Seyðisfjörður is a small harbour town of roughly 700 people tucked at the head of a long, steep fjord in East Iceland, best known for its colourful timber houses and the 'Rainbow Street' leading to the blue church (Seyðisfjarðarkirkja) — one of the country's most photographed scenes. It is both an arts-and-culture hub and the gateway for the Norröna, the only international car ferry linking Iceland with mainland Europe. A major landslide in December 2020 destroyed several houses but caused no fatalities; the town has since rebuilt with new protective defences and, as of 2026, welcomes visitors normally. Note that the 25-year LungA art festival ended after its 2024 edition, so travellers planning a trip around it should check current programming.
The Blue Church and Rainbow Street — a rainbow-painted pavement leading to the blue timber church, the town's signature photo spot
Tvísöngur sound sculpture — five interconnected concrete domes on the hillside, each tuned to a note of Icelandic five-tone harmony; a 15–20 minute walk up a gravel path
The village's colourful old wooden buildings and the Skaftfell Center for Visual Art, giving it a distinct artistic atmosphere
Waterfalls around the fjord such as Gufufoss and Búðareyrarfoss, plus hiking in the Vestdalur Nature Reserve
Skálanes Nature and Heritage Reserve, 17 km east, with rich birdlife (an eider-duck colony) and sweeping fjord views
Good to know
SafetyThe only road in, Route 93, climbs the ~620 m Fjarðarheiði pass. It is ploughed daily in winter but frequently closes during storms, so always check live conditions on road.is (Road Administration) and vedur.is (Met Office) before driving.
SeasonThe Norröna international ferry runs only weekly in the summer season (roughly mid-March to late November) and does not sail from late November to mid-March. Confirm the latest sailing schedule and book vehicle space in advance.
SeasonIn July the midnight sun keeps nights bright, so the northern lights are not visible; auroras appear only in the dark winter months, when ferry service is suspended and the pass is harder to cross.
RulesSince the 2020 landslide, hazard zones and areas around the new defence structures may be cordoned off. Always respect closure signs and do not enter restricted areas.
RulesOff-road driving is illegal throughout Iceland. Stick to marked roads and car parks, and keep away from nesting birds at sites like Skálanes.
MannersThis is a tiny community of about 700 residents. Avoid photographing private homes and gardens, be considerate on cruise-ship days when crowds swell, and note that Iceland has no tipping culture, so tips are not expected.
CautionPickpocketing and violent crime are very rare and Iceland is generally safe. The main pitfall is cost — prices are high, so check restaurant and tour rates beforehand and book summer accommodation early.
Practical info
Seyðisfjörður is about 8–9 hours' drive from Reykjavík, or 27 km (30–40 minutes) from Egilsstaðir and its airport via Route 93, with a bus service from Egilsstaðir. The Blue Church, Rainbow Street and waterfall trails are free and open at all times, and Tvísöngur and the nature reserves can be explored freely on foot. Ferry fares, tour hours and bus timetables change by season, so check the latest details on official sites before you go.
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