Our final Icelandic port is also our second trip to look at the Seydisfjordur waterfalls. On our previous visit, Linda was still a bit mobile, so we had hobbled around the small, but very photogenic town.
This time, we wanted to take a look at one of the many waterfalls that cascade off the mountains and into the fjord. Happily, there is a particularly large one at the dock where the tenders land.
Not so fortuitous is the path leading up to the waterfall. Made from volcanic rock chips, the path provides good grip and drainage in wet weather. Not good at all for driving a scooter. Linda has a go, but gives up after 10 metres – the scooter is struggling to get traction on the gravel.
We abandon that idea and head down the road that leads away from town. Along the way we encounter a rusted phone box sculpture poking out of the greenery. Named ‘How’s it Going?’ the sculpture commemorates the first undersea telephone cable that ran from Scotland to Iceland.
The sculpture happens to be next to a smaller version of Seydisfjordur’s waterfalls. And like most of Iceland, it is also extremely photogenic. I spend a few minutes climbing up beside the waterfall to grab a great view across the fjord back towards the Island Princess.
The fjord road runs for another 17km or so, ending at one remote farmhouse with a spectacular view out into the Atlantic Ocean. There’s no chance the scooter battery will last that distance though!
Top tip: Scooter riders should stick to the right-hand sidewalk as they head into town. The path on the left-hand side has weathered badly, leading to a very uncomfortable ride.
Instead, we head back into Seydisfjordur, where the sound of loud music can be heard. The LungA arts festival running throughout the week, culminating in a live music performance in the afternoon and evening. Unfortunately, this means that the famous rainbow street is mostly closed; the music festival is ticket-only, so there is a gate across the main road.
Seydisfjordur is a very small town, with a population circa 700 people. The town hosts a regular ferry service to Torshavn in the Faroe Islands and on to Hirtshals in Denmark. This brings visitors in via the ‘Eastern Gateway to Iceland’. This would help to explain the surprisingly large number of hotels and guest houses in such a tiny town.
In terms of accessibility, the actual town of Seydisfjordur is pretty good (once you have disembarked the tender to shore). However, most Seydisfjordur waterfalls will be inaccessible for wheelchair and mobility scooter users.
Batteries required: 1
Battery rating: -66%
Did we get an Iceland passport stamp?
No. The ferry terminal was closed and the lady in the gift shop assured me that there are no immigration officers or passport stamps in Seydisfjordur.
Bonus
Other activities in Seydisfjordur
Here are three top rated activities and excursions in Seydisfjordur. As you can see, Studlagil Canyon is the key sight in the region.
1. Stuðlagil Canyon and Vök Baths Day Tour
Journey through the unspoiled beauty of East Iceland on a day filled with striking landscapes and unforgettable experiences. Travelling through the peaceful Jökuldalur Valley, your first stop is the stunning Rjúkandi Waterfall, a cascading gem set amidst rugged countryside. The adventure continues at Stuðlagil Canyon, one of Iceland’s most breathtaking natural wonders, where towering basalt rock columns frame turquoise waters in a scene made for photographs.
After a day of exploring dramatic scenery, the pace slows as you arrive at Vök Baths, where warm, geothermal waters invite you to relax and rejuvenate. Floating in these soothing pools, surrounded by nature, you’ll feel the cares of the day melt away.
This full-day journey combines the wonder of Iceland’s raw landscapes with the tranquillity of its natural hot springs—a perfect blend of exploration and relaxation that leaves lasting memories of East Iceland’s charms.
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2. Puffin & Gufufoss Waterfall Tour from Seydisfjordur Port
Discover the hidden beauty of East Iceland on a shore excursion to Borgarfjörður Eystri, a remote gem where dramatic fjords meet rich culture and fascinating folklore. Collected directly from your cruise ship in Seyðisfjörður, you’ll follow a scenic route into this enchanting region, best known for its dense puffin colonies and mystical legends. At Hafnarhólmi, one of Iceland’s most celebrated puffin-watching sites, you’ll enjoy rare opportunities to observe these colourful seabirds up close—a highlight for bird lovers and photographers alike.
The experience continues in the charming village of Borgarfjörður Eystri, where brightly painted houses nestle against wild Icelandic landscapes. Here, you’ll explore the historic Lindarbakki Turf House, a beautifully preserved example of traditional Icelandic building, before visiting Álfaborg—or “Elf Rock”—believed to be home to the queen of Iceland’s elves. This atmospheric site combines captivating folklore with breathtaking panoramic views over the surrounding fjord.
On the return journey, pause at the spectacular Gufufoss Waterfall, where roaring cascades and mist-filled air create a serene ending to your adventure. Blending wildlife encounters, cultural treasures, and natural wonders, this day trip offers cruise guests a truly authentic taste of East Iceland.
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3. Stuðlagil Canyon and Reindeer Park Tour
Set out on a day of discovery in East Iceland, where dramatic landscapes and fascinating wildlife come together in one unforgettable adventure. Begin with a scenic pickup from Seyðisfjörður or Egilsstaðir and pause at the beautiful Rjúkandi Waterfall, a perfect spot for photos before continuing to one of Iceland’s most impressive natural wonders—Stuðlagil Canyon. Here, sheer basalt cliffs frame shimmering turquoise waters, creating a strikingly photogenic setting you’ll remember long after your visit.
From the raw power of nature to the quiet grace of wildlife, your journey continues at The Reindeer Park. Here you’ll encounter these majestic animals up close in their natural habitat, learning about their history and importance in East Iceland. With the chance to observe and even photograph them at close range, this is a rare opportunity to connect with Iceland’s wildlife in a truly immersive way.
Blending extraordinary scenery with the magic of wildlife encounters, this tour is the perfect combination of adventure, photography, and authentic Icelandic charm—tailor-made for cruise visitors seeking a day of unforgettable experiences ashore.
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