Exploring the Exotic North-Eastern Part of Iceland
Húsavík: A Haven for Family Adventures in the Land of Fire and Ice
Tucked away in the remote North of Iceland lies Húsavík, a picturesque coastal town with a rich history and a plethora of attractions that make it an ideal destination for a family-friendly getaway. Around an hour's flight from Reykjavík or a nine-hour drive from the capital, Húsavík offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Legend has it that the very first house built in Iceland was constructed by Swedish Viking Garðar Svavarsson in 860. Húsavík serves as a convenient base for day trips to some of Iceland's most popular attractions and is the starting point of the esteemed Diamond Circle, a scenic drive encompassing some of the country's most breathtaking landscapes.
What sets Húsavík apart, however, is its reputation as the "town of whales." This seaside gem boasts an impressive encounter rate with various whale species, including the mighty blue whales, fin whales, and humpback whales. In fact, the likelihood of spotting whales in Húsavík's surrounding waters is considerably higher than in the southern part of Iceland.
On a recent visit, I was eager to rediscover this captivating town with my seven-year-old daughter and my partner. To ensure a hassle-free journey, we opted for the local airline Eagle Air and Fosshótel, a renowned hotel chain that had an enticing deal at their Húsavík branch. The 50-minute flight on the comfortable, navy blue Jetstream 32 offered stunning views of Iceland's untouched highlands, making the journey feel like an adventure in itself.
Upon arrival in Húsavík, we were greeted by our friendly guide Gunnar Jóhannesson, the managing director of Travel North, who regaled us with tales of the town's history. The airport, situated in a lava field, is approximately a ten-minute drive from the town center, where we caught our first glimpse of the bustling harbor and the charming, wooden church which residents take great pride in. Húsavík is somewhat unique among Icelandic towns, as it maintains its quaint, wooden and corrugated iron houses, giving it a delightfully picturesque appearance. The surrounding landscape is nothing short of awe-inspiring, with snow-capped mountains and the vast North Atlantic Ocean surrounding the town.
Our accommodation for the weekend was Fosshótel Húsavík, a modern, well-appointed hotel offering spacious conference and meeting facilities and hosting the largest conference center in all of northern Iceland. The hotel boasted stylish, contemporary rooms decorated in hues of grey and purple, equipped with all the necessary amenities, such as a refrigerator, safe, and coffee and tea maker. As an added touch, my daughter felt like royalty in her room with its cozy double bed and private television.
The hotel's Moby Dick restaurant was a fitting name, given Húsavík's fame for its magnificent whale inhabitants. After a short stroll around the harbor and a peek at the local microbrewery, we enjoyed a delightful dinner at Moby Dick, savoring the bistro menu's diverse offerings, such as fire-roasted pizzas, reindeer burgers, and fish and chips. The kids' menu featured healthy options alongside a whale-themed coloring book and crayons, ensuring a fun and enjoyable dining experience for all.
On Saturday morning, we woke up to brilliant sunshine and set off for a whale-watching adventure with Gentle Giants, a responsible tour operator known for its eco-friendly practices. Equipped with sturdy overalls and excited anticipation, we ventured into the Skjálfandi Bay, where our German-speaking guide shared intriguing stories about the region's marine life.
To our delight, we were treated to a fascinating encounter with a school of dolphins, followed by the sight of a fin whale, one of the second-largest whales on the planet. We even managed to spot two fin whales swimming side by side, an experience that left us in awe of the grace and majesty of these gentle giants. As if that weren't enough, we were also lucky enough to encounter a pod of humpback whales, their dark grey backs and stunning tails captivating us as they glided through the water.
Our exhilarating whale-watching experience was followed by a relaxing afternoon at the Geosea, a geothermal sea bath located on the Húsavík coast. This unique facility offers mineral-rich, geothermally heated seawater pools that are suitable for all ages. With its stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding mountains, the Geosea provided a tranquil oasis where we could unwind and recharge. After our rejuvenating swim, we indulged in locally brewed beer or fruit juice from the pool bar before walking back to our hotel.
On Sunday, we spent the morning enjoying a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before visiting the Exploration Museum, a fascinating establishment founded by entrepreneur and former journalist Örlygur Hnefill Örlygsson. The museum showcases exhibits on human exploration of the world and outer space, with a focus on the historic Apollo astronaut training that took place near Húsavík in 1965 and 1967. The museum's interactive displays and collection of artifacts make it an enjoyable and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
With our thoughts on the countless adventures and memories we'd shared in Húsavík, we reluctantly bid farewell to this enchanting town and boarded our flight back to Reykjavík, already planning our next visit to this hidden gem of Iceland.
Additional Family-Friendly Activities in Húsavík:
- Whale-watching tours with local families on traditional oak boats
- Whale & Puffin Combo Tours on RIB boats
- Visits to the Húsavík Whale Museum
- Geothermal bathing experiences at Geosea Geothermal Sea Baths
- **Day trips to Lake Mývatn, Go
During our weekend stay, my seven-year-old daughter and I were captivated by the lifestyle and attractions of Húsavík, Iceland. We worried about our psoriasis flaring up due to the harsh weather conditions, but the geothermal seawater pools at Geosea offered much-needed relief.
On Sunday, we embarked on an adventure-travel tour with local families on traditional oak boats, experiencing a unique perspective of the breathtaking nature that surrounds Húsavík. We also visited the Húsavík Whale Museum, where interactive exhibits introduced us to the diverse marine life in the region.
For those seeking a more exhilarating whale-watching experience, RIB boat tours offer the chance to witness whales and puffins up close. As our adventure came to a close, we couldn't help but look forward to our next family trip to Húsavík, the stunning "town of whales," nestled in the Land of Fire and Ice. The town's picturesque skyline, rich in history and adventure, promises another unforgettable journey for us to discover and enjoy together.
