The 650 people can trace back to the ruin of a burned-down church in the 11th century, but essentially Seyðisfjörður started in 1848 by Norwegian fishermen. These settlers also built some of the wooden buildings which still exist. The first telegraph cable connecting Iceland to Europe made landfall in Seyðisfjörður in 1906, making it a hub for international telecommunications. In 1913, Seyðisfjörður was used as a base for the Allies during World War II.
With
the closing of the local fish-processing plant, the village has shifted its
economy to tourism. In December 2020, mud flows hit the town after days of
heavy rain, destroying several houses and a complete evacuation of the town was
ordered. Some 39 houses had been damaged, twelve of which being
completely destroyed and five more significantly damaged. Residents were
allowed to return to their homes (if not destroyed) in October 2021 after
protections were installed.
The famous Blue Church.
Fjarðará is the river that flows through the center of town. Further up the river there are 25 waterfalls. The 2015 Icelandic television series Trapped (which we love) was partially filmed here.
Viking provided a special entertainment with food and drink. This was held in the local community hall. We had sparkling water or prosecco with rhubarb syrup which was very tasty, and nibblies made from local produce They also put on a couple of local performers who were very good indeed.
A British oil tanker was bombed and sunk by long range German bombers during the war.
If there was only a clue as to whether it was windy or not...
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