September 26, 2017 - Herring Era Museum, Explore Siglufjörður

We traveled north to Siglufjörður to visit the town and their Herring Era Museum.  It is the nearest town to the Arctic Circle on this tour.  The town grew up around the herring industry that was in much bloom in the 1940s and 1950s, but the herring are gone now. Today the town remains dependent on fishing industries although the herring are gone. The government of Iceland is attempting to reverse the population shrinking in the area by improving land transportation. Iceland government built the Héðinsfjörður Tunnel with a lot of controversy. However, it does provide an easy path to the northern part of this peninsula.

The Herring Era Museum is officially recognized as specializing in the history of the herring industry in Iceland. It is likely the only museum of its kind in the world. There are 3 parts, the Salting Station, the Grána fish meal and oil factory, and the Boathouse.  The Salting Station provides a fascinating insight into what life in rural Iceland was like during this prosperous era. The Grána fish meal and oil factory is a unique exhibition about an important chapter in the economic and social history of Siglufjörður and Iceland. The exhibition in the Boathouse provides an impression of a typical North Iceland herring port during the period from 1938-1954. Eleven boats of various types and sizes lie at the dock, and audio/visual material about the herring fisheries from 1938 is shown.

After the museum visit, we had free time for lunch and wondering around this beautiful and peaceful little town.  Some of us had Fish and Chip from one of the local shop for lunch.  It was cod fish and was very delicious.  We just ordered and ate on the park bench in the center of the town.  

After lunch, we walked around the town to see their church and fishing docks.  Had wonderful and relaxing time with clear fresh air in this little harbor town.

After we got back to Akureyri, we had more free time.  We walked to the famous Brynja ice cream shop for their ice cream as recommended by our tour guide.  Then we strode back to the hotel via the botanical garden again.  It was a relaxing walk with a lot of fresh air.