Húsavík travel guide

Nestled on the northern coast, Húsavík boasts a rich history that dates back to the settlement era of Iceland. According to legend, it was the first place in Iceland where a Norseman, Garðar Svavarsson, spent an entire winter around 870 AD. He built a house here, giving the town its name, which means 'Bay of Houses'.

Over the centuries, Húsavík evolved from a humble settlement into a thriving fishing village, benefiting from its strategic location by Skjálfandi Bay. The rise of the herring industry in the 20th century brought significant economic growth to the town.

Today, Húsavík is renowned as the 'Whale Watching Capital of Europe,' attracting thousands of visitors keen to experience its marine biodiversity. The town also has several cultural landmarks, such as the Húsavík Whale Museum and the picturesque wooden church, Húsavíkurkirkja, built in 1907.

Húsavík beautifully melds its historical roots with modern attractions, offering a unique glimpse into Iceland's past and present.

Húsavík, often considered the whale-watching capital of Iceland, has a rich cultural tapestry that reflects its maritime heritage and close-knit community spirit. The locals place a high value on preserving their traditions, including a deep respect for nature and the environment. Visitors will notice the town’s commitment to sustainability, which is evident in the eco-friendly practices adopted by many local businesses.

Icelanders, including those in Húsavík, are known for their warm hospitality and friendliness. However, it's polite to greet people with a friendly ‘Hallo’ or ‘Góðan daginn’ (Good day) and to respect personal space. When dining out, tipping is not customary as service charges are typically included in the bill, but rounding up the amount is appreciated for exceptional service.

A unique cultural aspect of Húsavík is the celebration of local festivals, such as the Húsavík Whale Festival, which showcases local music, food, and crafts. Participation in these events offers a glimpse into the town’s vibrant community life. Understanding and respecting these customs will enhance any visit to this charming Icelandic town.

The best time to explore Húsavík, Iceland, is during the summer months from June to August. During this period, temperatures are milder, ranging between 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F), and the extended daylight hours provide ample opportunity for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Summer is also the prime season for whale watching, a signature Húsavík experience, as various species of whales migrate to the waters around Iceland.

The Midnight Sun phenomenon, where the sun barely sets, offers a unique and enchanting experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of Húsavík at all hours of the day. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so it's advisable to book accommodations and tours well in advance to avoid crowds and secure the best spots.

Spring (April to May) and early autumn (September) are also favorable times to visit, with fewer tourists and slightly cooler weather. These shoulder seasons still offer excellent opportunities for whale watching and enjoying the vibrant fall colors of the Icelandic landscape. Winter months, although less popular due to colder weather and shorter days, can provide a serene and quiet experience, especially for those interested in seeing the Northern Lights. Regardless of when you choose to visit, planning ahead will ensure you make the most of your time in this charming town.

An insider tip for an unforgettable experience in Húsavík is to visit the Húsavík Whale Museum in the early morning. Not only will you beat the crowds, but the early hours often coincide with the arrival of local fishermen who are more than happy to share their stories and knowledge about the marine life in Skjálfandi Bay. This unique interaction can provide a deeper understanding of the region's rich maritime heritage. Afterward, head to one of the nearby cafés for a traditional Icelandic breakfast, where you can savor local delicacies and perhaps even strike up a conversation with the friendly residents. This combination of local insights and authentic experiences will undoubtedly enrich your visit to Húsavík.

On this page, you'll find all the top travel services in Húsavík, Iceland. Enjoy the convenience of planning and booking every detail of your trip to Húsavík, including flights, accommodations, activities, and more, in one place.

Discover the cheapest and most popular flights offered by a variety of airlines that fly to Iceland. Check out the best things to do in Húsavík. Compare the rates and services of the 5 types of stays and 1 car rental companies offering CDW insurance coverage.

Experience the best of Húsavík with an expertly curated and fully customizable itinerary. Get answers to questions about the routes and services offered in Húsavík from our free 24/7 customer support. We make it easy for you to find and book every detail of your trip to Húsavík with this travel guide.

