Seyðisfjörður ( Seydisfjordur ) is a town in eastern Iceland in the region of Austurland.
The first settlers settled in the Seyðisfjörður area in 1848. It was founded by Norwegian fishermen. These inhabitants built many of the buildings that still exist today. Seyðisfjörður was used as a military base by British and American forces during World War II.
Seydisfjordur is surrounded by mountains and the most famous of them is Biowulf Mountain, located in the west of the city.
After the closure of the local fishery, the town has focused its economy on tourism, although it remains an important fishing port on the Icelandic east coast. Seyðisfjörður has an interesting cultural atmosphere, with an arts center and many museums.
Access : Coordinates: 65.263056, -14.008889 / The city is the port of call for the Norröna, the only car ferry that connects Iceland to the European mainland via the Faroe Islands and Denmark. It operates under the flag of the Faroe Islands.
By Cruise ship : In 2016 Seydisfjordur was visited by 31 liners and 16.800 passengers. Cruise ships are moored at the pier in the center of the village..
/ Ferries to Seydisfjörюрur:
The only boat trip connecting continental Europe and Iceland leaves from the port of Hirtshals (Denmark) every Saturday at 15:00, travel time is slightly more than 48 hours, arrival at the port city of Seydisfjordur.
Highlights :
- Seydisfjordur is famous for its old wooden buildings. In the city you can find specially designated places for car tourists, tourist facilities, a swimming pool, a library, a hotel, a police post, a wine shop and other retail activities, as well as rooms and studios for beginner artists.
- The world famous artist Dieter Roth lived and worked in his personal art studio. Dieter Roth Academy is located in Skaftfeld.
- Technical Museum of East Iceland : Museum dedicated to the history of fishing and telecommunications in the village.
- There are many waterfalls near the town, as it is surrounded on three sides by mountains.
- Seydisfjordur Church : The Church in Seyðisfjörður is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Iceland.
- Tvisongur : Tvísöngur Soundsculpture. Tvisongur is a site-specific sound sculpture by German artist Lukas Kühne.
- Gufufoss : Gufufoss is the largest of the many waterfalls upslope of Seyðisfjörður
- Skálanes : Skálanes Nature and Heritage Centre is placed within a 1250 hectare nature reserve situated on a peninsula 17 km east of Seyðisfjörður.
- Skaftfell – Center for Visual Art / Streitisviti Lighthouse /
Events : Every year in the month of July, the city hosts the Summer Lung Music Festival.
Activities : sightseeing / photo opportunities / trekking, The most popular excursion begins its journey from the very heart of the city, on the eastern bank of the Fjardarau River
/ During the winter, the Fjardarheidi pass is used for skiing.
Go next : The pass road over the Fjarðarheiði plateau leads to the nearest town Egilsstaðir and to Hringvegur (27 km).
