Húsavík, Iceland Travel Guide

Discover Húsavík, Iceland's premier destination for whale watching, rich cultural heritage, and stunning natural beauty. Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Nestled on the northern coast of Iceland, Húsavík is often referred to as the Whale Watching Capital of the world. This charming town offers an unforgettable experience with its stunning views of Skjálfandi Bay and its rich maritime history. Visitors can embark on whale watching tours to see majestic creatures such as humpbacks, minkes, and even the elusive blue whale. The town's picturesque harbor, lined with colorful houses and fishing boats, creates a postcard-perfect setting that is both inviting and serene. Beyond its marine attractions, Húsavík is home to the Húsavík Whale Museum, which provides an in-depth look at the history and biology of these magnificent animals. The museum's exhibits are both educational and engaging, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in marine life. For those seeking relaxation, the Geosea Geothermal Sea Baths offer a unique experience where you can soak in warm, mineral-rich waters while enjoying panoramic views of the Arctic Circle. Húsavík also boasts a vibrant cultural scene. The town's wooden church, Húsavíkurkirkja, built in 1907, is a beautiful example of Icelandic architecture and offers insight into the local heritage. The nearby Asbyrgi Canyon and Dettifoss Waterfall are perfect day trips for nature enthusiasts, showcasing some of Iceland's most dramatic landscapes. With its blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural treasures, Húsavík is a destination that promises to captivate and inspire every visitor.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Húsavík.

Book whale watching tours in advance, especially during peak season (June-August), to secure your spot.
Visit the Húsavík Whale Museum before your boat trip to gain a deeper understanding of the marine life you will encounter.
Pack warm and waterproof clothing, as weather conditions can change rapidly, especially when out at sea.
Soak in the Geosea Geothermal Sea Baths during the evening hours to experience the Northern Lights in winter or the Midnight Sun in summer.
Rent a car to explore nearby attractions like Asbyrgi Canyon and Dettifoss Waterfall at your own pace.
Try local seafood dishes at the town's restaurants for an authentic taste of Icelandic cuisine.

Explore Húsavík: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Húsavík

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

Browse the full guide

All Attractions

Jaja Ding Dong Húsavík

Discover the enchanting blend of music, culture, and cuisine at Jaja Ding Dong Húsavík, the ultimate Icelandic experience.

4.7

Husavik Adventures

Discover the marine wonders of Husavik with Husavik Adventures, the premier whale watching tour operator in Iceland's picturesque northern coast.

4.8

Grenjaðarstaður - the Old Turfhouse

Experience Iceland's unique heritage at Grenjaðarstaður, an iconic turf house museum in Húsavík, showcasing traditional Icelandic architecture.

4.3

The Húsavík Eurovision Exhibition

Explore Iceland's vibrant musical heritage at the Húsavík Eurovision Exhibition, where the magic of Eurovision comes alive through interactive displays and rich history.

4.7

Best landmarks in Húsavík

Top-rated picks

Best Landmarks

Browse the full guide

All Landmarks

North Sailing - Húsavík Whale Watching

Discover the magic of whale watching in Húsavík with North Sailing, where eco-friendly tours offer unforgettable encounters with majestic marine life.

4.6

Gentle Giants - Husavik Whale Watching

Discover the thrill of whale watching with Gentle Giants in Husavik, Iceland, where unforgettable marine adventures await amidst stunning coastal beauty.

4.5

Geosea - Geothermal Sea Baths

Experience the ultimate relaxation at Geosea - Geothermal Sea Baths in Húsavík, where warm waters meet stunning coastal views for a unique Icelandic escape.

4.8

Húsavík Whale Museum

Discover the incredible marine life of Iceland at the Húsavík Whale Museum, a captivating natural history museum and souvenir haven.

4.6

Best restaurants in Húsavík

Top-rated picks

Best Restaurants

Browse the full guide

All Restaurants

Naustið

Experience exceptional seafood at Naustið in Húsavík – where Icelandic flavors meet stunning coastal views.

4.7

Gamli Baukur

Experience authentic Icelandic cuisine at Gamli Baukur in Húsavík - where fresh ingredients meet stunning harbor views.

4.3

Salka Restaurant

Experience authentic Icelandic cuisine at Salka Restaurant in Húsavík - where local flavors meet stunning views.

4.5

Fish and Chips

Experience delicious fish and chips in Húsavík - a culinary highlight of Iceland's coastal cuisine.

4.4

Best bars in Húsavík

Top-rated picks

Best Bars

Browse the full guide

All Bars

Naustið

Discover the authentic taste of Iceland at Naustið, Húsavík's premier seafood restaurant offering fresh local delicacies with stunning ocean views.

