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).
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 last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
The mountain pass Fjarðarheiði is spectacular but can be treacherous in winter. Always check road.is before crossing.
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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.
Festival
LungA
Annual arts festival in July attracts international artists and musicians to this tiny town.
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
- LungA arts festival in July attracting international artists and musicians
- 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)
Peak season with midnight sun. LungA arts festival in July. All cafes and studios open. Waterfalls run full from snowmelt. Ferry service at maximum. Weather mildest (8-15°C).
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 weekly in summer.
Planning help
Seyðisfjörður FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.