What is the population of Husavik?

Husavik has approximately 2,300 residents.

Why is Husavik the whale watching capital?

Husavik has Iceland's highest whale sighting success rate (98%+). Skjalfandi bay's nutrient-rich waters draw humpback whales, minke whales, and dolphins.

How far is Husavik from Akureyri?

Husavik is about 90 km from Akureyri, approximately 1 hour by car via Route 85.

Was Eurovision filmed in Husavik?

Yes. The 2020 Netflix film 'Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga' was set in Husavik, and the song 'Husavik' was nominated for an Oscar.

GeoSea is a geothermal sea bath with infinity pools overlooking Skjalfandi bay and the mountains, one of Iceland's most scenic spas.

What is the Husavik Whale Museum?

One of Europe's leading whale museums, with full-size whale skeletons and exhibits on cetacean biology and conservation.

Can I see puffins from Husavik?

Yes, boat tours visit puffin colonies on nearby islands during summer (May-August).

Is Husavik on the Diamond Circle?

Yes, Husavik is a key stop on the Diamond Circle route, which also includes Godafoss, Dettifoss, and Asbyrgi.

Husavik: Iceland's Whale Watching Capital

Name: Husavik, Iceland
Address: IS

Iceland's whale watching capital: a fishing town with some of Europe's most reliable whale sightings, geothermal sea baths, and Eurovision fame.

Last reviewed March 3, 2026By the Iceland.org travel deskEditorial policy

Population

~2,300

Northeast Iceland • Whale watching

Husavik is Iceland's main whale watching town. Nutrient-rich Skjalfandi bay draws humpback whales, minke whales, and dolphins with unusual consistency. The harbor town appeared in the Eurovision movie, and it also has the Whale Museum and the GeoSea baths.

Sources and last reviewed

Last reviewed: 2026-03-03

Husavik is a key stop on the Diamond Circle route in North Iceland.

Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.

Official sources to check

Region

Northeast Iceland

90 km from Akureyri

Population

~2,300

Fishing and whale watching town

Known for

98%+ whale sightings

Iceland's best whale watching

Top Attractions in Husavik

Whale Watching Tours

See humpbacks, minkes, and dolphins

GeoSea Geothermal Baths

Infinity pools with bay views

Husavik Whale Museum

Full-size whale skeletons and exhibits

Husavik Church

Wooden church from 1907

Puffin Island Tours

Puffin boat trips in summer

Exploration Museum

Space and Arctic exploration history

How to Get to Husavik

From Akureyri: 1 hour via Route 85.

From Reykjavik: About 6 hours via Route 1 (Ring Road).

Diamond Circle: Husavik is a key stop alongside Godafoss, Dettifoss, and Asbyrgi.

Best Time to Visit Husavik

Summer (June-August): Peak whale watching season with longest tours and puffin viewing.

Year-round: Whale watching operates most of the year; GeoSea is open daily.

Planning help

Husavik FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

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