On a coastal fjord less than 40 kilometres (25 miles ) from the Arctic Circle, sits the charming town of Siglufjörður. Between 1905 and 1965, this humble small town became the booming fishing capital of Iceland.
For a short time, Siglufjörður was even the herring capital of the world. Over the years, however, the marine resources dwindled and the once thriving “Sigló” declined in quiet isolation. In the 21st century, a wealthy former resident invested in restoring the buildings and bringing new purpose to the town. The creation of the Héðinsfjörður tunnel in 2010 opened the once isolated town to visitors in search of unique getaways with local experiences.
Today, this historic village showcases a cheerful array of candy-coloured houses and windswept summer wildflowers, as well as a lively harbour area. Also, in Siglufjörður there are vibrant folk museums providing a rare insight into life in North Iceland. You’ll be charmed by this atmospheric fishing village full of welcoming Icelanders.
Siglufjörður and herring
The award winning Herring Era Maritime Museum wonderfully captures the town’s former “glory days” in a trio of elaborate exhibitions. The Museum uses three historic buildings located on the impossibly picturesque marina. On select days during summer months, residents bring a a 1950s harbour atmosphere to life with folk dancing, singing, and salt fish demonstrations.
Things to do in Siglufjörður
Siglufjörður is becoming a great destination for outdoor recreation. The glaciated mountains, lake and black sandy shores are great backdrops for fabulous hiking. Siglufjörður is a favourite downhill and cross country ski destination in winter, and it has been gaining a reputation for excellent heliskiing. Summertime fishing in the Hólsá River and sea angling appeal to outdoor types, as do midnight sails across the Arctic Circle and a nine-hole golf course. Guided horseback riding in the mountains is also very popular.
A stroll around the Siglufjörður town centre is enjoyable, revealing local art galleries, cafés and shops in well preserved older buildings of a town wearing its faded glory with style and grace. The Folk Music Centre introduces people to Iceland’s unique style of folk singing and music, traditions that have roots in Viking culture. The Centre sponsors an Icelandic Folk Music Festival every July.
Wining and dining in Siglufjörður
Siglufjörður has a nice variety of restaurants that highlight the town’s history and heritage and that offer locally-sourced ingredients. If you like microbreweries, we recommend Segull 67 Brewery, which offers great tours of their brewery with beer tasting.
Siglufjörður also hides a singular gem of a resturant. Siglunes restaurant is a small Morrocan restaurant which offers simply great dishes and if you get the chance to pay it a visit, please do. Be advised, you need to book a table in advance, since this is a very popular restaurant in North Iceland.
