Silversea Luxury Cruises À SIGLUFJORDUR

Discover the history, flavours and landmarks of Siglufjörður on-foot during this immersive chocolate-and-beer sightseeing excursion.

Siglufjörður, Frida's Chocolate House, Tasting and Shopping

Depart the pier for the short, scenic stroll Frida's Chocolate House. En route, pass through Siglufjörður Town, and by newly-renovated, brightly-coloured buildings housing a restaurant and coffeehouse. Frida's Chocolate House is a cosy little coffeehouse serving delicious chocolates. All of the chocolates offered here are handmade by the owner, Frida, an artist who loves to make and sell artisanal chocolates of different flavours. She also exhibits her artwork, and her art themes include transforming chairs and painting Icelandic horses. During your visit, enjoy a tasting of Frida's tempting, handmade chocolates and purchase some more in boxes, if you choose.

Seagull 67 Brewery

Next, continue on-foot to the Seagull 67 Brewery, located in a renovated old fish factory. Production of beer is not new in Iceland; it likely dates back to the island's settlement by Norsemen. For most of the 20th century, however, beer was effectively banned in Iceland. Since that ban was lifted in 1989, the nation's consumption of beer has increased markedly and new breweries have begun to emerge.

Tasting Area, History, Beer Brewing and Tasting, Glass Wall, Observe Brewing or Bottling

Upon arrival, proceed to a tasting area. Here, learn about the history of the building and beer-brewing, and sample Seagull 67 beer. The tasting area also has a glass wall, enabling you to see the brewing equipment, and observe brewing or botting taking place. At the conclusion of your visit, commence the short walk back to the pier.

Embrace the pristine natural beauty of the northernmost fjord on the Troll Peninsula during this exhilarating, half-day hiking excursion.

Siglufjörður, Tunnel, Troll Peninsula, Héðinsfjörður Fjord, Héðinsfjarðarvatn Lake

Depart the pier for the short drive via a tunnel to the deserted Héðinsfjörður Fjord, the northernmost fjord on the Troll Peninsula area. From the parking area, your guided hiking adventure begins with a walk along Héðinsfjarðarvatn Lake.

Hestaskarð (Horse Trail) Pass

Next, hike uphill over the historical Hestaskarð (Horse Trail) Pass en route to Hestaskarð. This pass was the same one used by people that lived in Héðinsfjörður many years ago to obtain supplies, and pass them on to nearby fjords. Before the tunnels were opened in 2010, Héðinsfjörður was only passable on-foot, by horses over mountain trails like this one, or by boat.

Hestaskarð, Iceland Refreshments, Siglufjörur Fjord

During the hike over the Hestaskarð Pass to Hestaskarð, a stop is made for Icelandic refreshments (skyr, flatbread and orange juice) before heading down a valley to Siglufjörur Fjord. Upon arrival, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier via a tunnel.

Welcome to Siglufjordur, the historic gold-rush-like atmosphere of the once bustling herring town. Visit the award-winning Herring Era Museum, with a fun and energetic performance of the herring salt show. A blast from the past, guests will watch how the "herring girls" used to work. Get caught up in lively accordion music and ring dancing. Sample a traditional rye bread with local herring and Icelandic schnapps. Learn about the local history and culture of this wonderful town in the north.

Guests disembark and walk to the museum.

You will start your visit at the Herring Era Museum watching the live-show, and after that visit each museum house with escorts that will walk with you and show you around each house. Tasting included during museum walk.

The Boathouse, which is the town's thriving harbor of the 1950's - with many old fishing boats at the dock. Grána, a 1930s-era fish and oil factory, Roaldsbrakki, a 1907 salting station and bunkhouse are some of the establilshments visited.

Take the opportunity to enjoy Siglufjörður's nature and history with a passionate guide who knows nearly all there is to know about the area, its folk stories, historical events, places and the ancient walking trails over the mountains between farms and villages. You'd be surprised what hidden gems lurk in the mountains but you won't be surprised to hear that the views are out of this world!

The walk starts from Heðinsfjordur. We will drive from Siglufjördur through the tunnel and start the walk from the parking area at the end of the lake in Hedinsfjordur.

