A calm fishing town on Iceland's north coast, known for whale watching tours and the Húsavíkurkirkja, a wooden church built in 1907. Home to the Exploration Museum.
Húsavík, a small town on Iceland's northern coast, is known for its whale watching tours in Skjálfandi Bay. In this coastal community, you can join a whale watching expedition, learn about marine life at the Húsavík Whale Museum, and unwind in geothermal sea baths. The town's distinctive wooden church adds to its charm. Húsavík's proximity to Lake Mývatn and Dettifoss waterfall makes it an ideal base for exploring northern Iceland's natural wonders.
Whale Watching in Skjálfandi Bay
Húsavík is a prime location for whale watching. The nutrient-rich waters of Skjálfandi Bay attract humpbacks, blue whales, and minke whales. You can join a whale watching tour from the harbor, with trips lasting about 3 hours. Choose between traditional oak boats or faster RIB boats for your adventure. Whale sightings are most frequent from June to August.
GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths
After your time at sea, you can relax at the GeoSea geothermal sea baths. These infinity-style pools contain warm seawater heated by geothermal energy. The baths sit on a cliff overlooking Skjálfandi Bay, offering views of the ocean and mountains. The mineral-rich water is known for its soothing properties.
Húsavík Whale Museum
To learn more about the marine life in Skjálfandi Bay, visit the Húsavík Whale Museum. You'll see a collection of whale skeletons, including a 22-meter long blue whale skeleton. The exhibits explain different whale species, their behavior, and conservation efforts. The museum also covers the history of whaling in Iceland and the development of whale watching as an alternative activity.
How to Get to Húsavík
Getting to Húsavík requires some planning. If you're driving from Reykjavík, take Route 1 (Ring Road) to Akureyri, then follow Route 85 north to Húsavík. The journey takes about 6-7 hours without stops. You can also fly to Akureyri from Reykjavík and rent a car for the one-hour drive to Húsavík. In summer, there are limited direct flights from Reykjavík to Húsavík Airport.
Exploring the Diamond Circle
Húsavík is part of the Diamond Circle, a tourist route in northern Iceland. From the town, you can visit other nearby natural sites. Lake Mývatn, known for its volcanic landscapes and birdlife, is about an hour's drive away. Dettifoss, Europe's most voluminous waterfall, is a two-hour drive from Húsavík. These natural wonders complement the marine experiences available in Húsavík.
