15 BEST Things To Do in Husavik Iceland (By an Expert!) 2025
LOOKING FOR THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN HUSAVIK, ICELAND?
You’ve come to the right place. Mix and match things on this list to plan a magical day in Husavik (yes, magical!). This is my favorite place in Iceland.
You might be interested in visiting Husavik because you heard it’s one of the best whale-watching places in Iceland, or because you watched the movie Eurovision and you just HAVE to see the town…
But let me tell you, Husavik Iceland has even more to offer than whales and Eurovision. Believe it or not, I didn’t even realize Husavik was the town featured in Eurovision until I was in Husavik – it was a sweet and quirky surprise!
Whale Watching Experience with Gentle Giants
- ✅ 97% success rate!
- ✅ Whale watching capital of Europe
- ✅ Cruise the stunning Skjálfandi Bay
15 BEST Things to Do in Husavik
Husavik is located in the north of Iceland on Skjálfandi Bay. It is about a 1-hour drive northeast of Akureyri – the largest town in Northern Iceland. If you are road-tripping the ring road, you will pass through Akureyri.
I highly recommend building in the time to detour up north to Husavik. You can stay in Akureyri (more food and shopping options), and drive to Husavik for the day, or stay a night or two in Husavik for the full experience.
Either way, there are many unique things to do in Husavik and you can (almost) fit everything below into one day!
1. Whale Watching (duh!)
This is the number one thing to do in Husavik and rightly so. Whale watching in Iceland actually started in Husavik and it’s now considered the capital of whale-watching in Iceland (and sometimes referred to as the whale-watching capital of Europe!).
You’re most likely to see humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and sometimes blue whales (the largest animal that exists!!).
I booked an experience with Gentle Giants and had THE BEST time. We spent about 2 and a half hours on the water with the coolest guide. We were cruising around looking for whales for two hours and I had accepted that we might not see any when all of a sudden a whale surfaced right next to our boat.
I couldn’t believe it. Being in the RIB boat was DEFINITELY the way to go because we were so much closer to the water and could get around a lot faster if we saw whales in the distance.
I HIGHLY recommend the RIB boat whale-watching experience with Gentle Giants. They were respectful of the whales, transparent about their strategy, and knowledgeable about the area and the marine life. It was a highlight of our trip.
🎼 Where the mountains sing through the screams of seagulls. Where the whales can live ’cause they’re gentle people. 🎼
Husavik (my Hometown) lyrics from Eurovision Song Contest
2. Husavik Whale Museum
After you see whales (and there is a 97% chance that you will!) you will be all excited and want to keep looking at and talking about whales. Thankfully, the Husavik Whale Museum is located right in the harbor.
I did not plan on visiting the museum but couldn’t help myself and I’m so glad I went. It is the most charming museum with great local information and history.
It also has a good gift shop – I am currently looking at a framed print on my wall that I purchased there 🙂
3. GeoSea Baths
Next up, my second favorite thing to do in Husavik! Visit one of the most beautiful geothermal baths in Iceland (yes, all of Iceland).
It was even featured in TIME’s 2019 list of the World’s 100 Greatest Places. Its pools are filled with mineral-rich seawater and heated geothermally.
The multiple infinity pools are perched up on the cliffs of Husavik and overlook Skjálfandi Bay. If you are wondering if you can see whales from the pools, the answer is you CAN!!
Yes, you can gaze out across the Bay, watch whales swim by, and if it’s the right time of year you can even see the Northern lights from here. The pools are open year-round but hours vary by season.
We had a hard time leaving this place with its jaw-dropping views and luxury feel. GeoSea is hands down one of my favorite geothermal baths in all of Iceland.
4. Husavik Lighthouse
Conveniently, the Husavik lighthouse is located directly next to GeoSea Baths.
The lighthouse is brightly colored and towers over the Bay at 164 feet tall. It was built in 1956 and spent many decades guiding boats into Husavik’s harbor. The view alone is worth the stop, but the lighthouse itself is quite special.
ℹ️ Fun Fact: Both the wooden church and the lighthouse are featured in Accidentally Wes Anderson (a book). The photo in the book looks much better than my phone LOL but it is very beautiful.
5. Walk Around Town
You can easily stroll the small town on your own and pop in and out of all of the Husavik attractions in a couple of hours.
