Plan a CruiseSeydisfjordur, located in a scenic fjord, offers a memorable arrival with thin ribbons of water cascading down volcanic cliffs on either side of the ship. This small town, home to 750 inhabitants, boasts Iceland's only purpose-built cruise and ferry terminal. The modern terminal building features a gangway, two berths, souvenir shopping, internet access, restrooms, and a tourist information desk. It's conveniently located just 500 meters from the town center.
Larger vessels may occasionally anchor and use tenders, particularly on Thursdays when a ferry is also in port. Seydisfjordur is renowned for its well-preserved old timber buildings, imported from Norway in kit-form between 1895 and 1922. The town is nestled between two 1,000-meter mountains, Strandartindur and Bjólfur, with the Fjarðará river cascading in over 25 waterfalls in the valley above, flowing down to the lagoon.
Getting Around from the Port
The port's modern terminal building is situated just 500 meters from the center of Seydisfjordur. Given the town's small size, all key attractions, shops, and eateries are easily accessible on foot within a short walk from the gangway. No other transport options are typically needed or widely available for exploring the town itself.
Attractions and Activities
Most attractions in Seydisfjordur are within easy walking distance:
- Rainbow Street and Seydisfjordur Church (Blue Church): Enjoy a picturesque stroll along the vibrantly painted Rainbow Street, leading directly to the iconic Blue Church. This area is perfect for photos and experiencing the town's unique charm.
- East Iceland Museum of Technology: Located close to the municipal offices, this museum is open daily from 11:00 to 18:00 during the summer months. It housed the Great Nordic Telegraph Company when Iceland first connected to the outside world via submarine cable in 1906, and features early telecommunications equipment.
- Waterfalls of Fjarðará River: Explore the valley above town where the Fjarðará river descends in over 25 distinct waterfalls, offering beautiful natural scenery just a short walk away.
- Explore the Historic Town: Wander through the streets to admire the unique, well-preserved timber buildings that give Seydisfjordur its distinct character.
- While the primary focus is on the town, various third-party excursions may be available for exploring the wider Eastfjords region.
Shopping
Icelandic shops maintain international standards, offering a variety of merchandise. Popular local specialties include woollen knitwear (sweaters, hats, mittens), handmade ceramics, glassware, and silver jewelry. High-quality seafood products are also widely available. Typical shopping hours are Monday-Friday 09:00-18:00, and Saturday from 10:00, closing between 13:00 and 16:00. Some supermarkets are open until 23:00 daily.
Dining
While specific restaurants aren't detailed, the town's small size ensures local cafes and eateries are easily found within walking distance of the port.
Safety
Seydisfjordur is a safe and welcoming destination. Standard precautions for personal belongings apply, but there are no specific areas to avoid or common scams to be aware of.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Icelandic Króna (ISK). Coins are issued in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, and 100 krónur, while banknotes come in 500, 1000, 2000, and 5000 krónur.
Major credit cards, particularly EUROPAY/MASTERCARD and VISA, are widely accepted throughout Iceland. Cash can be withdrawn from ATMs located across the country, and foreign exchange services are available at all Icelandic banks, which are generally open on weekdays from 09:15 to 16:00.
While Icelandic is the official language, many locals in tourist-facing roles speak English. Free Wi-Fi access is available at the local library.