After driving over 2,000 miles around Iceland, we have seen some beautiful places. But our stop hiking in Seyðisfjörður still stands out as one of the highlights of the trip. Located in Iceland’s eastern fjords. The small fishing village sits on the water, surrounded by 3,000+ foot peaks on all sides except for the ocean. Words can’t do it justice. The peaks tower over the village. Creating a ja dropping perspective. WIth massive avalaunch guards protecting the town form nature’s wrath in the form of falling snow.
Seyðisfjörður Iceland is an outdoor hiker’s dream. While a small fishing village, the town also serves as a port for smaller cruise ships heading to the Faroe Islands. So even though the town is off of the ring road. They see an influx of visitors from time to time because of the cruises. Which has led to a thriving artist community in the area.
What you are left with is a small artsy community surrounded by incredible hiking trails, located in one the most beautiful places in the country. So if Seyðisfjörður wasn’t on your list, then it should be now!
Hiking in Seyðisfjörður Iceland
When we first added Seyðisfjörður to our list, our goal was to take on the town’s 7 Peak Challenge. Which allows people to attempt to climb the 7 prominent peaks surrounding the town to earn the title of Mountain Viking. But, based on the remaining snow on the peaks and current warm weather. The avalanche risk was just too high to attempt the challenge. So we pivoted, and after talking to the visitor center decided to try their local recommended route. Featuring three difficulty levels, we set off to enjoy the weather and views!
Video: Hiking in Seyðisfjörður Iceland
The Route: Efri Botna Trail
Distance: 3.4 Miles
Elevation Gain: 1,500+ Feet
Link: https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/efri-botna-hringur-16904839
Seyðisfjörður Hiking Tips – Iceland
- The town offers trails for all levels of hikers. From easy walking trails to advanced scrambling and winter routes.
- One of the more popular hikes in town is the “waterfall lane” hike. Perfect for all levels, make sure to visit in spring for the highest and most impressive waterfall flows. Link: Click Here
- You can get a local map and tips on what trails are open at the visitor center. Which is located at the port at the center of town.
- Ask the visitor center which trails are open. Some trails can be closed to work on avalanche barriers in the area.
- Hiking in the area you must be careful and aware of both avalanches and landslides. Both are very real dangers in the area. Make sure to check with the visitor center for any recent news or advisories.
- If you get a map from the visitors center, the routes will be labeled beginner, intermediate, and advanced.
- The Efri Botna route is considered advanced, due to some steep climbs and loose footing.
- The intermediate route (forget the name) has a few tough climbs, but zero scrambling or loose footing. I’d recommend this hike to the radio tower for most people.
- Don’t forget to walk around the town and enjoy some of the cool art!
Seyðisfjörður Visitors Center Info
Address:
Information center
Ferjuleira 1, 710 Seyðisfjörður
Email: [email protected]
Closing Thoughts
Having traveled the world, one of my problems is that I’m always on to the next. And once I’ve been somewhere, unless they are really special I often don’t tend to go back. I will be going back to Seyðisfjörður Iceland. The town is just too beautiful and unique to stay away forever. I’d love to see the town in winter, and you better believe I will be back to take on the town 7 peak challenge. Which after seeing the mountains, is more of a challenge than even I expected.
So make sure to add this gem of a town to your list of places you will be stopping in Iceland. It is well worth the trip. And a nice way to beat the crowds of the very popular ring road.
