Did you know that around 40,000 whales swim in the waters around Iceland? This means there is a good chance to see such a whale. However, the best place is in Húsavík, in the north of Iceland, where whales visit the fjord daily for a nutritious breakfast. Whales eagerly visit the bay of Skjálfandi due to its specific microbiological composition. Several rivers flow into the bay, carrying material ideal for the rapid multiplication of plankton and the reproduction of krill, which are delicacies and the main nutrients of whales.
Húsavík, Iceland – A Short History
Húsavík is the oldest settlement in Iceland and a pioneer in organizing whale-watching tours. The city was founded in the 9th century by the Swedish Viking Gardar Svavarsson, who, while sailing around Iceland, stayed in Húsavík for the winter and built the first few houses there. The name Húsavík means “bay of houses.” These events took place in the years 860-870, before the founding of the city of Reykjavik.
Húsavík was granted city rights in 1950, in the middle of the 20th century. Currently, around 2,300 people live here. The town earns money mainly from fishing and tourism, including organized whale-watching tours.
About 100,000 people come to Húsavík in the summer season, mainly to go whale watching. Therefore, the town offers interesting accommodation and gastronomic offerings.
Whale watching expedition
In Skjálfandi Bay, where Húsavík is situated, about 23 different species of whales have been seen, including the blue whale—the largest animal in the world. Humpback whales, minke whales, white-bearded dolphins, porpoises, and blue whales most often come here. There are also large colonies of puffins around Skjálfandi Bay, which can be seen between mid-April and mid-August.
Several companies organize whale-watching tours. Places on the ship can be booked online or on-site. Of course, in the summer season, there is a high risk of a lack of places for selected tour times, so it’s better to book in advance.
The companies that offer whale watching or puffin expeditions are listed below. All prices are according to the 2020 price list.
- North Sailing, Original Whale Watching: traditional oak fishing boats, 3 hours, March – November. Price: 10690 ISK (about 78$)
- Húsavík Adventures, Big Whales and Puffins, speedy RIB boats, 2 hours, May – September. Price: 17900 ISK (about 130$),
- Salka Whale Watching, Whale Watching, traditional oak fishing boats, 3 hours, April – October. Price: 10500 ISK (about 77$)
- Gentle Giants, GG1 Whale Watching, traditional oak fishing boats, 3 hours, March – November. Price 10490 ISK (about 77$).
A standard boat trip around the bay takes approx. 3 hours. Most companies offer the rental of warm, waterproof suits, which are included in the ticket price. During the pandemic, however, rentals are closed. You should, therefore, come on the trip adequately dressed. In the summer season, the air temperature may be 10-14 degrees, but on a ship sailing on the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the rush of wind can pierce with strong and frosty air. You should have a warm hat (plus a hood), scarf and gloves.
Whale Museum, Husavik, Iceland
In addition to undoubtedly one of the most fantastic attractions in Iceland, which is the opportunity to see a whale in Húsavík, it is also worth visiting an unusual place. The Whale Museum, which is located right on the bay, is a must-see place. Its main attraction is the blue whale skeleton, which is 25 m long! It’s worth adding that there are only two such skeletons in Europe, so the one in Húsavík is a real treat. The skeleton, located in Húsavík, was washed ashore in Ásbúðir, Skagi, in northern Iceland in 2010.
The Húsavík Whale Museum is one of the few museums in the world dedicated exclusively to whales. Established in 1997 as a small local exhibition, it has grown to 1,600 sqm in just a few years and has become one of the most interesting attractions on the island.
Inside, there is a fantastic cross-section of marine mammals that inhabit the shores of Iceland. The museum houses 8 different themed exhibitions, 11 whale skeletons, and a wide selection of documentaries and educational films. The aim of the museum is to provide information about whales, marine ecology, and how whales interact with humans.
The museum is open all year round. In winter, Mon-Fri. from 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. During the summer, the museum is open longer and daily, from 8.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. Entrance ticket ISK 2000 (about 15$), children and teenagers up to 17 years old – free admission. Discounts for Whale Watching tours ticket holders – admission ISK 1600 (about 12$).
The Whale Museum’s website provides all information about its activities and current opening hours.
What else to see in Húsavik?
In Húsavík, it is worth walking along the bay. During summer days, when the sky is clean and bright, that place looks lovely, and the views are fabulous and picturesque.
During the summer season, several places open for dinner. However, it’s good to reserve a table in advance because it’s hard to find a free seat.
