Exploring the Uncharted Territories of Northeast Iceland
Húsavík Unveiled: The Whale-Watching Hub
Get ready to explore a quaint coastal town nestled in the wild, untouched North of Iceland: Húsavík, famed as the "harbor of houses." A simple, scenic journey will get you there—either an hour's flight from Akureyri or a nine-hour drive from Reykjavík.
Legend whispers of the first house built on Icelandic soil by Swedish Viking Garðar Svavarsson way back in 860. Centrally located for day trips to Iceland's most captivating attractions, Húsavík serves as the starting point for the popular Diamond Circle.
But what sets Húsavík apart is its close encounters with cetaceans! Dubbed the "town of whales," it prides itself on providing exceptional whale-watching experiences, boasting a high chance of spotting various whale species, such as the mighty blue whales, fin whales, and everybody's favorite, humpback whales.
Eager for an easy escape, I decided to check out Húsavík. I booked a flight with local airline Eagle Air and opted for a cozy stay at Fosshótel Húsavík, known for its modern amenities and family-friendly atmosphere.
Boarding a quaint, navy-blue Jetstream 32 plane, my daughter and I embarked on a thrilling 50-minute flight from Reykjavík's domestic airport, leaving city life behind and soaring over Iceland's breathtaking highlands.
Upon landing, our friendly guide Gunnar Jóhannesson, Travel North's managing director, escorted us through a lava field to the charming town center. The creative whale watching vessels could be found bobbing in the lively harbor, alongside the proud local church built in 1907.
Reminiscent of a quaint fishing village, there's something irresistible about Húsavík's wood and corrugated iron houses, set against the backdrop of magnificent snow-capped mountains and the North Atlantic ocean.
A short stroll from the harbor led us to Fosshótel Húsavík, Fosshótel's modern and well-equipped property, perfect for conferences and boasting the largest conference facilities in Northern Iceland. Our rooms, styled in shades of grey and purple, were stylish and comfortable, furnished with a fridge, safe, and coffee and tea-maker.
Dinner at the hotel's sophisticated Moby Dick restaurant proved to be a delight, featuring a diverse bistro menu offering mouth-watering options such as fire-oven pizzas, hamburgers (including exotic reindeer options), and classic fish and chips.
With excitement brewing for the next day, we retired early, eager to witness the marine marvels Húsavík had promised.
Morning broke to reveal a picture-perfect day; sunshine streamed through the clear sky, illuminating the seemingly calm ocean. We assembled at Gentle Giants whale watching, slipping on overalls provided by the company, heeding the advice of the German-speaking guide for added warmth against the biting cold winds whipping off the Arctic waters.
As we ventured out into the Skjálfandi bay, we were greeted by an amazed sight – a school of playful dolphins leaping through the waves! Not long after, our guide cried out, pointing to a massive, reddish-brown back breaching the water: our first glimpse of a fin whale! The majestic giants swam by our side, graceful and strong. To top it all off, we spotted humpback whales, their gray backs and striking black and white tails leaving a lasting impression.
Our adventure continued into the afternoon, as we wandered through the Geosea, a unique ocean bathing spot offering warm, mineral-rich seawater perfect for those with eczema or psoriasis. Taking a dip in these infinity pools, looking out onto the azure ocean, was nothing short of spellbinding.
Saturday ended with a family-friendly meal back at the hotel, a fitting end to an extraordinary weekend in this captivating town.
On Sunday, we savored a leisurely hotel breakfast before visiting the Exploration Museum, an intriguing destination tucked inside a historic home in the heart of Húsavík. Founded by entrepreneur and former journalist Örlygur Hnefill Örlygsson, the museum shares stories of human exploration across the globe, with captivating exhibits bound to fascinate young and old alike.
As our weekend in Húsavík drew to a close, we made our way back to the airport, already planning a return trip to this enchanting, whale-filled haven.
On Sunday afternoon, we visited the Goðafoss waterfall, a breathtaking sight, nestled within Iceland's rugged landscape. The powerful cascade of water, reminiscent of the country's untamed nature, is a testament to the island's geothermal activity and sustainable living.
Before returning home, we made a stop at the Home-and-Garden Center, a charming shop offering locally-sourced goods. Flipping through magazines featuring sustainable-living ideas, we dreamt of future outdoor adventures, marveling at the beautiful gardens and greenhouses.
Our travel to Húsavík offered more than just whale-watching; it showcased a lifestyle that cherishes nature and adventure. With its stunning landscapes, mineral-rich baths, and unique museum, we discovered a destination that blends modern comfort with traditional Icelandic charm, leaving us eager for our next adventure-travel exploration.