4.7

Gamli Baukur

Experience the best of Icelandic cuisine at Gamli Baukur in Húsavík, where fresh seafood meets stunning views for an unforgettable dining experience.

4.3

Salka Restaurant

Discover the flavors of Iceland at Salka Restaurant in Húsavík, where fresh ingredients meet exceptional service for an unforgettable dining experience.

4.5

Fosshotel Húsavík

Experience the charm and adventure of Fosshotel Húsavík, your gateway to breathtaking Icelandic landscapes and unforgettable whale watching.

4.4

Best nightclubs in Húsavík

Top-rated picks

Best Nightclubs

Browse the full guide

All Nightclubs

Naustið

Discover culinary excellence at Naustið, Húsavík's premier seafood restaurant, featuring fresh local ingredients and stunning ocean views.

4.7

Salka Restaurant

Experience the best of Icelandic cuisine at Salka Restaurant in Húsavík, where fresh seafood and local flavors come together in a cozy atmosphere.

4.5

Fosshotel Húsavík

Experience the perfect mix of comfort and Icelandic hospitality at Fosshotel Húsavík, your gateway to unforgettable adventures.

4.4

Jaja Ding Dong Húsavík

Discover the vibrant Jaja Ding Dong Húsavík, where Icelandic culture, delicious cuisine, and unforgettable events come together in a lively setting.

4.7

Best shops in Húsavík

Top-rated picks

Best Shops

Browse the full guide

All Shops

Gentle Giants - Husavik Whale Watching

Experience the thrill of whale watching in Húsavík, Iceland, with Gentle Giants – your gateway to unforgettable marine adventures.

4.6

Geosea - Geothermal Sea Baths

Experience the soothing warmth of Geosea's geothermal baths while enjoying spectacular views of Iceland's natural beauty.

4.8

Húsavík Whale Museum

Explore the captivating marine world at Húsavík Whale Museum, featuring fascinating exhibits and a commitment to ocean conservation.

4.6

Fish and Chips

Experience the best of Icelandic cuisine with delicious fish and chips in Húsavík's charming coastal ambiance.

4.4

Explore Húsavík on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Húsavík, mapped for you.

Húsavík Essentials

Húsavík is located on the northern coast of Iceland. The nearest international airport is Keflavík International Airport (KEF) in Reykjavik, approximately 480 kilometers away. From Reykjavik, you can either take a domestic flight to Akureyri Airport (AEY), which is about 90 kilometers from Húsavík, or drive the scenic route via the Ring Road (Route 1). There are also bus services available from Reykjavik and Akureyri to Húsavík.
Húsavík is a small town, making it easy to explore on foot. For longer distances, local taxis are available. Car rentals are also a popular option for those wishing to explore the surrounding areas at their own pace. There are public buses that connect Húsavík with nearby towns and cities, but schedules can be limited, so planning ahead is advisable.
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's always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller establishments or in case of emergency. ATMs are available for cash withdrawals.
Húsavík is generally a very safe destination for tourists. Crime rates are low, and instances of crimes targeting tourists are rare. Nevertheless, it is always wise to take standard precautions such as not leaving valuables unattended and being aware of your surroundings. There are no specific high-crime areas in Húsavík.
In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Húsavík has a local police station and medical facilities. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.
Fashion: Do dress in layers to adapt to the changing weather. Waterproof clothing is recommended. Don't wear excessively revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do be respectful and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly smile or a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies such as fresh seafood. Don't waste food, as it is considered impolite.
To experience Húsavík like a local, visit the town's geothermal baths for a relaxing soak. Explore the local markets and shops to pick up unique Icelandic products. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share insights about the town's history and culture. Don't miss the chance to go whale watching, as Húsavík is known as the whale watching capital of Iceland.

When is the best time to visit Húsavík?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Húsavík

