Husavik is a small fishing town on Iceland's north coast that has quietly become the country's whale-watching capital, its brightly painted timber church looking out over a bay where humpbacks, minke and even blue whales feed through the summer. It is tiny, a few hundred metres of harbourfront, a handful of restaurants and the famous geothermal sea baths on the cliffs above, so treat it as a relaxed base rather than a city to conquer. The rhythm follows the weather and the boats: book a whale tour and stay flexible in case the sea turns, soak in the baths as the light fades, and use the long summer days to explore the volcanic wonders of the Diamond Circle just inland. Beyond the whales lie the thundering Dettifoss, the horseshoe canyon of Asbyrgi, the bubbling mudpots of Namafjall and the geothermal lake at Myvatn, all within an easy drive. Bring warm, waterproof layers even in July, carry a card for almost everything, and let the slow northern pace and the whales set your schedule.
A full, walkable day in Húsavík, free for everyone. Set your pace and start time.
Grab a cinnamon roll and coffee to fuel an early start; the bakery opens before most of the town.
See the full skeletons hung from the roof before your boat, so you can identify the species you spot at sea.
Book ahead and take the earliest sailing for the calmest water; dress in the warm overalls provided, as it is cold on the water.
The red timber church and its painted altarpiece are a two-minute stroll; the old schooners tie up along the pier.
A short scenic circuit north of town with fossil cliffs and, in summer, puffins nesting on the sea cliffs.
Ease into the warm sea-water infinity pools on the cliff and watch for whales and, in summer, the midnight sun; buy tickets on arrival.
The seafood soup in a bread bowl is the town classic; the little net-loft room fills up, so arrive early or reserve.
The bay where humpbacks, minke, dolphins and even blue whales feed in summer; book a morning tour from the harbour for the calmest seas and highest chance of sightings.
The town's charming 1907 timber church, cross-shaped and painted deep red, one of the most beautiful wooden churches in Iceland; step inside for its painted altarpiece.
Infinity sea-water pools set into the cliffs above the town, where you soak in warm geothermal brine while scanning the bay for whales and the midnight sun.
An excellent museum in an old harbour warehouse with full whale skeletons hung from the rafters; visit before your boat trip to know what you are seeing.
A vast horseshoe canyon with sheer 100-metre walls, said in legend to be a hoofprint of Odin's horse; walk to the pond at its head, about 60 minutes east.
Set in the historic former cooperative building, serving Icelandic lamb, fish and hearty burgers with local Husavik craft beer on tap.
Landmark log-built restaurant on the pier run by the whale-watch company, ideal for fish and chips or plokkfiskur with a harbour view after a tour.
The smart dining room at Fosshotel Husavik plating refined Icelandic dishes of arctic char, lamb and langoustine with a sea outlook.
Beloved local bakery for fresh cinnamon rolls, snuður pastries, sandwiches and proper coffee to fuel an early boat or a long drive.
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Iceland