Exciting Escapade in Iceland's Northeastern Region
Venture to the mesmerizing town of Húsavík, Iceland, often dubbed the "harbor of houses" due to its picturesque coastal setting. situated just an hour's flight from Reykjavik or a nostalgic nine-hour drive from the capital city. Known for its rich history and fascinating marine life, Húsavík is the perfect destination for a memorable weekend getaway.
Legend posits that the very first house built in Iceland was erected by Swedish Viking Garðar Svavarsson in the year 860. Today, Húsavík serves as an ideal starting point for various day trips to some of Iceland's major tourist attractions and is the beginning of the popular Diamond Circle route.
Famous for its thriving whale population, Húsavík is often referred to as the town of whales. Whale enthusiasts flock to the area for an unparalleled opportunity to catch sight of various whale species, including blue whales, fin whales, and humpback whales – all in greater numbers than in South Iceland.
Embarking on an excursion to Húsavík, our travelers, including a seven-year-old daughter and her boyfriend, opted for a short, comfortable 50-minute flight with the local airline, Eagle Air, and stayed at the contemporary and well-appointed Fosshótel Húsavík, the largest conference hotel in the entire North of Iceland.
Upon our arrival, we were greeted by Gunnar Jóhannesson, the managing director of Travel North, who regaled us with tales of the town's history. Our journey from the airport to the center of Húsavík took approximately ten minutes, during which we noticed the whale-watching boats at the bustling harbor and the charming church, an architectural marvel built in 1907.
Wandering through the picturesque town, we admired the unique combination of wood and corrugated iron houses, which gave Húsavík a charming, small-town ambiance. The stunning surrounding nature featured snow-capped mountains and North Atlantic ocean views that took our breath away.
Fosshótel Húsavík, our home for the weekend, offered modern amenities and elegant yet family-friendly accommodations. Each room was equipped with a refrigerator, safe, coffee and tea maker, and adorned with sophisticated furnishings in hues of grey and purple.
The Moby Dick restaurant, nestled within the hotel, served a bistro menu featuring fire-oven pizzas, hamburgers, and fish and chips. The restaurant offered a relaxed atmosphere with friendly service and even provided a special kid's menu and whale coloring books to entertain the young guests.
After a restful night, we indulged in a delicious buffet breakfast at the hotel before venturing out to fulfill our dreams of witnessing these magnificent creatures up close. With the help of Gentle Giants, a reputable whale-watching company, we embarked on a magical journey to encounter the whales swimming in the Skjálfandi bay.
Fortune was on our side, as we witnessed a remarkable encounter with two fin whales, the second-largest whale species on the planet, accompanied by a school of playful dolphins. Emotions ran high, as our daughter, captivated by the massive, gentle giants, could hardly contain her excitement and even declared them her new favorite animals.
In the afternoon, we took a short drive to GeoSea, a unique geothermal sea bath offering breathtaking views of the ocean. Soaking in the warm, mineral-rich water was truly rejuvenating, and the experience left us feeling refreshed and revitalized.
To complete our Húsavík adventure, we paid a visit to the Exploration Museum, a fascinating educational institution dedicated to various exploration endeavors, including human expeditions, space exploration, polar regions exploration, and underwater caves. The museum offered interactive exhibits that catered to all ages, making it an enjoyable and enlightening experience for the whole family.
Finally, bidding farewell to Húsavík, we returned to Reykjavik with nothing but cherished memories of our memorable family weekend in this extraordinary town.
Enrichment Data:
- Húsavík is well-known for being the whale-watching capital of Iceland, offering a variety of tours, including whale-watching on traditional Icelandic oak ships and RIB boat tours operated by Gentle Giants.
- The Húsavík Whale Museum is a popular destination after a whale-watching tour, featuring local history, information about whale species, and conservation efforts.
- Geothermal Baths at GeoSea are a must-visit, offering stunning views of Skjálfandi Bay.
- Additional attractions in Húsavík include exploring the Lake Mývatn area and visiting the Snow Dogs husky kennel.
The travelers, including a young girl and her boyfriend, embarked on an adventure-travel to Húsavík, Iceland, known for its thriving whale population and rich geothermal resources. After a comfortable flight with Eagle Air and a stay at the contemporary Fosshótel Húsavík, they indulged in various activities, such as whale-watching with Gentle Giants, soaking in the Geothermal Sea Baths at GeoSea, and visiting the Exploration Museum. Their lifestyle in Húsavík was filled with memories of magnificent whale encounters, striking natural landscapes, and enlightening educational experiences.