Highlights include the Husavik Wooden Church and Jaja Ding Dong Cafe. All of the menu items are named after Eurovision references – very cute.
The wooden church was built in 1907 and is the most famous landmark in Husavik. It was built in the style of a Swiss chalet, and it was featured in the Eurovision movie. You can go inside if you wish (as long as it’s not in service!).
Uncommon Things to Do in Husavik
These are some INCREDIBLE, fun, and quirky things to do in Husavik that aren’t talked about as much. If you’re interested in getting off the beaten path or doing some more extreme adventuring check these out!
6. Visit the Askja Caldera
This is a HIGHLY UNIQUE experience that leaves from Husavik. It is an all-day tour to an active volcano crater where you can bathe in the geothermal lake IN THE CRATER!!!
The water is milky blue and the whole area is otherworldly. To get there, you will ride in a jeep into Iceland’s interior. You’ll make several stops for photos and check out an old NASA training location.
7. Hike Husavik Mountain (Húsavíkurfjall)
If you come anytime between June and September you can hike up Husavik Mountain! It’s only 2.4 miles point to point but it scratches the itch if you like hiking on vacation.
With a 1300ft elevation gain, you are treated with a great view of all Husavik. And if you go in July you will catch the bright lupins that cover the hillside.
8. Ski!
This is a seasonal thing of course but if you are a skier you can certainly get some turns in. In the wintertime, Husavik Mountain has 5 miles of downhill skiing served by 3 lifts.
This isn’t the best place to ski in Iceland, mostly due to its low elevation, but if you are looking for a fun activity for beginner to intermediate skiers and snowboarders Husavik Ski Resort is really beautiful and quaint!
There are also multiple cross-country ski areas and a hill with one lift within walking distance of downtown (very beginner-friendly).
9. Finish the day at HÚSAVÍK ÖL
No matter what activities you choose to do or not do, wrapping your day up at Husavik Ol is a nice way to fit in a little more of that Husavik charm.
Husavik Ol is a microbrewery with a small taproom and great beer! You will find lots of sours, Kolsch, a local dark malty local favorite (Rindell), and seasonal beers featuring local ingredients and inspiration. Not to miss!
10. Birdwatching
Calling all birdwatchers! Did you know that Husavik (and most of northeast Iceland) is known for its many bird species and excellent viewing locations?
There is a birding trail that starts at Lake Myvatn that you can follow around Iceland but Lake Myvatn itself is a birdwatching paradise. In Husavik, check out the small lake in Kaldbakur, and Flatey Island (in the Bay north or Husavik).
Things To Do Near Husavik Iceland
Husavik is just an hour north of Akureyri and is located on the Diamond Circle (lots of circle and ring routes in Iceland ☺️). The Diamond Circle is an offshoot of the Ring Road tour. It’s about 155 miles (250 km) in distance.
The name comes from the rhombus shape that the route makes, but it also refers to the destinations on the route, the “diamonds of the north” of Iceland. Most of the bonus things to do near Husavik are also on the Diamond Circle.
TIP: If you don’t have a car, or just don’t want to drive, you can take this full-day tour from Akureyri. They pick you up from your hotel and take you to all of the best spots on the Diamond Circle (and it includes a 1-hour pass to GeoSea Baths!).
11. Godafoss
Godafoss is one of Iceland’s more famous waterfalls. It’s located just off the Ring Road but it is also part of the Diamond Circle route, about 40 minutes from Husavik. It’s worth a stop!
12. Horseback Riding at Saltvik
Riding an Icelandic horse is so much fun and totally worth it if you are interested in seeing more of Iceland like a local. Saltvik is located just ten minutes outside of Husavik and offers a variety of tours.
You can opt for a short ride from the farm or a longer (5-9) hour excursion into the highlands. Just remember to treat the horses with respect and gentleness!
13. Myvatn Nature Baths
Myvatn is part of the Diamond Circle but it’s also located just off the Ring Road so you can visit even if you don’t do the full Diamond Circle.
The baths are often referred to as the “blue lagoon of the north” as the pools are blue. It’s less crowded and more rustic than the Blue Lagoon but worth a visit if you are a fan of geothermal bathing.
