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.
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.
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.
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.
The uniquely designed Husavik Church in Husavik.
The Husavik Church near the waterfront in Husavik.
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.
A whale jumping near Husavik.
A tourist boat on a whale watching tour from Husavik.
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.
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.
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Húsavík Whale Center
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Húsavík Whale Watching, Husavik
Húsavík Church, Husavik
Húsavík Whale Watching, Husavik
Húsavík Church, Husavik
Husavik
