Húsavík
City guide · Northeastern Region · Iceland
Whale watching in Skjálfandi bay · Húsavík Whale Museum
About Húsavík
Húsavík is a small town on the northeast coast of Iceland, set on the shores of Skjálfandi bay. It is widely recognized as a centre for whale watching in Iceland, with whales of different species frequently entering the bay. The town's most famous landmark is the wooden church Húsavíkurkirkja, built in 1907. Húsavík gained international attention as the setting of the 2020 Netflix film 'Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga', which led to a reported significant jump in tourism following the film's release. The town's economy is derived from tourism, fishing, retail, and small industries. Nearby attractions include the Mývatn region, Jökulsárgljúfur National Park with the canyon Ásbyrgi, and the waterfalls Dettifoss, Hafragilsfoss, and Selfoss.
Who this destination fits
Highlights worth planning around
Strong fit
- Recognized as a centre for whale watching in Iceland, with whales of different species frequently entering Skjálfandi bay
- Home to the Húsavík Whale Museum, located in the town centre by the harbour
- Features the wooden church Húsavíkurkirkja, built in 1907, a notable landmark
- Serves as a gateway to nearby natural attractions, including the Mývatn region and Jökulsárgljúfur National Park with Dettifoss waterfall
- Gained international fame as the setting of the 2020 Netflix film 'Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga', with a reported significant jump in tourism following the film's release
- Offers recreational opportunities including a 9-hole golf course, hiking and walking paths, two gym facilities, and an outdoor public swimming pool
Tradeoffs
- Small town with a population of 2,485 inhabitants, which may limit dining, shopping, and nightlife options
- Cool climate year-round; even in summer, mean daily maximum temperatures are around 14°C (57.7°F) in July
- Limited daylight in winter, with the shortest day having only 2 hours 45 minutes of daylight on 21 December
- Regular flights to Reykjavík Airport ceased by 2024, making road travel the primary connection; the Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel opened in 2019, shortening travel time to Akureyri to within an hour
- Tourism and fishing are primary economic drivers, so the town may feel quiet outside peak tourist seasons
Plan the trip
Best time to visit
Mid-July for the annual Mærudagar festival ('Candy Days'), which attracts thousands of visitors from across Iceland; summer months (June-August) offer the mildest temperatures and the midnight sun from 11 June until 29 June
Planning lead time
A day trip or short overnight stay is sufficient to explore the town centre, whale museum, and nearby natural attractions; additional time is recommended for visiting Mývatn and Jökulsárgljúfur National Park
Decision factors
Safety
No specific safety concerns were identified in the source evidence; standard precautions for Icelandic weather and outdoor activities apply
Getting around
Húsavík is served by Húsavík Airport, but regular flights to Reykjavík Airport ceased by 2024. The Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel opened in 2019, shortening travel time to Akureyri to within an hour, making road travel the primary connection
