Region
Eastfjords
25 km from Egilsstadir
Seydisfjordur: Ferry Port and Arts Town
A fjord town of colorful houses, home to the Rainbow Street, the European ferry terminal, and an active arts community.
Population
~700
Eastfjords • Ferry terminal
Quick Answer
Seydisfjordur is where the Smyril Line ferry from Europe lands in Iceland. The Eastfjords town is known for Rainbow Street, its blue church, and its arts scene.
Seydisfjordur sits at the end of a winding mountain pass, a town of colorful wooden houses, waterfalls, and an active arts scene. As the terminus for the European ferry, it is where travelers arriving by sea first set foot in Iceland.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
Check mountain pass conditions in winter; the road to Seydisfjordur can close during storms.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Population
~700
Arts community and ferry town
Known for
Rainbow Street
Painted path to the blue church
Top Attractions in Seydisfjordur
Rainbow Street
Colorful path to the blue church
Seyðisfjarðarkirkja
The blue wooden church
Skaftfell Art Center
Contemporary art exhibitions
Waterfalls
Waterfalls along the fjord and mountain approach
Technical Museum
Budareyri waterfront history; confirm current opening
Hiking Trails
Routes to viewpoints and abandoned farms
How to Get to Seydisfjordur
From Egilsstadir: 30 minutes over the mountain pass (Route 93), a scenic drive with viewpoints.
By ferry: Smyril Line connects the town with Denmark and the Faroe Islands. Choose the dated sailing schedule: arrival days change between summer and autumn, and the 2026 schedule has no Iceland sailings from November 22 through December 31.
Best Time to Visit Seydisfjordur
Summer: Longer daylight for exploring the town and walking trails; check individual trail and weather conditions.
Winter: Quiet, but the road may close. Check conditions before driving the pass.
Plan the town stop around the sailing
The 2026 Norröna timetable, revised August 24, changes after the summer season. From September 16 through November 18, it lists Wednesday arrivals at 09:00 and Thursday departures at 20:00. The early September transition has an exception, so use the actual date on your booking rather than assuming every week follows the same pattern. All times in the timetable are local.
For departures from Seydisfjordur, Smyril Line’s check-in instructions require all passengers to check in at least one hour before sailing; passengers with special needs are asked to arrive at least two hours ahead. Allow that time separately from the drive over the mountain pass. The published autumn terminal hours, checked September 10, 2026, are Thursdays 16:00–19:00 through November 19.
There is more to the waterfront than a ferry terminal. The municipality describes the Technical Museum’s reopened exhibition, Budareyri: a history of transformations, in and around the former machine workshop at Hafnargata 38b. It connects telegraph communications, harbor work and trade with the changing landscape, including landslides. That is useful context for the buildings around you. The municipal listing was last updated in 2023, so confirm today’s opening with tekmus@tekmus.is instead of relying on its older admission prices.
Planning help
Seydisfjordur FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
What is the population of Seydisfjordur?
Seydisfjordur has approximately 700 residents.
What ferry goes to Seydisfjordur?
The Smyril Line ferry Norröna connects Seydisfjordur to Denmark and the Faroe Islands. It is the only car ferry link between Iceland and mainland Europe.
What is the Rainbow Street?
The main street leading to the blue church (Seyðisfjarðarkirkja) is painted in rainbow colors and is a recognizable town-center landmark.
How far is Seydisfjordur from Egilsstadir?
Seydisfjordur is 25 km from Egilsstadir (30 minutes) over a scenic mountain pass. The pass can close in winter.
Is Seydisfjordur an art town?
Yes, Seydisfjordur has an active arts scene with galleries, the Skaftfell Center for Visual Art, and residencies that attract international artists.
What happened in Seydisfjordur in December 2020?
A major landslide on December 18, 2020 destroyed buildings and much of the Technical Museum. The museum subsequently reopened with an exhibition about the changing Budareyri waterfront.
Is there good hiking from Seydisfjordur?
Yes, trails lead to waterfalls, viewpoints, and the abandoned village of Vestdalur.
What services does Seydisfjordur have?
Small but well-equipped: hotels, restaurants, cafes, a gas station, and the ferry terminal. Grocery options are limited, so stock up in Egilsstadir.
For national population totals and trends to put local figures in context, see our Iceland statistics.