Husavik
Plan Husavik with Haqqi Tours: day tours, private airport transfers, attraction tickets and packages, run by our own team and confirmed on WhatsApp in Arabic or English.
On a summer evening in Husavik the sun barely sets. Light lingers gold over Skjalfandi Bay, the snow-streaked mountains across the water glow pink, and the white timber church with its red roof stands bright above the harbour. Fishing boats and whale-watching vessels rest at the quay, seabirds wheel overhead, and far out in the bay a humpback breathes, its spout hanging in the cool, still air.
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Husavik at first sight
Husavik takes its name from the 'bay of houses', recalling the shelters built by Norse seafarers who wintered here more than a thousand years ago, among the very first in Iceland. For centuries it lived from fishing and trade; today the rich, plankton-filled waters of the bay have made it the whale-watching capital of Iceland and the natural gateway to the waterfalls, canyons and lava fields of the north.
Why include Husavik in your itinerary?
- The whale-watching capital of Iceland. From spring to autumn, humpback whales feed in Skjalfandi Bay with remarkable regularity, joined by minke whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises, and in some years by blue whales in early summer, the largest animals ever to have lived.
- Puffins and wild seabirds. In summer, Lundey, the puffin island off the coast, hosts a great colony of Atlantic puffins, while fulmars, kittiwakes and arctic terns fill the cliffs and skies, making every trip on the bay a wildlife experience above and below the water.
- Geothermal baths and the Diamond Circle. Soak in warm mineral seawater on the headland above the bay, then explore the northern wonders close by: the canyon of Asbyrgi, thundering Dettifoss, the volcanic landscapes of Lake Myvatn and the graceful falls of Godafoss.
Signature experiences in Husavik
Whale Watching on Skjalfandi Bay
Sail out from Husavik harbour on a traditional wooden fishing boat adapted for whale watching, with a guide who knows each season's patterns. Humpbacks often surface close by, lifting their tails before deep dives, and dolphins may ride the bow wave. Our guided whale-watching tours last about three hours, with warm overalls provided, and summer sightings here are among the most reliable anywhere in the world.
Speedboat Safari to Puffin Island
For a faster, more thrilling day on the water, a rigid inflatable speedboat reaches further across the bay in search of whales, then circles Lundey, where puffins crowd the grassy cliff tops from mid-May to mid-August. Our speedboat whale and puffin tours provide flotation suits, keep groups small and are ideal for active travellers who want to feel the spray and see seabirds up close.
The Geothermal Sea Baths
On the headland just north of town, infinity pools filled with naturally warm, mineral-rich seawater look straight out over the bay to the mountains and the Arctic horizon. On a clear summer evening you may even spot whales from the water, and in winter the northern lights can dance overhead. We can add entry tickets to your stay, a perfect and relaxing end to a day at sea.
The Harbour, Whale Museum and Old Town
Husavik's waterfront is lined with colourful timber buildings, cafés serving fresh fish soup and an excellent whale museum, housed in a former slaughterhouse, where complete whale skeletons hang above the exhibits. Nearby, the wooden church built in the early twentieth century is among the loveliest in Iceland, and a small exploration museum tells the story of journeys from the far north all the way to the moon.
The Diamond Circle
Husavik is the starting point of the Diamond Circle, a scenic loop through the north. Walk into the horseshoe-shaped canyon of Asbyrgi, feel the spray of Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe, see the craters, lava pillars and steaming vents around Lake Myvatn, and finish at Godafoss, the waterfall of the gods. A private car with driver arranged by our team makes this long, rewarding day easy.
Neighbourhoods and quarters to know in Husavik
The Harbour
The old harbour is the heart of Husavik, where whale-watching boats depart, fishing boats unload and the main cafés and museums line the waterfront. Staying here means stepping straight from your guesthouse onto the quay. It is safe, compact and lively in summer, with views across the bay to the mountains on the far shore.
The Town Centre
Just above the harbour, the town centre gathers around the wooden church, the main street, a supermarket, the public swimming pool and small hotels and apartments. It is a practical, friendly base with everything within a few minutes' walk, and quieter in the evening than the waterfront in high season.
The Headland
North of the harbour, the grassy headland rises above the bay, with walking paths, a lighthouse, the geothermal sea baths and wide views to the Arctic horizon. A handful of guesthouses and holiday houses sit on the slopes nearby. It is peaceful, especially lovely under the midnight sun, and ideal for couples and photographers.
