Making the most of Seydisfjordur
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
As you proceed into the fjord, you are treated to the wonderful sight of thin ribbons of water cascading down volcanic cliffs on either side of the ship.
The port has a modern cruise-and-ferry terminal building, with a gangway and two berths, 500m from the center of tiny Seydisfjordur town.
Seydisfjordur remains Iceland's only port with a purpose built terminal building, offering souvenir shopping, internet, WC and tourist information.
Larger ships sometimes anchor and tender passengers ashore, generally on Thursdays when a ferry is in port.
Take a printable map with you.
Cruise Schedule: choose month, year and port.
Seyðisfjörður calls itself the world's smallest cosmopolitan town, with 750 inhabitants, some living or working in well-preserved old timber buildings. Imported kit-form from Norway between 1895-1922, many survive as homes, business premises and public buildings.
The town lies under the two 1,000 meter mountains Strandartindur and Bjólfur. Above it, valley river Fjarðará descends in over 25 waterfalls to the lagoon at the fjord head.
During summer, East Iceland Museum of Technology opens daily 11 to 6. Nearby are the municipal offices and museum of technology, formerly owned by the Great Nordic Telegraph Company. In 1906, Iceland first connected with the outside world via a submarine telephone cable coming ashore at Seyðisfjörður, and the museum contains early telecommunications equipment.
Getting around
For a picturesque walk and photos, follow colourful Rainbow Street to iconic Seyðisfjörður Church, also called the Blue Church.
Food and shopping
Icelandic shops meet international standards and stock varied merchandise. Local specialties include woollen knitwear such as sweaters, cardigans, hats and mittens, handmade ceramics, glassware, silver jewelry and a great range of high-quality seafood.
Money
Iceland's monetary unit is the "króna". Coin denominations are 100 kr., 50 kr., 10kr., 5 kr. and 1 kr.; bank notes are 5000 kr., 2000 kr.,1000 kr., and 500 kr. Icelandic banks handle foreign exchange and generally open weekdays 09:15 to 16:00.
EUROPAY/MASTERCARD and VISA are Iceland's major cards. Cash is available at every bank branch (over 170) and all ATMs nationwide.
Staying connected
Icelanders still speak the Vikings' language, though modern Icelandic has changed in pronunciation and, naturally, vocabulary!
The library is close by but has no sign on it; free Wifi can be found there.
Opening Hours and
Office hours are usually 09:00-17:00, changing to 08:00-16:00 in June, July and August. Shops trade Mon-Fri 09:00-18:00 and Sat 10:00 to 13:00/14:00/15:00 or 16:00. Some supermarkets stay open until 23:00 seven days weekly. Banks open Mon-Fri 09:15-16:00.