Herring Era Museum
The story of the 'Silver of the Sea' — how herring built North Iceland and collapsed overnight.
About
About Herring Era Museum
The story of the 'Silver of the Sea' — how herring built North Iceland and collapsed overnight.
One of the most emotionally compelling museums in Iceland, housed in perfectly preserved herring factories on the Siglufjörður waterfront.
Tours Near Herring Era Museum
Lake Myvatn and Godafoss Waterfall Day Tour from Akureyri
Imagine Iceland Travel · 8 hours
Whale Watching Tour w/ Transfer from Akureyri
Keli sea tours ehf · 4 hours
Northern Lights & GeoSea Geothermal Baths Tour (From Akureyri)
Imagine Iceland Travel · 5 hours
Private Northern Lights Photography from Akureyri
Iceland Horizon - Saga Travel - GeoIceland · 3 hours
Photos
Gallery
Background
History & Background
Herring Era Museum has been a significant site in Iceland's landscape. Throughout the years, this location has played an important role in Icelandic culture and natural history.
Located in Siglufjörður, this museum tells the story of Iceland's herring boom. Visitors can explore old factories, boats, and worker life. It is one of Iceland's most engaging and well-designed museums.
Folklore
Story & Folklore
Síldarminjasafnið in Siglufjörður is the finest museum in North Iceland and one of the best in the country. Three fully reconstructed herring-processing factories tell the story of Iceland's most important industry from 1900–1970. The Boat House contains original wooden fishing vessels; the Saltfish Factory demonstrates the backbreaking salting process carried out by young women from all over Iceland; and the residential quarters show how thousands of migrant workers lived during the summer season. In July, the four-day Herring Festival recreates the golden years with live music, dancing and drama.
Did You Know?
At its peak in the 1940s, Siglufjörður was Iceland's largest town, with more than 20 herring processing plants and over 3,000 workers. By the 1970s, after the herring collapsed, fewer than 1,000 people remained.
Culture
Stories & Legends
Icelandic sagas and folklore from this area
Siglufjörður
Siglufjörður is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Svarfdæla saga", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.
Siglunes
Siglunes is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Svarfdæla saga, Bárðar saga Snæfellsáss", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.
Úlfsdalir
Úlfsdalir is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Víga-Glúms saga", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.
Explore
Hidden Gems Nearby
Talk to the Staff
Museum staff at Herring Era Museum are often incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about their subject.
They can share stories and insights not found in the exhibits, and may point you to related sites in the area.
Gift Shop Treasures
Icelandic museum shops often carry unique locally-made items and books not available elsewhere.
You'll find authentic Icelandic crafts, design items, and publications that make meaningful souvenirs.
Combine with Nearby Sites
Ask about related attractions in the area to create a themed day trip.
Many museums are located near the historical sites or landscapes they document, creating a richer overall experience.
Help
Frequently Asked Questions
Location
Location
Discover
Explore Nearby
Places from our database within 5.0 km — all data from Sanity
Loading nearby places…
0 places found within 5.0 km
Plan full itinerary →Explore More