Hotels in Húsavík

Húsavík: Whale-Watching Capital of Iceland

Húsavík sits on Skjálfandi Bay in northeast Iceland, roughly 490 km from Reykjavík. Founded as a trading post in the 9th century, it now draws travelers primarily for its position as Iceland's foremost whale-watching harbour. Blue whales, humpbacks, and minkes feed in the bay from April through October, with sighting rates above 98% on peak summer days. The Húsavík Whale Museum, housed in a former slaughterhouse on the harbour, explains cetacean biology and the town's shift from hunting to eco-tourism.

Where to Stay

Accommodation clusters along Hafnarstétt, the main harbour street, placing guests within walking distance of tour operators and the 1907 Húsavíkurkirkja church that appears on postcards of the bay. A smaller set of guesthouses sits on the hillside above town, offering views across Skjálfandi toward the Kinnarfjöll mountains in the distance.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: Bus service connects Húsavík to Akureyri (75 km southwest) in about one hour; Akureyri Airport links to Reykjavík year-round.
• Season: Whale tours run April–October; book at least a week ahead in July and August.
• Clothing: Bring a windproof layer regardless of forecast — bay crossings drop temperatures noticeably.
• Side trips: Ásbyrgi canyon and the Dettifoss waterfall are each under 90 km from town via Route 85.