The Whale Watching Capital of Europe and the crown jewel of the Diamond Circle route.
Story & Legend
Húsavík ('House Bay') is the oldest settlement in Iceland, where the Swede Garðar Svavarsson built a house for wintering in 870 AD. Today, it is globally famous as the Whale Watching Capital of Europe and the setting for the Netflix movie 'Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga'. Visit the 'Jaja Ding Dong' bar! After a day at sea, many relax at the GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths on the cliff edge.
Geology & Science
The bay's name, Skjálfandi, translates to 'Trembling Bay' due to frequent earthquakes. It is unique because two tectonic zones meet here, creating deep waters rich in plankton. This buffet attracts huge numbers of Humpback whales, Minke whales, and even Blue whales. The dramatic Víknafjöll mountains across the bay provide a stunning backdrop.
Safety
Whale watching tours can be choppy. If you get seasick, take medication beforehand. It is always colder at sea than on land – wear the warm overalls provided by the tour operators. The town itself is very safe and walkable.
Photo Tip
When photographing whales, you need a fast shutter speed (1/1000s or faster) to freeze the water spray and the tail fluke. Set your camera to 'Burst Mode'. The iconic Húsavík wooden church (built in 1907) is also a beautiful subject, looking like a Swiss chalet.
Insider Tip
Book a tour on a traditional oak boat rather than a speedboat for a more authentic, quieter experience that disturbs the whales less. Afterward, soak in the GeoSea geothermal baths overlooking the Arctic Circle.
Best Time to Visit
June through August offers a 97% success rate for spotting whales, plus you get to see puffins nesting on Puffin Island.
What to Bring
Dress in extreme layers. Even if it is warm on land, the wind chill out on the Arctic Ocean is freezing. Most tours provide heavy overalls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Húsavík better than Reykjavík for whale watching?
Yes, Húsavík generally has a higher success rate and a wider variety of whale species (including Blue Whales) due to the nutrient-rich waters of Skjálfandi Bay.
Was the Eurovision movie filmed in Húsavík?
Yes! The town gained massive international fame as the setting for the Will Ferrell comedy 'Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga'.
