How far is Dettifoss from Húsavík?

Dettifoss is approximately 100 km east of Húsavík, reached via Route 85 and then the F862 gravel road (east bank) or F864 (west bank). The drive takes 1.5–2 hours depending on road conditions. The east bank approach (F862) is generally passable for 2WD vehicles in summer; the west bank (F864) requires a 4WD. Confirm current road status at road.is before setting out.

How far is Mývatn from Húsavík?

Lake Mývatn is approximately 90 km southeast of Húsavík on Route 87, roughly 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes by car. Húsavík and Mývatn are often combined as a two-base itinerary for north Iceland — it's very manageable to base yourself in Húsavík for whale watching and make Mývatn a day trip for the volcanic landscape.

Can I visit Goðafoss on the way from Húsavík to Akureyri?

Yes — Goðafoss falls directly on Route 1 between Húsavík and Akureyri. From Húsavík, take Route 85 southwest to Route 1 and follow it west. The total drive from Húsavík to Goðafoss is approximately 50 km (45 minutes). It adds minimal detour and is one of Iceland's most striking waterfalls.

What is Ásbyrgi canyon and how do I get there?

Ásbyrgi is a horseshoe-shaped canyon approximately 100 metres deep and 3.5 km long in the Vatnajökull National Park system north of Dettifoss. Icelandic legend says it was formed by Odin's eight-legged horse, Sleipnir. It's reached via Route 85 north from Húsavík (approximately 60 km, 50 minutes). Entry to the canyon is free; the visitor centre at the entrance provides maps and trail information.

Is there a tour that combines Dettifoss and Ásbyrgi?

Yes — several operators in Húsavík run north Iceland day tours combining the Diamond Circle route: Dettifoss, Ásbyrgi, Húsavík whale watching, and Goðafoss. These are typically full-day tours of 10–12 hours, costing approximately ISK 18,000–28,000 per person as of 2026.

Day Trips from Húsavík | The Icelandic Guide

Húsavík sits at a geographic crossroads in north Iceland. To the west is Akureyri and Goðafoss. To the east are Ásbyrgi and Dettifoss. South is the volcanic world of Mývatn. The town itself is the whale watching capital of Europe. This combination makes Húsavík one of Iceland’s best-positioned bases — a day in any direction produces something significant.

Whale Watching from Húsavík Harbour

Before discussing day trips away from Húsavík, it’s worth noting that the whale watching here is itself the primary destination for most visitors. Skjálfandi Bay is one of the most reliable whale watching sites in the North Atlantic. Humpback whales are the most commonly sighted species; minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises are also regular. Blue whales — the largest animals on Earth — are occasionally spotted on the outer bay.

Tours run from approximately April to October. Traditional wooden schooner tours cost approximately ISK 11,000–14,000 per adult as of 2026; RIB speedboat tours are faster and more intense, running approximately ISK 13,000–17,000. The main operators — North Sailing and Gentle Giants — both have ticket offices on the harbour. Tours typically last 2.5–3.5 hours. Book ahead in July; same-day booking is often not possible.

Ásbyrgi Canyon

Distance from Húsavík: ~60 km north on Route 85. Drive time: 45–50 minutes.

Ásbyrgi is a horseshoe canyon 3.5 km long and 100 metres deep, so geometrically precise it looks man-made. The canyon floor is birch forest — unusual in Iceland where trees are rare — and the sheer basalt walls above provide nesting sites for fulmars and ravens. The far end of the canyon contains Botnstjörn, a small lake reflecting the walls on still days.

Walking trails run the length of the canyon floor. The basic circuit from the car park to Botnstjörn and back takes approximately 2 hours. A longer trail climbs to the canyon rim for views across the top. Entry is free. The visitor centre at the canyon entrance has maps, toilets, and basic information; opening hours vary seasonally.

Dettifoss Waterfall

Distance from Húsavík: ~100 km east on Route 85 then F862 or F864. Drive time: 1.5–2 hours.

Dettifoss is the most powerful waterfall in Europe — 193 m³ of grey glacial water drops 44 metres per second into the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon below, generating spray visible from a kilometre away. There’s nothing delicate about it. The noise is physical and the mist drenches anything within 20 metres of the edge.

Two approaches exist:

East bank (F862): Generally accessible for 2WD cars in summer. Shorter walk to the waterfall (5–10 minutes). Check road status at road.is.
West bank (F864): Better views and a footbridge, but officially requires 4WD. The viewpoint is more dramatic but the road is rougher.

Arrive early — Dettifoss is a popular stop on the Diamond Circle route and the car park is crowded from 09:30 onward in summer. Entry is free. Combine with Selfoss waterfall (2 km upstream) and Ásbyrgi (65 km north) for a full-day Diamond Circle excursion.

Lake Mývatn

Distance from Húsavík: ~90 km southeast on Route 87. Drive time: 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes.

Mývatn is Iceland’s most volcanically active inhabited area. The lake sits in a geothermal landscape that includes pseudo-craters (Skútustaðagígar), bizarre lava formations (Dimmuborgir), the Krafla caldera, and the geothermal mudpots at Hverir. The Mývatn Nature Baths — a geothermal spa with views across the volcanic landscape — cost approximately ISK 5,500–6,500 per adult as of 2026.

Húsavík to Mývatn is a realistic day trip with enough time to cover the main lake highlights. If you want the Krafla caldera and Hverir on the same day, an early start is essential. See our Mývatn day trips guide for a detailed breakdown of what to prioritise.

Goðafoss Waterfall

Distance from Húsavík: ~50 km southwest on Routes 85 and 1. Drive time: 45 minutes.

Goðafoss — the “Waterfall of the Gods” — marks the point where Iceland’s lawspeaker Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði threw the Norse gods’ idols into the river when Christianity was formally adopted in the year 1000. The historical resonance aside, it’s a beautiful and accessible waterfall: a wide curtain of water divided by a central rock column, dropping about 12 metres into a circular pool. Entry is free; the car park is signed from Route 1.

Goðafoss makes sense as a detour on the way to or from Akureyri (another 30 km west). It’s one of Iceland’s most visitor-friendly major waterfalls — short walk from the car park, multiple viewpoints, no specialist kit required.

GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths

Distance from Húsavík: 2 km north of town. Drive time: 5 minutes or 25 minutes on foot.

GeoSea sits on a basalt cliff above Skjálfandi Bay, with geothermal sea water fed into infinity pools overlooking the ocean. On a clear day, humpback whales are sometimes visible from the pool. Entry costs approximately ISK 5,500 per adult as of 2026; the facility includes changing rooms, showers, a café, and towel rental.

GeoSea is best in the evening after a day of excursions. Book online — capacity is limited and walk-up entry isn’t always available in peak season. It’s less crowded than the Blue Lagoon and considerably more atmospheric.

For eating after a long day, see best restaurants in Húsavík. For the full picture of the town, visit our Húsavík things to do guide.

Book Húsavík whale watching tours — traditional oak boat and high-speed RIB options from the harbour.

Book Iceland attraction tickets — skip-the-queue entry for geothermal baths, cave tours, and top attractions.

Compare car hire in Iceland — a 4WD or campervan gives the flexibility to explore at your own pace.

Day Trips from Húsavík: Ásbyrgi, Dettifoss, Mývatn & Goðafoss

Top-rated experiences in Húsavík Guide