Siglufjörður: Iceland's Historic Fishing Village Turned Hidden Gem

What's Siglufjörður?

Siglufjörður is a small town squeezed between steep mountains on Iceland's northern coast. It's the northernmost town on Iceland's mainland, sitting right below the Arctic Circle.

Only about 1,200 people live here, so it's quiet but not boring. The town's colorful houses, old buildings, and pretty harbor would look right at home on Instagram, especially with those snow-capped mountains behind them or during the golden Midnight Sun.

History & Interesting Facts

Siglufjörður boomed because of herring fishing. During what locals call the "Herring Era" of the 1940s and 1950s, the town grew to over 3,000 people as it became the "herring capital of the North Atlantic."

At its best, the herring caught here made up more than 20% of Iceland's exports. That's a lot of fish! Workers came from all over Iceland to work in fishing and fish processing, making the town buzz with activity.

Some interesting facts about Siglufjörður:

• Iceland's first Municipal Savings Bank was founded here in 1873
• The town received municipal status in 1918
• After the collapse of the herring stocks in the 1960s, the population declined sharply
• The opening of the Héðinsfjörður Tunnels in 2010 ended the town's winter isolation
• The Herring Era Museum, opened in 1994, won the European Museum Award for its preservation of this vital chapter in Iceland's history

Why is Siglufjörður Worth Visiting?

You might wonder if it's worth the trip up north. Trust me, it is.

Cultural Heritage

Siglufjörður has some cool museums to visit.

The Herring Era Museum isn't your typical boring museum – it's actually fun to visit. You'll learn how fishing shaped this town without falling asleep. Next door, the Folk Music Museum lets you hear traditional Icelandic tunes and learn their stories.

Scenic Beauty

Mountains crash into the ocean here, making for killer views everywhere you look. Bring your phone or camera – you'll want to snap the colorful houses against the mountain backdrop. The light here is extra special, especially during sunrise and sunset.

Outdoor Activities

Depending on when you visit, you can hike, ski, golf, or swim. The winter skiing is surprisingly good – lots of snow and well-kept slopes. In summer, hiking trails take you to spots with views that'll make your jaw drop.

Authentic Experience

Forget the crowded south coast – this is the real Iceland. You'll see locals doing their thing and get what life in a small Icelandic town is actually like. No tourist traps here!

Architectural Charm

The colorful iron and wooden houses aren't just cute – they show how Icelanders adapted to their harsh environment. The buildings make the town look like something from a storybook.

Location & How to Get There

Siglufjörður sits on the Tröllaskagi Peninsula in North Iceland, about 380 km from Reykjavik. It's way up north, perched right near the Arctic Circle.

Getting there takes some planning, but the drive is gorgeous. Here are your options:

By car:

Renting a car (or a vehicle in general) is always the best idea to visit remote destinations in Iceland, as it gives you complete freedom to build your itinerary at will. Getting to Siglufjörður from Reykjavik is not a one-day thing. Instead, see it as part of a larger itinerary around the Ring Road. For the sake of simplifying things, let’s see how to get there from Akureyri, which is the closest big city.

• Take the Ring Road (Route 1) westbound
• After a little while, change to Route 82 northbound
• When you get to the town of Ólafsfjörður, take route 76 all the way to Siglufjörður

By Bus:

• Take a public bus from Reykjavik to Akureyri
• Transfer to bus 78, which services Siglufjörður
• This is the most budget-friendly option, but takes the longest (about 7-8 hours total)

By Air and Drive:

• Fly from Reykjavik to Akureyri (approximately 45 minutes)
• Rent a car or take a bus from Akureyri to Siglufjörður (about 1.5 hours driving)
• This option saves time but costs more

Thanks to the Héðinsfjörður Tunnels that opened in 2010, Siglufjörður isn't cut off during winter anymore. This makes it much easier to visit year-round.

Best Time to Go

When should you visit? It depends on what you want to do.

Summer (June-August)

Summer brings milder weather – around 12°C (53.6°F) in July – and daylight that just won't quit. Seriously, the sun barely sets near the solstice. It's perfect for hiking, museum visits, and being outdoors. If you time it right, you might catch the Folk Music Festival in early July. Everything is open in the summer, so you won't miss anything. Pack a light jacket though – even summer isn't exactly warm up here.

