Journey through Iceland's Northeast: Uncharted Territories Await
Húsavík, a coastal town nestled in the remote North of Iceland, is famously known as the "town of whales" or the "Whale Watching Capital of Europe." This picturesque town offers a range of popular attractions and activities centered primarily around whale watching and nature experiences.
### Popular Attractions and Activities in Húsavík:
- **Whale Watching Tours**: Húsavík almost guarantees whale sightings in Skjálfandi Bay. The town is renowned for expert guides who know exactly where to spot humpback whales, which are the star attractions, often seen breaching spectacularly. Other marine creatures commonly seen include minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and occasionally blue whales during summer months. Tours typically last about 3 hours and cost around $100 for adults, with family-friendly options available. Notable companies operating tours include North Sailing and Gentle Giants, with trips running from April to November.
- **Whale Museum**: The Whale Museum in Húsavík is a key cultural attraction that provides in-depth education about whales and marine life, adding an enriching experience to your visit.
- **Boat Tours Combining Whale and Puffin Watching**: Beyond whale watching, there are specialized RIB boat tours that offer combined viewing of whales and puffins, adding variety to the wildlife encounters in the area. These tours are highly rated and popular among visitors.
- **Geosea Hot Springs**: After a whale-watching tour, visitors often relax in the nearby GeoSea geothermal hot springs, which provide a perfect way to unwind while enjoying views of the sea and surrounding nature.
- **Nature and Wildlife Tours**: In addition to whale watching, Húsavík serves as a starting point for various day trips exploring stunning Icelandic landscapes, including visits to Dettifoss Waterfall, Asbyrgi Canyon, Lake Mývatn, and the famous Diamond Circle, a scenic tourist route featuring waterfalls and dramatic natural scenery.
- **Transportation Museum at Ystafell**: For those interested in local history, the Transportation Museum offers insights into Iceland's heritage related to travel and exploration.
### Additional Attractions:
- **Fosshótel Húsavík**: Fosshótel Húsavík is a modern and well-equipped hotel, the largest conference hotel in the entire North of Iceland. The hotel's Moby Dick restaurant offers a variety of food options, including fire-oven pizzas, hamburgers, and fish and chips.
- **Geosea Baths**: The Geosea baths, opened only last year on the Husavik coast, offer mineral-rich seawater and amazing infinity pools with no cleaning agents. The water is warm and inviting, and is beneficial for people with eczema and psoriasis.
- **The Exploration Museum**: The Exploration Museum in Husavik, dedicated to human exploration, features photographs and artifacts from the Apollo Astronaut training, Viking exploration, the polar regions, expeditions beneath the sea, and underground caves.
- **Accessibility**: Húsavík is approximately one hour away by car from Akureyri and less than an hour by flight from Reykjavík. The airport in Húsavík is located in a lava field around a ten-minute drive from the town center.
Húsavík is a well-rounded spot for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers visiting northern Iceland, offering a unique blend of whale watching, museums, geothermal hot springs, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you're a seasoned explorer or a family looking for a memorable vacation, Húsavík promises an unforgettable experience.
- For an adventure-travel lifestyle, consider exploring the geothermal hot springs at GeoSea after a day of whale watching in Húsavík.
- Nature enthusiasts can extend their wildlife encounters beyond whales to puffins on RIB boat tours in Húsavík.
- As part of your lifestyle travel, visit the Whale Museum in Húsavík to deepen your understanding of the marine life you encounter during your nature experiences.
