March 29, 2024

Siglufjordur: The Herring Town With New Purpose

In the middle of the last century, Siglufjörður was one of the largest herring towns in Iceland. Thousands of people flocked to the town during the summer to salt herring, which was then exported and generated large foreign exchange earnings for the nation.

Then the herring left. Empty structures and useless piers remained. The population decreased. Difficult times took over in the town until entrepreneurs got the economy back on track and made Siglufjörður one of the most interesting tourist destinations in the country.

We were so lucky to be able to visit Siglufjörður one bright and warm spring day. It was a wonderful day. Sitting by the harbor and drinking coffee where our ancestors worked hard day in and day out only half a century before was an amazing moment.

Here are some pictures from this wonderful day in Siglufjörður. Click on any image to start a slideshow.