Siglufjörður is Iceland’s northernmost town and is a historic fishing town whose fame, and fortune has always been linked to the ebb and flow of the fishing industry. A tiny shark fishing village in 1900, Siglufjörður soon became one of the largest towns in Iceland and the undisputed capital of herring fishing in the Atlantic. Although the herring has disappeared, the town bears the distinct imprint of “The Herring Era”.
Siglufjörður is along with the community of Ólafsfjörður a part of The Municipality Fjallabyggð, which came into being when the two communities were merged in 2006. The area maintains a flourishing cultural activity and is known for its dynamic and vibrant extracurricular activities. There are interesting galleries and artist studios to be visited in town as well as museums and exhibitions. By walking through the Herring Era Museums three buildings one can easily sense the atmosphere of the old times, in the herring girls’ lodgings one can for example find a ball dress, red lipstick, love letter or a knife for gutting the herring. When visiting the Folk Music Center guests get a good idea about Icelandic folk music when hearing local people singing traditional rhymes and folk songs. Segull 67 is a small family owned craft brewery. The brewhouse is in an old fish factory that has been designed and adapted to its new role. The Icelandic Poetry Centre provides an opportunity for visitors to get acquainted with trends and movements in Icelandic poetry from the settlement era to the present day. Saga-Fotografica. The purpose of the museum is the preservation of equipment for photography and photo processing, from various times.
In Siglufjörður there is a flourishing cultural life. There are several restaurants, there are also numerous galleries and workshops, museums and our local church in Siglufjörður.
Siglufjörður is an area of spectacular natural beauty. The mountains and the fjords are awe-inspiring and the opportunities for outdoor activities and recreation are almost inexhaustible. There are hiking trails for all levels of experience in the mountains and valleys surrounding Siglufjörður. The most popular trails lead into neighboring Héðinsfjörður, an uninhabited fjord of pristine and natural beauty.
Siglufjörður has a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, a sauna, an outdoor hot tub and a gym. There are nine-hole golf courses in Siglufjörður.
The ski area in Skarðsdalur is arguably one of the country’s best ski areas. In Hólsdalur there is a cross-country ski trail. Mountain skiing is becoming an ever more popular leisure sport. Few places boast better conditions for this sport than in Siglufjörður.
Map of Siglufjörður