Húsavík Whale Watching Capital

About Húsavík Whale Watching Capital

Húsavík is a small town of around 2,300 people on the Tjörnes peninsula in North Iceland, overlooking the wide bay of Skjálfandi. Since the early 1990s it has developed into Iceland's premier whale watching destination, with multiple operators offering daily tours from the colourful wooden harbour. Humpback whales are the most commonly spotted species, but minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises are also frequently seen. Blue whales — the largest animals on earth — have been spotted in Skjálfandi Bay and are occasionally encountered on extended tours. Beyond whale watching, Húsavík has a dedicated Whale Museum offering exhibits on cetacean biology and local whaling history. The town also serves as a gateway to other North Iceland attractions including the Tjörnes fossil cliffs, Ásbyrgi canyon, and Jökulsárgljúfur National Park. The colourful wooden church at the harbour is one of the most photographed in Iceland.

📖 Story

Whale watching in Húsavík began in 1995 and grew from a single boat to an industry supporting multiple operators and tens of thousands of visitors annually. The cold, nutrient-rich waters of Skjálfandi Bay create ideal feeding conditions for large whales, and sighting rates consistently exceed 95% during summer months. The town gained international fame from the 2020 Eurovision comedy film Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, which was partially filmed here.

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