Exploration in the Northeastern Region of Iceland
In the remote North of Iceland lies the picturesque coastal town of Húsavík, affectionately known as the "town of whales." This charming settlement offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and exciting activities.
Húsavík is less than an hour away by flight from Reykjavík and approximately one hour's drive from Akureyri. The town still retains a touch of its traditional charm, with typical wood and corrugated iron houses dotting the landscape.
The main attraction in Húsavík is undoubtedly the whale watching tours in Skjálfandi Bay. Visitors can embark on traditional wooden oak boat tours or modern vessels, guided by professional tour operators who provide onboard refreshments like hot chocolate and cinnamon buns to keep comfort levels high during the excursion. These tours offer the opportunity to spot whales, dolphins, puffins, and other seabirds in their natural habitat.
The Húsavík Whale Museum is another major draw. Housed in a spacious former slaughterhouse near the harbor, this extensive museum showcases everything about whales, from evolution to natural habitats and conservation. Engaging displays provide a wealth of information without being overly technical.
The town's scenic beauty is further enhanced by facilities like infinity pools and saunas, offering relaxation with breathtaking views of the bay. Whale watching tours typically last three hours and include warm overalls. They depart from the town center near the Húsavík church.
Húsavík is renowned for its diverse whale population, including blue whales, fin whales, and humpback whales. The early April temperatures, combined with the icy North Atlantic wind, can contribute to a biting cold, but the sight of these magnificent creatures makes it all worthwhile.
Responsible whale watching practices are emphasized by guides on the tours, ensuring minimal disturbance to the whales and their environment. For those seeking a more traditional experience, Gentle Giants whale watching in Húsavík offers tours on a charming traditional oak fishing boat.
Beyond whale watching, Húsavík also boasts The Exploration Museum, dedicated to human exploration of the world and outer space. The museum features exhibits on Apollo Astronaut training, Viking exploration, polar region exploration, undersea expeditions, and underground cave exploration.
For accommodation, Fosshótel Húsavík offers a modern and well-equipped hotel in Húsavík. It is the largest conference hotel in the entire North of Iceland, providing great conference and meeting venues. The Moby Dick restaurant at Fosshótel Húsavík offers a bistro menu with items such as fire-oven pizzas, hamburgers, and fish and chips.
Last year, the Geosea, a geothermal seawater bathing facility, opened on the Húsavík coast. Known for its warm, inviting water and stunning views of the ocean and mountains, the Geosea offers infinity pools with no cleaning agents, allowing the water to flow directly from the drill holes into the sea. The facility is particularly beneficial for people with eczema and psoriasis due to its mineral-rich seawater.
Húsavík's strategic location makes it an ideal base for day trips to most of the major attractions in Iceland. The airport in Húsavík is located in a lava field around a ten-minute drive from the town center.
In summary, Húsavík offers a wealth of experiences for nature and marine wildlife enthusiasts. Whether you're interested in whale watching, visiting museums, relaxing in geothermal baths, or exploring the town's rich history, Húsavík promises an unforgettable experience.
- For travelers seeking an adventure-travel experience, Húsavík in Iceland offers a unique opportunity to embark on whale watching tours using traditional oak boats or modern vessels in Skjálfandi Bay.
- Beyond whale watching, Húsavík also houses the Geosea, a geothermal seawater bathing facility on its coast, providing a relaxing, mineral-rich dip with breathtaking views of the ocean and mountains.
- With its picturesque scenery, rich cultural heritage, and diverse wildlife, Húsavík serves as an ideal base for lifestyle travelers exploring the North of Iceland, offering easy access to multiple attractions and accommodations.
