In Húsavík, several interests come together in one place: research, whales and marine ecology, fishing and boatbuilding, and walks to named destinations. These topics are quite distinct, so you can shape your stay around culture, maritime history or time outdoors.

Museums, Research and Local History

The Exploration Museum explores the history of human exploration—from early explorers to space exploration. Its main gallery features photographs and artefacts from Apollo astronaut training near Húsavík in 1965 and 1967. The gallery thus connects the local area with the history of spaceflight.

The Húsavík Whale Museum focuses on whales, marine ecology and the historical relationship between whales and humans. The museum presents these subjects in an entertaining and engaging way. In summer, together with the University of Iceland’s research centre, it forms the educational component of the whale-watching tours offered in Húsavík. The crew shares its knowledge of whales and tells stories about Skjálfandi Bay. The museum and the tour both focus on whales, but in different ways: one offers knowledge of ecology and history, while the other shares information through the crew and stories about the bay.

The Maritime Museum at the Húsavík Museum traces the development of fishing and boatbuilding, from rowing boats to motorboats. The same museum also showcases the craftsmanship of Nordic clinker-boat traditions. Fishing, boats and traditional craftsmanship broaden the view of maritime history beyond the subject of whales.

In the centre of Húsavík stands Húsavík Church, a wooden church and a local landmark. It was consecrated in 1907, and its tower is 26 metres high. This gives the town centre an architectural focus alongside the museum themes: the church shapes the townscape as a landmark, while the museums explore discovery, whales and maritime work.

Walking Trails and Views Across the Bay

One route description follows the Búðará River to the Botanical Garden, continues toward Yltjörn and then returns to Húsavík. The marked walking trail to the Botanical Garden and the Goldfish Pond is almost ten kilometres long. It starts at the car park on Garðarsbraut, is well signposted and follows good paths. The return to Húsavík is part of the same route; the marked trail’s length gives you a clear indication for planning.

GeoSea’s baths overlook Skjálfandi Bay and face north toward the Arctic Circle. Húsavík’s swimming pool is close to museums, restaurants, the harbour and other services. The bay views and the location near a range of amenities are different aspects to consider when finding your way around town.

Discover more destinations: Reykjahlíð, Grenivík, Laugar, Miðgarðar, Raufarhöfn, Hallbjarnarstaðir, Sauðárkrókur, Siglufjörður

See the regional travel overview: Northeast Iceland.