Arrival into the North

We flew from London Gatwick to Akureyri, taking advantage of the direct routes that now also run from Manchester, between November and March. Touching down in northern Iceland felt a world away from the long security lines and busy departure hall of Gatwick. Akureyri International Airport is small, with one runway and one combined area for both arrivals and departures. We couldn’t ask for a calmer start (and end) to our Iceland Adventure. Outside the airport, we met Siggi, our private guide for the trip. After loading up the van, we left Akureyri behind and headed for Siglufjörður.

Siglufjörður: Mountains, Sea and Sigló Hotel

Compared to Akureyri, with a population of almost 20,000, by contrast, Siglufjörður, with a handful of shops and a population of 1200 people, felt much more tucked away. A true Icelandic fishing village, edged by sea and mountains. Our base for the night was the Sigló Hotel, which looked more like a traditional boathouse than a hotel. With only 68 rooms, it felt intimate from the start. Wood panelling, and light green colours that blended into the landscape rather than competing with it.

Inside, the welcome was warm in every sense. A fire glowed in the hearth, low armchairs circled the windows with the sea on the other side. The way the hotel is built gives the impression it floats on the water, with the fjords looming in the background. We checked into our rooms which were simple but spacious with an ENORMOUS bed for one person and crisp bedding. With a fluffy dressing gown and slippers, my favourite feature of this room was the window seat overlooking the front of the hotel. The perfect spot to unwind after a day’s skiing, paddle boarding or hiking, all available within Siglufjörður.

Watching the Skies

We all know those travelling to Iceland, hope to see the Northern Lights. Sigló Hotel is one of the best places to keep an eye out. Its location, close to the Arctic Circle and far from any major towns, means light pollution is minimal. Each room and the restaurant has large windows, so you can keep an eye on the sky without stepping outside. Then it’s a quick dash to layer up and head out. Or, if you’re fast enough, into the outdoor hot tub. Sitting in the steam while the sky lights up above you? Worth the scramble. Early risers made use of the hot tub to watch the sunrise with a cup of tea or coffee.

Seafaring Stories of Siglufjörður

If staying longer in Siglufjörður, there are many active experiences mentioned earlier. But if a slower pace suits you better, consider winding down with a visit to Segull 67, the local family‑run brewery whose motto really says it all: “we love brewing beer.”

Segull 67 is housed in a converted fish‑processing plant just steps from the harbour. It opened in 2015 and is run by three generations of the Haraldsson family: the current owner Marteinn, along with his father and grandmother. The brewery’s name carries meaning: Segull means magnet in Icelandic, inspired by a compass needle always pointing north (a strange coincidence) and 67 is a family lucky number that appeared on a great‑grandfather’s truck (F67) and a grandfather’s boat (SI67).

We joined a one-hour guided tour that included tasting five beers and walking the old factory floor while learning about the brewery’s origins and connections to the town’s seafaring past. Their lineup typically includes:

• Original, an easy‑drinking amber ale
• Sjarmör, a light craft lager
• Sigló IPA, with citrus and peach notes
• Naggur IPA, earthy and fruity
• Svarta María, a rich coffee‑and‑chocolate stout

Seasonal beers such as festive ales or spring brews add variety too. The brewery lounge feels like a nautical hideaway, maritime objects, wooden barrels, and reclaimed piping from the fish‑factory days set the tone. The relaxed atmosphere made it feel like meeting old friends over a pint rather than taking a tour, this was a laid‑back afternoon filled with friendly conversation and tasting well‑crafted beer rooted in local culture.

Winding Down the Day

The rest of our evening in Siglufjörður was spent relaxing at the hotel. I always think that when a hotel feels special and luxurious, you need to allow enough time to enjoy it properly. We dined at Sunna that evening, Sigló’s in-house restaurant. The food was excellent, and the company even better. Breakfast the next morning was served in the same space, with a generous buffet of both Icelandic and continental options.

After dinner, we headed back to our rooms. With an early start at Gatwick that morning, the comfortable bed was calling. I never usually sleep all that well in new surroundings, but that wasn’t the case here. As soon as my head hit the deep pillow, I was out for the count.

The Kind of Place You Don’t Forget

Our stay in Siglufjörður was truly special and will stay with me for a long time. As a keen paddleboarder, I’d have loved to get out on the water and experience the stillness and calm, if we’d had more time. If Siglufjörður is part of your longer Iceland itinerary, it makes a great base. With options for skiing, hiking, birdwatching, swimming and water sports, it’s easy to fill a few days with activity. And through it all, you’ve got the calm and comfort of the Sigló Hotel to return to. Our Iceland Ring Road Tour includes a two night stay at Sigló Hotel. With this tour you can explore not only the wonders of Northern Iceland, but explore the Golden Circle too.