14. Dettifoss Waterfall
Dettifoss is also located on the Diamond Circle route and is another one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. It is 330 ft wide and 144 ft tall and is the second most powerful waterfall in all of Europe!!
I highly recommend visiting if you decide to complete the entire Diamond Circle route.
15. Hevir Geothermal Area
Hevir, also known as Námafjall Geothermal Area, is one of the most otherworldly places in Iceland. The area is covered in steaming fumaroles (vents/cracks) and boiling mud pots.
There is no vegetation in the area due to the high geothermal activity and the hills are various colors of red and brown. When we went it was pouring rain so we admired from the car which was fine because you can see the whole area from the parking lot!
Where to Stay in Husavik, Iceland
Okay, so you’re staying the night in Husavik! I love this choice because it gives you more time to soak in all of the magical charm of Husavik, Iceland. Typically, I am a fan of Airbnb, but I would not go with Airbnb in Husavik.
If you’re not staying in Husavik, check out some of these other unique places to stay elsewhere in Iceland, including the north.
These are my top three places to stay in Husavik, Iceland:
Gamli Skólinn Húsavík
Gamil Skolinn are apartments located in central Husavik – within walking distance of almost everything. Its design is modern but maintains a warm charm. Each unit has lots of space with a full kitchen living room and varying numbers of bedrooms and bathrooms.
It’s well-stocked and super clean and laundry available. The beds are comfortable and the shower pressure is good!!
Fosshotel Husavik
If you want a more traditional hotel, Fosshotel is a great choice. This is an Icelandic chain that you will see all over Iceland. They provide comfortable and spacious rooms and offer all the normal amenities of a large hotel.
Fosshotel is centrally located, and modern, and each room includes a great breakfast.
Svartaborg
If you are looking for something a little more unique and private, I recommend staying at Svartaborg.
Svartaborg offers modern one-bedroom cabins about 25 minutes outside of Husavik. The cabins are spaced out for privacy and each has their own hot tub. The decor is rich, warm, and modern and the surroundings are stunning.
More About Husavik, Iceland
If you are interested in history, Husavik, Iceland’s history will not disappoint. It was the first place in Iceland to be settled; discovered by a Swedish Viking around 870.
Today it’s known as a small fishing town. With a population of less than 2500 year-round residents, its largest revenue generators are tourism and fishing.
Husavik means “bay of houses” and was named when there were likely only one or two farms there. However, the name still fits which you will understand when you visit.
The town also has a very long and complicated history with whaling. You can learn all about this when you visit the Husavik Whale Museum (above) which I highly recommend including in your itinerary.
When to Visit Húsavík, Iceland
Husavik is beautiful year-round. The best time to go depends on what you are most interested in doing.
For example, if you want to see whales, you should go between March and September; if you want to see puffins, you should go between May and August.
If you want to go skiing or snowboarding, you should go from December – March. If you want to ride horses in the highlands, go hiking, or see the lupins, summer is the best time.
Of course, the geothermal springs are open year-round : )
FAQ
Húsavík is a charming and picturesque town known for whale-watching, geothermal baths, cultural attractions, and its role as a gateway to some of northern Iceland’s most stunning attractions on the Diamond Circle.
Yes! Husavik is worth visiting, even if you only have a day!
Húsavík is renowned as one of the best places in the world for whale watching, and the odds of seeing whales in the waters around Húsavík are generally very high. Gentle Giants has a sighting rate of 97%.
No, while it is near the Arctic Circle, the town itself is not situated above it.
Most whale-watching tours will provide warm waterproof suits to wear over your clothes. You should wear warm layers underneath, and bring a hat and gloves because it gets very cold out on the water.
The best months for whale watching in Húsavík are generally from April to October, with peak whale-watching season occurring during the summer months.
The likelihood of getting wet on whale-watching tours in Húsavík depends on several factors, including the type of boat, sea conditions, and weather. Check the weather and know what kind of boat you are going out on (RIB or larger boat).
Wrap-Up
I hope these activities have convinced you to visit Husavik on your trip to Iceland. Or, if you have already decided to visit Husavik, I hope that this helps you with your planning.
I loved Husavik so much, and I hope you do too. Two of my favorite moments on my trip were in Husavik (whales and GeoSea). As always, please treat the town and the residents with respect.
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