Off the Beaten Path in Iceland: What to Do in Husavik, Iceland

Husavik, Iceland
Husavik, Iceland. Photo by Ulrich Knoll on Unsplash

Husavik is a small fishing town located on the northern coast of Iceland. With just over 2,300 inhabitants, it’s tiny enough to often be overlooked by travelers who are more likely to gravitate toward the country’s capital of Reykjavík, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t worth a visit. In fact, the 2020 comedy Eurovision Song Contest movie based on the annual competition of the same name led to a dramatic spike in tourism to the small town. Here are some of our favorite Husavik attractions to check out on your next trip to Iceland.

Whale Watching

If there’s one thing (aside from fishing) that Husavik is known for, it’s whale watching. Husavik is considered to be one of the best whale watching locations in the world. Watchers have a higher chance of catching a glimpse here than in any other part of Iceland. 

The Northern Lights

Due to its northern location, visitors have a high chance of catching the northern lights whenever there is darkness. The best time of year is August through April, though the lights are most vibrant in September and March.

Birdwatching

Husavik is a paradise destination for nature and animal-loving travelers due to its landscape that hundreds of species are able to call home. Among the cutest is the Atlantic puffin, which can be seen on most of the areas hiking trails.