Exploration in Northeastern Iceland: Unveiling the Uncharted Beauty
Husavik, often referred to as the "harbour of houses," is a serene coastal town nestled in Iceland's northerly reaches. A brief flight from Reykjavik or a nine-hour drive from the capital, or an hour's drive from Akureyri, this picturesque town is steeped in history and offers an abundance of attractions for visitors.
Legend has it that the first dwelling in Iceland was built by Swedish Viking Garðar Svavarsson in AD 860. Menvedur, conveniently located for day trips to many of Iceland's major attractions, serves as the starting point for the popular Diamond Circle route.
Known for its whale watching opportunities, Husavik is affectionately dubbed the "town of whales." The area boasts high chances of spotting various whale species, such as blue whales, fin whales, and humpback whales. For those who wish to escape the crowded Southern Iceland whale watching scenes, Husavik offers a more secluded and tranquil experience.
In search of a stress-free travel experience, I chose local carrier Eagle Air and the reputable Fosshotel chain for my stay at their Husavik branch. The 50-minute flight provides breathtaking views of Iceland's highlands, truly enhancing the journey. Upon our arrival, we were warmly greeted by our guide, Gunnar Johannesson, Managing Director of Travel North, who shared some anecdotes about the town. The airport is situated in a lava field, approximately a ten-minute drive from Husavik's charming center.
Upon entering the town, we marveled at the whale-watching boats at the vibrant harbor and the town's beloved church, which dates back to 1907. The village's quaint, wooden and corrugated-iron houses still dot the landscape, adding to its picturesque charm, and the surrounding scenery includes snow-capped mountains and the expansive North Atlantic ocean.
Our accommodation, Fosshotel Husavik, was a modern and well-equipped hotel offering contemporary conference facilities and boasting the largest conference venue in the entire North of Iceland. The rooms were stylish and modern, furnished in hues of grey and purple with amenities such as a refrigerator, safe, and a coffee and tea maker. Our daughter felt like royalty in her double bed adorned with a private television.
The restaurant at Fosshotel Husavik, named Moby Dick, boasted an extensive bistro menu filled with tempting options such as fire-oven pizzas, indulgent burgers, and fish and chips. The restaurant's friendly service catered even to the youngest diner, offering a special kids' menu with nutritious options.
Following a leisurely dinner, we took a leisurely stroll along the harbor and dropped by the local microbrewery, which produces Husavik öl. We retired early in preparation for an exciting Saturday filled with activities.
A sumptuous buffet breakfast at the hotel set the tone for the day. Afterward, we made our way to the harbor for our whale watching tour with Gentle Giants. Thanks to a heads-up from the crew, we bundled up in the oversized overalls provided. Undeterred by the early April chill, we sailed through the calm harbor and into the strong waves of the ocean, navigating Skjalfandi Bay.
Our journey was rewarded with the awe-inspiring sight of a school of dolphins leaping from the water, and later, the majestic sight of two fin whales swimming alongside our boat. Fin whales, the second largest whale species, can reach lengths of up to 21 meters. Despite the restricted whale hunting practices still allowed by one Icelandic company, the emphasis on responsible whale watching in the Husavik area aims to promote understanding and appreciation for these gentle giants of the sea.
Our adventure continued as we spotted three humpback whales gliding gracefully through the water. The sheer size of these mammals left our seven-year-old daughter in tears of joy, making whales her new favorite animal. We followed the humpback whales for an extended period, immersed in the humbling experience of viewing these magnificent creatures up close.
As the day drew to a close, we enjoyed refreshments on board before disembarking and heading for lunch at the harbor. Our afternoon expedition took us to the recently opened GeoSea, located along the Husavik coast. Hot geothermal seawater has been harnessed for bathing purposes in the area for centuries, and the GeoSea project offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy the therapeutic properties of this mineral-rich, geothermally heated seawater.
The warm, inviting water, steam-filled air, and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and ocean created an unforgettable experience. The pools, large enough for swimming, cater to both adults and children, and provide a wonderful balance of temperatures for a relaxing and rejuvenating workout.
We bade farewell to GeoSea and took a leisurely stroll back to the hotel, accompanied by awe-inspiring coastal vistas. A two-course meal at the hotel restaurant, featuring modern interpretations of Icelandic culinary classics, brought our fantastic family weekend in Husavik to a satisfying close.
On Sunday, we indulged in a substantial breakfast at the hotel before visiting the fascinating Exploration Museum, founded by entrepreneur and former journalist Örlygur Hnefill Örlygsson. The museum, located in a historic house in the heart of Husavik, showcases photographs, artifacts, and exhibits documenting the history of exploration, from the Apollo astronauts' training in Iceland to Viking and polar expeditions.
In the afternoon we returned to Husavik Airport for our journey back to Reykjavik, having created cherished memories in this charming North Icelandic town.
- After the captivating whale watching experience in Husavik, we decided to unwind at GeoSea, following centuries-old traditions of utilizing geothermal seawater for bathing.
- The town of Husavik's adventure-travel opportunities extend beyond whale watching; the GeoSea project offers a unique experience, providing a chance to immerse in warm, mineral-rich seawater.
- With its tranquil landscapes, fascinating history, and diverse adventure-travel activities, Husavik's lifestyle serves as a perfect escape from the routine, offering my family and I an unforgettable travel experience.
