Few Facts About Skjálfandi Bay

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Few Facts About Skjálfandi Bay

Aug 12, 2020

Húsavík is the only town in the whale watching paradise, Skjálfandi Bay.

Kite Surfing in the Waters of Skjálfandi Bay

With some characteristics of a fjord, Shaky Bay or Skjálfandiflói is a large bay on the north coast of Iceland, known around the world for its wildlife, especially its whales. Thought to have been originally named Shaky Bay or Trembling Bay, due to the local seismic activity, if staying in Húsavík, you might be lucky enough to feel the odd tremor in the night but there hasn’t been a real earthquake here for over 100 years. Húsavík is the only town in the bay and faces the snow-covered mountains, Kinnarfjöll and Víknafjöll, on the west side of the bay.

The bay, created by glacial activity, has two major rivers flowing into it, Skálfandafljót, which is a 178 km long glacial river and fourth-longest river of Iceland, and Laxá which is a freshwater river.

A hive of cetacean activity, Shaky Bay, together with its harbor town of Húsavík, is often regarded as one of the best whale-watching places in Europe, with the local whale watching companies offering practically guaranteed sightings, tours running from March to November.

There is a higher chance of seeing whales in Shaky Bay than any other place in Iceland and many different species of whales have been spotted in Skjálfandi Bay throughout the years. Naming few of the whale species which have been spotted in the bay, they are Humpback Whale, Minke Whale, Blue Whale, Killer Whale (Orca), and Pilot Whale. It's not just the whales which make it such an attractive location to visit – there's a range of activities on offer, both at sea and on land.

At sea, the rich eco-system which brings the whales in their droves also provides ample fodder for those wishing to go sea-angling. Hikers can boat across the bay to traverse the wonderfully remote Flateyjardalur Valley. Whilst ornithologists can take a tour to visit one of the islands – with special trips dedicated to viewing the Puffins of Lundey or birdwatching on Flatey.

On land, taking the coastal walk south offers stunning vistas across the bay to the Kinnarfjöll mountains, or from the harbor, the beautiful old schooners used by the whale-watching companies are a sight to behold, giving the town a uniquely antiquarian feel.

Most recently, the bay has received a fair share of worldwide fame. In the Netflix film, Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, the final song is written about Húsavík, which is the hometown of the two main characters. The song Husavik (My Hometown), rose on the musical charts after the movie was premiered. The song entails the following post-chorus:

Vera með þér, með þér
Í Húsavík við Skjálfanda
Í heimabærinn minn

As there are only around 400.000 Icelandic speakers in the world, we provide you with English translation...

To be with you, with you

In Húsavík by Skjálfandi bay

In my hometown

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oskar for husvik óskar óskarsson my hometown academy awards oscars

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óskar for húsavík - oscar campaign husavik

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husavik eurovision oscar nomination fire saga esc fire saga will ferrell

Oscar nomination for Husavik?

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