals in Iceland, with the blue church appearing at the end of the valley as you come down.

Rainbow Street and Bláa Kirkján

Rainbow Street (Regnbogagatan) is the town’s defining image — a painted rainbow road running from the ferry terminal up to the blue wooden church (Bláa Kirkján). The rainbow is painted directly on the road surface and has become one of the most photographed spots in East Iceland. It was originally created by local artists and has been repainted several times since.

The church at the end of the street dates from 1894 and is one of the few original prefabricated wooden churches in Iceland. Entry is free. The interior is simple — wooden pews, a small pipe organ, and plain windows — but the building and its setting at the head of the fjord are striking. The church hosts a summer concert series (Blue Church concerts) — check local listings for dates and ticket prices, which vary by event.

Fardagafoss Waterfall Hike

One of the better short hikes in East Iceland. The trail starts from the edge of town and climbs above the fjord to the Fardagafoss waterfall, with views back over the fjord and the colourful rooftops below. The return trip takes 2–3 hours at a moderate pace. No entry fee. The path is well-maintained but can be slippery in wet conditions — bring waterproofs and proper footwear.

The waterfall has a particular place in Icelandic folklore — it was said that young women would visit it on a specific day in spring to predict their marriage prospects for the year.

Smyril Line Ferry

Seyðisfjörður is the only Icelandic port served by a car ferry to continental Europe. The Smyril Line Norröna sails every Thursday evening in summer to Tórshavn (Faroe Islands) and Hirtshals (Denmark), with returns arriving on Wednesdays. Book well in advance at smyrilline.com — the ferry is popular with cyclists, motorhome travellers, and those doing an Iceland–Faroes–Denmark road trip. Prices for a cabin and car start from approximately €350–700 for the Faroe Islands leg as of 2026, depending on season and cabin grade.

The Thursday ferry day is also a good reason to visit Seyðisfjörður mid-week — the harbour is active in the hours before departure, with passengers from across Iceland and beyond loading vehicles.

LungA Art Festival

Each August, Seyðisfjörður hosts LungA — a week-long arts festival with exhibitions, film screenings, concerts, and workshops. The festival draws artists from across Iceland and internationally and is one of the few events in East Iceland that generates a genuinely festive atmosphere. Ticketed events cost approximately ISK 3,000–8,000 as of 2026; much of the public programme is free to walk through. Accommodation in the town fills quickly during the festival — book at least 2–3 months ahead.

Seyðisfjörður Swimming Pool

The geothermal swimming pool in town is a good way to end a day of walking. Entry approximately ISK 1,000 adult as of 2026. Outdoor heated pool and a hot tub. Open most of the year, though hours vary by season. A small and genuine local facility rather than a tourist spa.

Eating and Cafes

Seyðisfjörður has a small but good food scene for a town of its size. Skaftfell Bistro (attached to the Skaftfell art centre) is consistently well-reviewed — mains approximately ISK 3,000–4,500 as of 2026. Norð Austur Sushi and Bar has an unusual combination of sushi and local fish dishes — mains approximately ISK 2,800–5,000. In summer, a small number of pop-up cafes and food stalls also operate near the ferry terminal.

Practical Notes

• The mountain pass road (Route 93) can close without much warning in bad weather — check road.is before driving up.
• Parking is available near the ferry terminal. The town is easily walkable from there.
• Seyðisfjörður makes a logical base if you want to spend a full day exploring the fjord and nearby walks — Hótel Aldan is the main hotel option, with doubles from approximately ISK 32,000–48,000 as of 2026.
• For where to base yourself in the broader region, see our where to stay in Egilsstaðir guide.