Herring Era Museum
Explore Iceland's 'Herring Capital' past at this award-winning maritime museum, showcasing fishing history, salting stations, and the lives of the 'He...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Herring Era Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Iceland's 'Herring Capital' past at this award-winning maritime museum, showcasing fishing history, salting stations, and the lives of the 'Herring Girls'.
"Absolutely amazed and enthralled by the history and industry Siglufjordur built around herring!"
🎥 Watch the Intro Video
Start with the video in the ticket building for context. It makes the rest of the exhibits much easier to understand!
🎟️ Ticket Covers Multiple Buildings
Your ticket grants access to the main museum, boat house, and folk music museum. Don't miss any!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Salting Station
Róaldsbrakki building
Step back in time to see how herring was processed and preserved. Witness the scale of this vital industry.
Fishing Vessels & Gear
Boat house
Explore authentic fishing boats and the tools of the trade that fueled Siglufjörður's prosperity.
Herring Girls Performance
Various buildings
Experience live reenactments of the 'Herring Girls' work, offering a unique glimpse into daily life.
Industrial Production Exhibits
Factory building
See the machinery and learn about the industrial production of herring meals and oil.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Herring History
Plan Your Visit Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎥 Watch the Intro Video
Start with the video in the ticket building for context. It makes the rest of the exhibits much easier to understand!
🎟️ Ticket Covers Multiple Buildings
Your ticket grants access to the main museum, boat house, and folk music museum. Don't miss any!
🎶 Catch a Performance
If you're lucky, you might catch a 'Herring Girls' reenactment or folk music performance.
🚶♀️ Explore All Exhibits
The museum spans several buildings, each offering a unique perspective on the herring era.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎥 Watch the Intro Video
Start with the video in the ticket building for context. It makes the rest of the exhibits much easier to understand!
🎟️ Ticket Covers Multiple Buildings
Your ticket grants access to the main museum, boat house, and folk music museum. Don't miss any!
🎶 Catch a Performance
If you're lucky, you might catch a 'Herring Girls' reenactment or folk music performance.
🚶♀️ Explore All Exhibits
The museum spans several buildings, each offering a unique perspective on the herring era.
🍽️ Enjoy Local Flavors
Some reviews mention a restaurant with delicious food, possibly in a separate building.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Herring Era Museum for its immersive and informative exhibits that vividly bring Siglufjörður's herring boom history to life. The multiple buildings, authentic artifacts, and engaging presentations, including 'Herring Girls' reenactments, are highly appreciated. While some wish for more interpretive signs, the overall experience is described as amazing, terrific, and a top recommendation for understanding Iceland's maritime heritage.
"Amazing and very informative museum - you can find all the info on the herring industry, it's history in Siglufjordur, you can see the machines used, the boats, the nets, how they used to be made... I mean, really everything. In three buildings. Awesome. And do t forget to go to the fourth building - restaurant with delicious food."
janina cz
"Full transparency: I wasn't interested in learning about Herring however, I was absolutely amazed and enthralled by the history and industry Siglufjordur built around catching, preparing and shipping Herring around the world! There are three buildings you get to visit to see where all the hard work and sleeping courters (for the women) are. Here's a pro tip: in the 1st building where you purchase the tickets go up the front steps and to the right is a room with a video in English that explains everything you need to know before you continue on in your journey to learn all about how important Herring was to Siglufjordur. I promise it will make the whole experience enjoyable and easier to understand how the other buildings connect to the story. I highly recommend this museum to everyone."
Marissa Sabatino
"Terrific museum with many real life objects displaying what life people were living in the herring era. The price also includes the boat house and the folk music museums, both of which similar quality to the main one. Also very decent WCs. Highly recommend."
Mei He
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Siglufjörður is located on the northern coast of Iceland. You can reach it by car via Route 76. The museum is centrally located within the town. Many visitors arrive as part of a Ring Road trip or a dedicated North Iceland tour. 
Bus services connect Siglufjörður to other towns in North Iceland, though schedules can be infrequent. Renting a car offers the most flexibility for exploring the region and reaching the museum.
Siglufjörður is a small, walkable town. Once you arrive, the museum and most attractions are easily accessible on foot. Parking is generally available for those arriving by car.
Yes, many North Iceland tours and day trips from Akureyri often include a stop at the Herring Era Museum, providing a convenient way to visit.
Road conditions can vary, especially outside of summer. Always check road.is for current conditions before driving, particularly in winter or shoulder seasons.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum is typically open daily from May 1st to the end of September. Outside of this period, hours may be limited, so it's best to check their official website for the most current information.
Admission prices can vary, but the ticket generally includes access to multiple buildings and exhibits. It's advisable to check the museum's official website for the latest pricing details.
While not always explicitly stated, purchasing tickets upon arrival is the standard method. For peak season, checking the website for any online booking options is recommended.
