Voyage through Northeastern Iceland: Scenic Exploration Awaits
Exploring the "Town of Whales," Húsavík, strikes a chord for any adventure seeker. Situated in the chilly seascape of Northern Iceland, Húsavík is merely a stone's throw from Reykjavík, an hour's flight or a picturesque nine-hour drive away from the city.
Remember the Icelandic myth telling the story of the first residence in the land of fire and ice built by Swedish Viking Garðar Svavarsson in 860? Well, Húsavík takes pride in being a strategic location for day trips to Iceland's top tourist destinations, being the starting point of the popular Diamond Circle route.
Nicknamed the "whale-watching capital of Iceland," this coastal town becomes the epicenter of excitement during the whale-watching season. The likelihood of encountering various whale species, including blue whales, fin whales, and humpback whales, is significantly higher in this region than in South Iceland.
Eager to experience an unforgettable weekend getaway with my seven-year-old daughter and boyfriend, we embarked on a quick adventure to Húsavík. Seizing the opportunity of an attractive offer from Fosshótel, one of Iceland's leading hotel chains, our accommodation at Fosshótel Húsavík was comforting and modern, offering a touch of elegance and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Following a hearty dinner at the sophisticated Moby Dick restaurant, which specializes in fish and chips, hamburgers, and fire-oven pizzas, we prepared for the major highlight of our trip: whale watching. Donning thick parkas, woolens, and provided overalls, we boarded a charming traditional oak fishing boat with our German-speaking guide, amidst bright sunshine and mild winds.
As the boat chugged across the calm harbor and plunged into the powerful waves of Skjálfandi Bay, we were greeted by a pod of playful dolphins leaping from the water. Our guide led us to the bay's outskirts, where we spent an exhilarating hour observing two colossal fin whales and three humpback whales as they travelled through their natural habitat. The sight of these magnificent gentle giants filled us with awe and made my daughter's newfound love for whales uncontainable.
Basking in the afterglow of such an incredible experience, we visited the Geosea, Húsavík's geothermal seawater bath. This calming soak offered stunning views of the North Atlantic Ocean and its surrounding snow-capped mountains, rejuvenating body and spirit in preparation for our return journey.
Before our departing flight, we strolled through the Exploration Museum, a fascinating museum highlighting human exploration of the world and outer space. Filled with historical artifacts, photographs, and stories of astronaut training and Viking voyages, this museum caters to curious minds of all ages.
On our way back, Húsavík kissed us farewell with the promise of unforgettable memories and the eternal echo of its majestic marine inhabitants calling us to return and explore further.
- In search of adventure and a unique experience, we decided to travel to Húsavík, Iceland, the weather dramatically changing as we journeyed to the 'Town of Whales.'
- Despite the chilly climate, the sight of the beautiful Icelandic countryside and the unique geothermal landscapes warmed our hearts.
- The worry of psoriasis flare-ups often plaguing my lifestyle didn't seem as daunting amidst the majestic Icelandic nature.
- Our stay at Fosshótel, a leading hotel chain in Iceland, offered not only comfort and modern accommodations but also a family-friendly atmosphere to relax and unwind.
- After a hearty meal at Moby Dick restaurant, we prepared for our adventure-travel excursion – whale watching in Skjálfandi Bay.
- As we observed the playful dolphins and majestic whales amidst the stunning Icelandic seascape, it was evident that our lifestyles would forever be altered by the enchanting beauty and awe-inspiring adventure we experienced in Húsavík.