The Surrounding Countryside
South and north of town, the Adaldalur valley and the Tjornes peninsula offer country guesthouses and farm stays among meadows, lava fields, rivers and sea cliffs. They suit families and drivers who want space and quiet nights, and most lie within about twenty minutes of the harbour and the whale-watching departures.
How long to stay in Husavik and how to pair it
Recommended stay
We recommend two nights in Husavik. Spend one day on whale watching, a puffin speedboat trip and the sea baths, and a second on the Diamond Circle with Asbyrgi and Dettifoss. With three nights, add a full day at Lake Myvatn or a second, calmer whale trip under the midnight sun.
How to pair it
Husavik pairs naturally with Akureyri, the capital of the north, about an hour and a quarter by road, and with Lake Myvatn for its volcanic landscapes and nature baths. A seven-day trip combines Reykjavik and the Golden Circle with a short domestic flight to Akureyri and on to Husavik. In ten days, add the East Fjords. A fourteen-day journey can follow the full Ring Road, including the glacier lagoon at Jokulsarlon and the south coast.
Best time to visit Husavik and the rhythm of the day
Best months
The best time to visit Husavik is from June to August, when whales are most active in the bay, puffins are nesting and the midnight sun keeps the sky light almost around the clock. Whale-watching trips run from about April to October, and blue whales are most often seen in June. Winters are dark and cold with fewer departures, but they bring the chance of the northern lights.
The daily rhythm
In summer, Husavik's day stretches long. Whale boats leave from morning until late evening, so many travellers sail in the soft light after dinner. Mornings suit a drive to Asbyrgi or Dettifoss, afternoons a slow lunch by the harbour, and evenings a soak in the sea baths while the sun hangs low over the bay and the mountains turn rose and gold.
On-the-ground logistics in Husavik
Arrival
Most travellers fly into Keflavik International Airport (KEF), then take a short domestic flight of about forty-five minutes from Reykjavik (RKV) to Akureyri Airport (AEY), and drive about an hour and a quarter to Husavik through the Vadlaheidi tunnel. The small Husavik airfield (HZK) south of town has only limited service, and the drive from Reykjavik takes about six hours. We arrange private transfers from Akureyri airport straight to your hotel in Husavik.
Getting around
Husavik is compact and easy to explore on foot, from the harbour up to the church and out to the headland. Public buses in the region are limited and seasonal, so most visitors rely on a car. For the Diamond Circle, Lake Myvatn or winter roads, a private car with driver arranged by our team is the safest and most comfortable choice.
Local etiquette tip
Icelanders are relaxed, direct and informal, and tipping is not expected. In geothermal pools, everyone showers thoroughly without swimwear in separate changing rooms for men and women before entering, a strict hygiene rule. Respect nature: stay on paths, keep away from nesting birds and never drive off-road. Iceland is not a Muslim-majority country and there are no halal restaurants in Husavik, but fresh fish, seafood and vegetarian dishes are easy to find, and Reykjavik has a few halal options.
Must-do things in Husavik
- Watch humpback whales surface in Skjalfandi Bay
- Ride a speedboat around Lundey to see nesting puffins
- Soak in the geothermal sea baths above the bay
- Visit the whale museum by the harbour
- Photograph the wooden church above the harbour
- Walk the headland paths to the lighthouse at sunset
- Explore the horseshoe-shaped canyon of Asbyrgi
- Feel the spray of mighty Dettifoss
- See the lava pillars and craters around Lake Myvatn
- Sail under the midnight sun on a late-evening whale trip
Do’s and don’ts in Husavik
Do
- Do dress in warm, windproof layers, even in midsummer
- Do check the weather and sea conditions before sailing
- Do bring binoculars and a waterproof cover for your camera
- Do shower without swimwear before entering geothermal pools
- Do take seasickness tablets if you are prone to motion sickness
Don’t
- Don't approach or disturb nesting puffins and seabirds
- Don't drive off-road or on closed mountain tracks
- Don't underestimate the cold wind on the open sea
- Don't expect the northern lights during the bright summer nights
- Don't try to cover Husavik and the Diamond Circle in one rushed day
Husavik at a glance
Plan Husavik with Haqqi Tours
Every option is confirmed by our team on WhatsApp before you pay, and delivered by our own people or by trusted local partners we work with in every city. Because we send travellers from all over the world, our partners give us special rates and priority, so you always receive the best. Prices are per person unless marked per vehicle.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask most about Husavik.
