Siglufjörður is a small fishing town in a narrow fjord with the same name on the northern coast of Iceland. The population in 2011 was 1,206; the town has been shrinking in size since the 1950s when the town reached its peak of 3,000 inhabitants. Wikipedia
June to August: Long daylight hours, warmest weather, and festivals.
May & September: Great for hiking and photography, with fewer tourists.
October to April: Ideal for snow, skiing, and Northern Lights, though roads can be snowy or icy.
By car: About 1 hour and 15 minutes from Akureyri, through scenic tunnels and winding coastal roads.
By bus: Limited options—self-driving is more flexible and allows access to nearby fjords and villages.
Herring Era Museum: Iceland’s largest maritime museum, detailing the town’s 20th-century herring industry with historic buildings and boats.
Folk Music Center: A small but meaningful museum preserving Icelandic folk songs and instruments.
Siglufjörður Church: A quiet, elegant church offering views of the town and fjord.
Harborfront: Beautiful for walks with views of fishing boats, colorful houses, and snow-capped peaks.
Visit the museums to learn about the town’s golden era during the herring boom.
Hike to nearby mountain passes, such as Hestskarð or to Hedinsfjörður, a stunning and remote fjord.
Ski or snowboard in winter at the local ski area — a favorite among Icelanders.
Relax in the town’s geothermal pool, with hot tubs and sauna.
Enjoy the arts scene, especially in summer with music, photography, and local crafts.
Take a boat ride or go sea kayaking, weather permitting.
Boutique hotel by the harbor with beautiful fjord views and spa access.
Guesthouses and small inns offer comfort and Icelandic hospitality.
Camping area open in summer for budget travelers and adventurers.
Seafood dominates the menu — expect fresh cod, arctic char, and herring dishes.
Local specialties:
Herring with rye bread
Homemade fish soup
Icelandic lamb stew
A few cozy cafés offer coffee, pastries, and light meals.
There’s also a craft brewery known for producing small-batch local beers.
Siglufjörður’s identity was shaped by the herring fishing boom of the early 1900s.
The town celebrates this legacy each summer with a Herring Festival, including dancing, reenactments, and salting demonstrations.
It’s also a center for Icelandic folk music and storytelling, with deep cultural roots.
The locals are friendly, resilient, and proud of their remote mountain village.
Dress warmly — even summer evenings are cool, and the weather changes quickly.
Drive carefully through tunnels — some are single-lane and may require yielding.
Book accommodations and activities early if visiting in peak summer.
In winter, check road conditions daily and allow extra travel time.