The town has 6 restaurants, 5 cafes, 1 brewery, and 2 supermarkets, so it is easy to find an interesting place to eat or drink. However, the most interesting restaurant is located right on Skjálfandi Bay—Gamli Baukur Húsavík. It is famous for its interesting interior design, very tasty cuisine, and professional service. The restaurant offers a 10% discount for whale-watching tour ticket holders.
On the main street in the town, the historic wooden church built in 1907 is worth paying attention to. Some people say it is one of the most beautiful churches on the island. There are several car parks around the church (one is on the street behind the church). In the summer season, it is difficult to find a parking space right next to the bay, so you can park a few meters away, e.g., near the church.
There are also several geothermal pools in Húsavík. The most popular one is the Geo Sea; however, due to its popularity, it must be booked well in advance.
There is also a golf course in Húsavík and a frisbee golf course. Moreover, there are two horse stables nearby where you can rent horses: Lava Horses and Saltvik. In the winter season, there is an ideal place nearby for skiing and snowboarding, Húsavík Ski Area at Reyðarárhnjúkur.
Eurovision – the history of the Fire Saga band
Icelanders love to watch Eurovision. Every year, in May, the island’s inhabitants gather in large groups to watch the artists’ struggles. Iceland has the highest audience share among all countries participating in Eurovision, over 98%.
In 2020, the Netflix platform made Icelanders extremely happy. They made a movie about the Eurovision Song Contest: The History of the Fire Saga Band. The movie tells the story of two Icelandic singers who have a chance to represent their country at the Eurovision Song Contest. The two artists representing Iceland come from Húsavík. They get a unique chance to make their dreams of participating in a big competition come true. However, the stakes are high, the rivals are cunning, and the stage of music is treacherous and full of traps. It is a comedy and a bit of a pastiche of the competition. On the other hand, the movie is also touching. It shows the beautiful and harsh landscapes of Iceland, Húsavík bay, the islanders and their culture.
Eurovision Song Contest
Interestingly, the movie was actually shot during the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest in Israel, Scotland and Iceland. It also features real artists who participated in the competition simultaneously.
Part of the action of the film takes place in Húsavík. The actors and the crew visited the town in October 2019. Creating a film set in Húsavik city was an extraordinary event for the locals and a key event of the year. One of the main songs in the movie “Húsavík” reached the top ten of the iTunes world ranking (WiwiBlogs, 2020). You can listen to it on Youtube, and search for: Husavik – My Home Town | Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga.
When we visited Iceland in August ’20, the song “Húsavík” was played on the local radio every 10 minutes. Today, when thinking about Húsavík, I immediately hear that song from the movie in the background. “Where the mountains sing, through the screams of seagulls. Where the whales can live, ’cause the’re gentle people. In my hometown, my hometown….”
Húsavík, Iceland: is it worth coming here?
Húsavík is the perfect destination for a day trip. Its biggest attractions are definitely boat trips around the bay and whale watching with the camera’s eye. This experience made a very strong impression on me, and I think this memory will stay with me for a long time. Seeing these beautiful mammals in their natural habitats is a wonderful experience. What surprised me the most, however, was hearing the whales singing. The melody’s music, sound, and tone made shivers down my spine and complete silence on the ship. No one said anything. Everyone stood, hypnotized. And joy erupted on the ship when the whale stopped singing and disappeared under the water. Everyone was clapping their hands and talking to each other about their emotions.
See below:
Whales are wonderful and beautiful animals. A visit to the Whale Museum also helped us understand how intelligent these mammals are and how they work together perfectly.
It is a very valuable, educational and unforgettable experience. I recommend it to everyone.
Other interesting information about Húsavík
For those willing, below is a link to city cameras in Húsavík. You can preview live what is happening in the town or check, for example, if snow is already in the nearby mountains – city webcams in Húsavík.
You can read about events in the city, accommodations and what else to do in the Húsavík area on the Visit Húsavík website.
Iceland, my other post
I encourage you as well to read my other posts about Iceland
- Akureyri – Northern Iceland
- Diamond Circle North Iceland
- East Iceland – the land of puffins
- Golden Circle – treasures of Iceland
- Iceland – tailor-made travel plan
- Iceland in winter – how to organise the trip
- Iceland photos
- Reykjanes Peninsula, South West Iceland
- Reykjavik Iceland’s capital city
- Snaefellsnes Peninsula, West Iceland
- South Coast of Iceland
- Troll Peninsula North Iceland
- Winter in Iceland travel plan