Húsavík: The Whale Watching Capital of Iceland

• HelloHalló
  [HAH-loh]
• GoodbyeBless
  [bless]
• YesJá
  [YA]
• NoNei
  [nay]
• Please/You're welcomeTakk fyrir
  [tahk FEE-rir]
• Thank youTakk
  [tahk]
• Excuse me/SorryAfsakið
  [AHF-sah-kith]
• How are you?Hvað segir þú?
  [kvath SEY-ir tho]
• Fine. And you?Í góðu. Og þú?
  [ee GOH-thoo. ogh tho?]
• Do you speak English?Talar þú ensku?
  [TAH-lahr tho ENS-koo?]
• I don't understandÉg skil ekki
  [yeh shkil EK-ki]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseÉg ætla að skoða matseðilinn, takk
  [yeh EHT-lah ath SKOH-tha MATH-se-thil-inn, tahk]
• I don't eat meatÉg borða ekki kjöt
  [yeh BOR-tha EK-ki chyut]
• Cheers!Skál!
  [skowl]
• I would like to pay, pleaseÉg vildi greiða, takk
  [yeh VIL-thi gray-tha, tahk]

• Help!Hjálp!
  [HYOWLP]
• Go away!Farðu í burtu!
  [FAR-thoo ee BUR-too]
• Call the Police!Hringdu í lögregluna!
  [HRING-thoo ee LOH-greh-kloo-nah]
• Call a doctor!Hringdu í lækninn!
  [HRING-thoo ee LIK-nin]
• I'm lostÉg er týndur
  [yeh air TEEN-thur]
• I'm illÉg er veikur
  [yeh air VAY-kur]

• I'd like to buy...Ég ætla að kaupa...
  [yeh EHT-lah ath KOW-pa...]
• I'm just lookingÉg er bara að skoða
  [yeh air BA-ra ath SKOH-tha]
• How much is it?Hvað kostar það?
  [kvath KOS-tar thah]
• That's too expensiveÞað er of dýrt
  [thath air ohf DEERT]
• Can you lower the price?Getur þú lækkat verðið?
  [GETH-thur tho LAI-kat VER-thith]

• What time is it?Hvað er klukkan?
  [kvath air KLUTH-kahn]
• It's one o'clockKlukkan er eitt
  [KLUTH-kahn air ayth]
• Half past (10)Hálf tíu
  [howlf tee-oo]
• MorningMorgunn
  [MOR-gunn]
• AfternoonEftir hádegi
  [EF-thir HOW-deh-ye]
• EveningKvöld
  [kwuhlt]
• YesterdayÍ gær
  [ee gire]
• TodayÍ dag
  [ee dahg]
• TomorrowÁ morgun
  [ow MOR-gun]
• 1Eitt
  [ayth]
• 2Tvö
  [tvo]
• 3Þrjú
  [thryoo]
• 4Fjórir
  [fyoh-reer]
• 5Fimm
  [fim]
• 6Sex
  [sehx]
• 7Sjö
  [syoh]
• 8Átta
  [ow-thah]
• 9Níu
  [nee-uh]
• 10Tíu
  [tee-oo]

• Where's a/the...?Hvar er...
  [kvar air]
• What's the address?Hvað er heimilisfangið?
  [kvath air HAY-me-lis-fan-yeeth]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Getur þú sýnt mér (á kortinu)?
  [GETH-thur tho seent mair (ow KOR-tinoo)]
• When's the next (bus)?Hvenær kemur næsta (strætisvagn)?
  [KVEN-aihr KEH-mur NIGH-stah (stra-tee-svahn)]
• A ticket (to ....)Miða (til ....)
  [MEE-tha (teel ....)]

Húsavík is believed to be one of the earliest settlements in Iceland. According to the Landnámabók (Book of Settlements), a Swedish Viking named Garðar Svavarsson was the first to winter in Iceland around 870 AD. He named the place Húsavík, which translates to 'Bay of Houses'. This early settlement marks the beginning of Húsavík's rich history.

During the medieval period, the Church had a significant influence on Húsavík. The town's first church was built in the 11th century, and it became an important ecclesiastical center. Húsavík Church, which stands today, was built in 1907 and is a prime example of Icelandic wooden church architecture, reflecting the town's historical connection to Christianity.

Húsavík has a long history connected to whaling. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, whaling was a crucial industry for the town, providing jobs and economic stability. The Húsavík Whale Museum, established in 1997, showcases this heritage and educates visitors about the marine life in Skjálfandi Bay. The museum is a testament to the town's ongoing relationship with the sea and its natural inhabitants.

In the early 20th century, Húsavík transitioned from a whaling hub to a fishing town. The establishment of fish processing plants helped the local economy thrive. Fishing remains an essential part of Húsavík's identity, with the harbor bustling with activity and local fisheries contributing significantly to the town's prosperity.

World War II had a notable impact on Húsavík. The British and later the American military established a presence in Iceland, including in the Húsavík area. The construction of an airfield and other infrastructure during this time brought modernization and employment opportunities to the town, leaving a lasting legacy on its development.

In recent decades, Húsavík has emerged as a prominent tourist destination, particularly known for whale watching. The town's strategic location on Skjálfandi Bay provides an ideal spot for observing various whale species. Húsavík's blend of natural beauty, rich history, and cultural offerings has made it a must-visit location in Iceland, attracting visitors from around the world.

Húsavík is located in the northern part of Iceland. The nearest international airport is Keflavík International Airport, around 500 kilometers away. From there, you can take a domestic flight to Akureyri, which is about 90 kilometers from Húsavík. Alternatively, you can rent a car at Keflavík or Reykjavík and drive to Húsavík, which takes about 5-6 hours. Another option is to take a bus from Reykjavík or Akureyri to Húsavík.

Húsavík is a small town, and most of its attractions are within walking distance. For exploring the surrounding areas, renting a car is highly recommended as it provides the most flexibility. Local taxis are available but can be expensive. There are also bus services connecting Húsavík to other towns in the region, operated by Strætó and SBA-Norðurleið buses.

The official currency in Iceland is the Icelandic Króna (ISK). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Húsavík, including in hotels, restaurants, and shops. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and rural areas where card payment might not be available. ATMs are available in Húsavík for cash withdrawals.

Húsavík is generally a very safe destination for tourists. Iceland has a low crime rate, and violent crime is rare. However, it's always wise to take standard precautions such as keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded places and avoiding leaving valuables in your car. There are no specific high-crime areas in Húsavík targeting tourists.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to emergency services, including police, fire, and medical services. The nearest hospital is in Akureyri, about 90 kilometers away, but there is a health clinic in Húsavík for minor medical issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress in layers, as the weather can change rapidly. Waterproof and windproof clothing is essential. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs, although Iceland is largely secular. Public Transport: Do be respectful of other passengers and keep noise levels down. Don't eat or drink on public transport unless it's specifically allowed. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Halló' or 'Góðan daginn' (Good day). Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies such as fresh fish and traditional Icelandic dishes. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Húsavík like a local, visit the local geothermal baths and enjoy a dip in the naturally heated waters. Take a whale-watching tour, as Húsavík is known as the whale-watching capital of Iceland. Engage with locals at the Húsavík Whale Museum and learn about the town's rich maritime history. Don't miss the chance to try fresh seafood at local restaurants. For a unique experience, visit during the Húsavík Music Festival, which showcases local and international talent.