Seyðisfjörður, Iceland
This is a nice if not the nicest little town in the Eastfjords. It is situated at the head of a 10-mile (16 km) long fjord and surrounded on three sides by mountains. Besides its superb setting, it has beautifully painted timber houses and a friendly atmosphere. Many musicians and artists have made it their home.
Seyðisfjörður is also the place, where the first submarine telephone cable that linked Iceland with mainland Europe was brought ashore in 1906. There's a historical museum, the Tækniminjasafn Austurlands, which consists of two buildings: one was the home of ship-owner Otto Wathne, built in 1894; the other was a machine shop, built in 1907. The museum displays old photographs and machinery and shows how the original telegraph station looked like.
If you want to meet some local people or simply relax, visit the Skaftafell Cultural Center. Local artists and musicians like to meet here and there's a gallery on the second floor which displays of works of art. Occasionally, concerts and poetry readings are held here.
Seyðisfjörður has developed into a center of music and arts. From mid-June to mid-August, the Á Seyði Festival takes place. This is a good time to visit as you can see many exhibitions all around town. Also, concerts are held in the Blue Church.
For water lovers, guided kayaking tours through the magnificent fjords are available. This is a great way to get an up close look at birds and seals. Trips range from a couple of hours to two-day tours, which include meals and accommodation.
Seyðisfjörður is definitely worth a visit and if you want, you can even spend the night here as there is a hotel, guesthouse, youth hostel and campsite. The town is also a hub for ferries, which arrive here from the European mainland, bringing in a steady flow of travelers. It is a short, scenic drive away from Egilsstaðir, just east of the Ring Road. The road leading into the town follows the river Fjarðará and 25 huge waterfalls.