A Trip to Seyðisfjörður

What’s the town’s story?

Seyðisfjörður is located 40 kilometres off the Ring Road. The road that leads to it is one of Iceland’s most scenic routes. It’s situated in the bay at the tip of the fjord. It’s the first stop if you’re travelling to Iceland from Denmark by ferry, which gives it a somewhat special international feel. Seyðisfjörður has around 600 people and they can’t leave the town at all in winter if there’s lots of snow. In that case, they meet with their friends, bathe in the local swimming pool, knit sweaters and play cards. They don’t get direct sun for four months, but they can enjoy the dance of the northern lights. At the end of February, the sun finally shines on Seyðisfjörður and the List í Ljósi Festival takes place, its name meaning art in the light. International as well as national artists come to town and create abstract artwork that connect both light and art. Seyðisfjörður is a real art town, as it even has the LungA art school where students from various countries develop their art. All this gives the town an artistic and international feel, which can be seen in the locals accepting foreigners into their community. The strength of the community was evident in December last year when the town was hit by a mudslide after heavy rain. The whole community gathered in the cultural centre where they endured the natural disaster together. Some people spent Christmas away from home, but the ordeal brought the town’s residents even closer together.

What to see in Seyðisfjörður?

Legends about spirits, elves and trolls abound in the town. The rocks that can be seen around the nearby mountains are said to represent the rock trolls. And there are elves living not far from the town. But let’s get back to the town. The church in Seyðisfjörður is one of Iceland’s most famous attractions. It’s recognisable far and wide with its blue colour. Walk down the rainbow path and all the way to the church among the colourful wooden houses that create a wonderful panorama of the bay. Iceland is a land of waterfalls and some of them are located nearby. The most famous ones can be found in the Vestdalur valley, above the ruins of old houses that constitute the town’s beginnings. The waterfall valley will take you to a lake that remains frozen for almost all year and from there you’ll get an excellent view of the surrounding mountains. This was where the remains of a Viking woman were found. There’s another beautiful waterfall near the main road, the Fjarðarselsvirkjun. The path to the waterfall will take you past plantations of blueberries and currant, which start growing later here than in the rest of Europe. Of course, you can also climb all the wonderful mountains that you can see above the town. If you manage to conquer all the seven peaks, you’ll earn a special certificate. A special sound structure known as Tvísöngur, made by the German artist, Lukas Kühne, is located above the town. But if you just want to hike for a bit, you can walk along the northern side of the fjord all the way to the Rock of the Dwarves. On the fjord’s south side is Skálanes, a true cultural and natural treasure trove. Birds nest here in the summer, including the cute little puffins. And there’s also something for the technology enthusiasts – it’s possible to tour the Fjarðarsel power plant, where you can learn more about the unique way of generating electricity. Each July, the LungA art festival takes place here, with numerous music and art events.

Where to stay?

There are two HI hostels in Seyðisfjörðurju – the Hafaldan old Hospital and the Hafaldan Harbour. Hafaldan Harbour is located in a yellow house on the northern side of the fjord, just outside the town. There’s a stunning view of the sea, the mountains and the town from the hostel’s dining room. The building was constructed in the 1960s as a home for women who worked in the fishing industry. Today, half of the building is a hostel and the other half the home of its owner, which gives it a very special intimate feeling. The beautiful art collection in the living areas and the antique furniture in the rooms make the hostel incredibly unique and comfortable. The rooms are clad in birch wood. Interestingly, what are now double rooms were once used to house four women. There’s a small chicken coop under the hostel, where guests can pick up eggs, and a small greenhouse.

Hafaldan Hospital is located in a former hospital. The charming little house has been going through constant renovations and now boasts a real sauna and wonderful interior. Artists stay there during the winter. But you should keep in mind that the hostels are open only from 1 April to 1 November. HI members get a 10% discount on when staying in this area with clean air and beautiful nature.

Secure your trip with World Nomads

Wherever you go, your trip can be safe, with simple and customisable international travel insurance for solo travellers and families. Get travel insurance through World Nomads and get a policy with 24-hour assistance and transport for medical emergencies, as well as cover for more than 220 sports and leisure activities on snow, water, air and land. The insurance policy may include, among other things, coverage for experiential activities, such as au pairs – part-time or voluntary work with children, working in a bar, fruit picking, office work, teaching and some other work abroad. Protect yourself or your family with World Nomads travel insurance.