Family Adventure in Seydisfjordur, Iceland

A Day of Discovery in Seydisfjordur

Our day began, as usual, with a hearty breakfast at Hótel Snæfell. Fuelled up, we set out to explore the Technical Museum of East Iceland. As a software engineer, I’m naturally drawn to anything tech-related, and I was eager to see what this museum had to offer. Lena and Sofia were equally excited, ready to learn about Iceland's technological advancements.

The Technical Museum of East Iceland was a fascinating journey through time. It showcased the evolution of transport, communication, and various technologies in Iceland, particularly during the 19th and 20th centuries. From the age of the working horse to the digital communication of today, it was amazing to see how far Iceland has come. Sofia was particularly captivated by the old telephones and radios, asking a million questions about how they worked. I found myself explaining the basics of telegraphy and early radio technology, simplified for a six-year-old, of course. Lena, with her curatorial eye, appreciated the way the exhibits were curated, noting the thoughtful arrangement of artifacts and informative displays.

We spent a good couple of hours wandering through the museum, discovering the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Icelanders throughout history. It was interesting to see exhibits from The National Museum of Iceland, The Roadworks, Icelandic Mail, Icelandic Coast Guard, RARIK Electric Network, Síminn Telephone and Landsbjörg SAR. The museum also serves as a heritage museum for the coastal town of Seydisfjordur. It gave us a deeper appreciation for the challenges they faced and the solutions they developed. I was particularly impressed by the displays on early Icelandic telecommunications, given my background in tech. It's humbling to see how much effort and innovation went into technologies that we now take for granted.

Sometimes, the most enriching travel experiences come from unexpected places, like a small technical museum in a remote Icelandic town.

After immersing ourselves in history, it was time to embrace the natural beauty that Seydisfjordur is famous for. We packed a light lunch at The Filling Station / Seyðisfjörður Food Coop, which I had read offers fresh, organic options. It’s a small, family-run business that offers breakfast and fresh-pressed juices made from organic fruits and vegetables, paired with freshly baked sourdough bread. Lena was thrilled with the selection, and Sofia enjoyed a simple but delicious sandwich made with local ingredients. With our provisions secured, we drove towards Vestdalsfossar, a series of waterfalls nestled in the Vestadalur valley.

The hike to Vestdalsfossar was relatively easy, perfect for a family outing. The trail meandered along the Vestdalsa River, leading us to the main waterfalls, Vestdalsfossar and Selbrekkufoss. The path was well-maintained, with a wood-chipped surface that made it easy to follow. The views were simply breathtaking. The water cascaded down the cliffs, surrounded by lush greenery and the towering mountains of the fjord. Sofia was in her element, running ahead and excitedly pointing out every little detail – a colorful flower, a peculiar rock formation, a particularly picturesque spot.

We took our time, stopping frequently to take photos and soak in the scenery. The fresh air and the sound of the rushing water were incredibly invigorating. I couldn’t resist snapping a few shots with my camera, trying to capture the magic of the moment. Lena, ever the thoughtful one, made sure we took plenty of family photos, wanting to document every stage of Sofia's childhood. She also reminded me to apply sunscreen, something I had completely forgotten in my excitement. I'm glad she did, as I'm prone to sunburn, and I had forgotten to pack it from our Trip Essentials!

The hike to the waterfalls was an easy one, and you are guaranteed scenic views and beautiful waterfalls. Located in the Vestadalur valley, the two main waterfalls along this trail are called Vestdalsfossar and Selbrekkufoss. We didn't do the extended hike to Vestdalsvatn Lake, as it would have taken around 4.5 hours, but instead did a loop following the Vestdalsa River upstream from Vestdalsfossar. The hike was just the right length for Sofia, who was happily tired by the time we made our way back to the car. As we drove back towards town, we talked about our favorite parts of the day – Sofia loved the waterfalls, Lena enjoyed the museum, and I appreciated the blend of history and nature.

For dinner, we decided to try Norð Austur - Sushi & Bar, a place I had read about that serves Icelandic fish dressed in Japanese traditions. It’s located on the second floor of a building dating from 1900, which also houses the charming Hótel Aldan. The restaurant had stunning views of the lagoon and the interiors were cozy and hip. The sushi was amazing, with fresh, local ingredients prepared with innovative techniques. Sofia, surprisingly, enjoyed the salmon nigiri, while Lena and I savored the more adventurous rolls. The murals by Icelandic artist Harpa Einarsdóttir added a magical air to the surroundings.

After dinner, Lena and I decided to sneak out for a quick drink at Kaffi Lára El Grillo Bar. Sofia was happy to stay at the hotel and wind down for the night. Kaffi Lára El Grillo Bar has a casual and relaxed atmosphere, and is a popular meeting spot for locals and visitors alike. It’s a family-operated restaurant and bar situated by the lagoon in central Seyðisfjörður. I opted for a locally brewed beer, while Lena enjoyed a glass of wine. The bar had a cozy, welcoming vibe, and we chatted with some of the locals, learning more about life in Seydisfjordur. It was the perfect way to end a fulfilling day.

As I sit here writing this, I can’t help but feel grateful for the experiences we had today. Seydisfjordur has a way of captivating you with its charm and beauty. Tomorrow, we plan to explore Tvísöngur, a sound sculpture, and the Sculpture of a telephone booth. I’m looking forward to another day of adventure and discovery in this enchanting corner of Iceland.

The day was a perfect blend of cultural immersion and natural exploration, reminding me of why we chose Seydisfjordur as our destination. It’s a place where you can connect with history, appreciate nature, and create lasting memories with your family.