Exploration in Iceland's Northeastern Region
Escape to the Whale Capital: Húsavík, Iceland
Brace yourself for an unforgettable adventure in Húsavík, the heart of Iceland's whale watching scene! Nestled in the isolated North of Iceland, this picturesque coastal town boasts stunning landscapes, charming local architecture, and, of course, a plethora of whales.
A stone's throw away from Reykjavík, Húsavík draws visitors with its legendary status as the "Harbour of Houses." Traveling here by flight takes barely an hour, while the nine-hour drive from Reykjavík and one-hour drive from Akureyri makes it an excellent weekend getaway.
Legend has it that the first house ever built in Iceland was established here by Swedish Viking Garðar Svavarsson in 860. Today, the town provides a convenient base for exploring Iceland's major attractions and serves as the starting point for the popular Diamond Circle.
Húsavík earns its moniker as the Whale Town, with its prime location offering excellent chances of spotting an array of whale species, including blue whales, fin whales, and humpback whales. These majestic creatures play in the surrounding waters more frequently than their counterparts in South Iceland.
Ready for an easy travelling experience? Hop aboard the local airline Eagle Air and settle into one of Fosshótel's comfortable rooms at their branch in Húsavík. Their ongoing deal promised a fantastic weekend escape for my family and me.
Upon landing, we were greeted by our friendly guide, Gunnar Jóhannesson, the Managing Director of Travel North, who regaled us with tales about the town. In just a ten-minute drive from the airport, we arrived in the bustling center, where we marveled at the whale-watching boats at the lively harbor and the proud locals' cherished church built in 1907.
Steps away from the harbor, our lodging awaited – the modern Fosshótel Húsavík. Featuring excellent meeting and conference facilities, this hotel offers a sleek, family-friendly atmosphere with stylish, contemporary rooms that boast amenities like fridges, safes, and coffee/tea-makers. My little girl's eyes sparkled as she claimed her spacious double bed and private television.
The restaurant at Fosshótel Húsavík, Moby Dick, offered a delightful dining experience, with a variety of dishes including fire-oven pizzas, hamburgers, and fish and chips, as well as a children's menu with healthy options and whale coloring book and crayons.
After a relaxing night's sleep, we dined on an extensive breakfast buffet at the hotel before heading down to the harbor for an exhilarating day – whale watching! The weather was perfect, the sun shining on the calm ocean. As we boarded the charming, traditional oak fishing boat provided by Gentle Giants, a sense of anticipation filled the air.
Soon enough, we were joined by a playful group of dolphins, darting through the water in search of fish. Then, two massive, reddish-brown spouts emerged – the breathtaking sight of the elusive fin whale! Sailing alongside these gentle giants, we watched in awe as they glided through the water, their spectacular tails slicing the ocean surface.
Húsavík whale watching excursions typically involve cruising Skjálfandi Bay on traditional wooden boats, experiencing close encounters with whales, dolphins, and birds. Tours include provisions such as warm clothing, beverages, and snacks. Guided by professional crew members, you'll enjoy an authentic local experience with educational insights.
With smiles on our faces and memories engraved in our hearts, we returned to the hotel for a leisurely lunch before embarking on another adventure – soaking in the mineral-rich seawater at the Geosea pools. Settled on the Húsavík coast, these outdoor pools offer panoramic views of the ocean, mountains, and sky, making for a truly unforgettable experience.
Warmed and rejuvenated, we indulged in a two-course meal at the hotel restaurant before setting off for the fascinating Exploration Museum the following day. This small, family-friendly museum showcases human exploration of the world and outer space, with exhibits dedicated to Viking exploration, the Polar Regions, submarine exploration, and caving.
A delightful weekend in Húsavík came to a close as we boarded our Eagle Air flight back to Reykjavík, our hearts full of memories and our minds buzzing with newfound knowledge.
[1] The Icelandic Whale Watching Guide[2] Gentle Giants Whale Watching[3] Húsavík Whale Watching[4] Arctic Adventures Whale Watching[5] Special Tours - Húsavík Whale Watching[Source: Enrichment Data, 2021]
- During our nature-filled adventure in Húsavík, we were captivated by the sight of geothermal steams mingling with the sea air, a reminder of the unique lifestyle in this town that lies at the heart of Iceland's whale watching scene.
- As we marveled at the majestic whales in Skjálfandi Bay on our adventure-travel excursion, the weather played a crucial role in enhancing our experience, allowing us to witness the breathtaking beauty of the whales' spouts against the clear Icelandic sky.
- In the evening, we immersed ourselves in the local culture by soaking in the mineral-rich seawater at the Geosea pools, an experience that truly encapsulated the ethereal beauty of Húsavík's unique combination of weather, nature, and geothermal elements, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an unforgettable adventure.
