Exploration in Iceland's Northeastern Region
A Wild and Wonderful Weekend Away: Húsavík, Iceland's Whale Watching Capital
Húsavík, the "harbor of houses," nestled in Iceland's remote northern region, is a captivating coastal town less than an hour away by flight from Reykjavik, or a nine-hour drive from the capital. The town is steeped in history, with legends claiming that the first house built in Iceland was here, in 860 AD, by Swedish Viking Garðar Svavarsson. Known worldwide for its whale watching opportunities, Húsavík is an ideal spot for nature lovers and thrill-seekers.
Húsavík's whale watching scene is second to none, with a staggering variety of whale species inhabiting the surrounding waters. From the colossal blue whales to the agile humpback whales, the area boasts an impressive population of these majestic creatures, making whale watching here much more successful than in the South of Iceland.
Feeling adventurous and in search of an easy escape, I opted for a weekend getaway to Húsavík. Eagle Air, the local carrier, and Fosshótel, one of Iceland's leading hotel chains, offered a great deal at their Húsavík branch, making the journey a stone's throw from Reykjavik.
Upon arrival, our guide, Gunnar Jóhannesson, managing director of Travel North, greeted us warmly and filled us in on Húsavík's rich heritage. The airport is situated in a lava field, about a ten-minute drive from the town center. As we approached the heart of Húsavík, we spotted the bustling harbor and the town's pride, a church built in 1907. Húsavík's picturesque charm lies in the ancient wood and corrugated iron houses that still dot the streetscape, offering a charming contrast against the magnificent snow-capped mountains and the North Atlantic ocean that surround the town.
Fosshótel Húsavík, our home for the weekend, was a modern, well-equipped hotel that also serves as the largest conference center in the entire North of Iceland. The hotel boasts stylish and modern rooms adorned in shades of grey and purple, complete with all the essential amenities. My daughter, seven, felt like royalty in her double bed, with her own television, and my boyfriend and I couldn't help but feel equally pampered in our sprawling suite.
The Moby Dick restaurant at Fosshótel Húsavík serves as a fitting tribute to Húsavík's whale watching fame. We dined on an array of delicious options, ranging from fire-oven pizzas to hamburgers that included a reindeer burger and fish and chips, all while taking in breathtaking views of the harbor. The restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for families and couples alike.
After a restful night's sleep, we woke up eager for the day's adventures. The weather was exceptional, with clear skies and sunshine that seemed to beckon us to the ocean. At Gentle Giants Whale Watching, we geared up for our excursion, prepared for the possibility of high seas and bracing, early April winds. Our guide directed us to don waterproof overalls provided by the company, insisting we would need the extra layer to combat the cold.
As we sailed out into the Skjálfandi Bay, we were greeted by a friendly pod of dolphins, leaping and diving as they hunted for fish. Then, our guide pointed to a distant horizon, and our hearts collectively raced as we beheld a colossal fin whale, its massive, reddish-brown back breaking the water's surface. We marveled as the whale dived and resurfaced, swimming alongside another fin whale, a sight that left us astounded and humbled by the power and majesty of these creatures.
The highlight of the excursion soon followed, as we spotted three humpback whales gliding through the water, their sleek grey bodies slicing through the waves. My daughter watched, eyes wide with wonder, as these gentle giants swam near our small boat, evoking a feeling of awe and reverence that will stay with us all.
Our whale watching adventure completed, we returned to the harbor for a late lunch before venturing to the GeoSea, Húsavík's newest attraction. This geothermal spa offers a chance to immerse oneself in mineral-rich, warm seawater, providing a soothing respite for both the body and spirit. The stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding mountains make the GeoSea an unforgettable experience, perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
Before heading back to Reykjavik, we visited the Exploration Museum, a testament to human curiosity and tenacity. Founded by entrepreneur and former journalist Örlygur Hnefill Örlygsson, the museum showcases photographs, artifacts, and exhibits celebrating space exploration, polar expeditions, and the history of Vikings. The museum is a must-see for anyone who appreciates the spirit of adventure.
With hearts full of memories and souls rejuvenated by the beauty of Húsavík, we bid farewell to this extraordinary town, promising ourselves we would return to witness the spectacle of bottle-nosed dolphins and the awe-inspiring humpback whales once again.
- The variety of whale species in Húsavík's surrounding waters exceeds that found in the South of Iceland, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a successful whale watching experience.
- The charming town of Húsavík, steeped in history, offers a captivating mix of nature, architecture, and cultural experiences, making it an attractive destination for travelers interested in lifestyle, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, and global cuisines.
- Sustainable living is an essential aspect of Húsavík's environment, reflected in the town's geothermal spa, GeoSea, where visitors can immerse themselves in mineral-rich, warm seawater.
- Adventure travelers can find inspiration in Húsavík's rich heritage and breathtaking natural wonders, as demonstrated by the Exploration Museum, a tribute to human curiosity, tenacity, and the spirit of adventure.
- The Moby Dick restaurant at Fosshótel Húsavík offers a diverse menu that highlights local Icelandic cuisine, such as reindeer burgers and fish and chips, while providing panoramic views of the harbor.
- A stone's throw from Reykjavik, Húsavík offers a budget-friendly escape, with accommodation options like Fosshótel Húsavík and travel packages provided by companies such as Eagle Air and Travel North.
- Húsavík, with its picturesque coastal charm, ancient houses, snow-capped mountains, and bustling harbor, is an ideal location for those seeking cultural-travel experiences, blending the wonders of nature, history, and modern amenities.