Winter (December-February)

Winter gets cold – around -1°C (30.2°F) in January – and daylight is scarce. December days are super short this far north. But if you love skiing, this is your time. The local ski area has reliable snow, and on clear nights, you might catch the Northern Lights dancing overhead. The snow-covered mountains make everything look magical. January is the the busiest time for winter visitors, with ski enthusiasts hitting the slopes.

Shoulder Seasons (Spring & Fall)

Visit in spring (April-May) or fall (September-October) and you'll see fewer tourists and often pay less for rooms. The weather's a bit of a gamble, though. Spring brings more daylight each day, while fall comes with beautiful autumn colors. Some attractions might have shorter hours, but you'll get more peace and quiet.

For most folks, summer is easiest with its milder weather and access to everything. But winter has its own magic with skiing and those amazing Northern Lights.

Where to Stay

Siglufjörður has places to stay for all budgets and styles.

Hotels

Sigló Hotel

This fancy 4-star spot sits right on the harbor with rooms looking out over the marina and mountains. There's a spa, hot tubs, a sauna, and a restaurant with good local food. Rooms start around 28,000 ISK ($220) per night in summer. After a day exploring, it's nice to come back to some comfort.

Siglunes Guesthouse

This cool guesthouse has 19 rooms with comfy beds and Icelandic art on the walls. What's different here is the restaurant serving Moroccan-inspired food using fresh Icelandic products. Rooms start from 12,000 ISK ($95) for two people.

The Herring House

This family-run place is a classic. It features four rooms with shared facilities and two cozy cottages with private bathroom. You can use the shared kitchen and lounge – great if you want to save money by cooking. And it also has a hot tub!

Prices range between 124€-195€ ($141-$221) per night, and the owners often share tips about cool local spots to check out.

Sóti Lodge

This eco-friendly lodge is a favorite of outdoor lovers, especially those who come for heliskiing in winter. The simple rooms have huge windows with killer mountain views. Prices start from 35,750 ISK ($280) per night 15.

It’s a bit outside of Siglufjörður, so staying here makes you feel as though you're truly in the wilderness.

Campsites

Siglufjörður Camping Ground

Got camping gear or a campervan? This site sits right next to the pier and the town square. You'll have electricity, showers, toilets, and a kitchen. The harbor views are amazing, and you can walk to everything in town. It costs approximately 1,600 ISK ($12.5) per person per night, plus an additional 1,000 ISK ($8) if you need power. It opens May through September, with July and August being the busiest times. Contact the Siglufjörður Information Center to reserve a spot.

Book early if you're coming in summer (June-August) or during ski season (December-February). Options are limited, and they fill up fast.

What to Do in Siglufjörður & Around

For a tiny town, Siglufjörður packs in a lot to do, from culture to outdoor activities, even in winter.

Herring Era Museum

This award-winning museum spans five historic buildings that showcase how the herring industry once powered this town. You'll see a recreated harbor, a fish processing plant, and even a 1930s boat. In summer, guides bring the stories to life. Entry's about 2,400 ISK ($19) for adults. It's actually interesting, not just educational – you'll get a feel for what daily life was like during the herring boom.

Folk Music Center

This place celebrates Iceland's musical roots with displays of weird old instruments and performances of epic poetry set to music. If you hit town in July, check out the Folk Music Festival when musicians from across Iceland gather for workshops, concerts, and jam sessions. It's lively and fun, not just dusty old stuff behind glass.

Icelandic Poetry Center

This cozy spot celebrates Iceland's love of literature through readings, workshops, and exhibits. It's usually free to enter (though dropping a few coins in the donation box helps). It's a place to soak up Iceland's storytelling spirit and maybe chat with local writers. Icelanders write more books per person than almost anywhere else – this center keeps that tradition going.

Siglufjörður Swimming Pool

Icelanders are obsessed with swimming pools, and this one doesn't disappoint. There's a 25-meter indoor pool for swimming laps, plus an outdoor hot tub with massage jets where you can soak while taking in those amazing fjord views. There's also a saunal – perfect after hiking or skiing. Entry's about 1,050 ISK ($8) for adults. It's where locals hang out, so you'll get a taste of everyday Icelandic life.

Siglufjörður Golf Club

This 9-hole course runs from June through September and offers a unique golfing experience with stunning mountain views. You can rent clubs if you didn't bring yours. The club's Facebook page has updates on conditions. It's one of Iceland's northernmost golf courses – how many people can say they've golfed that far north? Plus, the scenery beats most fancy golf resorts hands down.

