Siglufjörður

Siglufjörður, is Iceland’s northernmost town and also fjord with the same name, located about 385 km from Reykjavik, which is known for its rich fishing tradition, netting more herring than any other part of the country during earlier days. In 2006 the municipalities of Siglufjörður and Olafsfjörður merged to form a new municipality known as Fjallabyggð.

Siglufjörður, is Iceland’s northernmost town and also fjord with the same name, located about 385 km from Reykjavik, which is known for its rich fishing tradition, netting more herring than any other part of the country during earlier days. In 2006 the municipalities of Siglufjörður and Olafsfjörður merged to form a new municipality known as Fjallabyggð.

Since herring was an integral part of the town, a Herring Festival, ‘Síldarævintýrið’, is held every August. Besides, there is also a Herring Era Museum, ‘Síldarminjasafn’ which opened in 1994 and is located in a historical building constructed in 1907. A museum in honor of priest and composer Bjarni þorsteinsson, who promoted Icelandic folk music, is set-up in the oldest house in town dating back to 1884. The town with a rustic charm, which is also popular for its annual music festival, ‘Þjóðlagahátíðin’, held in July, has a beautiful Protestant church Siglufjarðarkirkja, built in 1932. The town has two interesting sculptures, one of herring fishing ‘Síldveiði‘ right in front of Siglufjarðarkirkja and the other, a memorial ‘Lífsbjórg’ close to the harbor, dedicated to 62 fishermen who lost their lives between 1900 and 1988.

Also known for its good ski-facilities, Skarðsdalur is said to have Iceland’s best ski areas, with Hólsdalur also offering a cross-country ski trail. Siglufjörður’s wonderful hiking trails attract tourists every year, as Tröllaskagi or Troll Peninsula is hailed for offering an exhilarating hiking experience.