Solo Adventure in Seydisfjordur: Exploring Iceland's Hidden Gem

A Day of Art and Echoes in Seydisfjordur

Today was a symphony of sights and sounds, a deep dive into the artistic soul of Seydisfjordur. It's amazing how this small town, nestled amidst towering fjords, pulses with such creative energy. From exploring the marina to losing myself in a sound sculpture, every moment felt like discovering a new layer of this Icelandic gem.

My day began with a simple yet satisfying breakfast at Hafaldan HI hostel, Harbour building. I enjoyed some sourdough bread toast, butter, cheese & jam, juice & freshly brewed coffee. The hostel itself is a beautiful building with endless charm. The light breakfast fueled me up nicely for the day ahead. I savored the quiet morning, thinking about my Jasmine back home and how much she would adore this place. I made a mental note to bring David and her here one day; they’d both fall in love with the charm of this town, especially its artistic vibe.


Discover Seyðisfjörður's charm at Hafaldan HI Hostel – your cozy retreat amid breathtaking landscapes.

First on my itinerary was a stroll along the Seyðisfjörður Marina. The crisp morning air filled my lungs as I watched the fishing boats bobbing gently in the water. The marina is a hive of activity, with locals and visitors alike enjoying the tranquil atmosphere. The views of the surrounding mountains reflecting in the still water were simply breathtaking. It was so peaceful that I almost forgot about the rain jacket I had forgotten back in Toronto. Almost!


Discover the enchanting Seyðisfjörður Marina, where breathtaking landscapes meet vibrant local culture amidst Iceland's stunning fjords.

As I wandered along the marina, I couldn't help but reflect on how different this solo trip was from my usual family adventures. Usually, I'm wrangling Jasmine and making sure David has his camera ready for every scenic shot. But here, it was just me, my thoughts, and the stunning Icelandic landscape. It’s a welcome change, and I feel myself growing with every step.

Next up was Tvísöngur, the sound sculpture by German artist Lukas Kühne. The walk to the sculpture was itself an experience. It’s about a 15-20 minute hike from the town up a gravel road. As I ascended, the views of Seydisfjordur became increasingly panoramic. The sculpture is made of five interconnected concrete domes, each resonating with a specific tone from Icelandic five-tone harmony. It's designed to act as a natural amplifier, and the acoustics inside are truly eerie and incredible.


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

The sculpture resonates with the wind and the whispers of nature, creating an ethereal sound that makes it a distinctive experience for all who visit.

Inside Tvísöngur, I experimented with my voice, singing a few lines from a Gombey tune. The echoes that reverberated through the domes were hauntingly beautiful, a blend of Bermudian rhythm and Icelandic acoustics. It was a surreal moment, connecting my past with my present in this remote corner of the world. The experience was a blend of art and nature that I won't soon forget. It was amazing how the wind and the structure worked together to create such a unique auditory experience. Each dome resonated with a different tone, creating a symphony of echoes that danced around me. I spent a good hour there, just listening and experimenting with my own voice, feeling the vibrations through the concrete and into my soul.

After my sonic adventure, I decided to treat myself to some ice cream at Seyð-ís. The shop is known for its artisanal ice creams made with locally sourced ingredients. I opted for a scoop of blueberry and skyr flavor, which was the perfect blend of sweet and tangy. Sitting outside the shop, enjoying my ice cream, I watched as people strolled along the colorful streets of Seydisfjordur. The town is known for its vibrant arts scene, and it was evident in every corner, from the colorful houses to the quirky art installations.


Discover the enchanting taste of homemade ice cream at Seyð-ís in scenic Seydisfjordur, where every scoop tells a story.

For dinner, I had reservations at Norð Austur - Sushi & Bar, and I was really looking forward to it. I had heard rave reviews about their innovative sushi and the use of fresh, local ingredients. The restaurant is located on the second floor of a building that dates back to 1900 and boasts stunning views of the lagoon. I arrived a bit early and was seated at a table by the window, overlooking the harbor. The dining room had olive green walls, framed paper cranes, organic jellyfish-style lampshades, and grey curtains framing the ocean view. It was cozy and hip all at once.


Discover fresh and authentic sushi at Norð Austur - Sushi & Bar in scenic Seyðisfjörður, where Icelandic charm meets Japanese culinary artistry.

I decided to go for the chef's choice platter, and it did not disappoint. Each piece of sushi was a work of art, a perfect balance of flavors and textures. I tried salmon belly sizzling on hot black Icelandic stones, cod collar with ponzu sauce, and spicy Japanese chicken wings. The fish was incredibly fresh, and the chef's creativity was evident in every dish. The service was spectacular, and the staff was friendly and knowledgeable. It was the best Japanese food I’ve eaten in Iceland.

Before heading back to the hotel, I made a stop at Kaffi Lára El Grillo Bar for a nightcap. This charming bar is a local institution, known for its cozy interior and friendly ambiance. It’s a family-run restaurant and bar located in the heart of Seyðisfjörður, by the rainbow street. The bar has its own local brewed beer, El Grilló. The atmosphere was lively, with locals and tourists mingling and chatting over drinks. I ordered a glass of El Grillo lager and listened to a local troubadour playing traditional Icelandic songs. I even got a chance to chat with a few locals, who shared stories about the town's history and culture. It was the perfect way to end a perfect day.


Experience delightful cuisine and local brews at Kaffi Lára El Grillo Bar, a cozy restaurant in Seyðisfjörður's picturesque surroundings.

As I walked back to Hótel Snæfell, the town was quiet and peaceful under the soft glow of the streetlights. The air was crisp and clean, and the only sound was the gentle lapping of the waves against the shore. I thought about how lucky I was to be here, experiencing the beauty and tranquility of Seydisfjordur. I feel so grateful for this opportunity to explore and reflect.


Experience the charm of Seydisfjordur at Hótel Snæfell, where comfort meets local culture. Enjoy cozy accommodations, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes.

Tomorrow, I plan to visit the East Iceland Heritage Museum and explore more of Seyðisfjörður. I’m excited to learn more about the history and culture of this fascinating town. I might also check out Markadur, a local shop, for some unique souvenirs. Until then, I'll drift off to sleep with the echoes of Tvísöngur and the taste of Icelandic sushi dancing in my dreams. Tonight, Seydisfjordur feels like a dream itself, one I’m not ready to wake up from.

Seydisfjordur is a place where art and nature intertwine, where the echoes of the past resonate with the creativity of the present. It's a town that invites you to slow down, to listen, and to connect with the world around you. And for a solo traveler like me, it's a place to discover not only the beauty of Iceland but also the beauty within myself.