Hotel Aldan | Where European Elegance Meets Icelandic Wilderness

This article is brought to you in partnership with Hotel Aldan

Though sparsely visited, the Eastfjords are known for a pace of life markedly different from Iceland’s more popular regions.

That character is clearly felt in Seyðisfjörður, a small town just 17 miles from Egilsstaðir. Located at the innermost point of the fjord from which it takes its name, Seyðisfjörður occupies a sheltered, picturesque setting that has long helped preserve its distinct identity.

It is this combination of landscape, atmosphere and relative isolation that makes Seyðisfjörður not just a place to visit, but a place worth staying.

Window to Europe Seyðisfjörður. Photo: Unsplash. CC.

While Seyðisfjörður may be off the beaten path, its unique charm and nearby attractions have earned it a cult following.

For example, as one of Iceland’s oldest settlements, the town occasionally unveils glimpses of its rich history. 

Among its latest archaeological discoveries was the remains of an 11th-century stave church at Þórunnarstaðir, offering a rare window into Iceland’s medieval past.

Originally a Norwegian settlement, Seyðisfjörður has since developed strong connections with Denmark and mainland Europe, both in terms of transport and cultural exchange. 

The town is also home to a key port for the Norröna ferry, which operates between the Eastfjords and Hirtshals in Northern Denmark.

Photo: Aldan Hotel & Restaurant Facebook page.

Adding to the town’s appeal, Seyðisfjörður is known for its vibrant arts scene, anchored by the independent LungA Art School. 

Founded by the Danish artist Jonatan Spejlborg Juelsbo and Icelandic artist and musician Björt Sigfinnsdóttir, the school has become one of the Eastfjord’s main hubs for creative expression.

Located on the shores of the stunning Fjardara Lake, Hotel Aldan offers a perfect blend of European elegance and Icelandic wilderness, reflecting the town’s diverse cultural heritage.

The hotel occupies three historic buildings, each with its own distinct atmosphere and fascinating story.

Bankinn: Historic Atmosphere and Modern Comfort Photo: Aldan Hotel & Restaurant Facebook page.

Built in 1898, a house known as Bankinn initially opened as one of Iceland’s most luxurious hotels, complete with an elegant restaurant, dining room, and dance hall. 

Over the following decades, the building took on new roles, housing the National Sailors’ Bank and, later, Landsbankinn, for nearly a century.

When it was carefully renovated in 2002, special emphasis was placed on preserving its historic atmosphere while seamlessly incorporating modern equipment.

Today, restored to its original purpose, Bankinn offers an intimate selection of rooms: one single, six double, one triple, and one quadruple.

Most rooms can accommodate an additional bed, and one room can be arranged to host a family of up to six. 

The result is a unique blend of heritage and hospitality, where Seyðisfjörður’s past continues to welcome contemporary travellers.

Dúlluhús: Cosy Apartments in the Former Town Hall Photo: hotelaldan.is.

This late 19-century building was originally constructed as a school for the rapidly growing municipality of Seyðisfjörður.

Beyond its primary role as an educational institution, Dúlluhús also housed a regional library, a bookstore, and a town hall, where official municipal meetings were held around the turn of the 20th century.

Although the building was modest in size, the Copenhagen-based newspaper Locomotive once described it as “a town hall which no traveller to Seyðisfjörður should miss.”

The building is named after Dúlla, a remarkable woman who played an important role in the town’s early social and cultural life.

In its formative years as a school, the headmaster also introduced some of Iceland’s first classical music education, forming a small violin orchestra.

Located in the historic town centre, Dúlluhús now contains two apartments, each accommodating up to six guests.

Both apartments feature two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a bathroom with laundry facilities, and a living room with sofa beds.

Snæfell: Spacious and Modern Photo: Aldan Hotel & Restaurant Facebook page.

Snæfell is a three-storey wooden house built in 1908, located at the mouth of the Fjarðará River in the heart of Seyðisfjörður.

Overlooking the town’s small bay, the house enjoys views of a natural estuary that is home to abundant birdlife, trout, and the occasional Atlantic grey seal.

From an early age, Snæfell was a cultural focal point in the town, particularly for local musicians. 

Over the decades, it has served many functions: as Seyðisfjörður’s post office, a shoemaker’s workshop, a taxi station, a large restaurant, and a family home. In 1943, the building was converted into a hotel, marking a new chapter in its long and varied history.

Among the many people who lived in Snæfell was Ingi T. Lárusson, one of Iceland’s foremost composers, further cementing the house’s connection to the town’s cultural life.

The building underwent extensive renovation in 2007, with great care taken to preserve its original character and charm. In 2013, three new rooms were added on the ground floor. These are more spacious and modern in design and are therefore designated as “superior” rooms.

Aldan Restaurant: Local Taste with European Touch Photo: Aldan Hotel & Restaurant Facebook page.

The hotel’s restaurant is another highlight of Seyðisfjörður. 

While focused around fresh, locally sourced ingredients, the menu is inspired by European and French cuisine.

The restaurant’s head chef Dominik Zezula spent two years working at the 5-star hotel ‘Portetta’ in Courchevel, an experience that shaped his cooking style.

Aldan Restaurant is exceptional at any time of the day: healthy breakfasts with warm pastries and fresh fruits in the morning, nourishing lunches and exquisite dinners. Along with inventive food, there is a selection of expertly crafted drinks made with premium ingredients. 

The reviews on Google and similar platforms testify to the quality of food and inviting atmosphere. 

“Adorable restaurant, the breakfast buffet is totally worth it, staff was very kind, would come back just for this spot.”

Eva Jane

“A charming hotel and restaurant in the beautiful fjord town of Seyðisfjörður. This was definitely the best hotel we stayed in during our visit to Iceland.”

R. Mul

Final Thoughts Photo: Aldan Hotel & Restaurant Facebook page.

Known for its warm hospitality and cosy interiors, Hotel Aldan offers a stay that feels both personal and rooted in place.

In addition to its accommodation, the hotel houses an art gallery showcasing works by local artists, adding a distinct cultural layer to the experience.

Together, its comfort, history and proximity to nature make Hotel Aldan an easy place from which to explore Seyðisfjörður and the wider Eastfjords.

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