Exploration in Iceland's Northeastern Region
Let's Set Sail in the Whale Capital of Iceland: Húsavík
Dubbed as the "Whale Watching Capital of Iceland," Húsavík is a picture-perfect coastal town nestled in the remote North of the island nation. A brisk one-hour drive from Akureyri or an hour-long flight from Reykjavík makes it an accessible weekend getaway.
Lore tells of the first house built in Iceland by Swedish Viking Garðar Svavarsson in 860, in this very town. Húsavík's strategic location serves as a gateway to some of Iceland's major attractions and sets the stage for the popular Diamond Circle tour.
Known as the "town of whales," Húsavík prides itself on its main attraction: whale watching. The likelihood of spotting various whale species, including blue whales, fin whales, and humpback whales, is remarkably higher in this region compared to southern Iceland.
Eager for a hassle-free journey, I decided to opt for local airline Eagle Air and stayed at Fosshótel, a well-known hotel chain, whose Húsavík branch had enticing deals. The short, 50-minute flight offers breathtaking views of Iceland's highlands and contributes to the adventure.
Upon arrival at Húsavík, we were welcomed by our friendly tour guide, Gunnar Jóhannesson of Travel North, who shared some intriguing insights about the town. The airport is located in a lava field, around ten minutes away from Húsavík town center. Upon reaching the town, we marveled at the whale watching boats in the bustling harbor and admired the locals' pride in their charming, historic church, built in 1907.
Fosshótel Húsavík, our hotel, is a modern and well-equipped establishment offering a multitude of amenities. Its stylish, modern rooms, complete with all necessary amenities, were a hit with my daughter, who felt like a queen in her spacious double bed with her very own TV!
Named after the town's beloved humpback whales, the hotel's restaurant, Moby Dick, offers a variety of delicious bistro dishes, from fire-oven pizzas and hamburgers - even an exotic reindeer burger - to fish and chips. The kid-friendly menu, complete with wholesome options and a coloring book, kept my daughter joyfully occupied while we indulged in our meals.
Following a nice, rejuvenating sleep, we embarked on an exhilarating whale watching expedition with Gentle Giants. Warmed by thick parkas and woolens, we boarded a charming oak fishing boat, smaller than the whale watching vessels of Reykjav́ik, to explore the Skjálfandi bay.
Journeying through the calm harbor and the powerful waves of the ocean, we were captivated by a pack of dolphins leaping through the water. Suddenly, our guide pointed to the boat’s right side, and there we saw the massive, reddish-brown back of a fin whale, taking a breath and releasing a jet of water into the air. We were astounded to spot not one but two of these gentle giants swimming side by side.
Our next surprise came an hour into the trip as we saw three jets of water emerging from the ocean. Sailing closer, we observed a trio of humpback whales, their majestic backs glistening and then abruptly submerging, leaving behind only their striking black and white tails. My daughter's eyes filled with tears - she couldn't believe her eyes at the sight of these massive marine creatures so close to our boat.
With memories to last a lifetime, we returned to the hotel after a delightful lunch by the harbor, ready for a relaxing afternoon at the Geosea. This beautifully designed geothermal bath complex, perched on the coastline, offers various temperature pools with stunning views of the surrounding mountain landscape and ocean.
Regenerated and reinvigorated from our swim, we savored lunchtime meals at the hotel before exploring the Exploration Museum on Sunday. founder by entrepreneur and former journalist Örlygur Hnefill Örlygsson, this fascinating museum focuses on human exploration of the world and outer space.
With refreshed minds and hearts, we bid farewell to Húsavík and returned to Reykjavík, cherishing unforgettable memories of our family adventure in Iceland's magical whale watching haven.
- The amalgamation of the pristine Icelandic landscapes and its thriving marine life made me consider the fusion of my lifestyle and travel preferences, blending fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, and home-and-garden experiences in this whale watching haven.
- As we navigated the calm waters of Skjálfandi bay, I embraced the thrill of adventure travel, feeling the invigorating wind and witnessing the symphony of nature starring the majestic whales in their element.
- Back at the hotel, I appreciated the harmonious blend of nature with geothermal energy, as we unwound in the relaxing Geosea, a testament of Húsavík's sustainable lifestyle choices.
- With the fascinating history, vibrant local culture, and the opportunity for wildlife encounters, Húsavík serves as an inspiring muse for a nature-themed travel blog and could be an appealing destination for readers with an affinity for weather and adventure-travel.
- In the evenings, we would gather around the table, enjoying delicious cuisines at Moby Dick and sharing tales of our amazing whale watching expedition, creating lasting memories of our life's adventure in the whale capital of Iceland.
