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.