Iceland View of Seydisfjordur

Surrounded by steep mountains at the end of a narrow fjord, Seyðisfjörður is easily one of the most picturesque villages in East Iceland. Its colorful wooden houses, calm waterfront and enormous mountains rising directly behind the town create a completely different atmosphere from Iceland’s more open landscapes. In winter, fresh snow simplifies the entire scene and, when the water is calm, the reflections across the fjord can be incredible.

The waterfront is one of the best places to photograph Seyðisfjörður. Look for calm conditions to use the fjord as a natural mirror, combining the houses with the mountains and their reflections. A standard or short telephoto focal length works particularly well, as some compression helps make the mountains feel even larger behind the village. Blue hour and soft overcast conditions also suit the location beautifully, especially during winter when the landscape becomes almost monochromatic.

Seyðisfjörður sits at the end of a fjord and is reached via the mountain road over Fjarðarheiði from Egilsstaðir. This is especially important to keep in mind in winter: heavy snowfall, strong winds, and drifting snow can make the pass difficult or impossible to drive, and the road can occasionally remain closed for days.

Check the latest road and weather conditions before heading into the valley. Avoid driving down towards Seyðisfjörður when a major snowfall or storm is approaching, as you could find yourself unable to drive back over the pass and potentially get stuck in the village until conditions improve.