Continue reading this Húsavík travel guide to learn how you can enjoy a stress-free and memorable vacation in the town of Húsavík!

With destinations such as Húsavík, a trip to Iceland needs no further explanation. Spanning over 103,004 square kilometers, Iceland is an expansive playground of discovery, offering a wealth of diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and captivating experiences awaiting exploration. From bustling metropolises to historic towns and modern urban hubs, Iceland has something to enchant every traveler.

In Húsavík alone, travelers are spoiled for choice with an array of experiences and world-famous attractions such as Húsavík Whale Museum, Húsavík Harbor, and Húsavík Wooden Church. Thus, a trip to Iceland becomes essential. Whether you're drawn to historical sites, natural wonders, or vibrant cultural experiences, Iceland offers an abundance of treasures waiting to be discovered.

There's so much to explore and uncover in Iceland. Click or tap the link below to discover more about Iceland and its offers.

Expect an exhilarating journey through Húsavík, a haven brimming with attractions to suit every traveler’s taste. From historical landmarks to natural wonders, and delectable cuisine, Húsavík offers an abundance of experiences waiting to be discovered. Dive into this ultimate Húsavík travel guide to uncover must-visit spots and get the scoop on what makes the town so special.

An essential factor to consider when traveling to a new place or country is accommodation. While visiting a town as fantastic as Húsavík is always exciting, any avid traveler knows that accommodations often make or break the vacation experience. The best place to stay in Húsavík usually depends on travelers' needs and preferences. However, booking accommodations in central Húsavík offers a ton of benefits.

Staying in the heart of the town allows you to easily walk to many of the top sights and dining areas in Húsavík and cut down on your travel expenses. Centrally located accommodations are also an excellent choice for travelers in Húsavík planning to go on a quick tour or drive to the neighboring regions.

In Húsavík, you'll find 5 different types of places to stay, catering to every taste, budget, and reason for travel. For example, honeymooners or travelers on a romantic getaway in Iceland can experience the ultimate relaxation at one of the luxury hotels in Húsavík. Travelers whose purpose is sightseeing can also find plenty of mid-range and budget-friendly hotels in the town, allowing access to many of the top attractions in Húsavík.

Learn more about the most popular places to stay and the top-rated hotels in Húsavík in the following sections.

To navigate Húsavík effortlessly, renting a car is an excellent choice. With your own wheels, you can explore every nook and cranny of the destination without relying on public transportation and even venture off the beaten path. On our website, you'll discover a selection of over 1 car rental companies in Húsavík, ready to provide you with the perfect vehicle for your travels.

Automatic cars for rent in Húsavík start at 43 EUR per day or 303 EUR per week. The cheapest automatic rental car is a Hyundai I10 1.0. If you prefer driving a manual car, you'll find multiple options for rent in Húsavík, starting at 40 EUR per day or 282 EUR per week. The cheapest manual rental car is a Kia Picanto 1.1.

Learn more about the different types of cars you can rent in Húsavík, Iceland below.

The town of Húsavík is just one of the many unique and scenic destinations you can visit in Iceland. So if you're itching for another cultural adventure, a relaxing road trip, an action-filled city break, or a memorable weekend getaway, know that Iceland has it all.

Each destination in Iceland offers something unique to experience! Take the opportunity to visit other captivating places in Iceland that are as magical as the town of Húsavík. The most popular travel destinations in Iceland are listed below. Click on the name of the place you want to explore next to learn more about it.

Húsavík, a charming town in northern Iceland, offers several transportation options for visitors. Public buses provide a reliable and cost-effective way to navigate the town and its surrounding areas. For those seeking more flexibility, car rentals are available and highly recommended for exploring the scenic landscapes and attractions at your own pace. Local taxi services are also available and can be a convenient option for shorter trips within the town.

Unique to Húsavík, visitors can enjoy boat tours from the local harbor, offering a distinctive way to experience the town's famed whale watching opportunities. Additionally, many of the town's attractions and amenities are within walking distance, making it easy to explore on foot. Whether you prefer the ease of public transit or the freedom of a rental car, Húsavík provides a range of transportation options to suit every traveler's needs.