Did anyone suggest Siglufjordur when you were planning your Iceland tour? If yes, don’t miss this Icelandic town. If you love to visit lesser-known places and discover hidden gems, Siglufjordur is sure to win your accolade. This northernmost town of Iceland was once a fishing village. Today, it is a colorful village with splendid surroundings and a small but vibrant community.
Siglufjordur is in North Iceland, located on a fjord, Siglufjordur. The nearest towns are Olafsfjordur at a distance of 16.4 km and Dalvik at 34.4 km.
Small harbor at Siglufjordur Town
Siglufjordur is easily accessible, and different routes will take you to this charming town.
From Reykjavik, you can take a public bus to Akureyri and then bus 78 to reach Siglufjordur.
People on a short vacation prefer to take a flight from Reykjavik to Akureyri, which is the nearest airport to Siglufjordur.
Another option is to drive from Reykjavik to Siglufjordur. This is a longer route and will prove an adventure in itself with so many things to see and do on the way. The drive usually takes around 5 hours, and on the way, you will pass Mt. Esja.
Another beautiful town Borgarnes is on this route, and many tourists take a break here to enjoy baked goodies. From here, road 76 will take you through the fjord Skagafjordur, the town Hofsos, and finally to Siglufjordur. Road 76 is one of the most scenic roads in Iceland, and there are a few attractions on this journey that you should not miss.
Icelandic road during winter
Skagafjordur is famous for its Icelandic horse and has a rich history that amazes tourists. Glaumbaer is a noted turf-farm museum that has preserved houses, equipment, and utensils from the bygone eras. Hofsos has one of the most stunning swimming pools in Iceland. It is hard to resist the temptation to take a dip here and enjoy the surrounding views.
At the end of this fascinating ride, when you finally reach Siglufjordur, your heart will swell with joy at the sight of the brightly-colored corrugated iron and timber houses.
General information about Siglufjordur:
Infographic of Siglufjordur town
Siglufjordur is located at the tip of the Trollskagi peninsula in north Iceland. It is around 25 km from the Arctic Circle. This northernmost settlement in Iceland was once a quaint shark fishing village. The port city was destined to become one of the largest towns in Iceland and the capital of herring fishing. Today, the town is a cultural hub that basks in its glory of yesteryears.
Wooden statues at Siglufjordur town in the North of Iceland
Siglufjordur town harbor by the mountains
Saying Siglufjordur is beautiful is an understatement. It is one of the most charming villages in Iceland. The town has earned fame for its gastronomical options and hiking opportunities.
With a population of 1300, it is a delightful place to enjoy Icelandic natural beauty and an old-fishing-town ambiance. It’s incredible to know that the town has a swimming pool, local brewery, and bakery. The feather in its cap is the Herring Era Museum that won the European Museum Award. So, don’t forget to include it in your itinerary when visiting Siglufjordur.
As a tourist spot, Siglufjordur is a gem you will love to explore and own. The colorful village will win your heart, and the panoramic landscape will make your vacation truly cherishable.
In 2010, the Hedinsfjordur tunnel was inaugurated, making visiting Siglufjordur easier from Akureyri. Since then, tourism has boomed, and the hamlet is getting more attention from foreign travelers.
Buildings and church of Siglufjordur
Siglufjordur promises a lot of exciting activities to its guests.
Herring Era Museum – This is the most popular attraction in Siglufjordur. This museum conserves the golden period in the history of Siglufjordur when the town was known as the herring capital of the world. However, the unchecked exploitation of the marine resources led to the downfall of the town. By the 1960s, fishing activities stopped as herrings became rare. At this award-winning museum, you can learn about the growth, glory, and downfall of the fishing industry that brought fame to this town.
Folk Music Center Museum – If you want to know about Icelandic folk music, you have to visit this museum. This is the best place to listen to folk music.
Attend the folk music festival – Take your love for folk music a notch higher by attending the folk music festival in Siglufjordur. The five-day-long festival is held in the first week of July. Around 15 concerts are held, in addition to workshops and lectures on foreign and Icelandic folk music. Your whole family can join the musical celebration. It is a perfect endeavor to relax and enjoy music.
Siglufjordur's village church
Try local fish – Eating local fish is a must-do thing in Siglufjordur. After all, you are in a legendary fishing town, surrounded by the ocean. So, let the foodie in you gorge on delicious local seafood delicacies.
Skiing in winter – How will you stop yourself from skiing when you have such excellent slopes in front of you? Skiers love to visit Siglufjordur Iceland during winter to challenge their skiing skills. Don’t worry if you are not carrying your gear, as you can rent them at the site.
Segull 67 Beer Brewery – The 1-hour tour will reveal the history of breweries in Siglufjordur. Learn why entrepreneurs opened a brewery here while sipping on their best products.
Restaurants in Siglufjordur town - "Hannes Boy" and "Kaffi Rauðka"
As we mentioned earlier, Siglufjordur is famous for its restaurants and bars. You have plenty of options to eat and be merry.
Colorful houses in the North of Iceland, Siglufjordur town
Being an emerging tourist hotspot, Siglufjordur provides many accommodation options.
Siglo Hotel is the best one in the area. Siglufjordur Hostel is also good for a comfortable vacation.
If you are looking for guest house, farm stays, or B&Bs, the options are:
For adventure lovers, Siglufjordur has an excellent camping ground located at the center of the town. Being close to the harbor and main square, it is a great location. You will get facilities like toilets, running hot and cold water, washing machines, and garbage disposals. Most of the restaurants, the swimming pool, and the golf course are within walking distance.
Siglufjordur town during winter
Siglufjordur, being in the northernmost corner of Iceland, receives heavy snowfall. The town looks pristine during the winter months. It provides the ideal backdrop to watch the Northern Lights illuminate the sky with myriad shades of purple, green, and red.
You must dress properly to enjoy winter here. Moreover, the roads become inaccessible due to heavy snowfall. So, it is advisable to check weather conditions before venturing out.
Siglufjordur town street view, Iceland
People who look for more thrills can visit local attractions near Siglufjordur.
Dalvik has outstanding ski resorts that you may visit on your Siglufjordur Iceland trip. It also has a golf course that lures golf lovers.
Make your vacation more enjoyable by sighting marine animals like different species of whales and dolphins at Hauganes.
Ever thought of taking a beer bath? You can find it close by at Árskógaströnd in one of the beer baths.
Have a laid-back holiday or ski down the steep slopes, enjoy a yummy fish platter, or watch the playful dolphins. Siglufjordur promises an enchanting vacation with your loved ones. Visit this joyful village to gain a different meaning of life.
