Photo op
Rainbow Road
The colorful street leading to the blue church is the town's signature image.
East Iceland
Seyðisfjörður: Art Town of the Eastfjords
East Iceland's most colorful town, with Rainbow Street leading to the blue church. Home to an artist community, Iceland's only ferry terminal to Europe, waterfalls pouring down steep mountainsides, and a bohemian streak.
Main Village
Seyðisfjörður
Accessible via Route 93 (Fjarðarheiði pass).
Quick Answer
The artistic heart of the Eastfjords. Driving over the Fjarðarheiði mountain pass, you see Seyðisfjörður appear at the bottom of a bowl of mountains. With its colorful timber houses, waterfalls, and busy cultural calendar, it can feel like a film set.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
The mountain pass Fjarðarheiði is spectacular but can be treacherous in winter. Always check road.is before crossing.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Connection
Ferry Port
The only link to the Faroe Islands and Denmark by sea.
Vibe
Artsy
Studios, street art, and a creative community define the town.
Culture
Art
Check current exhibitions and events before planning around a festival date.
Nature
Waterfalls
25+ waterfalls cascade down the mountains surrounding the fjord after rain and snowmelt.
Scenic Drive
Fjarðarheiði
The mountain pass road from Egilsstaðir climbs to 600m with hairpin turns.
What to Expect
- Rainbow Street (Norðurgata) leading up to the blue Seyðisfjarðarkirkja church
- Smyril Line ferry terminal connecting Iceland to the Faroe Islands and Denmark
- Art studios and cultural venues; check their individual event calendars
- Tvísöngur sound sculpture with five interconnected concrete domes tuned to Icelandic harmony
- Over 25 waterfalls cascading down mountainsides after rain and snowmelt
- Fjarðarheiði mountain pass drive with hairpin turns at 600 meters elevation
How to Get to Seyðisfjörður
Driving from Egilsstaðir
Seyðisfjörður is just 27km (30 minutes) from Egilsstaðir via Route 93. The drive crosses the Fjarðarheiði mountain pass at 600m elevation and descends through hairpin turns with waterfalls on both sides, one of Iceland's most scenic stretches of road.
Road Conditions
Route 93 is paved but includes a high mountain pass. The road is plowed daily in winter but often closes during storms. Check road.is before every crossing in winter. The descent has steep grades and sharp turns. Take it slow.
Best Time to Visit Seyðisfjörður
Summer (June-August)
Summer brings long daylight for the town and waterfall walks. Check individual studio, café and ferry schedules rather than assuming that every venue opens daily.
Shoulder Season (May, Sept)
Fewer tourists, Rainbow Street less crowded. Mountain pass usually clear. Northern lights in September. Some studios may have limited hours. Expect 4-10°C temperatures.
Winter (Oct-April)
Mountain pass frequently closed by snow, so check road.is daily. Village quiet but atmospheric. Ferry still runs. Only 4-5 hours daylight in December. Great for northern lights when accessible.
Nearby Attractions
Rainbow Street & Blue Church
The painted street leading to the blue Seyðisfjarðarkirkja church is one of Iceland's most photographed scenes.
Skaftfell Center for Visual Art
Contemporary art center hosting exhibitions and an artist residency, with a popular café-bistro.
Vestdalsfossar Waterfall
Easily accessible waterfall just outside town, visible from the road on the drive from Egilsstaðir.
Tvísöngur Sound Sculpture
Five interconnected concrete domes on the hillside above town, each tuned to a note of Icelandic harmony.
Egilsstaðir & Lagarfljót
East Iceland's hub, 27km away, with the legendary Lagarfljót lake and vast Hallormsstaður forest.
Smyril Line Ferry Terminal
The MS Norröna ferry connects Seyðisfjörður to the Faroe Islands and Denmark; consult the date-specific sailing schedule.
Work back from the ferry check-in deadline
Smyril Line’s current instructions require all passengers at Seyðisfjörður to check in no later than one hour before departure. Passengers requiring special assistance are asked to arrive at least two hours before departure. These requirements were checked on September 10, 2026.
Build the journey over Fjarðarheiði around that deadline, allowing for conditions on the pass. The published sailing time is not your arrival time at the terminal. Download the schedule for your actual year and check updates to your booking before adding a last hike or café stop.
Planning help
Seyðisfjörður FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
How do you pronounce Seyðisfjörður?
It's pronounced 'SAY-this-fyur-thur.' The final element, fjörður, means fjord.
Where is Seyðisfjörður?
Seyðisfjörður lies in East Iceland, reached by road over Fjarðarheiði from Egilsstaðir.
Is Seyðisfjörður worth visiting?
Yes. Rainbow Street leading to the blue church is one of Iceland's most photographed spots. Add the arts scene, the waterfall-lined mountain approach, and the town's bohemian streak.
How long should I spend at Seyðisfjörður?
Half a day to a full day works well. Walk Rainbow Street, photograph the blue church, browse the art studios, hike to Tvísöngur sound sculpture, and stop at the cafes. An overnight stay shows you more.
Can you drive around Seyðisfjörður?
The only road access is Route 93 over Fjarðarheiði mountain pass from Egilsstaðir. There's no road around the fjord. The approach over the pass, with waterfalls on both sides, is part of the trip.
What is Seyðisfjörður famous for?
It's famous for the Rainbow Street (colorful road to the blue church), being Iceland's only European ferry port, the artist community, its cultural venues, and the waterfall-lined mountain approach.
Where does the ferry from Seyðisfjörður go?
The Smyril Line ferry (Norröna) connects Seyðisfjörður to the Faroe Islands and Denmark (Hirtshals). It's Iceland's only passenger ferry to Europe, with the sailing pattern depending on the season.
Where exactly is Rainbow Street in Seyðisfjörður?
Rainbow Street (Norðurgata) is in the center of the village, leading up to the distinctive blue church (Seyðisfjarðarkirkja). It's painted in rainbow colors and is the town's best-known photo spot.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.