Plizio Visual Lab
Seyðisfjörður Blue Church
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
church
Seyðisfjarðarkirkja, famously known as the Blue Church, is a prominent architectural landmark located in the pretty town of Seyðisfjörður in East Iceland. The church has a unique history of relocation, having been originally constructed at Dvergasteinn, moved to Vestdalseyri, and eventually transported to its current site in the town center in 1920. Its distinctive pastel blue hue and traditional wooden construction make it a quintessential example of early 20th-century Icelandic religious architecture. A notable feature is the lively rainbow-painted path that leads directly to the church's entrance, symbolizing the community's artistic and welcoming spirit. During the summer months, the church becomes a cultural hub, hosting the annual Blue Church Concert Series, which features a variety of musical genres in an acoustically rich setting. The building remains a vital spiritual center for the town while serving as a major focal point for international visitors exploring the fjords. Surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks, the church stands as a testament to the town's historical and cultural resilience.
- Location: Iceland
- Top sights: Skaftfell. Center for Visual Art, East Iceland · Seyðisfjarðarkirkja
- Nearby: Egilsstaðir (18 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | -1 | -1 | 1 | 3 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 3 | 1 | -1 |
| Rain mm | 111 | 90 | 95 | 81 | 85 | 68 | 94 | 98 | 110 | 134 | 126 | 123 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The blue church is open for visits typically during daytime hours. You can admire the colorful exterior and the rainbow path leading to its door at any time.
Typical hours
Churches typically have varying hours, often open around service times. Check locally for exact opening times during your visit.
Photography
Photography is usually allowed inside, but avoid flash during services. The exterior and rainbow path provide excellent photo opportunities.
Time needed
A short visit takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Allow extra time to enjoy the surrounding area and the path.
Combine with
The church is located in Seyðisfjörður, a photogenic village in eastern Iceland. Combine your visit with a hike to nearby waterfalls or a stroll around the harbor.
Getting there
Seyðisfjörður is accessible by car via Route 93. The church is centrally located in the village and easy to reach on foot.
Insider tip
Visit the church in the late afternoon when the light is especially good for photos. The rainbow path is a popular spot for memorable pictures.
Geography
Facts
- The church was moved to its current central location in 1920.
- Dvergasteinn was the original site where the building was constructed.
- The Blue Church Concert Series has been held annually since 1998.
- The famous rainbow path was first painted in the year 2016.
- The structure features a timber frame with corrugated iron cladding.
- Seyðisfjörður is located approximately 27 kilometers from Egilsstaðir.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Seyðisfjörður Blue Church (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Seyðisfjörður church famous for?
Famous for its light blue color and the rainbow path leading directly to its entrance.
Is the rainbow path always visible?
Yes, it is permanently painted on the street and is a popular photo spot year-round.
Are concerts held in the church?
Yes, in summer there are often Wednesday evening concerts (Blue Night).
How much time is needed for a visit?
15 to 30 minutes is enough to photograph the church and the path.
Is there an entry fee?
Entry is free; small donations are used for the church's upkeep.
Seyðisfjörður Blue Church: where is it located?
Seyðisfjörður Blue Church is located in Iceland.
Seyðisfjörður Blue Church: what is there to see?
Highlights include Skaftfell. Center for Visual Art, East Iceland, Seyðisfjarðarkirkja.
Seyðisfjörður Blue Church: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Seyðisfjörður Blue Church: why is it worth visiting?
Seyðisfjarðarkirkja, famously known as the Blue Church, is a prominent architectural landmark located in the pretty town of Seyðisfjörður in East Iceland.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Iceland →
Nearby cities
Akureyri
Akureyri is the largest urban area outside the Reykjavík region, often called the 'Capital of the North'.
Vestmannaeyjar
Vestmannaeyjar is a town on Heimaey island in the archipelago of the same name off Iceland's south coast.
Húsavík
Húsavík is a town on the shores of Skjálfandi bay in North Iceland.
Sauðárkrókur
Sauðárkrókur is the largest town in Northwest Iceland, located on the Skagafjörður fjord.
Sauðárkrókur
The largest town in Northwest Iceland, located in Skagafjörður, known for its horses and fishing industry.
Höfn
Höfn is a fishing town in southeast Iceland, situated on a headland between Hornafjörður and the ocean.
Dalvík
Dalvík is a picturesque fishing town on the Eyjafjörður fjord in North Iceland.
Siglufjörður
Iceland's northernmost town, once the world capital of herring fishing, nestled between majestic mountains.
Siglufjörður
Siglufjörður is a historic town in North Iceland, once known as the 'Herring Capital of the World'.
Blönduós
Blönduós is located in northwest Iceland at the mouth of the Blanda river.
Hella
A small town in South Iceland on the banks of the Ytri-Rangá river, known for horse breeding and the mysterious Caves of Hella.
Vík í Mýrdal
Vík í Mýrdal is located on the south coast of Iceland and is the country's southernmost village.
Vik
A picturesque village on the south coast, famous for its black sand beaches and the dramatic Reynisdrangar basalt stacks.
Vopnafjörður
Vopnafjörður is a small settlement in northeast Iceland, situated on a deep bay.
Seyðisfjörður
Seyðisfjörður is an artistic town in the East Fjords of Iceland.
History & landmarks
Nature
Borgarfjordur Eystri Puffins
One of the best places in Iceland to observe Atlantic puffins from a short distance.
Papey Island Wildlife
Papey lies off the east coast and hosts large populations of puffins and eider ducks.
Snæfell (East)
The highest mountain in Iceland outside the main ice caps.
Herdubreidarlindir Oasis
A lush oasis in the middle of a lava desert at the foot of Herdubreid.
More places
Neskaupstaður Port
Neskaupstaður is one of the most important fishing ports in East Iceland.
Eskifjörður Port
Eskifjörður Port is a significant center for herring and mackerel processing.
Fjardaál Aluminium Smelter
The Fjardaál aluminium smelter in Reyðarfjörður is operated by Alcoa.
🗺️
Baugasel Ruins
Archaeological site in East Iceland showing traces of an old settlement.
Kárahnjúkar Hydropower Plant
The Kárahnjúkar Hydropower Plant is the largest industrial project in Iceland's history.
Þvottá
At this location, the chieftain Hallur Þorsteinsson was baptized in 997, marking a turning point in the Christianization of Iceland.
Herðubreið
Herðubreið is a tuya (table mountain) in the Highlands of Iceland.
🗺️
Stafafell Historical Site
Site with historical roots and traces of old settlement in the southeast.