Exploration of Iceland's Northeastern Regions
Heading up North, beyond the bustling streets of Reykjavik, lies the quaint coastal town of Husavik, often referred to as "Whale Harbor." This remote Icelandic gem is just under an hour away by air or a nine-hour drive if you fancy a road trip. The town, steeped in history and legend, was once home to the first dwelling in Iceland constructed by Swedish Viking, Garðar Svavarsson, in the year 860.
Husavik's prime location makes it perfect for day trips to the major attractions in Iceland and is the beginning point of the Diamond Circle. The town has earned a reputation for its encounters with the marine giants. The likelihood of spotting various whale species, including blue whales, fin whales, and humpback whales, is far greater in Husavik compared to other parts of Iceland.
Channeling nostalgia, I booked a weekend getaway for myself, my seven-year-old daughter, and my partner, judging the short 50-minute flight on Eagle Air's navy blue Jetstream 32 and a lovely offer from Fosshotel Husavik to be the ideal combination. Our journey began at the Reykjavik domestic airport next to Nautholsvik. Passing over the picturesque Icelandic landscapes, our small plane provided a unique perspective of the country's highlands during our comfortable flight.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by our friendly guide, Gunnar Johannesson, the managing director of Travel North. After a brief introduction, we found ourselves in the heart of Husavik, where wooden and corrugated iron houses added to the town's unique charm. Lively boats, whale-watching staples, dotted the harbor, while the impressive 1907-built church stood tall, embodying the local pride.
Our accommodation for the weekend was the modern and well-equipped Fosshotel Husavik. Known for hosting conferences and events, it offers a family-friendly atmosphere and is the largest conference hotel in the entire North of Iceland. The rooms were stylishly designed with hues of grey and purple, providing all necessary amenities like fridges, safes, and coffee and tea makers. My daughter, thrilled with her double bed and private TV, felt like a princess.
The Moby Dick, a sophisticated restaurant within Fosshotel Husavik, provided us with a superb dining experience. Offering fire-oven pizzas, hamburgers, and fish and chips, among other options, the bistro menu catered to our tastes perfectly. With exceptional service, my daughter even received a special kid's menu featuring healthy options, whale coloring books, and crayons.
After a quick walk around the harbor and a peek into the local Huysavik öl microbrewery, we were ready for a good night's sleep. The following morning brought exciting adventures as we embarked on a whale-watching tour with Gentle Giants. Despite otherwise chilly temperatures and strong waves, the warmth of excitement filled the air. We marveled at schools of dolphins and the massive, reddish-brown back of the fin whale, the second largest whale species in the world. With a little luck, we even caught glimpses of humpback whales, eliciting tears of joy from my little travel companion.
Our whale-watching adventure wasn't without its educational moments, as we learned about the ongoing debate on commercial whaling in Reykjavik harbor and the whale-watching industry's focus on responsible viewing practices.
Post-whale watching, we visited the Geosea baths, a modern facility nestled on the Husavik coast. With warm, mineral-rich seawater, stunning panoramic views, and the option for refreshing drinks and snacks, the Geosea baths provided the perfect way to unwind after an action-packed day.
Our weekend in Husavik culminated with a visit to the Exploration Museum, an intriguing project founded by entrepreneur and former journalist Orilygur Hnefill Orlygsson. The museum housed exhibits focused on human exploration of the world, outer space, the Vikings, polar regions, and underwater and underground expeditions. A must-see for history enthusiasts, the museum offers knowledgeable insights into the rich exploration history that intertwines Husavik's past and present.
As our weekend in Husavik came to a close, we boarded our return flight to Reykjavik, leaving behind the enchanting allure of this quaint town that we loved so much. For anyone in search of a magical adventure, Husavik is a diamond hidden in Iceland's rugged landscapes, promising encounters with marine giants, breathtaking natural beauty, and an unforgettable experience steeped in history and charm.
- The Geosea baths, located on the Husavik coast, offer warm, mineral-rich seawater, stunning panoramic views, and refreshments, providing an ideal way to unwind after an action-packed day.
- The likelihood of spotting various whale species, including blue whales, fin whales, and humpback whales, is far greater in Husavik compared to other parts of Iceland.
- Our accommodation for the weekend, Fosshotel Husavik, is the largest conference hotel in the entire North of Iceland and offers a family-friendly atmosphere.
- Channeling nostalgia, I booked a weekend getaway for myself, my seven-year-old daughter, and my partner, deciding on a short 50-minute flight on Eagle Air's navy blue Jetstream 32 and a lovely offer from Fosshotel Husavik to be the ideal combination.
- The whale-watching industry in Husavik focuses on responsible viewing practices, contrasting with the ongoing debate on commercial whaling in Reykjavik harbor.
- Originally home to the first dwelling in Iceland constructed by Swedish Viking, Garðar Svavarsson, in the year 860, Husavik's prime location makes it perfect for day trips to major attractions and the beginning point of the Diamond Circle.
