Húsavík

North

Skjálfandi Bay's cold, nutrient-rich waters draw humpbacks, minkes, and occasionally blue whales close enough that tours routinely deliver sightings within an hour of leaving the pier. Húsavík has run whale watching since the 1990s — multiple operators, oak sailing vessels and RIBs, tours from April through October, up to 23 species recorded in the bay. The town is worth exploring beyond the harbour. The wooden 1907 church with a red roof overlooking the water is one of North Iceland's most photographed. The Whale Museum holds 13 real skeletons including a blue whale. GeoSea, an infinity-pool geothermal bath on the cliffs north of the harbour, has direct views over the bay. The 2020 Will Ferrell film Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga was filmed here, and the harbour district is recognisable from it. Húsavík is on Route 85 about an hour north of Akureyri, on the Diamond Circle route that takes in Ásbyrgi and Dettifoss. Whale watching, the museum, and GeoSea fill a full day. Accommodation ranges from hotels to guesthouses, with good seafood restaurants throughout.

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