Expedition in Iceland's Northeastern Region
Exploring Húsavík: Iceland's Whale Watching Capital
Nestled in the remote North of Iceland, Húsavík is a coastal town that offers a unique blend of marine wildlife encounters and historical exploration. Known as the whale watching capital of Iceland, Húsavík is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
The town's premier activity is undoubtedly the whale watching tours in Skjálfandi Bay. Numerous operators offer tours on traditional Icelandic oak boats or other vessels to see whales, dolphins, and seabirds, including the iconic puffins, in their natural habitat. Common sightings include minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and occasionally blue whales. Tours typically last around 3 hours and include onboard guides, warm clothing, and refreshments like hot chocolate and cinnamon buns.
For those interested in learning more about these majestic creatures, the Húsavík Whale Museum, located at the harbor, provides in-depth information about the biology of whales and the history of whale research in the region. It is a key cultural and educational attraction closely tied to the town’s whale watching identity.
Beyond marine life, Húsavík also boasts the Exploration Museum. This museum chronicles human exploration history from ancient times to the modern era, including the Apollo astronaut training in Iceland’s volcanic terrain. It diversifies the visitor experience beyond marine life.
The town and harbor area are equally charming. Húsavík is a picturesque fishing town with active fishing vessels and whale watching boats plying the waters of Skjálfandi Bay. Local restaurants and shops cater to visitors, offering everything from hearty Icelandic cuisine to souvenirs to take home. Participants on whale watching tours often enjoy discounts at these establishments.
After a day of whale watching and exploring, visitors can unwind at the Geosea, a geothermal seawater bath recently opened on the Húsavík coast. The Geosea offers stunning views of the ocean and surrounding mountains and provides a unique bathing experience with no cleaning agents.
Húsavík is conveniently located for day trips to most of the major attractions in Iceland and is the starting point of the popular Diamond Circle. The airport in Húsavík is located in a lava field around a ten-minute drive from the town center, with flights from Reykjavík taking approximately 50 minutes, operated by the local airline Eagle Air.
Despite the cold weather, which can be biting due to the icy North Atlantic wind, Húsavík's unique attractions make it a destination worth braving the chill. Whether you're a nature lover, a history buff, or simply seeking a unique travel experience, Húsavík offers something for everyone.
[1] Whale Watching in Húsavík [2] Húsavík Whale Museum [3] The Exploration Museum [4] Geosea [5] Fosshótel Húsavík
- For an adventure-travel experience, immerse in the geothermal waters of the Geosea, located on the Húsavík coast, after a day of whale watching.
- To enhance your understanding of marine life, visit the Húsavík Whale Museum, a key cultural attraction that offers insights into whale biology and regional research history.
- Beyond whale watching, delve into the history of human exploration at The Exploration Museum, showcasing stories from ancient times to the modern era, including Apollo astronaut training in Iceland's volcanic terrain.
