Husavik

Discover Húsavík: The Whale Watching Capital of Iceland – Your Ultimate Travel Guide

Nestled on the northern coast of Iceland, Húsavík is a charming town renowned for its stunning natural beauty and world-class whale watching. With its picturesque harbor, colorful houses, and breathtaking views of the Skjálfandi Bay, Húsavík offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Explore its rich history, immerse yourself in Icelandic culture, and witness the majestic whales in Iceland in their natural habitat. Find the best Húsavík tours and Iceland travel packages here!

  • Address: Húsavík, Iceland

Planning Your Trip to Húsavík

Essential Travel Information

Country: Iceland

Timezone: GMT +0

Languages Spoken: Icelandic

Currency: Icelandic Króna (ISK)

Weather and Climate in Húsavík: A Seasonal Guide

Knowing what to expect from the weather is key to enjoying your trip. Here’s a brief overview of Húsavík’s climate throughout the year.

  • January: Average temperatures range from -2°C to 2°C (28°F to 36°F). Expect snow and ice.
  • April: Temperatures start to rise, averaging between 0°C and 6°C (32°F to 43°F). Snow is still possible.
  • July: The warmest month, with average temperatures between 8°C and 15°C (46°F to 59°F). Long daylight hours – perfect for summer whale watching in Iceland.
  • October: Temperatures begin to drop again, averaging between 2°C and 7°C (36°F to 45°F). Expect rain and wind.

City Overview: The Charm of Húsavík

Húsavík, a small town of around 2,300 inhabitants, is beautifully situated on the eastern shore of Skjálfandi Bay. Its history is deeply rooted in fishing and agriculture, but today, tourism, especially whale watching tours, is the driving force. The town boasts a charming harbor, a historic wooden church, and several museums that showcase the area’s natural history and cultural heritage. Despite its small size, Húsavík offers a vibrant atmosphere, with a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops catering to visitors. The town is a gateway to some of Iceland’s most stunning natural attractions, including the Dettifoss waterfall and the Ásbyrgi canyon. It provides an authentic Icelandic experience away from the larger tourist crowds. Book your Iceland adventure tours from Húsavík now!

Best Time to Visit Húsavík for Whale Watching and More

  • Summer (June-August):
    • Pros: Mild temperatures, long daylight hours, ideal for whale watching and outdoor activities. The best time for Iceland summer tours.
    • Cons: Peak tourist season, higher prices, potential for crowds. Book your Húsavík whale watching tours in advance.
  • Shoulder Seasons (May & September):
    • Pros: Fewer crowds, reasonable prices, still good chances for whale watching. Enjoy affordable Iceland travel.
    • Cons: Weather can be unpredictable, some attractions may have limited hours.

How to Get to Húsavík & Visa Requirements for Iceland

  • Flights: The nearest airport is Akureyri Airport (AEY), approximately 50 km from Húsavík. From Akureyri, you can rent a car or take a bus to Húsavík. There are also domestic flights from Reykjavik Airport (RKV) to Akureyri. Consider a Reykjavik to Húsavík flight.
  • Visa Requirements: Iceland is part of the Schengen Area. Depending on your nationality, you may not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. Check visa requirements based on your citizenship before traveling. Ensure you have the correct Iceland travel visa.
  • Airport Transfers: Car rental is the most convenient option for airport transfers. Bus services are also available but may have limited schedules. Taxis are available but can be expensive. Pre-book your Akureyri airport transfer.

Discover Húsavík’s Unique Character

Fun/Historical Fact or Story: The Viking Roots of Húsavík

Húsavík is rumored to be the first place in Iceland where a Norseman settled. According to the Landnámabók (Book of Settlements), the Swedish Viking Garðar Svavarsson built a house here in 870 AD and stayed for one winter before leaving the island.

Famous Personalities: Húsavík’s Eurovision Connection

Although Húsavík is a small town, it gained some international recognition due to the song “Húsavík” from the movie “Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga”. While no famous Icelandic historical figures are from the town, it has been embraced as the “hometown” of the fictional characters from that movie. Experience the magic of Húsavík Iceland Eurovision.

Top 10 Attractions in Húsavík and Nearby

  • Húsavík Whale Museum: Learn about the whales of Iceland and the history of whaling.
    • Address: Hafnarstétt 1, 640 Húsavík, Iceland
  • Húsavíkurkirkja (Húsavík Church): A beautiful wooden church with a unique architecture.
    • Address: Stórigarður, 640 Húsavík, Iceland
  • Skjálfandi Bay Whale Watching Tours: Experience the thrill of seeing Iceland whales in their natural habitat.
    • Address: Multiple tour operators along the harbor, 640 Húsavík, Iceland
  • The Exploration Museum: Dedicated to the history of space exploration and local exploration.
    • Address: Garðarsbraut 1, 640 Húsavík, Iceland
  • GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths: Relax in geothermal seawater with stunning views of the bay. Enjoy the GeoSea Húsavík experience.
    • Address: Vitaslóð 1, 640 Húsavík, Iceland
  • Kaldbaks-Melrakkaslétta: An area which is considered to be the northerlymost point of Iceland (excluding the island of Grímsey).
    • Address: Kaldbaksvík, 641 Húsavík, Iceland
  • Húsavík Cape: The cape provides a perfect spot for whale watching.
    • Address: Tjörnes Peninsula, 640 Húsavík, Iceland
  • Ásbyrgi Canyon: One of the biggest wonders of Iceland
    • Address: Ásbyrgi, Iceland
  • Jökulsárgljúfur National Park: This contains a plethora of wonders such as canyons, waterfalls, and glacial rivers.
    • Address: Jökulsárgljúfur National Park, Iceland
  • Goðafoss Waterfall: An absolutely amazing water fall named after “the waterfall of the Gods”
    • Address: Goðafoss, Iceland

