ICELANDIC TIMES - Land og saga

SeyðisfjörðurThe Charming Natural Pearl of East IcelandThe road to Seydisfjördur crossesFjarðarheiði, a mountain rangewhich has over the centuriespresented a huge obstacle to travel,but is now reduced to a mere 30minutes. Commanding views fromFjarðarheiði and the road leadingdown to the fjord is one of Iceland’smost spectacular.The small but charming villageof around 700 inhabitants, isdistinguished by its collection ofwell preserved and colourful timberhouses from the early 20th century.Seyðisfjörður is considered by many tobe one of the most picturesque townsin Iceland, also known for its thrivingart scene. In the center of town risesthe pretty “Blue Church”, which servesas the local centre for music, whilethe Skaftfell Art Center is dedicatedto the visual arts, with its focus oncontemporary arts. Artists, art loversand visitors from all over Iceland andabroad convene at the annual LungAart festival in July. Mostly aimed at theupcoming generation of young artists,the festival has become one of themain art events of the year in Iceland.Seyðisfjörður also has its own historicalmuseum with lively exhibitions thatseek to recreate the atmosphere ofthe times they portray; from 1880to 1950 technical innovations inareas such as mechanics, electricity,communications, telephony, commerceand architecture changed forever thedynamics of the Icelandic way of life,bringing it swiftly into the modern era.It was here that the first telephone linelinking Iceland to the outside worldwas built. Other historical links includethe Norræna ferry, a north Atlanticferry that connects Iceland to the FaroeIsland and Denmark, which docks atSeyðisfjörður, making it the only placein Iceland where you can travel abroadwith a car.Recreational highlights includemidnight kayaking on the fjord (in summer only), attempting thechallenging “Seven Peaks Hike”,mountain biking, sea angling and birdwatching at Skalnes. Guided toursof historic Seyðisfjörður can also bearranged.A fun factIn the latter part of the 19th century,Iceland still didn´t have a proper capitol.The intellectual elite were aware of theproblem and much back and forthdiscussion took place before it wasdecided that Reykjavík would be thebest spot for the capitol of the future.Along with Akureyri, Seyðisfjörðurwas one of the candidates, since itwas easier to sail to Europe fromSeyðisfjörður than from any other ofthe towns in question.www.visitseydisfjordur.comSea fishing in beautiful Seydisfjordur fjord, in the safe hands of a localfisherman Tour for up to 7 people, rods for 4 people at a time.For more information please contact+354 861 7789 / ferdamenning@sfk.is28