Nestled between steep mountains at Iceland's northernmost point, this fishing town has red, yellow and blue wooden houses, a renowned herring museum, and ski slopes under the midnight sun.
Between steep mountains at Iceland's northernmost point, Siglufjörður welcomes you with red, yellow, and blue wooden houses lining its harbor. Walk through three restored buildings at the Herring Era Museum, sample local beer at the Segull 67 brewery housed in an old fish factory, or climb the mountain trails for views across the fjord. In winter, you can ski on 10 different slopes, while summer brings folk musicians from across Iceland for the July Folk Music Festival, all under the constant daylight of the midnight sun.
Getting to Siglufjörður
The town lies 80 kilometers north of Akureyri, accessible through the Héðinsfjörður Tunnels since 2010. You can drive from Reykjavík in about 5 hours, or fly to Akureyri and continue by car. The road through Tröllaskagi Peninsula curves alongside deep fjords and 1,000-meter mountains, with multiple photo stops along the way.
The Story of Herring
At the Herring Era Museum, three restored buildings house original fishing boats and processing equipment from the 1950s. You can walk through recreated fishing station scenes and watch local performers demonstrate herring salting methods while singing traditional sea shanties during summer months. The museum received the European Museum Award in 2004 for its detailed documentation of Iceland's fishing industry.
Folk Music and Culture
Visit the Folk Music Center in Reverend Bjarni Þorsteinsson's former residence, where he gathered Icelandic folk songs in the early 1900s. Listen to original recordings and examine historical instruments from across Iceland. The annual Folk Music Festival runs for five days each July, bringing musicians to perform in streets, churches, and community halls throughout town.
Winter Sports in Skarðsdalur
Ski on 10 slopes served by 4 lifts, with runs ranging from beginner slopes to advanced trails. Cross-country skiers can follow marked paths through Hólsdalur valley, and experienced skiers can try mountain skiing routes. The ski season runs from December to April, with snow coverage lasting through spring due to the town's location at 66°N latitude.
Summer Activities
From June 5 to July 10, the sun stays visible 24 hours a day. Take midnight hikes on the marked trails circling the fjord, join 3-hour boat tours that cross the Arctic Circle, or fish for trout in Hólsá River. The town's swimming pool includes an outdoor hot tub where you can soak while looking at the 1,000-meter peaks surrounding the fjord.
Local Food and Drinks
Segull 67 brewery makes craft beers in a converted fish factory, using water from mountain springs. Stop at Aðalbakarí bakery for vínarbrauð pastries and rye bread, or try Frída's chocolate shop's experimental flavors like blue cheese truffles. The restaurants around the harbor serve cod, haddock, and Arctic char caught by local fishing boats.
