Húsavík is Iceland's ultimate whale watching destination - a charming coastal town that punches way above its weight when it comes to marine wildlife encounters. This picturesque fishing village of just 2,300 people sits on the shores of Skjálfandi Bay in North Iceland, where nutrient-rich Arctic waters create perfect conditions for some of the world's best whale watching.

But Húsavík isn't just about whales (though they're pretty amazing). This historic town recently gained international fame as the backdrop for the Netflix film Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, and it's played surprising roles in space exploration history. Whether you're here for the incredible wildlife, the Eurovision connection, or just to experience authentic Icelandic coastal culture, Húsavík delivers.

Skjálfandi Bay offers ideal conditions for marine mammals thanks to its unique geography and ocean currents. The bay's shallow waters and abundant krill create a feeding paradise that attracts multiple whale species from spring through fall.

What makes the whale watching here so special:

Peak whale watching season: June through September offers the best conditions and highest whale activity, though tours run from April through October.

Humpback Whales: The stars of Húsavík's whale watching scene, these acrobatic giants are frequently seen breaching and tail-slapping. They're most common from June through September.

Minke Whales: Smaller but curious, minke whales often approach boats and are spotted year-round in the bay.

Blue Whales: The largest animals ever to live on Earth occasionally visit Skjálfandi Bay, particularly in June and July. Seeing a blue whale is the ultimate whale watching experience.

White-beaked Dolphins: Playful and acrobatic, these dolphins often surf boat wakes and put on incredible shows.

Orcas: Less common but absolutely thrilling when spotted, killer whales occasionally visit the bay, especially in winter.

Harbor Porpoises: The smallest cetaceans in the bay, these shy creatures are often seen in groups.

Most tours depart from Húsavík's picturesque harbor aboard traditional oak boats. These 3-hour excursions combine whale watching with stunning coastal scenery and usually include warm overalls and hot chocolate to keep you comfortable.

What's included:

For a more adventurous experience, rigid inflatable boat (RIB) tours offer faster travel times and the ability to cover more ground. These 2-2.5 hour tours are perfect for photography enthusiasts and adrenaline seekers.

Advantages:

Many operators offer combination packages that include whale watching plus visits to Ásbyrgi Canyon, Dettifoss waterfall, or other North Iceland attractions.

Before or after your whale watching tour, the Húsavík Whale Museum provides fascinating insights into these marine mammals. Located right by the harbor, the museum houses an impressive collection of whale skeletons, interactive exhibits, and educational displays.

Museum highlights:

Insider tip: Visit the museum before your whale watching tour to learn about species identification – it'll enhance your experience on the water.

Húsavík gained unexpected international attention when Netflix chose it as the setting for Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga. While Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams didn't actually film in town, the movie's original song "Husavik (My Home Town)" was nominated for an Academy Award and brought global recognition to this small Icelandic community.

Capitalizing on the film's success, Húsavík opened a Eurovision Museum showcasing costumes, memorabilia, and interactive exhibits celebrating Eurovision history. The museum includes props from the Fire Saga film and celebrates Iceland's Eurovision participation over the years.

Location: Downtown Húsavík, walking distance from the harbor

What to expect: Sparkly costumes, Eurovision trivia, photo opportunities, and insights into how the film put Húsavík on the map

Long before Eurovision fame, Húsavík played a role in space exploration. In the 1960s and 1970s, NASA Apollo astronauts trained in the volcanic landscapes around Húsavík because they closely resembled the lunar surface.

The Exploration Museum celebrates both space exploration and ocean exploration, connecting humanity's quest to explore the unknown whether in space or in the depths of the ocean.

Exhibits include:

The town's architectural crown jewel, this beautiful wooden church built in 1907 overlooks the harbor with its distinctive red roof and white walls. The church is one of Iceland's most photographed buildings and represents traditional Icelandic craftsmanship.

Architecture highlights:

Húsavík's harbor area features well-preserved wooden buildings from the early 1900s, painted in traditional bright colors. These historic structures now house restaurants, shops, and whale watching offices, maintaining their authentic character while serving modern tourism.

Don't miss:

Like many Icelandic towns, Húsavík has an excellent geothermal swimming complex featuring naturally heated pools, hot tubs, and a steam room. It's a perfect way to warm up after a chilly whale watching tour.

Facilities:

The area around Húsavík offers excellent hiking opportunities with dramatic coastal scenery and unique geological features.

Popular hiking spots:

Beyond whale watching, Húsavík's location offers excellent fishing opportunities. Several operators provide sea angling tours where you can catch Arctic char, cod, and other North Atlantic species.

Gamli Baukur: Traditional Icelandic restaurant in a historic building, known for fresh seafood and lamb dishes with harbor views.

Salka Restaurant: Modern Nordic cuisine featuring local ingredients, including fresh fish caught daily in Skjálfandi Bay.

Naustið: Cozy café perfect for coffee, homemade pastries, and light meals before or after whale watching tours.

Summer (June-August): Peak whale watching season with the highest success rates and best weather. Expect crowds and higher prices, but also midnight sun and full access to all activities.

Spring (April-May): Good whale watching begins, fewer crowds, and dramatic lighting for photography. Weather can be variable, but you'll often have more intimate whale encounters.

Fall (September-October): Excellent whale watching continues into early fall, with fewer tourists and beautiful autumn lighting. Some tours may reduce frequency after mid-October.

Winter (November-March): Limited whale watching tours, but Húsavík transforms into a cozy Northern Lights viewing destination with snow-covered landscapes and authentic winter atmosphere.

By car: Húsavík is about 1 hour from Akureyri via Route 85, which connects to the Ring Road halfway between Akureyri and Lake Mývatn.

Driving distances:

Tour options: Many visitors include Húsavík as part of Diamond Circle tours or comprehensive North Iceland packages.

Luxury: Húsavík Cape Hotel offers modern accommodations with harbor views and proximity to all attractions.

Mid-range: Several guesthouses and smaller hotels throughout town, many in beautifully restored historic buildings.

Budget: Hostels and budget guesthouses provide affordable options, often with kitchen facilities and common areas.

Location tip: Stay within walking distance of the harbor for easy access to whale watching tours and restaurants.

Húsavík's location makes it perfect for combining with other North Iceland highlights:

Same day combinations:

Multi-day itineraries:

Booking tips:

What to bring:

Ready to experience Iceland's premier whale watching destination? Húsavík offers unforgettable encounters with marine wildlife in one of the world's most pristine environments. Whether you're drawn by the incredible whale watching, Eurovision connections, or authentic Icelandic coastal culture, this charming town delivers experiences you'll treasure forever.

You have the freedom to customize your Iceland adventure exactly how you want it. Include Húsavík in a Diamond Circle journey, add it to a comprehensive North Iceland tour, or make it part of a complete Ring Road adventure.

Our local travel team is here if you need help planning the perfect Húsavík itinerary. With just a 5% deposit, you can secure your spot and start looking forward to experiencing some of the world's best whale watching.

Ready to meet Iceland's gentle giants? Start planning your Húsavík adventure today and prepare for whale encounters that will leave you speechless.

Related: Complete Guide to Iceland's Diamond Circle

Related: Best Whale Watching in Iceland – Ultimate Guide

Related: North Iceland Travel Guide – Hidden Gems and Must-Sees

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