Frida Chocolate
An artisan chocolate cafe and gallery in the charming fishing town of Siglufjordur, where chocolatier Frida handcrafts exquisite chocolates alongside her artwork.
At the northern tip of Iceland, in a fishing town that once thrived on herring and now thrives on charm, Frida has created something remarkable. Her chocolate cafe on Tungata is equal parts chocolatier, artist's studio, and cultural gathering place -- a small room that punches far above its weight in a town of just 1,200 people.
The Chocolate
Frida makes her chocolates by hand, and the quality is immediately evident. These are not mass-produced confections but carefully crafted pieces that reflect a genuine understanding of chocolate as a material. The flavours are distinctive -- sea salt and liquorice, Arctic thyme, crowberry -- and each piece is finished with the kind of attention to detail that comes from someone who views chocolate-making as an art form.
The hot chocolate is legendary. Made with real melted chocolate rather than powder, it arrives thick, rich, and intensely flavoured. On a cold day in Siglufjordur -- and cold days are the norm -- it is liquid warmth that borders on the medicinal. Many visitors describe it as the best hot chocolate they have ever tasted, and having tried it, I am inclined to agree.
The Art
Frida is an artist as well as a chocolatier, and her work decorates the walls of the cafe. The pieces are colourful, expressive, and infused with the same creative energy that drives her chocolate-making. The combination of art and chocolate creates an atmosphere that is unique in Iceland -- cultural, personal, and deeply welcoming.
Siglufjordur
The town itself is worth the journey. Surrounded by dramatic mountains on three sides and opening to the sea on the fourth, Siglufjordur has a setting that rivals anything in Iceland. The Herring Era Museum is one of the finest museums in the country, and the village's quiet streets are perfect for walking. Frida Chocolate is the ideal start or end to an exploration of this exceptional place.
Getting There
Siglufjordur is about an hour's drive north of Akureyri through a series of tunnels that emerge into progressively more dramatic landscape. The drive is beautiful, the town is charming, and Frida's chocolate is the cherry -- or perhaps the cocoa nib -- on top.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Frida Chocolate?
- Frida Chocolate is a cafe, chocolatier, and art gallery in Siglufjordur, run by local artist Frida. She handcrafts artisan chocolates and serves them alongside excellent coffee, while exhibiting her artwork.
- Where is Siglufjordur?
- Siglufjordur is a picturesque fishing town on the northern tip of Iceland, about 75 kilometres north of Akureyri. It is known for its herring museum, dramatic fjord setting, and growing cultural scene.
- What can I buy at Frida Chocolate?
- You can enjoy hot chocolate, coffee, and handcrafted chocolates in the cafe, or buy boxed chocolates and art prints to take home. The chocolates make excellent gifts.
- Is Frida Chocolate open year-round?
- The cafe is open most of the year, though hours may be reduced in deep winter. Summer is the most reliable time to visit. The cafe is closed on Mondays.
- Is the hot chocolate good?
- The hot chocolate at Frida is widely considered the best in Iceland -- made with real artisan chocolate rather than powder, and served with the kind of richness that makes you rethink the category entirely.
- Can I see art at Frida Chocolate?
- Yes, Frida's own artwork is displayed throughout the space, creating a gallery atmosphere alongside the cafe. The art and chocolate complement each other beautifully.
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