Unveiling Húsavík’s Hidden Gems

  • Húsavík Harbor: Take a stroll along the harbor and admire the colorful boats and charming atmosphere.
    • Address: Húsavík Harbor, 640 Húsavík, Iceland
  • The Local Swimming Pool: Experience Icelandic culture by visiting the local swimming pool.
    • Address: Ásgarðsvegur, 640 Húsavík, Iceland
  • Hiking Trails around Húsavík: Discover the natural beauty of the area on foot. Ask local Tourist Information for information of Trails available. Enjoy Húsavík hiking.
    • Address: Various trails surrounding Húsavík, Iceland

Immerse Yourself in Húsavík’s Local Festivals & Events

  • Húsavík Whale Watching Festival (July): A celebration of whales and marine life, featuring music, food, and activities. Experience the Húsavík Whale Festival.
  • Mærudagar (late July): Local festival with cultural events, music, and family activities.

Explore Beyond Húsavík: Day Trips & Nearby Attractions

  • Dettifoss Waterfall: Europe’s most powerful waterfall (approx. 1 hour drive). Witness the power of Dettifoss Iceland.
  • Ásbyrgi Canyon: A horseshoe-shaped canyon with stunning scenery (approx. 45 minutes drive).
  • Lake Mývatn: A region with diverse volcanic landscapes and birdlife (approx. 1 hour drive). Explore the beauty of Lake Mývatn.
  • Goðafoss Waterfall: Also known as “Waterfall of the Gods” (approx. 40 minutes drive).

Capture the Moment: Photography Spots & Insta-Worthy Places in Húsavík

  • Húsavík Church: Capture the iconic wooden church against the backdrop of the bay.
  • GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths: Photograph the stunning views from the infinity pools.
  • Skjálfandi Bay during Whale Watching Tours: Capture whales breaching against the dramatic coastline.
  • Dettifoss Waterfall: Capture the mist and power of the waterfall.

Plan Your Stay: Accommodation and Getting Around Húsavík

Recommended No of Days of Stay:

2-3 days is ideal to experience Húsavík and its surrounding attractions.

Top Places to Stay in Húsavík

  • Budget:
    • Fosshótel Húsavík: Hafnarstétt 17, 640 Húsavík, Iceland
    • Húsavík Cape Hotel: Laugarhólar, 650 Húsavík, Iceland
    • Árból Guesthouse: Garðarsbraut 6, 640 Húsavík, Iceland
  • Mid-Range:
    • Fosshótel Húsavík: Hafnarstétt 17, 640 Húsavík, Iceland
    • Húsavík Cape Hotel: Laugarhólar, 650 Húsavík, Iceland
    • Bjarnabúð Apartment Hotel: Garðarsbraut 4, 640 Húsavík, Iceland
  • Luxury:
    • Fosshótel Húsavík: Hafnarstétt 17, 640 Húsavík, Iceland
    • Húsavík Cape Hotel: Laugarhólar, 650 Húsavík, Iceland

Getting Around the City: Transportation Options in Húsavík

  • Walking: Húsavík is a small town, and most attractions are within walking distance.
  • Car Rental: Recommended for exploring the surrounding areas. Book your Iceland car rental in advance.
  • Taxis: Available, but can be expensive.
  • Bikes: Rental options are available.

Prepare for Your Adventure: Packing, Apps, and Safety Tips

What to Pack for Your Trip to Húsavík

  • Warm layers (fleece, thermal underwear)
  • Waterproof and windproof outerwear
  • Hiking boots
  • Hat, gloves, and scarf
  • Swimsuit (for geothermal baths)
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses (even on cloudy days)

Useful Apps for Traveling in Iceland

  • Vedur.is: Iceland’s official weather app.
  • Maps.me: Offline maps for navigation.
  • Parka.is: To pay for parking fees.

Local Safety Tips & Cultural Etiquettes for a Smooth Trip

  • Be prepared for unpredictable weather.
  • Respect the environment and follow marked trails.
  • Be aware of driving conditions, especially in winter.
  • Learn a few basic Icelandic phrases.
  • Remove your shoes when entering someone’s home.

Food, Fun & Finds: Culinary Delights and Souvenirs

Top Restaurants in Húsavík: A Foodie’s Guide

  • Gamli Baukur Restaurant: Located by the harbor, offering fresh seafood and traditional Icelandic dishes.
    • Description: Waterfront dining with a focus on seafood.
    • Address: Hafnarstétt 13, 640 Húsavík, Iceland
  • Restaurant Söluturninn: Serving quick bites and fast food.
    • Description: The best hotdogs in town!
    • Address: Túngata 1, Húsavík
  • Fish and Chips: A small food truck serving Icelandic Fish and Chips.
    • Description: A classic dish prepared with fresh Icelandic fish.
    • Address: Húsavík harbor

Must-Try Dishes in Húsavík: A Taste of Iceland

  • Plokkfiskur: A traditional fish stew.
  • Kjötsúpa: Icelandic lamb soup.
  • Skyr: Icelandic yogurt.
  • Fresh Seafood: Especially cod and haddock.

Nightlife & Entertainment in Húsavík: Where to Unwind

  • Gamli Baukur Bar: A popular spot for drinks and socializing with harbor views.
    • Description: Lively bar with a good selection of beers and cocktails.
    • Address: Hafnarstétt 13, 640 Húsavík, Iceland

What to Buy in Húsavík: Souvenirs & Markets

  • Hand-knitted Icelandic wool products: Sweaters, hats, and scarves.
  • Whale-themed souvenirs: From the Whale Museum gift shop.
  • Local crafts: Available in souvenir shops and galleries.

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