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Húsavík. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHalló
  [HAH-loh]
- GoodbyeBless
  [bles]
- YesJá
  [yah]
- NoNei
  [nay]
- Please/You're welcomeGjörðu svo vel
  [gye-rthu svoh vel]
- Thank youTakk
  [tahk]
- Excuse me/SorryAfsakið
  [ahf-sa-kith]
- How are you?Hvað segirðu gott?
  [kva-th seh-ir-thu goht]
- Fine. And you?Í lagi. En þú?
  [ee lah-ghi. en thoo]
- Do you speak English?Talarðu ensku?
  [tah-lar-thu en-skoo]
- I don't understandÉg skil ekki
  [yeh skil ek-ki]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseÉg væri til í að sjá matsedilinn, takk
  [yeh vair-i til ee ath syah mat-seh-thee-linn, tahk]
- I don't eat meatÉg ét ekki kjöt
  [yeh ay-t ek-ki chot]
- Cheers!Skál!
  [skowl]
- I would like to pay, pleaseÉg myndi vilja greiða, takk
  [yeh min-dee vil-ya gray-tha, tahk]
- Help!Hjálp!
  [hyowlp]
- Go away!Farðu í burtu!
  [far-thu ee bur-thu]
- Call the Police!Hringdu í lögregluna!
  [hring-thu ee luh-gre-gluna]
- Call a doctor!Hringdu í lækninn!
  [hring-thu ee laik-nin]
- I'm lostÉg er týndur
  [yeh air teenth-ur]
- I'm illÉg er veikur
  [yeh air vay-kur]
- I'd like to buy...Ég myndi vilja kaupa...
  [yeh min-dee vil-ya koy-pa]
- I'm just lookingÉg er bara að skoða
  [yeh air bah-rah ath skotha]
- How much is it?Hvað kostar það?
  [kva-th koh-star thah]
- That's too expensiveÞað er of dýrt
  [thah eth ohf deert]
- Can you lower the price?Geturðu lækkað verðið?
  [geh-thur-thu lai-kath ver-thith]
- What time is it?Hvað er klukkan?
  [kva-th air kluth-kan]
- It's one o'clockKlukkan er ein
  [kluth-kan air ain]
- Half past (10)Hálf tíu
  [howlf tee-oo]
- MorningMorgunn
  [mor-guthn]
- AfternoonSíðdegis
  [seeth-deh-gis]
- EveningKvöld
  [kvulth]
- YesterdayÍ gær
  [ee gighr]
- TodayÍ dag
  [ee dahg]
- TomorrowÁ morgun
  [ow mor-guhn]
- 1Eitt
  [ate]
- 2Tvö
  [tvo]
- 3Þrír
  [threer]
- 4Fjórir
  [fyoh-reer]
- 5Fimm
  [fim]
- 6Sex
  [sehx]
- 7Sjö
  [syoh]
- 8Átta
  [ow-tha]
- 9Níu
  [nee-oo]
- 10Tíu
  [tee-oo]
- Where's a/the...?Hvar er...
  [kvar air]
- What's the address?Hvað er heimilisfangið?
  [kva-th air hay-mil-is-fang-ith]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Geturðu sýnt mér (á kortinu)?
  [geh-thur-thu seent mayr (ow korth-inu)]
- When's the next (bus)?Hvenær kemur næsta (strætisvagn)?
  [kvehn-ighr keh-mur nigh-sta (strait-is-vagn)]
- A ticket (to ....)Einn miða (til ....)
  [ayn mi-tha (teel ....)]

History of Húsavík

Húsavík is often considered the first place in Iceland where a Norseman settled, around the year 870 AD. According to the Landnámabók (The Book of Settlements), a Swedish Viking named Garðar Svavarsson stayed in the area for one winter. His crew built a house, giving the place its name, 'Húsavík,' which translates to 'Bay of Houses.'
By the late 11th century, Christianity had made significant inroads in Iceland, and Húsavík was no exception. The town boasts one of the earliest churches in Iceland. The church, known as the Húsavíkurkirkja, was initially established in the 11th century and has seen various rebuilds over the centuries. The current wooden church, built in 1907, stands as a captivating example of the region's religious history.
Húsavík has long been associated with whaling, an industry that profoundly shaped its economy and culture. The Húsavík Whale Museum, founded in 1997, offers extensive exhibits on the history of whaling in the region, displaying artifacts, skeletons, and interactive installations that provide deep insight into the town's maritime heritage.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Húsavík experienced a fishing boom. The abundance of fish in the Skjálfandi Bay led to the establishment of several fishing companies and fish processing plants. This period significantly contributed to the growth and modernization of the town, transforming it into a bustling fishing hub.
Húsavík holds a unique place in the history of space exploration. In 1965 and 1967, NASA astronauts, including those from the Apollo missions, trained in the lunar-like landscapes of the Húsavík area. The training prepared them for the geological tasks they would perform on the moon, making Húsavík a small but significant part of the space race.
In recent pop culture, Húsavík gained international attention through the 2020 Netflix film 'Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga.' The movie, starring Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams, featured the town prominently, particularly the song 'Húsavík (My Hometown),' which was nominated for an Academy Award. This spotlight has since boosted tourism and interest in the town.