Siglufjörður Ski Area (Skarðsdalur)

The local ski area has three lifts and slopes for beginners and intermediate skiers. The snow is reliable from December through March, and they light the slopes at night so you can ski even during the short winter days. Day passes cost approximately 4,000 ISK ($30), and you can rent gear on-site. The views while skiing are incredible – you can see all the way to the fjord while swooshing down the slopes.

Heliskiing

For serious skiers with some cash to burn, heliskiing offers access to untouched powder on the mountains. March and April have the best conditions. Packages through Sóti Lodge include guides, gear, and accommodations. It's pricey but gives you bragging rights for life – pristine runs far from crowded resorts that few people will ever experience.

Hiking and Trekking

The mountains and fjords around town have trails for everyone from casual strollers to hardcore hikers. Try the Héðinsfjörður Valley trail for a moderate 2-3 hour hike with views of abandoned farms and waterfalls. If you're feeling brave, the Strákar Pass is a full-day trek that'll test your legs. Guided services offer tours starting at 15,000 ISK ($110) per person for groups. The guides know all the best photo spots and can tell you about the plants, animals, and rocks you'll see along the way.

Sea Kayaking and Fishing

The calm waters of the fjord are perfect for sea kayaking, with rentals and guided tours are available in the area. Or try catching cod or haddock on a fishing trip – a great way to connect with the town's fishing roots. Half-day tours start at 20,000 ISK ($145) and often include close encounters with seals and seabirds. Seeing the landscape from water level gives you a whole new perspective on how massive those mountains really are.

Aurora Viewing

From September through March, Siglufjörður's remote location means minimal light pollution – perfect for spotting the Northern Lights. Guided aurora tours, often with photo tips included, run about 12,000 ISK ($90) per person. These trips help you understand what causes the lights while taking you to the best viewing spots. There's nothing like watching green and purple lights dance across the sky while surrounded by snowy mountains.

Nearby Attractions

There’s plenty to do in Siglufjörður, but the town is also close to some cool places that you can visit on a day trip.

Ólafsfjörður

Just 16 km away through the Héðinsfjörður Tunnels, this neighboring fishing town gives you another taste of fjord life. A 15-minute drive or bus ride brings you to this quiet spot where you can visit the Natural History Museum or hike nearby trails. Adding Ólafsfjörður to your trip gives you a fuller picture of life in Iceland's northern coastal communities.

Héðinsfjörður Fjord

Between Siglufjörður and Ólafsfjörður lies this uninhabited fjord, accessible by car or guided tour. It's great for peaceful hikes and bird watching, with abandoned farmhouses that add a spooky, historical vibe. Until the tunnels were built, this fjord was basically cut off from the outside world, keeping it pristine. Tours share stories about the tough families who once farmed this harsh landscape before giving up in the early 1900s.

Dalvík

About 34 km away (a 35-minute drive or bus ride), this larger town offers whale-watching tours where you might spot humpbacks, minkes, or even blue whales. The Byggðasafnið Hvoll Museum showcases regional history, and there's a ferry to Grímsey Island that crosses the Arctic Circle. Dalvík offers more places to eat and shop, making it a great day trip destination. The local ski area, Böggvisstaðafjall, gives winter sports fans another option nearby.

Akureyri

Known as North Iceland's "capital," Akureyri is 77 km away (about a 1-hour drive or bus ride). This small city has museums, botanical gardens, and all sorts of food options. It's a nice contrast to Siglufjörður's village feel, with city amenities including the excellent Hlíðarfjall Ski Resort. Visit the remarkable Akureyrarkirkja church and the Akureyri Art Museum's collection of Icelandic art. It’s also a good idea to stay in Akureyri and visit Siglufjörður as a day trip.

Conclusion

Siglufjörður mixes Iceland's past and present perfectly – it's a historic fishing village that's evolved into a cool destination without losing its genuine charm. It takes some effort to get here, but wow, is it worth it! You'll find stunning landscapes, rich culture, and a glimpse of genuine Icelandic life away from the tourist hordes.

Whether you're skiing down snowy slopes in winter, hiking mountain trails in summer, or just soaking up the vibe of this colorful northern outpost, Siglufjörður offers something special you won't find along Iceland's busy southern coast.