Canonical URL: https://www.iceland.org/cities/siglufjordur Content updated: 2026-09-10 This is the Markdown representation of the page. Interactive tools and forms are available on the [HTML page](). Source-check and review dates retain the meanings stated in the article. --- # Siglufjordur: The Herring Era Museum Town Iceland's herring capital: a colorful town with an award-winning museum and folk music traditions in a once-booming fishing port. Updated September 10, 2026 · [Published by Iceland.org]() · [Writing & review]() Population ~1,300 North Iceland • Herring history ## Quick Answer Siglufjordur, a North Iceland town of about 1,300, held 10,000 during the herring boom. The award-winning Herring Era Museum documents those years. Siglufjordur was once Iceland's richest town, filled with thousands of workers during the herring boom. Today it's a quiet, colorful place at the end of a fjord, with a museum explaining the herring industry and good restaurants. Sources and page update Updated: 2026-09-10 The route through Olafsfjordur uses tunnels; check current road conditions before departure. For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy. Official sources to check - [Herring Era Museum]() - [Visit Iceland]() - [Road.is]() - [Icelandic Meteorological Office]() Region North Iceland 75 km from Akureyri via tunnels Population ~1,300 Once 10,000 during herring era Known for Herring Era Museum Award-winning industrial museum ## Top Attractions in Siglufjordur ### Herring Era Museum Three buildings of herring history ### Folk Music Festival Traditional music in early July ### Colorful Town Center Photogenic historic buildings ### Swimming Pool Geothermal pool with mountain views ### Backcountry Skiing Growing ski touring destination ### Restaurants Excellent seafood and dining ## How to Get to Siglufjordur **From Akureyri:** 1 hour via Route 82 and the Héðinsfjörður tunnels through Olafsfjordur. **Arctic Coast Way:** Siglufjordur is a highlight of this scenic coastal route. ## Best Time to Visit Siglufjordur **July:** Folk Music Festival and best weather. **Winter:** Skiing season with Northern Lights, but check road conditions. ## Three museum buildings tell different parts of the herring story The Herring Era Museum is more useful to plan as three linked subjects than as a single collection of fishing equipment. Róaldsbrakki is the 1907 Norwegian salting station, including the seasonal women workers’ living quarters. Grána explains processing fish into oil and meal. The Boathouse recreates a mid-century harbor. The [municipal port guide]() describes all three, giving you a way to connect work, home life and the waterfront you see outside. The [regional visitor listing](), checked September 10, 2026, gives May and September hours of 13:00–17:00, June–August 10:00–17:00, and winter visits by arrangement. Confirm a winter booking with the museum at [safn@sild.is](). The operator website could not be read in this update, so no current admission price or live salting-demonstration schedule is claimed here. Planning help ## Siglufjordur FAQs Quick answers with safety notes where it matters. **What is the population of Siglufjordur?** Siglufjordur has approximately 1,300 residents today, though it once had 10,000 during the herring boom. **What is the Herring Era Museum?** Award-winning museum telling the story of Iceland's herring fishing boom (1903-1968), when Siglufjordur was Iceland's most prosperous town. **How do you reach Siglufjordur?** The route from Akureyri passes through Olafsfjordur and the Hedinsfjordur tunnels. Check current road conditions and allow extra time for stops and weather. **How far is Siglufjordur from Akureyri?** Siglufjordur is about 75 km from Akureyri, approximately 1 hour via the Héðinsfjörður tunnels. **Is Siglufjordur known for music?** Yes, the annual Folk Music Festival in early July brings traditional Icelandic music to the town's historic center. **Is there skiing near Siglufjordur?** Yes, Siglufjordur has become a backcountry skiing destination, with heli-skiing and mountain touring in the surrounding peaks. **What is Siglufjordur like?** A colorful town with well-preserved historic buildings, good restaurants, and a strong sense of community despite its small size. **What services does Siglufjordur have?** Hotels, restaurants, museum, swimming pool, and basic services. Grocery options are limited; larger shops are in Akureyri. [Back to Cities & Towns]() For national population totals and trends to put local figures in context, see our [Iceland statistics]().