You can’t visit Húsavík without taking a whale-watching cruise—set sail around Skjálfandi Bay on an RIB or a traditional oak sailboat, then learn more about the majestic sea creatures at the Húsavík Whale Museum. While in town, be sure to admire the wooden church Húsavíkurkirkja, built in 1907; hike in the nearby Jökulsárgljúfur Park (part of the Vatnajökull National Park, the largest in Europe); and soak in the mineral-rich thermal waters of the GeoSea sea baths.
Pack warm clothes when visiting Húsavík—it can be cold out on the water even in the summer months, and temperatures tend to drop at night.
Húsavík is small enough to get around on foot, but it’s best to have your own transport or to join a tour if you want to explore further afield.
Most of Husavik’s attractions are accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Some boat cruises are also accessible, but it’s best to check ahead.
Húsavík is located along the North coast of Iceland, about 47 miles (75 kilometers) northeast of Akureyri. From Akureyri, it’s about a 1-hour drive or bus ride—bus no.79 connects the two towns. The closest airport is Húsavík airport, which has direct flights to Reykjavik. The airport is six miles (10 kilometers) outside the town center.
Husavik’s Arctic location means that you can witness two natural phenomena—the Midnight Sun during the summer months (most notably in July) and the Northern Lights through the winter. Summer (May through August) is the most popular time to visit, and accommodation and tours can book up fast during this period. Whale-watching season runs from March through November.
Húsavík is a popular starting point for exploring Iceland’s Diamond Circle route, a 144-mile (232-kilometer) trail that links the north’s most notable natural wonders. Head east from Húsavík to marvel at the horseshoe-shaped canyon of Ásbyrgi, part of the Jökulsárgljúfur National Park; admire the Selfoss and Dettifoss waterfalls, then discover the geothermal baths and lava caves around Lake Myvatn.