Iceland's largest maritime museum, recreating the glory days of the herring boom.
Story & Legend
Located in the picturesque town of Siglufjörður, this award-winning museum tells the story of the Icelandic herring adventure that transformed the country's economy in the mid-20th century. At its peak, Siglufjörður was the herring capital of the North Atlantic.
Geology & Science
Siglufjörður sits in a dramatic fjord in North Iceland. The town's isolation made it entirely dependent on the sea. When the herring vanished in the late 1960s due to overfishing, the town nearly died — the museum preserves this cautionary tale.
Safety
The drive through the Héðinsfjörður tunnel from Route 1 is dramatic; check road.is before you go in winter. Allow time for the detour. The town is small — everything is walkable.
Photo Tip
Check the schedule for the live salting demonstrations. Without them, it's just a static museum.
Insider tip
Check their schedule during the summer. They often hold live reenactments outside the museum where locals demonstrate traditional herring salting while singing old seafaring songs.
Best Time to Visit
A perfect mid-day stop while driving the Tröllaskagi (Troll Peninsula) in North Iceland.
What to Bring
Casual wear. The museum is spread across three large, fully restored historical buildings along the waterfront.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Herring Era Museum good for kids?
Yes, it is highly interactive. Visitors can walk on the decks of fully restored wooden fishing ships docked inside the boathouse and explore the old sailors' bunks.
Why is Siglufjörður famous?
In the 1940s and 50s, it was the herring capital of the world. The town's population exploded during the 'herring rush', functioning much like a wild-west gold rush town.
