or as they say it in the local language:

Seyðisfjarðarkaupstaður 

We arrived at 10:00 am on our anchorage position; as the ship is too long for the dock, or the dock too short for the ship, we use our tender boats to ferry everyone ashore. Once the majority was ashore, I went for a short run. No need to go very far here, as this area is famous for scenery and waterfalls.

Running in Seyðisfjörður feels like stepping into a living Nordic painting — crisp air, towering mountains, and waterfalls that seem to pour straight out of the sky. Even without direct search results, everything we know about the region’s geography, terrain, and climate makes it one of the most dramatic places a runner can experience in Iceland.

Running in Seyðisfjörður

Seyðisfjörður sits at the end of a long, narrow fjord on Iceland’s east coast, surrounded by steep, glacier‑carved mountains rising more than 1,000 meters almost vertically from the sea. The town itself is small, colorful, and quiet — but the landscape around it is anything but.

Running here means being enveloped by:

• Sheer mountain walls that create a cathedral-like feeling
• Ribbon-like waterfalls cascading down every slope
• Deep blue fjord waters reflecting the sky and peaks
• A dramatic valley floor that feels carved for endurance athletes

Every route feels cinematic.

Waterfalls Everywhere

Seyðisfjörður is famous for its waterfall corridor — dozens of falls streaming down the mountainsides, especially in spring and summer. As a runner, you don’t just see them; you hear them. The constant rush of water becomes part of your rhythm.

Some standout waterfall zones include:

• Gufufoss — the largest and most dramatic, thundering beside the road
• Fossastígur — a trail lined with multiple falls in quick succession
• The mountain streams that braid across the slopes after rain

These aren’t distant postcard views — they’re right beside you as you run.

The Fjord Road: A Runner’s Dream

The road from Seyðisfjörður up toward Fjarðarheiði Pass is one of Iceland’s most scenic stretches. It’s a steady climb, but the payoff is enormous:

• Switchbacks with panoramic fjord views
• Snow patches even in summer
• Waterfalls at nearly every turn
• A descent back into town that feels like flying

This route is perfect for long-distance runners who love elevation and drama.

Trails

If you prefer trails, the mountains around Seyðisfjörður offer rugged, rewarding terrain:

• Búðará Valley Trail — follows a river and multiple falls
• Vestdalur Nature Reserve — alpine tundra, old stone structures, and sweeping views
• The Waterfall Circle — a loop connecting several cascades

Expect:

• Soft mossy ground
• Rocky technical sections
• Sudden views that stop you in your tracks

It’s wild, but accessible — ideal for adventurous runners.

The Town: A Colorful Finish Line

Seyðisfjörður is known for its Rainbow Street leading to the iconic blue church. Finishing a run here feels symbolic — a burst of color after miles of monochrome mountains and silver waterfalls.