EXPLORE

Explore

Húsavík and its near surroundings offer a uniquely wide variety of attractions, both natural and cultural. There are many things to see within walking distance in Húsavík telling stories of the past and the development of the town.

Nestled on the edge of Skjálfandi Bay, the town of Húsavík is globally recognised as one of the best locations in the world from which to watch whales. In fact, there is a higher chance of seeing whales in Húsavík than any other place in Iceland.

The reason for such a high sighting rate in this area is the thriving ecosystem in the bay. Melting snow and rivers bring nutrients from mineral-rich locations and meet three ocean currents int he bay. When combined with the boundless summer sun, this leads to teeming masses of plankton and fish, the main source of food for baleen whales.

Geothermal Heat

For centuries, the geothermal heat north of Húsavík has been known to residents, who have utilized it for bathing and washing. Drilling for hot water at Húsavíkurhöfði in the mid-20th century revealed water that turned out to be hot seawater, too rich in minerals to be suitable for heating houses.

The GeoSea sea baths enables you to enjoy nature in a unique manner. Thanks to the underground heat, the seawater in the baths is warm and comfortable and the mineral-rich water will caress your skin. While the warm sea works its miracles, you can enjoy the view of the mountain range to the west, Skjálfandi Bay beneath the cliffs and the Arctic Circle itself on the horizon.

Nature

The northeast of Iceland has a lot to offer and the most beautiful sights are easily reachable from Húsavík. Some of them are well known by know, some are still hidden gems. The Vatnakökull National park and UNESCO world heritage as well Mývatn area is just around the corner.

There are many beautiful hiking trails around Húsavík perfect for a short evening stroll or an entire day trip. Check out Visit Húsavík's trip ideas and blog for inspiration. 

Actively enjoy the beautiful landscape of Northeast Iceland on a mountain-bike tour, beach volley, skiing, cross-country, playing golf or even disc golf!

There is no better place on earth to connect body, mind and spirit than the tranquil Icelandic landscape. Peaceful landscape and wide open space help to step out of the daily rat race. So why not try Spirit North's yoga studio, and if weather permits they occasionally host outdoor yoga classes. 

Being the Whale Capital of Europe, we have a Whale Museum located centrally in Húsavík. The Húsavík Whale Museum is one of the few museums in the world solely dedicated to whales. Inside lies a fantastic cross-section of the marine mammals that inhabit the Icelandic coastlines.

Additionally, we have a history museum and the Exploration Museum which is dedicated to the history of human exploration, from the early explorers to the exploration of space. 

Originally the horses were used for transportation and as a source of food. Nowadays horse-riding is a popular free time activity for many Icelanders.

The good-naturedness of the Icelandic horse makes it suitable even for people who never sat on a horseback before. Whether guests are looking for a one hour trial lesson along the beach or tours through the highlands lasting several days and accommodation in remote huts, different horse rental farms around Húsavík offer something for everybody’s taste – beginners and experienced riders alike. 

With a range of different landscapes and many different terrains within easy reach, Húsavík is an excellent base from which to explore Iceland’s ornithology. The entire northeast of Iceland is notoriously known among bird watchers for its many species and great locations. 

A Birding Trail spans across the entire area that starts at lake Mývatn, although one can of course, join the trail anywhere along the route. At Kaldbakstjarnir an observation hut provides shelter. Finally, you can find special tours that combine whale and puffin watching to a real authentic wildlife adventure.

Sea kayaking – becoming one with the ocean and experiencing the Icelandic coastline like never before. Just like a trip sitting inside a car can never stand up to a walk in nature, standing at the beach is just not the same as experiencing the ocean from a kayak.

One can discover beautiful rock formations, secret lagoons and hidden caverns while stroking along the coastline of Skjálfandi Bay. Sea kayaking is the perfect mix of action and peace for all nature-lovers and active vacationers.

2.300


Population

23


Species of Whales in Icelandic Waters

2


Geothermal-heated baths in Húsavík

473


Elevation (meters) of Mt. Húsavík

Weather

CLIMATE
A famous Icelandic proverb says: “If you don’t like the weather, just wait 5 minutes and it will change”. What the proverb doesn’t say is whether the change brings better or worse weather. Find it out by yourself, both for Húsavík and its beautiful area and for the whole country.
TEMPERATURE
Average temperature ranging from -4°C to 15°C. Usually, January being the coldest and July the warmest. In regards to precipitation, October is usually the wettest and May being the driest month. 
THE NORTHERN LIGHTS
Basically, as long as you have darkness and a clear sky you have a fair shot at seeing some glimps of the northern lights. If you are searching for the northern lights we have a an Aurora Forecast
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