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 remarkable double distinction of being Europe's whale watching capital and an excellent aurora viewing base. Sitting just below the Arctic Circle at 66°N, it has longer winter nights than Akureyri and significantly less light pollution. The GeoSea geothermal sea baths, where warm mineral-rich water meets the cold Arctic sea, are a local highlight — and watching the northern lights from a hot outdoor pool as humpback whales breach in the distance is a genuinely unique experience. The town gained unexpected fame from the Eurovision film 'Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga'. Year-round whale watching tours have a very high sighting success rate, with humpback whales, minke whales, and even blue whales regularly spotted.
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
1h drive from Akureyri (with its airport) or 4.5h from Reykjavik. No direct flights — car hire or organised tours from Akureyri.
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)
View all on Google Maps →
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)
View all on Google Maps →
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)
View all on Google Maps →
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
More Destinations in Iceland
Other aurora spots to explore in the same country
Akureyri
Iceland returnees and aurora chasers who want higher latitude and fewer crowds than Reykjavik
Egilsstaðir
Independent travellers exploring the Ring Road who want authentic Iceland beyond the tourist trail
Ísafjörður
Adventurous travellers seeking Iceland's most dramatic and remote landscapes with excellent aurora viewing
Mývatn
Travellers wanting to combine geothermal bathing under the aurora with Iceland's most dramatic volcanic scenery
Nearby Destinations
Mývatn
Travellers wanting to combine geothermal bathing under the aurora with Iceland's most dramatic volcanic scenery
Akureyri
Iceland returnees and aurora chasers who want higher latitude and fewer crowds than Reykjavik
Egilsstaðir
Independent travellers exploring the Ring Road who want authentic Iceland beyond the tourist trail
Vík í Mýrdal
Landscape photographers wanting volcanic drama and ice caves alongside aurora opportunities
Related Destinations
Akureyri
Iceland returnees and aurora chasers who want higher latitude and fewer crowds than Reykjavik
Egilsstaðir
Independent travellers exploring the Ring Road who want authentic Iceland beyond the tourist trail
Ísafjörður
Adventurous travellers seeking Iceland's most dramatic and remote landscapes with excellent aurora viewing