Exploration in the Northern Part of Iceland
Venturing into Whale-loving Húsavík:
Nestled in the North of Iceland, Húsavík, renowned as the "harbor of houses," is a scenic coastal town just an hour away by flight from Reykjavik. A picturesque place with snow-capped mountains and the North Atlantic ocean surrounding it, Húsavík is a charming gateway to Iceland's major attractions, serving as the starting point for the popular Diamond Circle.
Legend has it that the first home ever built in Iceland belonged to Swedish Viking Garðar Svavarsson in 860 A.D., establishing a rich history for Húsavík. Its prime location makes it an excellent destination for weekend getaways, especially with the convenience of Eagle Air flights and affordable offers at Fosshótel's Húsavík branch.
Famous as the "town of whales," Húsavík is a whale-watching paradise, boasting a high likelihood of seeing various whale species, including blue whales, fin whales, and humpback whales. These gentle giants of the sea are often spotted in abundance, much more so than in South Iceland.
Embarking on a whale-watching adventure with fellow adventurers- my seven-year-old daughter and my partner- we hopped aboard Eagle Air's navy blue Jetstream 32, a small twin-turboprop plane. The journey, just 50 minutes long, offered breathtaking views of Iceland's highlands. Upon arrival, we were greeted by our friendly guide, Gunnar Jóhannesson, the managing director of Travel North.
Húsavík's airport, located in a lava field, is a mere ten-minute drive away from the town center. We couldn't help but notice the whale-watching boats at the lively harbor and the adorable church that locals take great pride in, built in 1907. The town is still scattered with typical wooden and corrugated iron houses, adding to its charming and picturesque appeal.
We stayed at Fosshótel Húsavík, a modern and well-equipped hotel that hosts top-notch conference and meeting venues. Boasting elegant, family-friendly rooms, our stay was comfortable, stylish, and lovingly decorated in hues of grey and purple. The hotel restaurant, located a short walk from the harbor, was a sophisticated affair where we savored delicious bistro menu offerings, including fire-oven pizzas and fish and chips.
No visit to Húsavík would be complete without a whale-watching tour. Withuctempers, we embarked on a traditional oak fishing boat, sailing out into the Skjálfandi bay where we were treated to a school of dolphins and an encounter with two fin whales, the second largest whales on earth. Our whale-watching adventure was wrapped up with sightings of three humpback whales, leaving us in awe of their sheer size and grace.
Whale watching is not the only attraction in Húsavík; the town also offers a wealth of educational and cultural experiences. A trip to GeoSea, a geothermal seawater pool, is a must for a relaxing and invigorating experience. For history buffs, the Exploration Museum showcases artefacts from Apollo astronaut training, Viking exploration, and polar expeditions.
Húsavík's family-friendly atmosphere, stunning natural beauty, and diverse activities make it a wondrous destination for those seeking adventure, learning, and bonding against the backdrop of breathtaking Icelandic landscapes.
- In the midst of our adventure, we decided to explore the Geothermal seawater pool at GeoSea, offering a relaxing and invigorating experience as we travel through Húsavík.
- To truly grasp the rich history of Húsavík, we visited the Exploration Museum, home to artefacts from Apollo astronaut training, Viking exploration, and polar expeditions, enriching our lifestyle with knowledge.
- As we settled down for lunch, we found a unique dining option that would blend perfectly with our travel itinerary – fire-oven pizzas and fish and chips at the restaurant located within Fosshótel Húsavík, providing a treat for both taste and ambiance.
