Húsavík Travel Guide

Looking for an ultimate guide to Húsavík? Here's a comprehensive travel guide featuring top attractions, outdoor activities, scenic routes, cultural landmarks, food and drink recommendations, and much more!


Húsavík Travel Guide: Explore the Best of North Iceland

Nestled in the northern part of Iceland, the charming town of Húsavík is a hidden gem that’s just waiting to be explored. Known as the “Whale Capital of Iceland,” Húsavík offers travelers a wealth of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and thrilling outdoor adventures. From breathtaking hiking and biking trails to delicious local cuisine, there’s something for everyone in this enchanting destination.

Introduction to Húsavík

Húsavík is a coastal town located in the north of Iceland, on the eastern shore of the Skjálfandi Bay. It’s a small town with a population of approximately 2,500 people and is renowned for being the whale-watching capital of Iceland. Besides its famous whale-watching tours, the town also offers a wide range of activities, museums, and cultural landmarks, making it an ideal destination for travelers of all kinds.

List of Places to Visit in Húsavík

If you’re planning a trip to Húsavík, you won’t want to miss out on some of the top attractions and landmarks in the area. Here are some of the must-see places to visit in Húsavík.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Exploration Museum: This museum offers a fascinating exploration of the history of human exploration, from the first Vikings to go to North America to the Apollo moon landing.
  • The Culture House Safnahúsið: A museum exhibiting local art, photography, and sculpture. It also hosts cultural events.
  • Húsavíkurkirkja: A beautiful wooden church located in the center of the town, dating back to 1907.

Natural Attractions of Húsavík: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Whale Watching: Húsavík is famous for its whale-watching tours. The Bay area is home to a variety of whale species, including humpback whales, blue whales, and orcas.
  • Ásbyrgi Canyon: A horseshoe-shaped canyon that is believed to have been formed during a catastrophic glacial flood.
  • Tjörnes Peninsula: A scenic coastal area that offers hiking trails with stunning views of the sea and birdlife.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Húsavík

Húsavík is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. There are plenty of hiking trails and biking routes in the area, offering visitors a chance to explore the stunning scenery.

  • Húsavík to Þeistareykir: A 50 km long biking route along a gravel road that passes incredible hot springs and geothermal activity.
  • Námaskarð – Víti: A hiking trail that leads to Víti, the explosive volcanic crater lake found in Krafla caldera.

Best Things to Do in Húsavík: Activities and Tours

There are plenty of things to do and see in Húsavík. Here are some of the best activities and tours available in the area:

  • Whale watching tour: Take a boat trip and catch a glimpse of the great whales in their natural habitat.
  • Geothermal Pool: Relax in the geothermal pools found in the area for a perfect way to unwind after a day of hiking.
  • Húsavík Ski Area: Skiing in the mountains is a perfect way to enjoy Icelandic winter.

Week-Long Itinerary for Húsavík

If you’re looking to make the most of your trip to Húsavík, a week-long itinerary is a great way to fit everything in. Here’s a sample seven-day itinerary:

Day Itinerary
1 Whale watching in Skjálfandi Bay
2 Visit to the Exploration Museum and Culture House Safnahúsið
3 Hiking to Húsavíkurbjarg Cliffs and Tjörnes Peninsula
4 Relaxing in a geothermal pool
5 Biking from Húsavík to Þeistareykir
6 Visit to Ásbyrgi Canyon
7 Skiing at the Húsavík Ski Area

Food and Drink Scene of Húsavík

Húsavík offers a wide range of delicious food and drink options. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Icelandic Lamb: locally raised, Icelandic lamb is succulent and flavorful.
  • Whale meat: A traditional Icelandic dish that has caused quite a stir. Adventure-seeking travelers can taste a small piece of whale meat.

Local Beverages

  • Brennivín: A traditional Icelandic distilled spirit also known as “black death”.
  • Viking Beer: A light, crisp beer made by the local brewery.

Where to Stay in Húsavík: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are plenty of accommodation options in Húsavík, from cozy guesthouses to luxurious hotels. Some of the top-rated places to stay include:

  • Húsavík Cape Hotel
  • Guesthouse Gullsól
  • Harbor Hostel

What to Buy in Húsavík: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some of the best souvenirs to bring home from Húsavík:

  • Icelandic wool knitwear: Warm and beautiful, Icelandic wool garments are a must-have souvenir.
  • Decorative items: A small sculpture, hand-carved antlers or volcanic rocks
  • Local honey: The Honey Company, located in Raufarhöfn, their delicious honey is available in Húsavík for purchase.

Local Culture and Customs of Húsavík

Icelandic culture is steeped in tradition, and Húsavík is no exception. Visitors should respect the local customs and the environment of the area.

Best Time to Visit Húsavík

The best time to visit Húsavík is during the summer months, from June to August. At this time, the weather is pleasant, and the long days mean that you have more time to explore the area.

Do’s and Don’ts of Húsavík

Do:

  • Respect the local environment and customs.
  • Try the local cuisine.
  • Wear appropriate clothing for outdoor activities.

Don’t:

  • Do not litter, smoking is prohibited in nature areas.
  • Don’t disturb the wildlife or leave designated trails.
  • Don’t forget to secure and lock your car.

Safety and Health

Safety in Húsavík

Húsavík is a safe destination with a low crime rate. However, visitors should take the usual precautions and keep their belongings secure.

Health in Húsavík

The main health risks in Húsavík are related to outdoor activities and exposure to the elements. Visitors should wear appropriate clothing and gear and stay hydrated during their stay.

Getting to Húsavík: Transportation Options and Logistics

Húsavík is located roughly 480 kilometers away from Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland, and can be reached by car or public transport.

Airports Near Húsavík

The closest airport to Húsavík is Akureyri airport, which is about 50 kilometers away from the town.

Bus Stations Near Húsavík

There are regular bus services from Reykjavik and Akureyri to Húsavík.

Other Options

  • Húsavík Taxi: Private taxi service.
  • Car Rental: Private cars can be rented.

How to Get Around Húsavík

Húsavík is small town, and many of its attractions can be reached on foot or by bicycle.

Where to Go Next from Húsavík: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are plenty of other destinations and excursions to explore around Húsavík, including:

  • Lake Mývatn
  • Dettifoss waterfall
  • Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik

Conclusion

Húsavík is a magical and unique destination that should not be missed when visiting Iceland. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, culture buff, or simply seeking a relaxing getaway, Húsavík has something to offer everyone. From whale watching to hiking to local cuisine, the town is sure to capture the hearts of all visitors who venture to its shores.

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