13 Jan Rainbow Road in Seyðisfjörður, Iceland

The Rainbow Road in Iceland is growing in popularity, but some still consider it to be a hidden gem. Not only is it beautiful as it leads to the Blue Church in Seyðisfjörður, but it also has an important history behind its creation. The town of Seyðisfjörður established its own Pride Parade in 2014, and townspeople painted the street now known as Rainbow Road in 2016 for support. Additionally, they repaint it every so often as is necessary. For the full story, keep reading below!

Not as many people visit northern Iceland due to the fact it is pretty far from the capital city of Reykjavík. However, it is definitely worth the drive if you have time. You can stop at the Rainbow Road as well as other popular attractions such as Godafoss Waterfall and Hverir Geothermal Area.

Contents:

1) Location of Rainbow Road in Iceland

2) General Visitor Information

3) Quick Facts

4) Background

5) Nearby Attractions

1) Location of Rainbow Road in Iceland

Rainbow Road is located in the town of Seyðisfjörður in northeast Iceland. The town is on the coast at the end of road 93. It is not exactly right off the Ring Road, and thus you have to plan some extra time for driving if you want to visit. Seyðisfjörður is an approximately 30 minute drive off the Ring Road. Furthermore, you will have to drive over a mountain to get to the town, though do not worry as the roads are in great condition. As we drove over the mountain, there was one point where we felt as though we were amongst the clouds because it was so foggy. 

For reference, Seyðisfjörður is 30 minutes east from Egilsstaðir and three and a half hours north from Höfn.

You thus might not be able to visit Rainbow Road if you are only in Iceland for a weekend. However, that means you just need to plan for at least a week-long trip! While visiting the road, you can also plan to check out some of the shops and restaurants. Additionally, since Seyðisfjörður is a little bit off the main road, you will not run into as many tourists there. 

Parking

There is no parking lot specific for the Rainbow Road, but rather you can park anywhere in town and walk to it. The town is not too large, so finding a parking spot and then walking over should not be an issue. 

Nearby Lodging – Rainbow Road, Iceland

For nearby lodging, the town of Egilsstaðir has a fair amount of options, including Eidavellir Apartments and Rooms. We stayed at Eidavellir when we visited, and we would recommend it to others as it was clean, comfortable, and a good price. 

Walking along the Rainbow Road in Iceland

2) General Visitor Information

You do not have to worry about large crowds of tourists here. When we visited, the town was fairly quiet, and only one other couple was in the area of the Rainbow Road. We thus felt as though we had the place to ourselves. 

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Rainbow Road would be in the summer. Let me tell you why. First, it will be a lot easier to drive up north and to the town of Seyðisfjörður in the summer months. Weather can be unpredictable and harsh in Iceland, especially during the winter. A snowstorm might thus arrive and hinder your ability to drive to this town or northern Iceland in general. Second, if there is a bunch of snow or ice on the ground, the road will be partially or fully covered. 

Estimated Visit Time

I would plan 15 minutes within your itinerary to visit the road and snap some pictures. However, add in some extra time if you would like to stop and grab a bite to eat or peruse around some of the nearby shops. 

3) Quick Facts of Rainbow Road, Iceland

1. Rainbow Road is located within the town of Seyðisfjörður in northern Iceland. 

2. The road leads directly to the Blue Church. 

3. A resident of Seyðisfjörður, Snorri, established the first annual Pride Parade in 2014 when they could not travel to Reykjavík for the parade there. 

4. The townspeople of Seyðisfjörður first painted the road in 2016 for a Pride Parade. 

4) Background

The Rainbow Road in Iceland leads directly to the Blue Church in Seyðisfjörður. The road has a pretty interesting history behind its creation. Every year Reykjavík hosts a Pride Parade for the LGBTQ+ community. One individual from Seyðisfjörður, Snorri, was unable to travel across the country to Reykjavík in 2014 for the parade. Snorri thus decided to establish a parade right in their home town of Seyðisfjörður. Keep in mind, Seyðisfjörður has a population of around 700 people.

The parade took place once again the next year as well as the year after. It quickly became an established tradition. While less than 10 people participated in 2014, now hundreds of people participate each year. The townspeople of Seyðisfjörður painted the Rainbow Road in 2016 for their now annual Pride Parade. Additionally, every now and then they repaint the road to ensure the colors stay as vibrant as ever. 

Some still consider this to be a hidden gem, and Iceland is full of other hidden gems if you have time to explore them.

Rainbow Road leading to the Blue Church in Seyðisfjörður

5) Nearby Attractions to Rainbow Road, Iceland

While on your way to the Rainbow Road in Iceland, consider some of the below attractions as well. All of the following are found in northern or eastern Iceland, so you are likely to pass by them anyways. 

Stokksnes Peninsula

The price to enter the peninsula is 800 ISK (~$6) per person. Once inside, you can first check out the viking village, which is an old movie set. Then explore the black sand beach, especially the area with the grassy sand dunes. In the background you will see the majestic Vestrahorn mountain. This is one of the most photographed spots in Iceland. 

The Stokksnes Peninsula is three hours and 45 minutes southwest from Rainbow Road. If you need lodging in the area, check out Laekjarhus Farm Holidays.

For more information: What to Know Before Visiting Stokksnes / Vestrahorn in Iceland.

Looking at the foggy view on Stokksnes Peninsula

Stuðlagil Canyon

If you listen to anything I say, listen to my recommendation of visiting Stuðlagil Canyon. Hiking there and jumping in the glacial river was my FAVORITE activity in Iceland. Although, I will leave whether or not you jump in the river up to you because it is c.o.l.d. However, always prioritize safety and make sure to check out the water level and conditions before doing so. Stuðlagil is a basalt rock column canyon, and to make it even better it has a turquoise river running through it.

Stuðlagil Canyon is only one hour and 30 minutes southeast from Rainbow Road. If you need lodging in the area, check out Eidavellir Apartments and Rooms.

For more information: Favorite Activity in Iceland: Hiking to Stuðlagil.

By the river’s edge at Stuðlagil Canyon

Mývatn Nature Baths

Most people have heard of the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, but many miss out on the wonder of the Mývatn Nature Baths. Put on a swimsuit and then let the warm waters work their magic on your body, mind, and soul. Nothing is better than hanging out in a geothermal pool after a long day of driving and/or hiking.  

Mývatn Nature Baths are two hours and 20 minutes northwest from Rainbow Road. If you need lodging in the area, check out Akureyri H.I. Hostel.

For more information: What to Know Before Visiting Myvatn Nature Baths in Iceland.

Panoramic view of Myvatn Nature Baths

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