Yes, a single admission ticket typically grants access to all the museum's buildings, including the main exhibits, the boat house, and the folk music museum.
Information on discounts for seniors, students, or groups is usually available on the museum's website or at the ticket counter. It's worth inquiring when you visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll explore exhibits on the herring industry, see historic fishing boats, salting stations, and learn about the lives of the 'Herring Girls.' There are also folk music and industrial production displays. +1
Yes, the immersive exhibits and historical displays can be engaging for children, especially with the visual elements and potential for live demonstrations.
While many exhibits are artifact-based, the 'Herring Girls' reenactments and the historical context provide an immersive experience. Some displays showcase the machinery used in production.
To fully appreciate the multiple buildings and exhibits, plan for at least 2-3 hours. Some visitors spend longer if they attend demonstrations or enjoy the restaurant.
Accessibility can vary across the historic buildings. It's recommended to contact the museum directly to inquire about specific accessibility features and any limitations.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, reviews mention a restaurant associated with the museum, offering delicious food. It's a great place to refuel after exploring the exhibits.
While specific menus aren't detailed, it's likely to feature local Icelandic cuisine. Some visitors have enjoyed herring-related dishes or traditional fare.
Siglufjörður has several other restaurants and cafes offering local dishes. Exploring the town will reveal various options for meals and snacks.
Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside museum buildings. It's best to enjoy your meals at designated areas or local eateries.
Some visitors have reported experiencing herring salting demonstrations and even tasting samples, especially if visiting with a group.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect artifacts. Always check for signage.
Capture the historic fishing boats, the atmospheric salting stations, the detailed exhibits of tools and nets, and any live performances. The old oil tanks also offer unique shots.
Drone usage is subject to Icelandic regulations. It's crucial to be aware of and adhere to all local laws and restrictions regarding drone operation.
Lighting varies by building. Some areas are naturally lit, while others have artificial lighting. The historic settings offer a unique photographic ambiance.
Yes, capturing the performances is usually allowed for personal memories, but be mindful of the performers and avoid disruptive flash photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Consider watching the introductory video together to provide context before exploring the various buildings. The sheer scale of the old salting stations and the industrial equipment can be quite impressive for younger visitors. The museum's location in Siglufjörður also offers opportunities for exploring the charming town and its natural surroundings.
🚢 History Buffs & Maritime Enthusiasts
+1Explore the evolution of fishing technology, the intricacies of herring processing, and the social history of the communities that thrived on this industry. The museum's award-winning presentation ensures a high-quality and engaging exploration of this significant period. Don't miss the chance to understand the boom and bust cycle that defined Siglufjörður's past.
📸 Photographers
+1Capture the details of fishing gear, the scale of industrial machinery, and the human element through any available reenactments or displays. The historic buildings themselves, with their unique architecture and lighting, provide a dramatic backdrop. Remember to check for any flash restrictions to protect the exhibits.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Rise and Fall of the Herring Boom
The museum's collection includes original fishing vessels, processing equipment, and living quarters, offering a tangible connection to this pivotal time in Icelandic history. You can explore the salting stations where the 'Herring Girls' worked tirelessly, the factories that produced fish meal and oil, and the docks where the catch was unloaded. The sheer scale of operations during the boom is awe-inspiring and provides crucial context for understanding Iceland's modern economic development.
However, the boom was not to last. By the late 1960s, overfishing and environmental changes led to a dramatic collapse of the herring stocks. This event had a profound impact on Siglufjörður, leading to economic hardship and a significant decline in population. The Herring Era Museum serves not only as a testament to the town's golden age but also as a reminder of the fragility of natural resources and the importance of sustainable practices.
+1The Role of the 'Herring Girls'
+1The museum often features reenactments and displays dedicated to the Herring Girls, bringing their stories to life. These performances offer a unique and engaging way for visitors to understand the daily realities, the camaraderie, and the resilience of these women. Hearing their songs and seeing their work recreated provides a powerful human element to the industrial history.
These women were not just laborers; they were integral to the social fabric of the town during the boom years. Their presence, their songs, and their collective effort are remembered and celebrated at the museum, ensuring their legacy is not forgotten. The dedication and hard work of the Herring Girls were fundamental to Iceland's 'herring adventure.'
Iceland's Largest Maritime Museum
Spread across several historic buildings, including an old salting station and warehouse, the museum offers a comprehensive look at Iceland's fishing heritage. Its extensive collection of artifacts, vessels, and machinery provides a deep dive into the lives of fishermen and the communities that depended on the sea. The museum's commitment to preserving and presenting this history is evident in its detailed exhibits and engaging presentations.
+1Winning the European Museum Award underscores the museum's success in making history accessible and engaging for a wide audience. It's not just a collection of objects but a narrative experience that connects visitors to Iceland's maritime past and its enduring relationship with the ocean.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit