Húsavík: The Gentle Soul of North Iceland

A Town Shaped by the Sea

Life in Húsavík has always been tied to the ocean.

Long before tourism, fishing kept the town alive, and the people's connection to the sea still runs deep.

Today, that same relationship attracts visitors from all over the world, drawn by the chance to see humpbacks, minkes, and even blue whales cruising through the bay's rich waters.

But there's more to Húsavík than whale songs.

There's a feeling here — a friendliness, an openness — that's harder to describe but easy to feel as soon as you step off the boat or wander through town.

What to Experience in Húsavík

Whale Watching Tours

Of course, no trip to Húsavík is complete without escaping the water.

Traditional oak boats and sleek modern vessels leave daily from the harbor, offering a chance to see whales in their natural habitat, framed by the snow-tipped mountains beyond.

The success rate for sightings here is famously high — but even if the whales stay hidden, the sheer beauty of being out on the bay is worth the journey.

The Húsavík Whale Museum

Located right by the harbor, the Whale Museum is an excellent way to deepen your understanding of these magnificent creatures.

Exhibits include real whale skeletons and fascinating insights into the biology, history, and culture of whales in Iceland.

The Wooden Church

Geosea — Sjóböðin

Perched on a cliff overlooking the bay, Geosea offers a soaking experience.

Here, you can float in warm geothermal seawater, gaze out across Skjálfandi Bay, and, if lucky, spot a whale breaching far out on the horizon.

A Base for Northern Adventures

Húsavík is ideally placed for exploring the dramatic landscapes of North Iceland.

From here, it's an easy drive to the volcanic wonders of Lake Mývatn, the thundering power of Dettifoss, or the eerie beauty of Ásbyrgi Canyon.

After a day of hiking, exploring, or simply wandering the cliffs and beaches, there's no better place to return to than the quiet comfort of this harbor town.

Húsavík: A Place That Stays With You

At Key to Iceland, we believe that real travel is about connection—not just to places but to stories, people, and the rhythms of the land.

Húsavík offers that in a way few towns can.