Húsavík between whale knowledge and discovery

Húsavík brings together subjects that spark curiosity: the exploration of the world and outer space, the relationship between people and whales, and the history of fishing. There is also Skjálfandi Bay, striking views from the GeoSea Baths and trails through the surrounding area. If you’re looking for a holiday apartment in Húsavík for your trip, these different points of interest can help you shape your stay around your own interests.

Experience and understand whales

The Húsavík Whale Museum offers an entertaining and interesting way to learn about whales, marine ecology and the historical relationship between whales and people. It provides a distinct perspective on whale watching: alongside seeing the animals, you can learn about life in the sea and the longstanding connection between humans and whales. For the whale-watching tours offered in Húsavík in summer, the museum and the University of Iceland’s research centre jointly provide the educational component. On the tour, the crew also shares knowledge about whales and tells stories about Skjálfandi Bay. You can choose between exploring the subject in greater depth at the museum and hearing the crew’s stories.

Discoveries from sea to space

The Exploration Museum is dedicated to the history of human exploration—from early explorers to the exploration of space. Photographs and artefacts in the main gallery provide a specific link to the region: they tell the story of Apollo astronaut training near Húsavík in 1965 and 1967. This distinctive chapter complements the museum’s broader themes. If you enjoy considering different kinds of exploration side by side while travelling, you’ll find a different focus here than at the Whale Museum.

The Húsavík Museum also tells the story of technological and craft developments. Its Maritime Museum traces the development of fishing and boatbuilding from rowing boats to motorboats. The museum also showcases the craftsmanship of Nordic clinker-built boat traditions. Together, these two subjects cover both the evolution of boats and the craft tradition, offering another perspective on Húsavík’s maritime history.

Townscape, bay and walking trails

Húsavík Church stands in the centre of town and was consecrated in 1907. The wooden church is considered a landmark, and its tower is 26 metres high. It is a distinctive part of the townscape and a cultural highlight alongside the museum exhibits. The GeoSea Baths offer a different perspective: from there, you can look out over Skjálfandi Bay and north towards the Arctic Circle. Culture, marine knowledge and these views offer different ways to shape your stay in Húsavík.

If you enjoy exploring on foot, you can plan a walking route to the Botanical Garden and Goldfish Pond. The marked trail starts at the car park on Garðarsbraut, is almost 10 kilometres long, is well signposted and has good paths. Take the full distance into account when planning your day. Another described route follows the Búðará River to the Botanical Garden, continues towards Yltjörn and then returns to Húsavík. These two specific route descriptions offer ideas for walks.

The swimming pool is another useful landmark in town: it is close to museums, restaurants, the harbour and other services. Húsavík offers a range of points of interest, so you don’t have to focus on just one subject.

More destinations

For the rest of your trip planning: Háls, Akureyri, Raufarhöfn, Draflastadhir, Hjalteyri, Sauðárkrókur, Svalbard and Dalvík.

For the regional travel overview: Nordurland Eystra.