Seyðisfjörður

Seyðisfjörður in the Eastfjords of Iceland is a charming little harbour town that sits decoratively in a fjord. Coming from Egilsstaðir you have to climb up a mountain pass to 500 m (where there were still snow patches and heavy fog that reduced visibility to 5 m in some sections, which felt really spooky). Then the road comes down until you're back at sea level.

Seyðisfjörður is where a lot of people coming by ship from Europe first set their foot on Iceland, because the big car ferries dock here. The town has an artistic flair to it. You can tell from the people and from places such as the recommendable bistro. They served me a fine "catch of the day" with a really unusual fennel-herb-pesto. There are artists having their workbenches right in the restaurant. But you could also tell because they had decorated the whole town for a Youth Art Festival that was to take place the next day. Big yellow and red balloons hung over the city.

On a cool day in July it is no shame at all in Iceland to wear a knitted woolen sweater and cap. Preferably, of course, a traditional Icelandic style one. The famous "Islaenderpullis" with the big circular zig-zag ornament round the neck and shoulders. You really see them a lot worn here.