Húsavík

Iceland

Húsavík is a town of approximately 2,500 inhabitants in North Iceland. It is the whale watching capital of Iceland, with whales sighted on over 95% of trips during the summer. Additionally, it gained some fame when it used to house the (in)famous Icelandic Phallological Museum, which has since moved to Reykjavík.

  • The Exploration Museum, Héðinsbraut 3 (In town center, +3544642328. 9.00-17.00. The Exploration Museum is dedicated to the history of human exploration, from the early explorers to the exploration of space. The main exhibition room features photographs and artifacts from the Apollo Astronaut Training near Húsavík in 1965 and 1967. Other exhibition rooms feature the history of Viking exploration, Arctic explorers and a timeline of exploration history. 1000 kr.
  • Húsavík Whale Museum, Hafnarstétt 1, +354 414 2800. June, July & August: 08:00 – 18:30 daily; April, May & September: 9:00 – 16:00 daily; October to March: 10:00 – 15:30 weekdays (closed between 12:00 – 13:00); Other times by arrangement (Mobile: +354 866 7020). Adults: 1300 kr. The church of Húsavík
  • Húsavíkurkirkja. This wooden church built in 1907 is probably the most recognisable landmark of the town.
  • The Icelandic Phallological Museum, which used to be here, has moved to Reykjavík.

The Exploration Museum, Héðinsbraut 3 (In town center, +3544642328. 9.00-17.00. The Exploration Museum is dedicated to the history of human exploration, from the early explorers to the exploration of space. The main exhibition room features photographs and artifacts from the Apollo Astronaut Training near Húsavík in 1965 and 1967. Other exhibition rooms feature the history of Viking exploration, Arctic explorers and a timeline of exploration history. 1000 kr.

Húsavík Whale Museum, Hafnarstétt 1, +354 414 2800. June, July & August: 08:00 – 18:30 daily; April, May & September: 9:00 – 16:00 daily; October to March: 10:00 – 15:30 weekdays (closed between 12:00 – 13:00); Other times by arrangement (Mobile: +354 866 7020). Adults: 1300 kr.

Húsavíkurkirkja. This wooden church built in 1907 is probably the most recognisable landmark of the town.

Húsavík is one of the main destinations for whale watching in Iceland. The species that can be seen on the tours include blue whale, humpback whale, minke, fin whale, harbour porpoise and white-beaked dolphin. Whale watching season is April through October.

  • Gentle Giants, 640 Húsavík, +354 464 1500. April-October. Whale watching, puffin watching, sea angling and other tours, depending on the season. From €56 / 3 hour tour (adult).
  • North Sailing, +354 464 7272. April-October. Whale watching, puffin watching and other tours, depending on the season. From €58 / 3 hour tour (adult).

Gentle Giants, 640 Húsavík, +354 464 1500. April-October. Whale watching, puffin watching, sea angling and other tours, depending on the season. From €56 / 3 hour tour (adult).

North Sailing, +354 464 7272. April-October. Whale watching, puffin watching and other tours, depending on the season. From €58 / 3 hour tour (adult).

Apart from whale watching, horse riding is another good option for tourists passing through the town of Húsavík. It's a good opportunity to come across the rugged Icelandic breed and also get to do some sightseeing on horseback at the same time.

  • Saltvík Hestamiðstöð. Horse riding tours are offered at Saltvík farm, about 5 km from Húsavík.

Saltvík Hestamiðstöð. Horse riding tours are offered at Saltvík farm, about 5 km from Húsavík.

  • Gamli Baukur. They have an excellent selection of fish, soups, and salads. Downstairs is the small restaurant and upstairs a lively, little bar.
  • Salka, Garðarsbraut 6 (A green house right by the main road., +354 464 2551. Restaurant/pizzeria, where is also possible to taste puffin.
  • Naustið, Naustagarður 2 (A yellow house by the harbour, +354 464 1520. Nice and simple seafood restaurant.
  • Pallurinn, +354 496 1440. An interesting tent restaurant where they grill whole lambs. Very nice food with reasonable prices. Only open during the summer season.

Gamli Baukur. They have an excellent selection of fish, soups, and salads. Downstairs is the small restaurant and upstairs a lively, little bar.

Salka, Garðarsbraut 6 (A green house right by the main road., +354 464 2551. Restaurant/pizzeria, where is also possible to taste puffin.

Naustið, Naustagarður 2 (A yellow house by the harbour, +354 464 1520. Nice and simple seafood restaurant.

Pallurinn, +354 496 1440. An interesting tent restaurant where they grill whole lambs. Very nice food with reasonable prices. Only open during the summer season.

The public library offers internet access on public terminals at reasonable rates, and a free internet connection for those traveling with laptops.

  • Mývatn