What whale skeletons are on display?

The museum houses several real whale skeletons; the centrepiece is a blue whale skeleton. Other skeletons include a narwhal, sperm whale, and various species of beaked whales. The collection is one of the most comprehensive whale skeleton displays in the world.

Can I combine the museum with whale watching?

Yes. Húsavík is known as the whale-watching capital of Iceland, and several operators run tours from the harbour right next to the museum. Humpback whales are the most commonly sighted species, along with minke whales, dolphins, and occasionally blue whales. Summer (June–August) offers the highest sighting rates.

How do I get to Húsavík?

Húsavík is located in northeast Iceland, about 480 km from Reykjavík via Route 1 and Route 85 (approximately 6 hours' drive). It is also reachable from Akureyri, the capital of the north, in about 45 minutes. Domestic flights to Akureyri and bus connections are available.

Is the museum open in winter?

Yes, the museum is open year-round, though winter hours are reduced. The main exhibition is fully available regardless of season. While whale watching tours are limited in winter, the museum covers whale biology and ecology any time of year.

Húsavík Whale Museum: Whale Skeletons & Marine Exhibits

Real whale skeletons and marine exhibits in the whale-watching capital of Iceland, including a complete blue whale.

Last reviewed March 3, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel TeamEditorial policy

Location

Húsavík

North Iceland • Skjálfandi Bay

The Húsavík Whale Museum is located in a former slaughterhouse by the harbour in Húsavík, a small fishing town on the shores of Skjálfandi Bay in northeast Iceland. Founded in 1997, the museum has grown into one of the best-known whale exhibitions in Europe. Its centrepiece is a complete blue whale skeleton, one of only a handful on public display worldwide. The museum also houses skeletons of narwhals, sperm whales, and several species of beaked whales, alongside detailed exhibits on whale biology, ecology, migration patterns, and the history of whaling in Iceland.

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Last reviewed: 2026-03-03

This guide is a travel-planning summary, not emergency guidance. Conditions in Iceland can change quickly; check official alerts, roads, and weather before driving, hiking, or booking around volatile conditions.

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Admission

2,000 ISK

Adults. Discounts for children, students, and seniors

Opening Hours

10:00–17:00

Daily June–September. Reduced hours October–May

Visit Duration

1–1.5 hours

Whale skeletons, biology exhibits, and whaling history

What to Expect

Blue Whale Skeleton

A complete skeleton of a blue whale, the largest animal ever to have lived, suspended in the main exhibition hall

Narwhal Skeleton

A rare narwhal skeleton complete with its spiral tusk, one of the few on display in this region

Sperm Whale Display

A sperm whale skeleton with exhibits on the species' deep-diving abilities and echolocation

Whale Biology Exhibits

Detailed displays on whale anatomy, reproduction, communication, and migration patterns

Whaling History

An honest examination of Iceland's whaling history from traditional shore-based hunting to modern debates

Harbour Location

The museum sits right by the harbour where whale-watching boats depart, so the two are easy to combine

Getting There

Húsavík is located in northeast Iceland on Route 85, approximately 480 km from Reykjavík (about 6 hours by car via Route 1). The most common approach is from Akureyri, which is 45 minutes to the west. Domestic flights to Akureyri from Reykjavík take about 45 minutes. The museum is on the harbour front in the centre of Húsavík, within walking distance of restaurants, whale-watching tour offices, and the GeoSea geothermal sea baths.

Best Time to Visit

Summer (June–August) is the best time to visit Húsavík, as it coincides with the peak whale-watching season when humpback whales, minke whales, and dolphins are frequently spotted in Skjálfandi Bay. The museum is open year-round, but summer is the easiest time to pair it with a whale-watching tour. The town also gets the midnight sun in June, with nearly 24 hours of daylight for exploring the Diamond Circle route that connects Húsavík with Dettifoss, Ásbyrgi, and Mývatn.

Planning help

Húsavík Whale Museum FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

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