Húsavík Harbor
Husavík, Iceland's whale watching capital, offers stunning harbor views, thrilling marine life encounters, and relaxing geothermal baths.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Long daylight, whale activity
Húsavík Harbor
Best Time
Long daylight, whale activity

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Husavík, Iceland's whale watching capital, offers stunning harbor views, thrilling marine life encounters, and relaxing geothermal baths.
"Husavík is one of the most beautiful places in Iceland, a picturesque harbor with unforgettable whale watching."
Book Whale Tours Early
Secure your spot on popular whale watching tours, especially in summer. Use discount codes if available! :ticket:
Dress for the Cold
Even on sunny days, it's cold on the water. Pack warm layers, windproof jackets, and hats. :cloud:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Husavík Harbor
The heart of the town
A picturesque fisherman's harbor with colorful boats and stunning mountain backdrops. The gateway to whale watching adventures.
Whale Watching Tours
Departing from the harbor
Experience the thrill of spotting whales, dolphins, and puffins in their natural habitat. A must-do in the 'whale watching capital'.

GeoSea Geothermal Baths
Overlooking Skjálfandi Bay
Relax in warm, mineral-rich geothermal seawater with breathtaking ocean views. A unique Arctic spa experience.
Husavík Mountain Hike
Above the town
A rewarding hike offering panoramic views of the town, harbor, and surrounding bay. Perfect for capturing stunning photos.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Whale Watching Wonders
Beyond the Harbor
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Whale Tours Early
Secure your spot on popular whale watching tours, especially in summer. Use discount codes if available! :ticket:
Dress for the Cold
Even on sunny days, it's cold on the water. Pack warm layers, windproof jackets, and hats. :cloud:
Is it worth it to go to husavik?
Check Weather Forecasts
Whale watching tours can be cancelled due to weather. Have a backup plan! :umbrella:
Explore the Town
Don't just focus on the harbor; walk around the picturesque town and enjoy its charm. :house:
In Husavik with 3 days left before doing my final night in Reykjavik... What should I do?
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Whale Tours Early
Secure your spot on popular whale watching tours, especially in summer. Use discount codes if available! :ticket:
Dress for the Cold
Even on sunny days, it's cold on the water. Pack warm layers, windproof jackets, and hats. :cloud:
Check Weather Forecasts
Whale watching tours can be cancelled due to weather. Have a backup plan! :umbrella:
Explore the Town
Don't just focus on the harbor; walk around the picturesque town and enjoy its charm. :house:
Hike for Views
Climb Husavík Mountain for incredible panoramic views of the bay and town. :hiking_boot:
Relax at GeoSea
Unwind at the GeoSea baths for a unique geothermal spa experience with stunning ocean vistas. :bathtub:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Husavík for its picturesque harbor, stunning natural beauty, and exceptional whale watching opportunities. The GeoSea baths are a highlight for relaxation, and the town itself is charming. Some visitors note that tours can be cancelled due to weather, and prices can be high, but overall, the experience is highly recommended.
"It’s one of the most beautiful places in Iceland!
City, port, water and snow covered mountains! It can be calm, but we were on a busy day.
You can’t miss walk around the city, hike up the Husavik Mountain, hop on a whale watching tour.
In July we were lucky to attend a big festival- the city felt alive!"
Marta Stashevska
"We enjoyed Husavik! The best part of it is the harbor, the restaurants and the GeoSea hot spa center! And don't forget the beaches there!"
Julian Markov
"Beautiful and peaceful harbour."
Jet Zhao
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is to fly from Reykjavik Domestic Airport to Husavík Airport (HVA), which takes about 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive, which takes around 5-6 hours. Some travelers also opt for bus services, though this is a longer journey.
Husavík is a small, walkable town. Most attractions, including the harbor and whale watching departure points, are easily accessible on foot. Taxis are available if needed.
Yes, it's possible to visit Husavík as a day trip from Akureyri. The drive is approximately 1.5 hours each way. Many visitors combine this with a whale watching tour.
Renting a car offers the most flexibility for exploring North Iceland. Public buses connect major towns, but schedules can be limited. Flights are also an option for longer distances.
While there isn't a dedicated airport shuttle service, taxis can be arranged to meet flights at Husavík Airport. It's advisable to book this in advance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Prices vary by company and tour duration, but expect to pay around $80-$120 USD per person for a standard 3-hour whale watching tour. Booking in advance can sometimes secure better rates or discounts.
It's highly recommended to book your whale watching tour in advance, especially during the peak summer months (June-August), as tours can sell out.
