Husavik Tourist Attractions
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Húsavík, a fishing village of 2,500 inhabitants on the eastern shores of Skjalfandi Bay was the first place in Iceland to offer whale-watching cruises and is many travelers sole purpose for visiting. It is known as the whale watching capital of Europe. Bird-watching and sea angling trips are also popular as are a wide variety of winter diversions.Being just south of the Arctic Circle it enjoys almost 24 hours of daylight in summer. During the long nights of winter the sky is frequently decorated with millions of stars and flashing Aurora Borealis.
Húsavík Whale Center
The Húsavík Whale Centre is a non-profit educational, information center focusing on whales and their life and habitat.The Centre provides the public with information on all whale species around Iceland through the use of models, skeletons, drawings and text on all species of whales around Iceland. A life-size model of a Minke whale is on display.Included is a children's room plus various videos on whales, including a tape on "Iceland whaling" as a part of the whaling exhibit. The Húsavík Whale Centre offers informative guided tours to the local Fish factory; "Fiskidjusamlag Húsavíkur".
Gamli Baukur Restaurant and Nautical Collection
The buildings housing the Gamli Baukur Restaurant and Nautical Collection are built of driftwood found around the coastline. In the nautical collection old steering wheels, compasses, telegraphs and lanterns plus copper lamps and search lights are amongst the items on display.Gamli Baukur was originally built in 1843 as a residence for the district magistrate and is now a popular restaurant.
Húsavík Church
Húsavík Church c 1907 is an attractive white and green church built like a cross. Designed by Rögnvaldur Ólafsson, the church is different from other churches in Iceland, because it does not have the familiar pulpit.The Church tower is 26m/85ft high.The artist Freymodur Johannesson painted and decorated the church's interior in 1924.
Húsavík Whale Watching
Sailing west from Húsavík harbor, whale-watching tours often encounter Minke whales. Of the larger species Humpbacks are the most common, but species such as Sei Whales, Fin Whales and even Blue Whales have been spotted.White beaked dolphins and Harbor porpoises are also common in the area.
Museum House at Húsavík
Items collected through the years illustrate the history region and its inhabitants. Exhibited are maritime and natural history displays plus archives and photos of the area.An old sod and turf farm at Grenjadarstadur, approximately 30 km/19mi south of Húsavík is also part of the folk display managed by the Museum House.
Goðafoss Waterfall
Goðafoss is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland. Situated in the 175km/109mi long glacial river Skjalfandafljot, it is named the "Waterfall of the Gods" after a converted pagan priest through all his wooden deities off the cliff top.
Longhouse Ruins
These ruins are thought to have once belonged to the wealthy and influential Gudrun Sjurdardottir built around 11th C. The longhouse ruins contain a flagstone mosaic floor and a wooden roof overlain with insulating turf.
Laxa River
The scenic river Laxa flowing through old lava-fields and beautiful rock formations is one of Iceland's best salmon-fishing rivers.
