Port Guide | Iceland | Dive Deep

Husavik

Author Image for David Nakamura

David Nakamura | Editor

Published on 2025-05-28

Congratulations, wandering seafarers-you've docked your floating palace in Husavik, a cheerfully windswept little outpost hugging Iceland's north coast, best known as the whale-watching capital of a country already pretty obsessed with whales. In fact, rumor has it there are more whale-themed souvenirs here than actual whales offshore, though the resident humpbacks might dispute that (politely, of course-this is Iceland). Between snapping selfies in front of the absurdly photogenic wooden houses and contemplating whether fermented shark is an elaborate Icelandic prank, you'll quickly discover what all the fuss is about. First things first: warm yourself with a pint of local craft beer, then hop aboard a whale-watching tour-because if you visit Husavik and don't try to spot a whale, did you even visit Husavik?

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Notes from the Editor

Husavik is known as the whale watching capital of Iceland, with many tours available. It's also famous for its charming wooden houses and friendly atmosphere.


Where do cruise ships dock in Husavik?

Port Name Husavik

Country Iceland

Region North Atlantic

Ship Terminal Husavik Harbour

Port Type Dedicated port

Accessibility The city center is approximately 0.5 km from the terminal, easily accessible by foot.

What's the weather like in Husavik?

Best Season to Visit Summer (June to August)

Climate Subarctic climate, cool summers and mild winters with frequent rainfall.

Weather Notes The summer months have long daylight hours, but it can also be windy and chilly. Weather changes rapidly, so layers are recommended.

Temperature Range 50F to 68F (10C to 20C)

High Temp 64F

Low Temp 30F

Average Temp 47F

What do I need to know about Husavik?

Language Icelandic

Currency Icelandic krona (ISK)

Card Widely Accepted 1

Population 1,400

Timezone GMT (UTC+0)

How do I get around Husavik?

Public buses, taxis, and car rentals are available in the area.


What are The Best Things to do in Husavik?

Discover what you should do while you're in Husavik.


Adventure and Outdoor Activities

Gentle Giants Whale Watching

Hafnarstett 9, Husavik

Experience whale watching in Europe's whale watching capital.

Distance from Terminal: 0.2 miles

Active Tour Outdoors Nature Water Bucket-List Walking-Distance Photo Op

Silent Whale Watching Tour

Hafnarstett 7, Husavik

Quiet, environmentally friendly whale watching boats.

Distance from Terminal: 0.2 miles

Active Relaxing Tour Outdoors Nature Water Wildlife Walking-Distance

Puffin Watching on Lundey Island

N/A

Spot puffins birds nesting on Lundey island off the coast of Husavik.

Distance from Terminal: 4 miles

Active Tour Outdoors Nature Water Wildlife Photo Op

Horseback Riding through Lava Fields

Saltvik Horse Rental, Husavik

Horse riding adventures across ancient lava fields.

Distance from Terminal: 3 miles

Active Adrenaline Outdoors Nature Rural Bucket-List Photo Op

Husavik Mountain Biking Trails

N/A

Adventurous mountain biking through scenic North Iceland landscapes.

Distance from Terminal: 2.5 miles

Active Outdoors Nature Rural Bucket-List Photo Op

Sea Angling Tours

Harbor Area, Husavik

Deep-sea fishing adventures unique to North Atlantic waters.

Distance from Terminal: 0.2 miles

Active Adrenaline Tour Outdoors Water Bucket-List Car Needed Photo Op

Hiking and Photography at Aðaldalur Valley

Aðaldalur Valley

Picturesque trails with unique landscapes ideal for nature photography.

Distance from Terminal: 14 miles

Active Relaxing Outdoors Nature Rural Photo Op

Historical and cultural landmarks

Husavik Whale Museum

Hafnarstett 1, Husavik

See exhibits dedicated entirely to whales unique to the North Atlantic region.

Distance from Terminal: 0.2 miles

Self-Guided Indoors Museum Walking-Distance

The Exploration Museum

Heðinsbraut 3, Husavik

Dietailed exhibits about mankind's quests for exploration including Vikings and space exploration.

Distance from Terminal: 0.3 miles

Self-Guided Indoors Museum Iconic Walking-Distance

Northern Lights Center Husavik

Garðarsbraut 9, Husavik

Interactive exhibits on the aurora borealis phenomenon.

Distance from Terminal: 0.3 miles

Self-Guided Indoors Museum Walking-Distance Photo Op

Visit to the Church of Husavik

Garðarsbraut Street, Husavik

Explore the historical wooden church dating back to 1907.

Distance from Terminal: 0.4 miles

Accessible Relaxing Indoors Walking-Distance Photo Op

Experiences you can't replicate elsewhere

Geosea Geothermal Sea Baths

Vitasloð 1, Husavik

Relaxation with splendid ocean views, bathing in heated seawater.

Distance from Terminal: 0.6 miles

Relaxing Outdoors Nature Water Bucket-List Walking-Distance

North Iceland Midnight Sun Tours

N/A

Witness the phenomenon of midnight sun tours unique to the northern latitude.

Distance from Terminal: 0.5 miles

Tour Outdoors Nature Bucket-List Photo Op

Whale Bay Exploration

N/A

Boat trips to Whale Bay, remote location famous for whale spotting.

Distance from Terminal: 12 miles

Active Adrenaline Tour Outdoors Nature Water Remote Photo Op

Folk Music Nights at Gamli Baukur

Hafnarstett 9, Husavik

Cultural evening with traditional Icelandic music.

Distance from Terminal: 0.2 miles

Performance Indoors Neighborhood Music Walking-Distance

Overnight Trips

Diamond Circle Tour

N/A

Visit Dettifoss Waterfall, Myvatn Lake & Ásbyrgi canyon, iconic North Iceland sights.

Distance from Terminal: 25 miles

Tour Outdoors Nature Water Iconic Bucket-List Car Needed Photo Op

A Little Extra

Local Culinary Experience

N/A

Try traditional Icelandic dishes in local restaurants, offering dishes like puffin and whale meats.

Distance from Terminal: 0.1 miles

Indoors Urban Budget Street Food Food Tour Walking-Distance

Hidden Gems and Off-the-Beaten-Path

Fossil Hunting on Tjornes Peninsula

Tjornes Peninsula

Explore fossil-rich cliffs unique to the Arctic.

Distance from Terminal: 9 miles

Active Outdoors Nature Rural Bucket-List Photo Op

Birdwatching at Lake Botnsvatn

Lake Botnsvatn

Spot northern bird species around peaceful North Iceland lakes.

Distance from Terminal: 2.5 miles

Accessible Relaxing Outdoors Nature Rural Wildlife Photo Op

Bjarnarflag Geothermal Baths

Bjarnarflag, near Myvatn

Relax in lesser-known geothermal hot springs amidst volcanic landscapes.

Distance from Terminal: 30 miles

Relaxing Nature Water Rural Remote Bucket-List

Iceland Regional Tip

Ignoring designated walking paths while exploring natural landmarks. You could face hefty fines or reprimands from park officials for environmental damage.

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