Family Adventure in Seydisfjordur, Iceland

A Symphony of Sights and Sounds

Today was a day of diving deep into the artistic heart of Seydisfjordur. From echoing sound sculptures to quirky roadside art and the cozy corners of local galleries, the town revealed its creative spirit in unexpected and delightful ways. It's amazing how a place can offer so much more than just stunning landscapes; it's the human touch, the art, and the stories behind it that truly make a destination memorable.

Our day began, as usual, with a hearty breakfast at Hótel Snæfell. Sofia was particularly excited about the freshly baked bread, and Lena enjoyed her usual skyr with berries. Fuelled up, we set out to explore the attractions Seydisfjordur had to offer. Our first stop was Tvísöngur, a sound sculpture nestled on the mountainside overlooking the town. The walk up was invigorating, the air crisp and clean, carrying the scent of wildflowers. Even Sofia managed most of the way before needing a shoulder ride from her ever-willing Papa.


Experience the captivating blend of art and nature at Tvísöngur, a unique sound sculpture in Seydisfjordur, Iceland, where every echo tells a story.

Tvísöngur, which translates to 'duet', is the brainchild of German artist Lukas Kühne. It consists of five interconnected concrete domes, each designed to resonate at a different frequency, corresponding to a tone in traditional Icelandic five-part harmony. The structure itself resembles a cluster of igloos, perched dramatically on the hillside. As we approached, the wind whistled through the openings, creating an eerie, almost otherworldly sound. I couldn't resist stepping inside each dome, humming a different note and listening to the unique reverberations. Sofia, of course, thought it was a giant playhouse and ran from one dome to another, her laughter echoing within the concrete chambers. Lena, ever the art aficionado, was fascinated by the acoustics and the way the sculpture interacted with the natural surroundings.

Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.

After our sonic exploration, we made our way back down the hill and headed towards our next destination: the Sculpture of a Telephone Booth. This quirky piece of art, created by Icelandic artist Guðjón Ketilsson, sits on the side of the road heading north of Seydisfjordur. It's a rusty, vintage phone booth, seemingly abandoned in the middle of nowhere. But this is no ordinary phone booth. It commemorates the first international telegraph cable that connected Iceland to the world, landing in Seydisfjordur in 1906. Inside, a plaque reads, 'Hvernig gengur?' which translates to 'How's it going?' – the first message sent through that very cable.


Explore the Sculpture of a telephone booth in Seydisfjordur, Iceland, a unique blend of art and local culture amidst stunning landscapes.

The phone booth is a poignant reminder of Iceland's connection to the wider world, a symbol of communication in a remote and isolated landscape. Sofia was intrigued by the phone, pretending to make calls to her grandparents in Berlin. Lena and I took some photos, capturing the booth against the backdrop of the stunning fjord. It's these unexpected, offbeat attractions that often leave the biggest impression, a testament to the power of art to transform the ordinary into something extraordinary.

By lunchtime, we were ready for a break, so we headed to Lyng restaurant for a bite to eat. The restaurant was cozy and inviting, with large windows overlooking the water. I opted for the Arctic char, while Lena chose the vegetarian pasta. Sofia, predictably, went for the fish and chips. The food was delicious, the service friendly, and the atmosphere relaxed. It was the perfect place to recharge before our next adventure.


Experience authentic Icelandic cuisine at Lyng Restaurant in Egilsstaðir - where local ingredients meet culinary excellence.

Our afternoon was dedicated to exploring the local art scene. We visited Gallerí Vigdísar, a charming gift shop and gallery showcasing the work of local artisans. The gallery was a treasure trove of handmade products, from ceramics and textiles to paintings and sculptures. Vigdís Helga Jónsdóttir and her husband Sigurður Hauksson, the owners, were incredibly welcoming, sharing stories about their art and the inspiration behind it. Lena was particularly taken with a hand-knitted Icelandic sweater, while I admired the intricate ceramic sculptures. Sofia, of course, found a colorful, hand-painted wooden toy that she insisted on taking home.


Explore Gallerí Vigdísar in Seyðisfjörður for unique handmade gifts and local art that captures the essence of Iceland's rich culture.

Gallerí Vigdísar is more than just a shop; it's a celebration of Icelandic craftsmanship and creativity. It's a place where you can connect with the local culture and find unique, one-of-a-kind souvenirs that truly capture the spirit of Seydisfjordur. As someone who appreciates art, history and culture, I felt right at home, surrounded by the talent and passion of the local artists.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Hótel Aldan for dinner. This hotel is a family-run establishment in the heart of Seydisfjordur, and the restaurant is renowned for its use of local Icelandic ingredients. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, the perfect setting for a relaxed family meal. We enjoyed a delicious three-course meal, savoring the flavors of Icelandic cuisine. The Arctic lamb was particularly memorable, tender and flavorful, a true taste of the region.


Discover Hótel Aldan in Seyðisfjörður – where Icelandic cuisine meets cozy accommodations amidst stunning landscapes.

After dinner, we took a stroll along the waterfront, enjoying the cool evening air and the stunning views of the fjord. The colorful houses of Seydisfjordur twinkled in the twilight, creating a magical atmosphere. Sofia, tired but happy, held our hands as we walked, her eyes wide with wonder. It was the perfect end to a perfect day.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, we're planning to visit the Seyðisfjörður útsýnisstaður viewpoint for panoramic views of the fjord and the Audbjorg ship. Lunch will be at Skaftfell Bistro, and dinner at The Old Apothecary. We might even check out Feiti Fíllinn - BAR NIGHTCLUB for a late-night drink, although with Sofia in tow, that might be a challenge!

Today was a reminder that travel is about more than just ticking off landmarks; it's about immersing yourself in the local culture, connecting with the people, and discovering the hidden gems that make each destination unique. Seydisfjordur has certainly captured our hearts with its artistic spirit, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. I am excited to see what tomorrow brings, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share our experiences with you all. Berlin feels a world away, but I know I'll be bringing a little piece of Iceland back with me, to share with Lena and Sofia in our cozy apartment in Prenzlauer Berg.

I am already looking forward to the time when I can practice my (still very poor) German with the talented artists and creators of Seydisfjordur, over a beer maybe. I am pretty sure Lena would love that too, even though she is always keen to remind me that a museum curator knows a thing or two about art. But that's what I love about our life together: the shared experiences, the mutual respect, and the endless possibilities for discovery. And with Sofia by our side, every day is an adventure, a chance to see the world through fresh eyes and to create memories that will last a lifetime.