Whale Watching and Cultural Exploration in Húsavík, Iceland

A Day of Discovery

Today marked the final full day of our Icelandic adventure in Húsavík, and I wanted to make the most of it by diving into the town's cultural offerings. While whale watching was certainly a highlight, I was eager to explore the museums and local shops that give Húsavík its unique character. Hans-Peter was, as always, a willing partner in this quest for knowledge and local treasures.

Our day began, as many do, with a quick stop at Olís. While primarily a gas station, it’s also a local hub where you can grab a quick breakfast. We enjoyed some pastries and coffee, fueling up for a day of exploration. I couldn't help but overhear snippets of conversations from locals, a reminder of the close-knit community that thrives here. It's funny, even a simple gas station stop can offer a glimpse into the heart of a town.


Discover Olís in Húsavík: A one-stop destination for delicious food, quality coffee, and essential services amidst Iceland's natural beauty.

Exploring the Exploration Museum

Our first destination was the Exploration Museum. As an archivist, I'm naturally drawn to places that celebrate human curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge. This museum was a true gem, offering exhibits on Icelandic explorers, Arctic expeditions, and even the Apollo space missions.

I was particularly fascinated by the exhibit detailing how NASA astronauts trained in the Húsavík area in the 1960s, preparing for their lunar expeditions. The volcanic landscape here apparently mirrors the moon's surface, making it an ideal training ground. To think that Neil Armstrong himself walked on this very soil! The museum also showcased artifacts and photographs from the Apollo missions, including a spacesuit that captivated my imagination.

Exploration is not just the discovery of new lands, it is mainly the discovery of new things about ourselves, about humankind in general.

Hans-Peter, with his keen interest in history, was equally enthralled. We spent a good couple of hours wandering through the exhibits, reading about the intrepid explorers and their daring feats. It was a reminder that the human spirit is always pushing boundaries, seeking to uncover the unknown.


Explore the spirit of adventure at the Exploration Museum in Húsavík, where history and exploration come alive through captivating exhibits.

A Ja Ja Ding Dong Detour: The Húsavík Eurovision Exhibition

Next on our list was the Húsavík Eurovision Exhibition. Now, I must confess, I'm not the biggest Eurovision fan myself. However, I couldn't resist the opportunity to visit this quirky museum, especially after hearing so much about it. The exhibition celebrates Húsavík's role in the Netflix movie *Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga*, which, as it turns out, has put this little town on the map for many Eurovision enthusiasts.

The exhibition was surprisingly fun and engaging. It showcased costumes, photographs, and footage from past Eurovision contests, as well as delving into Iceland's history in the competition. I even learned a few things about the contest itself, including the fact that Iceland has never actually won! The museum also highlighted the impact of the *Fire Saga* movie on Húsavík, with displays dedicated to the film's characters and memorable moments.

What struck me most was the passion and enthusiasm of the museum's curators. They clearly loved Eurovision and were dedicated to sharing that love with visitors. It was infectious! I even found myself humming *Ja Ja Ding Dong* as we left the exhibition. Perhaps I'm becoming a Eurovision convert after all!


Explore the vibrant history of the Eurovision Song Contest at The Húsavík Eurovision Exhibition, a must-see for music lovers visiting Iceland's charming coastal town.

Retail Therapy at Garðarshólmi

After our museum visits, it was time for a little retail therapy. We strolled along Garðarsbraut, Húsavík's main street, and popped into Garðarshólmi, a local fashion store. The shop sold a variety of clothing, giftware, and Icelandic souvenirs. I was on the lookout for a special memento to remember our trip, and Hans-Peter was hoping to find a new scarf to ward off the Berlin winter.

I browsed through the selection of handmade goods, admiring the intricate craftsmanship. There were beautiful woolen sweaters, delicate ceramics, and quirky little trinkets. I finally settled on a small, hand-painted wooden bird, a reminder of the puffins we had seen on our whale watching tour. Hans-Peter, meanwhile, found a lovely, soft scarf made from Icelandic wool. He was quite pleased with his purchase, and I must admit, it looked rather dashing on him.


Discover the charm of Húsavík at Garðarshólmi, where authentic Icelandic crafts and souvenirs await your exploration.

Lunch at Hérna

By this point, we were both feeling rather peckish, so we decided to stop for lunch at Hérna. This cozy café had been recommended to us by several locals, and it certainly lived up to the hype. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with a charming interior and friendly staff.

I ordered the mushroom soup, while Hans-Peter opted for a panini. Both were delicious! The soup was rich and flavorful, and Hans-Peter raved about his panini, declaring it the best he'd had in Iceland. We lingered over our lunch, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere and the views of the harbor. It was the perfect way to recharge after a busy morning.


Experience cozy dining at Hérna Café in Húsavík – where great food meets breathtaking views.

A Farewell Dinner at Röff Bistro

For our final dinner in Húsavík, we chose Röff bistro. This restaurant had also been highly recommended, and we were eager to try it. The bistro was located in a modern building with large windows, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

The menu featured a variety of Icelandic dishes, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. I decided to try the fish and chips, while Hans-Peter went for the lamb. Both were excellent! The fish was perfectly cooked, and the lamb was tender and flavorful. We savored every bite, knowing that this was our last taste of Icelandic cuisine for a while.

As we finished our meal, we raised a glass to Húsavík, a town that had captured our hearts with its natural beauty, cultural attractions, and warm hospitality. It was a fitting end to a wonderful trip. Tomorrow, we begin our journey back to Berlin, filled with memories of whales, volcanoes, and the magic of Iceland.


Experience authentic Icelandic flavors with breathtaking views at Röff Bistro in Húsavík - a must-visit for culinary enthusiasts.

Reflections on Our Icelandic Journey

As I sit here writing this, I can't help but feel a tinge of sadness that our Icelandic adventure is coming to an end. However, I'm also filled with gratitude for the experiences we've had and the memories we've made. Iceland is a truly special place, a land of contrasts and surprises. From the dramatic landscapes to the friendly people, it has something to offer everyone. I know that we'll be back someday to explore more of this incredible country. But for now, it's time to say *takk fyrir* and bid farewell to Húsavík, a town that will forever hold a special place in our hearts. I encourage anyone reading this to consider visiting Húsavík, especially if you appreciate small towns with a big heart and a unique story to tell. You won't be disappointed.

And with that, I must rest. Tomorrow is a day of travel.

Safe travels to you all!