Exploration in Iceland's Northeastern Regions
Welcome to Húsavík, the "harbor of houses" and the self-proclaimed "Whale Capital of Iceland." This remote coastal hamlet, nestled in the North, is just an hour's flight or a nine-hour drive from Reykjavik. Believed to be home to the first Icelandic house, tales of Viking Garðar Svavarsson abound here.
Húsavík serves as an ideal launchpad for day trips to Iceland's most recognized attractions due to its strategic location. It's also the starting point for the renowned Diamond Circle. With whales being the main attraction, the sheer likelihood of spotting these magnificent creatures, including the blue whales, fin whales, and humpback whales, is notably higher in Húsavík than in the South.
The thrill of exploring Iceland from a small plane drew me to Húsavík, and with a fantastic offer from Fosshótel and the convenient local airline Eagle Air, the decision was made. The quick, exhilarating flight offered a unique perspective on Iceland's highlands. Upon arrival, we were greeted by Gunnar Jóhannesson, the managing director of Travel North, and our whale-watching adventure began.
Upon reaching Húsavík, we were treated to a picturesque town with typical wood and corrugated iron houses, a lively harbor, and the charming church constructed in 1907. Our modern and well-equipped accommodation, Fosshótel Húsavík, boasted conference facilities and family-friendly atmospheres, while the renowned Moby Dick restaurant catered to our hunger with bistro menu offerings like fire-oven pizzas, hamburgers, and fish and chips.
Our first day ended with a relaxing dinner at the sophisticated Moby Dick restaurant, a special kid's menu for our seven-year-old, whale coloring books, and crayons to keep her entertained. The second day began with an exhilarating whale-watching tour courtesy of Gentle Giants. Armed with overalls to withstand the North Atlantic wind, we ventured out into the Skjálfandi bay, where we marveled at pods of dolphins and several fin whales. Our highlight was witnessing three humpback whales gliding gracefully alongside our boat, leaving us with a sense of awe and wonder.
After this unforgettable experience, we took a dip in the GeoSea, a collection of warm, mineral-rich infinity pools perched atop cliffs overlooking the ocean. Enjoying a well-deserved respite amidst stunning vistas, we savored locally brewed Húsavík beer, fresh fruit juice, and remarkably healthy snacks from the pool bar.
Our weekend in Húsavík concluded with a leisurely breakfast, followed by a visit to the Exploration Museum and a stroll along the picturesque coastline. As we returned to Reykjavik, we were filled with memories of our magical family adventure in this charming town.
For the more adventurous, the area offers a range of activities, including visits to the Husavik Whale Museum, the Transportation Museum at Ystafell, exploring natural wonders such as Dettifoss Waterfall, Asbyrgi, and Lake Myvatn, or even Northern Lights tours. Whether you're whale watching enthusiasts, culture vultures, or nature lovers, Húsavík promises an unforgettable experience.
In Húsavík, we discovered a perfect blend of lifestyle, adventure-travel, and nature, making it an ideal starting point for explorations. The town's serene geothermal pools, like GeoSea, provided a refreshing break amidst the rugged landscapes. Moreover, the thrill of geothermal flights over Iceland's highlands added an element of adventure to our travel experiences.
