The Whale-Watching Capital Of Europe Is An Underrated Icelandic Town Begging To Be Explored

The routine itinerary in Iceland usually involves a visit to a hot spring (generally the overcrowded Blue Lagoon), a waterfall trek, and some adventuring around the capital city of Reykjavik. However, if you want to get off the beaten path and experience something extraordinary, we have news for you: There is an Icelandic town that's called the whale-watching capital of Europe. On the northern coast, where the frigid waters of the North Atlantic meet the shores of Skjálfandi Bay, lies Húsavík. This hidden gem offers nature adventures, local history, and 100% whale sighting rates during the summer season. While it may not have the bustling tourism of Reykjavik or the fame of the Blue Lagoon, Húsavík is a destination that begs to be explored by those seeking an authentic Icelandic experience.

Húsavík's reputation as a premier whale-watching destination is well-earned. In fact, it pioneered whale-watching tourism in all of Iceland, being the first place in the country to offer whale-watching tours since the mid-1990s. On a single whale-watching trip, you might be lucky enough to witness one (or many) of Iceland's 23 species of whales, with the most common ones being the humpback whale, minke whale, and the blue whale, the largest animal on the planet. But whales aren't the only marine life you'll encounter in Húsavík! Skjálfandi Bay is also home to dolphins, porpoises, and a wide variety of seabirds, including puffins, making each expedition diverse and unpredictable. 

There are numerous options for setting out to sea on a whale-watching tour in Húsavík. Oak fishing boat tours, lasting two to three hours, provide a classic experience. RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) excursions are shorter (typically under two hours) but packed with more adrenaline. RIBs are faster and smaller, rendering a closer look at the whales. Alternatively, sailing offers a laid-back three- to four-hour expedition, allowing visitors to relax as they glide across the bay on eco-friendly vessels. With experienced guides and a high success rate for sightings, you'll have a firsthand experience with Iceland's whales as they breach, spout, and dive beneath the waves. North Sailing, Húsavík Adventures, Salka Whale Watching, and Gentle Giants are four local tour providers.

Although whale watching is the main attraction, Húsavík offers much more. With a population of just over 2,000, Húsavík invites the alternative traveler. The town's colorful buildings, traditional homes, and scenic harbor feel welcoming and unspoiled by mass tourism. One of its most iconic landmarks is Húsavíkurkirkja, a wooden church built in 1907. Húsavík is also home to the Exploration Museum, which features exhibits on exploration from the Viking Age to the Space Age. Surprisingly, this small Icelandic town played a role in the training of Apollo astronauts in the 1960s. To dive deeper, visit the Húsavík Whale Museum, with fascinating exhibits on whale biology, behavior, and conservation (including a life-sized skeleton of a blue whale!).

Húsavík also serves as an excellent base for exploring some of the natural wonders of northern Iceland, all of which are within a short drive from the town. One such wonder is Lake Mývatn, located about an hour away from Húsavík. This shallow, nutrient-dense lake is surrounded by a surreal landscape of various volcanic landforms. The nearby Mývatn Nature Baths, an unforgettable destination dupe to the Blue Lagoon, offers a relaxing soak in mineral-rich geothermal waters without the crowds.

Another place to check out nearby is Ásbyrgi Canyon, a horseshoe-shaped canyon believed to be the hoofprint of Odin's eight-legged horse. The canyon is part of Vatnajökull National Park, which offers stunning hikes through massive glaciers (the largest in Europe!), moss-grown lava fields, and tranquil ponds. This park, which makes up 13% of Iceland's area, is rich in folklore, with stories of elves said to inhabit the cliffs.

The best time of the year to go whale watching in Húsavík is between May and September, which also coincides with Icelandic summer when the midnight sun bathes the town in 24/7 daylight — perfect for whale watching and exploring the outdoors. In the winter, you are most likely to see the Northern Lights and experience Iceland in its snow-covered, ethereal beauty. No matter when you visit, Húsavík offers an authentic, underrated experience that is often overlooked by those who stick to Iceland's more famous tourist routes.