Expedition in Iceland's Northern Region
Strap on your adventure boots, mate! Let's unveil the enchanting coastal gem of Húsavík, Iceland - often called the "harbour of houses." Situated in the North, this whale-watching paradise boasts magnificent scenery, historical charm, and close proximity to some of Iceland's top attractions.
A stone's throw away from Reykjavík by air or approximately 9 hours by road, Húsavík has a fascinating connection to Icelandic history. Believed to be the site of the first house, built by Swedish Viking Garðar Svavarsson in 860, it's perfectly positioned for effortless day trips to the island's renowned attractions. A one-hour drive from Akureyri, Húsavík also serves as the starting point for the famed Diamond Circle excursion.
The town's nickname, "the town of whales," doesn't come without reason. Húsavík's primary appeal is its incredible whale-watching opportunities, where you're likely to spot various species, such as blue whales, fin whales, and humpback whales. This area is known for offering exceptional sightings more frequently than popular South Iceland spots.
Feeling like a weekend escape with the family, I decided to make the venture easy-breezy. Booking a flight with Eagle Air and a stay at Fosshótel's Húsavík branch, I had a fantastic offer at my fingertips. The quick 50-minute flight, coupled with the short airport-to-town drive, transformed Húsavík into an effortless weekend break.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by our jovial guide, Gunnar Jóhannesson, the managing director of Travel North, who gave us a friendly run-down of Húsavík town. The airport is nestled in a lava field, a short 10-minute drive from the town center, where we found the bustling harbor, complete with whale-watching boats, and the pride of the locals, their pretty church built in 1907.
Charming wooden and corrugated iron houses still dot Húsavík, adding to its picturesque ambiance, while the surrounding nature boasts snow-capped mountains and the North Atlantic ocean views. A short walk from the harbor stood our lodging for the weekend, the modern and well-equipped Fosshótel Húsavík. The hotel boasts impressive conference and event facilities and, with the largest conference space in the entire North of Iceland, provides a comfortable and family-friendly atmosphere.
The Moby Dick restaurant within the hotel mirrors Húsavík's maritime spirit, offering a variety of dishes, including fire-oven pizzas, hamburgers, and fish and chips, alongside a welcoming kid's menu and even a whale-themed coloring book. Enjoying a laid-back dinner at the sophisticated Moby Dick restaurant preceded a relaxing night in the stylish and contemporary rooms, complete with thoughtful amenities like fridges, safes, and coffee and tea makers.
Waking up refreshed on Saturday, we stepped out to experience the whale-watching adventure that has made Húsavík legendary. With hope in our hearts, we boarded the traditional oak fishing boat from Gentle Giants, forgoing any fears of seasickness as the weather was clear and bright. Equipped with overalls and an expert guide, we ventured into the Skjálfandi Bay.
The thrill of the moment soon arrived when we encountered a school of dolphins leaping out of the water. Excited by the sight, we continued sailing when our guide pointed out a massive, reddish-brown fin whale breathing, launching jets of water into the air. As we followed the whales, we encountered not one but two fin whales swimming side by side. The sight of these gentle giants in their natural habitat was a truly humbling experience.
Our extraordinary adventure didn't end there, as we also spotted humpback whales gliding through the water, their grey backs gleaming as they dived back below the surface. The sight of these enormous creatures was enough to bring tears to my daughter's eyes, securing whales as her favorite animal.
Feeling enchanted and exhilarated, we returned to the harbor for a quick lunch before diving into another unforgettable experience – visiting the GeoSea baths. Nearly 100 years of geothermal heat exploitation resulted in a collection of warm, inviting pools situated at the edge of the cliffs, offering endless ocean views and the chance to relax in the mineral-rich seawater, ideal for those with eczema and psoriasis[3]. Taking a dip in GeoSea, we felt revitalized and ready for the remainder of the day.
We explored the picturesque coastline during our leisurely stroll back to the hotel before indulging in a two-course dinner featuring modern twists on traditional Icelandic fare. Our Sunday morning began with a leisurely hotel breakfast, complete with bacon, eggs, waffles, and fresh fruit, before setting out to explore the Exploration Museum.
This small but captivating museum, founded by entrepreneur and former journalist Örlygur Hnefill Örlygsson, enthralled us with exhibits showcasing human exploration and history, ranging from the Apollo Astronaut training near Húsavík to the Viking age, the polar regions, and underwater cave expeditions[1]. This must-see museum, nestled in the heart of Húsavík, provided engaging attractions for both adults and children, making for an educational and enjoyable experience.
As our adventure-filled weekend in Húsavík came to a close, we boarded our return flight to Reykjavík, filled with memories and a newfound affection for the charming town.
- The enchanting coastal town of Húsavík, Iceland, known as the "harbour of houses," is a prime destination for geothermal-powered geothermal baths like GeoSea, especially beneficial for those suffering from conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
- For an adventure-filled getaway, Iceland's north coastal gem, Húsavík, offers a unique lifestyle experience with its close proximity to whale-watching attracts, historical charm, and the opportunities for exploration and adventure-travel.
- Nature enthusiasts will be thrilled to learn that Húsavík, the "town of whales," offers exceptional weather conditions and many chances to witness diverse whale species like blue whales, fin whales, and humpback whales.
- This whale-watching paradise, Húsavík, boasts a captivating skyline with snow-capped mountains and the breathtaking North Atlantic ocean views, perfect for a nature-filled travel escapade.
- If you have been worried about the logistics of traveling to Húsavík, consider booking a flight with Eagle Air and a stay at Fosshótel's Húsavík branch, offering fantastic offers with a quick and easy 50-minute flight from Reykjavík, followed by a short drive to the hotel.
- Húsavík offers more than just whale-watching; the town's rich history, as the reputed site of the first house in Iceland built by Viking Garðar Svavarsson, can be explored through enthusiast-led tours and historical attractions like the Exploration Museum, showcasing a wide range of exhibits from the Viking age to underwater cave expeditions.
