Siglufjörður sits at the end of a narrow north-facing fjord that was, for a few decades in the first half of the 20th century, the most economically significant town in Iceland. The herring boom brought thousands of seasonal workers from across Scandinavia; the bust came suddenly in the late 1960s when the herring stocks collapsed and the industry vanished almost overnight. What remains is a small, scenic town with a museum that is among the best in the country, a folk music festival with a loyal following, and a ski area that is modest in scale but positioned in one of the most beautiful settings in North Iceland.
Herring Era Museum (Síldarminjasafnið)
Iceland’s largest maritime museum occupies three renovated waterfront buildings on the old herring wharf. The exhibitions cover the full arc of the herring era - from the technology of the vessels and nets, through the processing stations where thousands of seasonal workers (mostly women) packed and salted the catch, to the social life of the overcrowded boom town, and the abrupt collapse of the industry.
The reconstructions are unusually complete. A full herring station with original equipment, a blacksmith’s workshop, a cooperage, and workers’ quarters are presented with enough detail that the experience feels documentary rather than decorative.
Entry approximately ISK 2,500 adult as of 2026. Open daily May through September; reduced hours in the off-season. Allow 2 hours minimum; 3 hours if reading the exhibition texts fully. The gift shop carries good reproductions of period photographs.
Folk Music Centre (Tónlistarsetur)
A smaller museum dedicated to Icelandic folk and traditional music, covering the development of music in rural Iceland from the settlement era to the 20th century. Entry approximately ISK 1,500 adult as of 2026. Less visited than the herring museum but worthwhile for those with an interest in cultural history. Allow 45 minutes.
The centre is also the organisational home of the annual folk music festival.
Siglufjörður Folk Music Festival (July)
The most significant annual event in the town, drawing musicians and visitors from across Iceland and the Nordic countries. The festival runs for four days in late July with concerts across venues in the town and outdoor stages when weather allows. The repertoire spans traditional Icelandic music, Nordic folk forms, and contemporary interpretations of traditional material.
Individual concert tickets approximately ISK 3,000–8,000 as of 2026. Day and weekend passes are also available. Check current programme and booking at siglofolk.is. Accommodation in Siglufjörður sells out during the festival - book rooms months ahead if attending.
Skiing at Skíðasvæðið Siglufjörður
A community ski area on the slopes above the fjord, with a small number of marked runs and basic lift infrastructure. The area is intimate - nothing like the scale of Hlíðarfjall near Akureyri - but the views down the fjord from the upper slopes are exceptional, and the atmosphere is genuinely local rather than commercial.
Day lift pass approximately ISK 3,500 as of 2026. Equipment hire available at the area. The ski season runs approximately December through April, dependent on snow conditions. The area is mostly used by local families and North Iceland visitors looking for a low-key day on the slopes rather than a major ski resort experience.
Hiking Around the Fjord
Several hiking routes lead up from the town onto the ridges above the fjord. The terrain is steep and the paths are not all formally marked - ask at your accommodation for current route conditions and recommendations before heading out. The key viewpoints are directly above the town, accessible in 1–2 hours of climbing. A strong hiker can reach the ridge and follow it south for views of multiple fjords on a clear day.
The hiking season is approximately June through September. Outside those months, snow and ice on the upper trails require crampons and winter experience.
Kayaking on the Fjord
Kayak rental is available in Siglufjörður in summer, allowing independent paddling on the fjord. The fjord is sheltered from wind in most conditions and the views back toward town from the water are good. No guided tours are routinely operated - this is a self-guided option for those with some paddling experience. Enquire at the harbour for current rental availability.
Getting There and Onward Travel
Siglufjörður is a natural extension of a day trip from Akureyri (1 hour) or as a stop on a route north from Akureyri along the Tröllaskagi peninsula. The nearby village of Hofsós (50 minutes south of Siglufjörður) has one of Iceland’s most remarkably positioned public swimming pools - an infinity pool on a hillside above Skagafjörður with views across to the Westfjords on clear days. Entry approximately ISK 1,000 as of 2026.
For the wider North Iceland context, see our Akureyri things to do guide.
Browse Iceland tours - day trips, activity bookings, and multi-day packages across the country in one place.
Compare car hire in Iceland - a 4WD or campervan gives the flexibility to explore at your own pace.
See Also
- Siglufjörður travel guide - Full overview of the Herring Era Museum town in North Iceland
- Akureyri city guide - North Iceland’s main hub, 65km south via the mountain tunnels
- Húsavík travel guide - Whale watching capital 90km east of Akureyri
- Seyðisfjörður vs Siglufjörður - Comparing Iceland’s two most photogenic fjord towns
- 7 days in Iceland itinerary - How North Iceland’s fjord towns fit into a week-long trip
For accommodation nearby, Search hotels in Siglufjörður on Booking.com.