Siglufjörður: Iceland's Most Charming Fishing Town

Siglufjörður (population approximately 1,200) sits at the end of a narrow fjord almost at Iceland’s northernmost point, surrounded on three sides by steep mountains. It’s one of Iceland’s most attractive small towns — well-preserved wooden houses from the herring boom era, a backdrop of dramatic peaks, and a genuine remoteness that only partly lifted when the mountain tunnels to Akureyri opened. Most Icelandic travellers list it as one of their favourite places in the country.

Getting There

By car: Approximately 65km northwest of Akureyri via Route 82 and the tunnels. Allow approximately 1 hour. Route 76 through the Héðinsfjörður tunnel and then the Strákagöng tunnel is the standard approach.

Driving the Trollaskagi Peninsula: A longer but spectacular alternative route comes over the Trollaskagi mountain roads (Routes 82 and 76 without tunnels). Some sections are unpaved and closed in winter — check road.is.

Herring Era Museum (Síldarminjasafnið)

Siglufjörður’s defining attraction and one of the best museums in Iceland. Three buildings cover the herring industry at its peak (roughly 1900–1970), when the town was processing more herring than anywhere else in the North Atlantic and had a population several times its current size. Reconstructed salting stations, boats, fishing equipment, and atmospheric audio-visual displays.

Entry approximately ISK 2,800 adult as of 2026. Allow 2 hours. Open year-round (reduced hours November–March).

Fjörður Folk Music Centre

Iceland’s only museum dedicated to Icelandic folk music. Located in the same harbour area as the Herring Museum. The focus is on the Icelandic folk music tradition — rimur (rhymed verse), old ballads, and traditional instruments. Entry included with the Herring Museum combination ticket or approximately ISK 1,500 separately.

Skiing and Winter Activities

The ski slopes above Siglufjörður are small but the setting is exceptional — skiing with a fjord directly below. Héðinsfjörður ski area operates in winter (approximately December–April) with a T-bar lift. Day pass approximately ISK 3,000–4,500.

More developed skiing is at Ólafsfjörður (15km south through the tunnel), which has more lifts and longer runs.

Hiking

The mountains above Siglufjörður offer excellent hiking in summer. Hvannstóð (1,140m), the highest peak visible from town, is a full-day hike with dramatic views. Marked trails of varying difficulty run from the town outskirts. No guiding required for the lower routes.

Héðinsfjörður — The fjord immediately south of Siglufjörður, now uninhabited, is accessible on foot or by the tunnel. A hiking trail through the fjord gives a sense of pre-tunnel isolation.

What Else to See

The town itself is worth an unhurried walk. The harbour area with the museum buildings, the old herring factory ruins, and the painted wooden houses give a strong sense of the boom-era town. The local church (Siglufjörðarkirkja) has stained glass depicting herring fishing — unusually for Iceland, the stained glass is the interior decoration of note.

Where to Stay

Hvammur Guesthouse — Central guesthouse in a heritage building. Doubles from approximately ISK 22,000–32,000.

Sigló Hótel — The area’s most upscale option, a harbour-front hotel. Doubles from approximately ISK 42,000–60,000. Restaurant on site with fjord views.

Campsite — Summer campsite at the town edge. Approximately ISK 1,800–2,000 per person.

Where to Eat

Sigló Hótel Restaurant — The best option in town. Seafood, lamb, and local fish. Mains approximately ISK 3,500–6,000.

Kaffi Rauðka — Café and bar in the harbour area. Good coffee, soup, and light meals. Popular with locals. Mains approximately ISK 2,000–3,500.

Hannes Boy — A restaurant in the harbour area named after a local herring-era character. Seafood and Icelandic dishes in a casual setting. Mains approximately ISK 2,800–4,500.

Segull 67 Brewery — A microbrewery in the old harbour area, the northernmost brewery in Iceland. They produce several ales using local ingredients. Tastings and brewery tours are available in summer — approximately ISK 2,500 for a tasting flight. The taproom serves beer alongside cheese platters and light snacks.

Swimming Pool

Siglufjörður Swimming Pool — A heated outdoor pool with hot tubs and mountain views. Entry approximately ISK 1,100 adult as of 2026. Open year-round. The setting — mountains rising steeply on three sides above the fjord — makes this one of the more atmospheric municipal pools in Iceland.

The Trollaskagi Peninsula

Siglufjörður sits at the northern tip of the Trollaskagi Peninsula, one of Iceland’s most scenic and least visited coastal stretches. Route 76 runs along the coast between Siglufjörður and Dalvík (approximately 50km south), passing through the tunnels and along dramatic fjord coastline. The entire peninsula is worth a full day’s driving loop:

• Ólafsfjörður (15km south through the tunnel) — Another small fishing town with a ski area and a natural history museum. Quieter than Siglufjörður.
• Dalvík (50km south) — A fishing town known for the Great Fish Day (Fiskidagurinn Mikli), an annual August festival with free seafood. Also the departure point for Hrísey island (15-minute ferry).
• Hofsós (on the western coast of the peninsula) — The Emigration Centre documents the 19th-century exodus of Icelanders to North America. The Hofsós Infinity Pool, built into the cliff edge overlooking Skagafjörður, is one of Iceland’s most photographed swimming pools. Entry approximately ISK 1,100 adult.

Practical Information

Season: Siglufjörður is accessible year-round via the tunnels, but winter storms can close mountain passes on the alternative routes. The Herring Era Museum reduces its hours November–March. Summer (June–August) is the best time for full access to all attractions and hiking.

Fuel: N1 station in the town centre. This is the only fuel stop on the northern Trollaskagi coast — fill up before heading south on Route 76 if driving the peninsula loop.

Midnight sun: In late June, Siglufjörður’s latitude (approximately 66°N, close to the Arctic Circle) means the sun barely sets. The light on the mountains and fjord after midnight is exceptional for photography.

Browse Iceland tours — day trips, activity bookings, and multi-day packages across the country in one place.

Pre-book Keflavík airport transfers — Flybus and private options for the 45-minute route to Reykjavík.

Compare car hire in Iceland — a 4WD or campervan gives the flexibility to explore at your own pace.

Explore Siglufjörður Further

• Things to Do in Siglufjörður — Herring Era Museum, hiking, Trollaskagi Peninsula loop, and the midnight sun
• Seyðisfjörður vs Siglufjörður — Comparing Iceland’s two most scenic fjord towns: the arts village vs the herring capital
• Akureyri travel guide — 65km southeast via the tunnels — North Iceland’s main city and best base for the region
• Húsavík travel guide — 90km east of Akureyri — Iceland’s whale watching capital on the north coast
• Whale watching in Iceland — North Iceland has some of the world’s best whale watching, depart from nearby Húsavík
• 7 days in Iceland itinerary — How to include the north coast towns in a week-long Ring Road trip