- Húsavík sits on Skjálfandi bay where whales of different species frequently enter
- The town is less than an hour from Akureyri since the 2019 tunnel opened
- The Húsavík Whale Museum is located in the town centre by the harbour
Why Húsavík for Whale Watching
Húsavík is a town in Norðurþing municipality on the northeast coast of Iceland on the shores of Skjálfandi bay. The town has 2,485 inhabitants and has become a centre of whale watching in Iceland. Whales of different species frequently enter the bay.
Tours depart from the harbour in the town centre. The bay provides sheltered waters.
If you are comparing whale watching locations across Iceland, whale watching tours operate from several coastal towns. Whale watching from Reykjavík provides easier access from the capital.
Húsavík Whale Watching Tours
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Water activity · 3 hoursHúsavík: Whale-Watching Cruise and Puffins Guided Tour★ 4.7 515 reviews✓ Free cancellationfrom €115 per personSee availability →Getting to Húsavík from Akureyri
The Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel opened in 2019 which shortened the travel time to Akureyri to within an hour. Akureyri is the main hub in north Iceland with connections to Reykjavík.
Flights from Húsavík Airport have ceased so you cannot fly directly to the town. Road travel is the only option.
Many visitors combine whale watching with day trips from Akureyri or as part of multi-day tours around Iceland. You can drive yourself or join a tour with transport included. Check road conditions on road.is before you travel in winter.
- Whales of different species frequently enter the bay
- Under an hour from Akureyri via the tunnel since 2019
- Town has the Húsavík Whale Museum by the harbour
- Midnight sun from 11 June until 29 June
- Smaller town setting on the northeast coast
- Flights from Húsavík Airport have ceased
- Winter daylight is only 2 hours 45 minutes on 21 December
- Remote location on the northeast coast requires planning
When to Go Whale Watching
Húsavík experiences midnight sun from 11 June until 29 June when daylight lasts around the clock. The shortest daylight hours are 2 hours 45 minutes on 21 December from 11:45 UTC until 14:30 UTC.
Winter months bring limited daylight which restricts tour schedules. Check the season and weather conditions before you book.
If you are visiting in winter, you can combine whale watching with northern lights tours in the same trip. Summer visitors often pair whale watching with puffin watching tours when seabirds nest on coastal cliffs.
Tour Types and Boat Options
Tours depart from the harbour in the town centre near the Húsavík Whale Museum. Check the tour details on GetYourGuide for boat types, duration and what is included.
| Boat Type | Features | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional oak boats | Historic design, stable platform | More exposure to weather |
| Modern RIB boats | Fast, closer to water | More physical, spray from waves |
| Silent/electric boats | Low engine noise | Limited availability, book early |
All tours depend on weather and sea conditions. Operators may cancel or reschedule if conditions are unsafe. Check the refund and rebooking policy when you book.
Compare prices, reviews and free-cancellation options before you book.
Check availability →What to Expect on the Water
Tours sail into Skjálfandi bay where whales of different species frequently enter. Guides explain marine life during the trip.
Whale watching is never guaranteed as animals are wild and move freely. Tours follow responsible viewing guidelines and maintain distance from marine life. Sightings depend on weather, time of year and natural behaviour.
Dress in layers and bring waterproof clothing even in summer. Seas can be cold and spray is common. Check safetravel.is for current conditions before you go.
The Húsavík Whale Museum
The Húsavík Whale Museum is located in the town centre by the harbour. The museum displays skeletons, exhibits and information about whale species in Icelandic waters. You can visit before or after your whale watching tour.
The wooden church Húsavíkurkirkja, built in 1907, is the most famous landmark of the town. Both sites are within walking distance of the harbour.
According to the Landnámabók, Húsavík was the first place in Iceland to be settled by a Norseman. The Swedish Viking Garðar Svavarsson stayed there for one winter around 870 A.D. and built a house. The name of the town means bay of houses.
Compare prices, reviews and free-cancellation options before you book.
Check availability →Combining Húsavík with Other North Iceland Attractions
Húsavík sits on the northeast coast within reach of several north Iceland highlights. Mývatn Nature Baths lie south near Lake Mývatn. The geothermal lagoon offers warm bathing after a day on the water.
Many visitors include Húsavík in a ring road itinerary or north Iceland loop. Self-drive tours allow you to set your own schedule. Small group tours provide a guided option with transport and commentary included.
You can also visit Diamond Beach and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon on the south coast if you have several days. The northeast coast offers a quieter alternative to the popular Golden Circle route near Reykjavík.
Húsavík offers whale watching in a bay where whales of different species frequently enter. Travel from Akureyri takes under an hour since the 2019 tunnel opened. The trade-off is remote location and ceased flights, so plan road travel and check weather conditions before you go.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to drive from Akureyri to Húsavík?
The Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel opened in 2019 and shortened travel time to within an hour.
When does Húsavík have midnight sun?
Húsavík experiences midnight sun from 11 June until 29 June when daylight lasts around the clock.
Can you fly directly to Húsavík?
Flights from Húsavík Airport have ceased so you cannot fly directly to the town. Road travel from Akureyri is the main access route.
What is the Húsavík Whale Museum?
The Húsavík Whale Museum is located in the town centre by the harbour. The museum displays skeletons and exhibits about whale species in Icelandic waters.
Why is Húsavík called the whale watching capital of Iceland?
Whales of different species frequently enter Skjálfandi bay. The town has become a centre of whale watching in Iceland.
