Where to Stay in Húsavík Iceland

Húsavík is Iceland’s best-known whale watching town — a fishing harbour on Skjálfandi Bay where humpback whales feed reliably through summer in large numbers. The town itself is small (around 2,000 residents) but well set up for visitors, with a handful of good hotels, two of Iceland’s better museums, and one of the most spectacular geothermal bathing facilities in the country.

Hotels

Fosshotel Húsavík — The most comfortable option in town. Rooms on the upper floors have direct views over the harbour and Skjálfandi Bay — the same bay where the whale watching tours operate, which means you might see spouting from your window on a clear morning. The restaurant is reliable if not exceptional. Doubles from approximately ISK 30,000–42,000 as of 2026. Well-positioned for the harbour, the Whale Museum, and the GeoSea baths.

Hótel Húsavík — A centrally located mid-range hotel a few minutes’ walk from the harbour. Straightforward rooms; the property has been consistently maintained. Doubles from approximately ISK 26,000–36,000 as of 2026. A good value option for those who spend most of their time on the water or at the baths rather than in the hotel.

Húsavík Cape Hotel — On a slight elevation above the main harbour area, with sea views from the better rooms. Slightly more removed from the immediate harbour bustle. Doubles from approximately ISK 28,000–40,000 as of 2026. The GeoSea baths are a short walk from the property — a genuine advantage given how good the baths are.

Guesthouses

Árból Guesthouse — A smaller, more personal option run by local hosts. Rooms are comfortable without being extravagant; the communal breakfast room gives more interaction with other travellers than the larger hotels. Doubles from approximately ISK 18,000–26,000 as of 2026. The most affordable en-suite option in the town centre.

Camping

Húsavík Campsite — Basic facilities (toilets, showers) on the edge of town. Approximately ISK 2,000 per person per night as of 2026. Suitable for those with tents or campervans who want to minimise accommodation costs while covering the whale watching and the other Húsavík attractions.

Booking Advice

Húsavík’s accommodation stock is significantly smaller than the number of visitors in peak summer. July in particular fills up several weeks ahead. For a whale watching trip specifically:

• Book both the accommodation and the whale watching tour at the same time — North Sailing and Gentle Giants (the two main operators on the harbour, both offering a free re-booking if no whales are sighted) also fill their peak-season slots weeks ahead.
• First-morning tours (typically departing 8am or 9am) are the least crowded and often the most productive — whales tend to be closer inshore in calm morning conditions.
• If Húsavík accommodation is sold out, Akureyri (1 hour 15 minutes) and smaller villages along Route 85 (Laugar, Aðaldalur) provide overflow options, though the early morning drive adds complexity.

For the wider North Iceland area and day trip planning, see our Akureyri things to do guide.