Where should first-time visitors stay in Husavik?
First-time visitors usually stay by the harbour or in the town centre, a short walk from the whale-watching boats, cafés and museums. For more space and quiet, farm stays in the surrounding countryside are lovely and within about twenty minutes. Our team can suggest a hotel and arrange your private transfer from Akureyri airport.
Can Husavik be done as a day trip, or does it need an overnight stay?
Husavik can be visited as a day trip from Akureyri, about an hour and a quarter away, but staying at least one or two nights lets you choose the calmest sea for whale watching, sail under the midnight sun and add the Diamond Circle. We arrange private transfers and tours to fit your schedule.
What is the dress code and etiquette in Husavik?
There is no dress code in Husavik, but the weather matters: wear warm, windproof and waterproof layers, a hat and gloves on the boats, even in summer. Shower without swimwear before using geothermal pools, keep away from nesting birds and respect private farmland. Our guides explain local customs on the way.
Is Husavik tourist friendly?
Yes. Husavik has welcomed whale watchers for decades, and its harbour, museums, cafés and guesthouses are used to visitors from around the world. Almost everyone speaks excellent English, signs are clear and services are well organised. Exploring with our guided tours makes everything easier.
Is it safe to travel to Husavik now?
Iceland is among the safest countries in the world, and Husavik is a calm, friendly town. The main risks come from nature: cold seas, sudden weather changes and icy roads in winter, so follow the crew's instructions on boats and check road conditions. Before departure, check your own government's official travel advice, and keep our WhatsApp line handy throughout your stay.
What are the must-do things in Husavik?
The must-do things in Husavik include whale watching on Skjalfandi Bay, a speedboat trip to the puffins of Lundey, the geothermal sea baths, the whale museum, the wooden church and a day on the Diamond Circle to Asbyrgi, Dettifoss and Lake Myvatn. Our guided tours combine these in the best order and timing.
How many days do you need in Husavik?
Two days is ideal for Husavik: one for whales, puffins and the sea baths, and one for the Diamond Circle. One day covers a whale trip and the town at a quicker rhythm, while three days allows Lake Myvatn, extra sailings and quiet evenings under the midnight sun.
What can I book in Husavik with Haqqi Tours?
Day tours, attraction tickets and private airport transfers, including Husavik Whale Watching Tour with Guide and Big Whale Safari & Puffin Island Speedboat Tour Husavik. Each has its own page, and the WhatsApp desk combines any of them into one plan with one written price.
How do I get from the airport to my hotel in Husavik?
Akureyri Airport (AEY) sits beside the fjord about 3 km south of Akureyri town centre; Husavik is about 75 km and one hour away by road through the Vadlaheidi tunnel, and Reykjahlid at Lake Myvatn about 100 km and one hour 15 minutes. Our private transfer meets you at arrivals with a name board, tracks your flight and takes you door to door at a fixed price for the whole vehicle; the transfer pages list every route.
Is there public transport from the airport to Husavik?
Husavik has no railway; a few long-distance buses run to Akureyri, mostly in summer, and taxis are scarce. A private car is the simplest way to reach the town from the airport with luggage, especially in winter or before an early whale-watching departure. With luggage, a family or a late flight, the private car is the simpler choice.
Which tours are available in Husavik?
Among them: Husavik Whale Watching Tour with Guide and Big Whale Safari & Puffin Island Speedboat Tour Husavik. Each page says whether the day is private or small-group, what it includes and how long it lasts.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Both exist, and each tour page says which. A private tour has a vehicle and guide for your party alone; the desk can make most group tours private on request.
How do I book?
Fill in the form on any page or message us on WhatsApp with the date, the number of travellers and the hotel. A member of our team confirms the price and the details in writing within minutes.
Are the prices fixed?
Yes - every price is agreed in writing on WhatsApp before you travel and does not change on the day.
Do the drivers and guides speak Arabic or English?
It depends on the city and the day, so we do not promise a particular language; tell us your preference and we do our best. The WhatsApp desk always works in Arabic and English.
Can I change or cancel a booking in Husavik?
Yes, in the same WhatsApp conversation. The terms depend on the product and on how close to the date the change comes; the desk states them before you pay.