Exploration in Iceland's Northeastern Regions

Rewritten Article:

Húsavík, the "harbour of houses," is a quaint coastal town nestled in remote North Iceland, just an hour's flight from the capital or a nine-hour drive from Reykjavík. Known as the town where Iceland's first home was built by Swedish Viking Garðar Svavarsson in 860, Húsavík serves as the perfect starting point for exploring Iceland's major attractions, especially the renowned Diamond Circle.

Legend has it, and I like to believe, that the first home in Iceland was right here. Húsavík is indeed a magical place, with the great chance of seeing various whale species, including blue, fin, and humpback whales. Having not returned to this whale-lover's paradise since childhood, I decided to make an easy travel choice—a local airline and a hotel offering a fabulous deal in their Húsavík branch.

Yessiree, a quick 50-minute Eagle Air flight took me and my fellow adventurers—my seven-year-old daughter and my partner—to our North Iceland getaway. A small, navy blue Jetstream 32 awaited us at Reykjavík's domestic airport. Climbing aboard this cozy, twin-turboprop plane, we marveled at the stunning vistas of the Icelandic highlands.

Upon arrival in Húsavík, our friendly guide, Gunnar Jóhannesson, picked us up. He shared tales of the town's history, as the airport lies in a lava field about ten minutes from the town center. As we entered the town, we spotted the whale-watching boats at the bustling harbor and the stunning church that locals take pride in, built in 1907. Made picturesque by the surrounding snow-capped mountains and the North Atlantic ocean, Húsavík is one of the few towns still adorned with traditional wood and corrugated iron houses.

A short walk from the harbor led us to Fosshóttel Húsavík, our hotel for the stay. This modern, well-equipped establishment boasts great facilities for conferences and events, making it the largest conference hotel in all of North Iceland. It offers a bright, spacious, elegant, yet family-friendly atmosphere, with stylish, modern rooms boasting amenities such as fridges, safes, and coffee and tea makers. My daughter felt like royalty in her cozy double bed, complete with a private television!

The hotel's Moby Dick restaurant was a treat, offering a meaningful name inspired by the town's famous marine residents. We tried some delicious Bistro menu options, like fire-oven pizzas, burgers, and fish and chips. The service was warm and welcoming, with a special kids' menu, whale coloring book, and crayons available for the little ones. Before calling it night, we savored a peaceful dinner and hit the sack, eager for the adventures that awaited us the following morning.

Waking up to a delicious buffet breakfast, we headed down to the harbor, where sunshine filled the sky, casting a warm glow on the seemingly peaceful ocean. Hopping on board the Gentle Giants whale watching boat, we geared up for our adventure. Guided by hearts full of excitement, we braved the waves as we ventured into the Skjálfandi bay.

To our delight, we were greeted by the leaping bodies of friendly dolphins, apparently on the hunt for fish. Suddenly, the guide hollered as a massive fin whale appeared, spouting water into the air. We watched as it swam alongside another fin whale, one of the largest creatures on our lovely blue-green planet. Overall, we spotted three humpback whales, a truly awe-inspiring experience that left my daughter's eyes shining with happy tears.

After an exhilarating morning on the water, we grabbed a quick lunch at the harbor and caught a cab for a short drive up to the incredible GeoSea baths. Nestled along Húsavík's coastline, these geothermal baths offer an unforgettable experience. With a fascinating history dating back centuries, the GeoSea project now offers stunning infinity pools with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and ocean.

We soaked up the warmth, steam floating around as the sun kissed the horizon. The experience was pure bliss, enjoyed by all ages, as the friendly pool bar offered locally brewed beer, fruit juice, and the perfect spot to sit back and unwind.

Refreshed and relaxed, we walked back to the hotel, our hearts full and minds calm. We capped off our magical weekend with a lovely two-course meal at the hotel restaurant, filling our taste buds with mouthwatering lobster chowder, tender lamb, and Arctic char.

On Sunday, we bid a slow farewell to the town, taking a leisurely breakfast before visiting the Exploration Museum, a fascinating project founded by entrepreneur Örlygur Hnefill Örlygsson. Offering intriguing exhibits on human exploration of the world, the museum showcases photograph and artifacts from the Apollo astronaut training and Viking exploration. History buffs and curious minds alike will be captivated by this mesmerizing museum.

And just like that, our amazing family weekend in Húsavík drew to an end, our hearts full and spirits uplifted. Húsavík, with its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and abundance of activities, offers an unparalleled experience for travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, and inspiring memories.

The breathtaking views of Iceland's highlands during our flight to Húsavík made me realize the grandeur of geothermal activity in this remote North Iceland region.
I was worried about my daughter's psoriasis flaring up due to the cold weather in Iceland, but the hotel offers amenities like modern room facilities that catered well to her needs, making our stay comfortable and hassle-free.
Our lifestyle choices have shifted towards more adventure-travel, and this trip to Húsavík rejuvenated our desire to explore the world's untouched wonders, starting from the renewable energy opportunities in this town.
The picturesque skyline of Húsavík, with snow-capped mountains and the North Atlantic ocean in the backdrop, truly embodies a perfect travel experience, offering a harmony between nature and modernity.
The town's Adventure-Travel options extend beyond whale-watching, as we are now considering adding a hike along the Diamond Circle to our itinerary for more adrenaline-pumping activities.
Embracing the local lifestyle in Húsavík has shown me the importance of slowing down and cherishing each moment, from savoring a peaceful dinner to witnessing the majestic dance of whales in the Skjálfandi bay.