The walk takes arround 5 hours. The highest point of the route is 650 meters above sea level and since we start almost at sea level, this gives a good idea of the elevation. We will be walking at an easy pace, but this is uphill and some parts can be challenging if people have underlying difficulties or knee problems. We will be walking mostly on the land, crossing small brooks and paths are not always clear. The ground is grass and glacier gravel which is easy for most walkers.

Our guide will take you on a journey through Siglufjordur and our first stop will be at Frida - Chocolate café that is owned by Fríða, an artist and chocolate lover but the café is also her art workshop. At the café we will taste her locally made chocolate and enjoy her art. After getting warmed up by the wonderful chocolate, we head over to the local brewery Segull 67.

Segull 67 is a small family owned craft brewery. The brew house is in an old fish factory that they have re-designed and adapted. Segull means magnet in Icelandic and they are connecting it to the magnet needle (magnetic north) in the compass. The magnetic needle always turns north no matter where you are.

67 has long been a lucky numer in the family, the owners great grandfather drove his truck with the number F67 and his grandfather sailed the seas with the boat number SI67. Visitors learn about this small family-run brewery as they get to explore the brewery itself "behind the scenes" and taste their products.

Experience a popular Icelandic pastime in a unique new way during this unforgettable, half-day, sea-swimming excursion.

Siglufjörður, Ólafsfjörður, Black-Sand Beach, Sea-Swimming Class, Nordic Sea Swimming

Depart the pier for the short drive to Ólafsfjörður. Upon arrival, meet with Lisa, a local gym coach, who takes you for a sea-swimming class at a black-sand beach. Lisa teaches you breathing techniques and how to brace yourself in the cold, before taking a few exhilarating dips in the Nordic Sea.

About Icelandic Ocean Swimming

Iceland is world-renowned for its hot springs and warm pools, but another popular local pastime in Iceland is to go swimming in the ocean. Locals claim that swimming in the cold waters of the northern Atlantic Ocean promotes blood circulation, and strengthens the immune system. For this reason, its popularity has been growing rapidly the last years. However, evidence of the activity can be found throughout Icelandic history, all the way back to the first settlers in the Icelandic Sagas. The oldest recorded sea-swimming feat was performed in 1030 A.D., when Icelandic saga legend Grettir Ásmundarson swam approximately 4.3 miles (about seven kilometres) across a bay in North Iceland.

Lisa's Cabin, Outdoor Jacuzzi, Homemade Icelandic Liquor, Smoked Salmon, and Local Specialities

Following your Nordic Sea swimming excursion, you are invited back to Lisa's cabin. Upon arrival, relax and warm up in her outdoor Jacuzzi, and taste homemade Icelandic liquor, smoked salmon and other local specialities; water, coffee and tea are also available. At the conclusion of your visit, shower up and change into dry clothing, then re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Explore the impact of the Icelandic Herring Era on Siglufjörður, its villagers and workers during this scenic and informative sightseeing excursion.

Herring Show Presentation On Board the Ship, Siglufjörður, Róaldsbrakki Pier, Herring-Era Museum

After attending a short presentation of the 'Herring Show' on board the ship, depart the pier for the short, guided stroll to the Herring-Era Museum. The museum is dedicated to this herring adventure, and offers a unique insight into the impact the herring industry had on Siglufjörður Town and the nation of Iceland. The largest maritime museum in Iceland, the Herring-Era Museum is one of the country's most esteemed museums. It has won the Luigi Micheletti Award, the European prize for innovative museums in the world of contemporary history, industry and science.

Salting Show

Upon arrival at the Herring-Era Museum, located at the Róaldsbrakki Pier, take in a Salting Show. The quiet is interrupted by calls of 'herring girls' for salt and a barrel, and the sound of an accordion playing. The 'herring girls' then continue to dance of their fatigue to the music, alluring the guests to join in. This enjoyable show goes a long way in recreating the atmosphere of the 'Herring Adventure', an era of great prosperity for this little town.

Museum Buildings, Tastings of Rye Bread with Herring and Schnapps

Following the Salting Show, take a guided walking tour of the three museum buildings, then proceed for a tasting of rye bread and herring accompanied by Brennivin (Icelandic schnapps). At the conclusion of your visit, commence the short, guided walk back to the pier.