Húsavík: Iceland's Whale Watching Capital

Húsavík (population approximately 2,300) sits on the western shore of Skjálfandi bay in North Iceland. It’s been running whale watching tours since 1995 and is now established as Iceland’s most reliable location for seeing humpback whales at close range. The bay’s combination of cold, nutrient-rich Arctic water and a sheltered position makes it one of the best whale watching locations in Europe from June through August.

Getting There

By car: 90km east of Akureyri via Route 1 then Route 85. Allow 1 hour driving.

By bus: Strætó route 79 connects Akureyri to Húsavík in approximately 1.5 hours. Check straeto.is for timetables — service is limited.

On a tour: Many Akureyri-based operators include Húsavík as a day trip destination. Most Reykjavík tour operators also offer Húsavík whale watching as a fly-drive combination (fly to Akureyri, drive to Húsavík).

Whale Watching

The main reason to come to Húsavík. Tours depart from the harbour, which is walkable from anywhere in town. The season runs April–October, with peak sightings June–August. Most tours guarantee a resail if no whales are seen — though sightings happen on the large majority of tours in peak season.

North Sailing (northsailing.is) — Operates traditional oak schooners alongside modern vessels. 3-hour tours approximately ISK 13,900–15,000 adult as of 2026. The sailing experience is genuinely unique and worth the choice.

Gentle Giants (gentlegiants.is) — Larger fleet with both traditional wooden vessels and fast RIBs. 3-hour tours approximately ISK 12,900–14,900 adult. Good for families.

Both operators also run midnight sun whale watching tours in late June and July — a surreal experience of whale watching in full daylight at 11pm.

GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths

Opened 2018, built on the headland just north of the harbour. Two infinity-edge pools fed by geothermal seawater at approximately 36–39°C, with views over Skjálfandi bay and the mountains beyond. On a clear day the bay stretches to the horizon with occasional whale spouts visible.

Entry approximately ISK 5,300 adult as of 2026. Open year-round. Significantly less visited than the Mývatn Nature Baths or the Blue Lagoon — one of Iceland’s more underrated geothermal bathing options.

Húsavík Whale Museum

The best whale museum in Iceland. Skeletons of blue whale, sperm whale, and humpback whale are on display — the blue whale skeleton alone is worth 20 minutes of attention. Well-curated exhibits on whale biology, Icelandic whaling history, and current conservation status.

Entry approximately ISK 2,600 adult, ISK 1,000 child as of 2026. Open year-round (reduced hours November–March). Allow 1–1.5 hours.

Húsavíkurkirkja

Húsavík’s church (1907) is one of Iceland’s most photographed timber churches — a Norwegian influence is visible in the design. It overlooks the harbour from a slight rise. Interior is modest but the exterior and harbour view are worth the 5-minute walk from the harbour.

Day Trips from Húsavík

Ásbyrgi Canyon — 60km north of Húsavík. A horseshoe-shaped canyon 3.5km long and 500m wide, formed by a catastrophic glacial outburst flood from the Vatnajökull ice cap. In Icelandic mythology, the hoof-print of Odin’s horse Sleipnir. Walking trails through the canyon floor and to the rim viewpoints. Free. Part of Vatnajökull National Park.

Dettifoss Waterfall — Europe’s most powerful waterfall by volume, approximately 90km southeast of Húsavík. A 30-minute walk from the car park to the canyon rim above the falls. Free. Accessible June–September from the eastern rim road (Route 864, gravel). Allow half a day from Húsavík.

Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon — The canyon carved by the same Jökulsá á Fjöllum river as Ásbyrgi and Dettifoss. Selfoss waterfall is 1km upstream from Dettifoss — smaller but with excellent basalt column scenery. Hljóðaklettar (Echo Rocks) is a bizarre formation of twisted basalt columns accessible by a marked walking trail.

Where to Stay

Fosshotel Húsavík — The main hotel in town. Doubles from approximately ISK 32,000–48,000 in peak season. Close to the harbour.

Árból Guesthouse — Smaller, good value. Doubles from approximately ISK 20,000–28,000.

Húsavík Cape Hotel — Modern hotel on the cape just north of town, near the GeoSea baths. Doubles from approximately ISK 35,000–50,000.

Where to Eat

Gamli Baukur — Harbour-front restaurant in an old warehouse. Fish soup, langoustine, and locally caught fish. Mains approximately ISK 3,500–5,800. The harbour view is part of the meal.

Heimabær — Reliable café-restaurant in the town centre. Soups, burgers, and daily fish specials. Mains ISK 2,500–4,200.