Admission to GeoSea typically costs around 5,900 ISK (approximately $45 USD) per adult. Prices can vary, so it's best to check their official website for the most current information.
Some tour operators offer discounts, especially if you book online in advance or use promotional codes. For example, a 10% discount code might be available through travel influencers.
Most whale watching tours include the boat trip, safety equipment (like overalls), and the guidance of experienced naturalists. Some may offer hot drinks.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Whale sightings can occur throughout the day, but mornings and late afternoons are often considered prime times. The longer daylight hours in summer also increase your chances.
You have a high chance of seeing various whale species, including humpback whales, minke whales, and dolphins. Blue whales are also sometimes spotted.
Dress in warm layers, including a waterproof and windproof outer jacket and pants. Hats, gloves, and sturdy shoes are also essential, even in summer.
Standard whale watching tours in Husavík typically last around 3 hours. Some operators may offer shorter or longer excursions.
The harbor offers great shots of boats and the town. Hiking up Husavík Mountain provides stunning panoramic views of the bay. The GeoSea baths also offer beautiful scenery.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are several decent places to eat within a short walk of the harbor, offering local seafood and other dishes. Exploring the town will reveal various cafes and restaurants.
While seafood is prevalent, most restaurants in Iceland are becoming more accommodating. It's advisable to check menus online or ask staff about vegetarian and vegan options.
Given its coastal location, fresh fish and seafood are highly recommended. You might also find traditional Icelandic dishes like lamb soup.
Look for local cafes or bakeries for more affordable meals. Supermarkets are also a good option for picking up picnic supplies if you're on a budget.
Yes, most hotels and many local cafes offer breakfast. It's a good way to fuel up before a day of exploring or a whale watching tour.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful light. During summer, the midnight sun provides unique opportunities for long exposure shots and extended shooting times.
A telephoto lens (200mm or longer) is ideal for capturing whales. A wide-angle lens is useful for landscape shots of the harbor and town. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on the water. :camerawithflash:
While dedicated photography tours might be limited, many whale watching operators are accommodating to photographers. Consider booking a private tour for more flexibility.
The colorful boats in the harbor, the dramatic coastal scenery, the GeoSea baths, and the panoramic views from Husavík Mountain are all highly photogenic.
Focus on the interplay between the natural landscape and the town's maritime heritage. Include shots of the harbor, the surrounding mountains, and the unique Arctic light.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing plenty of snacks and drinks, as well as entertainment for any downtime. The town is small and easy to navigate with strollers. Hiking Husavík Mountain might be challenging for very young children, but the town itself offers plenty of space to run around. The Whale Museum is also an educational and engaging stop for all ages.
💰 Budget Travelers
Accommodation options can range from guesthouses to hostels, which are generally more affordable than hotels. Traveling outside the peak summer season might also yield lower prices for tours and lodging. Exploring the town on foot and enjoying the natural scenery are all free activities that contribute to a memorable experience.
💑 Couples
Enjoy leisurely walks along the harbor, share a meal at one of the local restaurants, and take in the breathtaking views from Husavík Mountain. The peaceful atmosphere of the town, combined with the dramatic Arctic landscape, creates an ideal backdrop for a romantic getaway.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Whale Watching in Husavík: An Unforgettable Experience
When planning your whale watching adventure, remember that weather plays a significant role. Tours can be cancelled due to rough seas, so it's wise to have a flexible itinerary and check the forecast. Dress in multiple warm layers, including waterproof outerwear, as it can be quite chilly on deck, even during summer. Many tour operators provide thermal suits for added warmth and comfort.
Beyond the whales, the journey itself offers stunning views of the Icelandic coastline and the chance to see puffins during their nesting season. The guides are usually knowledgeable naturalists who share fascinating insights into the marine ecosystem. For an even more intimate experience, consider opting for tours on traditional oak boats, which offer a unique and charming perspective.
The Charm of Husavík Town and Its Surroundings
A truly unique experience awaits at the GeoSea Geothermal Baths. Perched on a cliff overlooking Skjálfandi Bay, these natural hot springs offer a serene escape. Soaking in the mineral-rich, geothermally heated seawater while gazing out at the Arctic landscape is an unforgettable way to relax and rejuvenate. The contrast between the warm water and the crisp air is particularly invigorating.
Don't forget to explore the local beaches, which offer a different perspective of the coastline. During the summer months, Husavík can come alive with festivals, adding a vibrant cultural dimension to your visit. The town's picturesque setting, combined with its unique attractions, makes it a memorable stop on any North Iceland itinerary.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit