Húsavík
Wildlife lovers wanting whale watching in combination with excellent aurora viewing
About Húsavík
Húsavík is a small fishing town on Iceland's north coast with the rare double appeal of serious whale watching and strong northern-lights conditions. Sitting just below the Arctic Circle at 66°N, it enjoys longer winter darkness than much of Iceland and far less light pollution than Reykjavík. The GeoSea geothermal sea baths are the obvious signature experience, with naturally heated seawater and open views across Skjálfandi Bay. In summer, Húsavík is one of Europe's best places to see humpback whales, with regular sightings of minke whales and occasional blue whales. In winter, the town becomes a calm base for aurora watching, coastal photography and quieter north-Iceland road trips. It is smaller and more peaceful than Akureyri, which is exactly why many travellers end up preferring it.
Best Time to Visit
Monthly Weather & Aurora
| Month | Avg Temp | Dark Hours | Aurora Chance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan★ Best | -4°C | 22h | High |
| Feb★ Best | -3°C | 17h | High |
| Mar★ Best | -1°C | 11h | Med |
| Apr | +3°C | 4h | Low |
| May | +7°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Jun | +11°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Jul | +13°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Aug | +12°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Sep | +8°C | 5h | Med |
| Oct★ Best | +4°C | 13h | High |
| Nov★ Best | 0°C | 19h | High |
| Dec★ Best | -3°C | 22h | High |
Activities
Getting There
Most visitors reach Húsavík by road from Akureyri in about 1 hour, making it an easy add-on to a north Iceland itinerary. Akureyri has year-round domestic flights from Reykjavík, and driving from Reykjavík takes around 6 to 7 hours depending on conditions and stops. Húsavík also has limited seasonal flights, but for most travellers a rental car offers the most flexibility for whale tours, GeoSea, Lake Mývatn and nearby waterfall routes.
Cost Breakdown
Iceland is one of Europe's most expensive destinations. Self-drive rental is a common transport choice.
Accommodation Highlights
- ✓Harbour Guesthouses
- ✓Boutique Hotels
- ✓Geothermal Lodges
Location
💎 Hidden Gem
Húsavík is one of PolarTourist's hidden gems — a lesser-known destination that offers an exceptional aurora experience without the crowds.
Budget Estimator
Based on avg $150/day in Húsavík. Includes accommodation, food, local transport & one guided tour. Flights not included.
Quick Info
Official Channels
Packing List for Húsavík
Interactive checklist with clothing layers, gear, and activity-specific items — based on real weather data.
View packing list →Get Aurora Alerts
Húsavík is rated 8/10 for aurora. Get a free email alert the moment Kp hits 5+ — so you never miss the lights.
Sign up free →🏨Where to Stay(10)
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Gistihúsið við Höfnina
Dalbraut 1, 465 Bíldudalur, Iceland
hotel
Sigló Hótel by Keahotels
Snorragata 3, 580 Siglufjörður, Iceland
hotel
Laxhús
Norðausturvegur Laxamýri, XJC7+M6P, 641 Laxamyri, Iceland
hotel
Hótel Húsavík
Höfði, 640 Húsavík, Iceland
hotelÁrból Guesthouse
Ásgarðsvegur, 640 Húsavík, Iceland
guest houseSkúlagarður Country Hotel & Restaurant
Skúlagarður, 671 Ásbyrgi, Iceland
hotelFosshotel Húsavík
Ketilsbraut 22, 640 Húsavík, Iceland
hotelHotel Viking
Íþróttahúsið Strandgötu, Strandgata 53, 220 Hafnarfjörður, Iceland
hotel🍽️Where to Eat(10)
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Hérna
Stórigarður 11, 640 Húsavík, Iceland
cafe
Vogafjós Farm Resort
Vogar, 660 Myvatn, Iceland
restaurantHlodufell Restaurant & Bar Husavik
Héðinsbraut 3, 640 Húsavík, Iceland
restaurantLava Restaurant
Nordurljosavegur 9, 240 Grindavik, Iceland
restaurantGamli Baukur
Hafnarstétt 9, 640 Húsavík, Iceland
restaurantFosshotel Húsavík
Ketilsbraut 22, 640 Húsavík, Iceland
hotel🎯Things to Do(10)
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Husavik Adventures
Garðarsbraut, 640 Húsavík, Iceland
point of interest
Friends of Moby Dick - Whale Watching
Hafnarstétt 35, 640 Húsavík, Iceland
tourist attraction
Gentle Giants - Husavik Whale Watching
Garðarsbraut, 640 Húsavík, Iceland
tour agency
North Sailing - Húsavík Whale Watching
Garðarsbraut, 640 Húsavík, Iceland
tour agencyHúsavík Harbor
2MW3+7HF, Hafnarstétt, 640 Húsavík, Iceland
tourist attractionHúsavík Whale Museum
Hafnarstétt 1, 640 Húsavík, Iceland
tourist attractionSalka Whale Watching
Garðarsbraut 7, 640 Húsavík, Iceland
tour agencyHúsavíkurhöfn
2MW3+PGW, 640, 640 Húsavík, Iceland
tourist attractionArcticSeaTours
Hafnarbraut 22, 620 Dalvík, Iceland
tour agencyHow Does Húsavík Compare?
Side-by-side breakdowns featuring Húsavík
Popular Activities in Húsavík
Explore activity guides for everything you can do here
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