This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Húsavík.
Located on the north coast of the country, Húsavík, Iceland, has become a centre of tourism and whale watching in recent years. It takes around five to six hours by car to get from Reykjavík to this remote municipality. There is also the small Húsavík Airport, which mainly offers flight connections to Akureyri and the capital Reykjavík. Around two thousand two hundred inhabitants permanently live in the scenic fishing town, which lies on the shores of Skialfandi Bay. The beautiful landscape, the unspoilt nature, and coloured houses make it to a popular destination for tourists, who follow the famous Ring Road around the island. Additionally, several worth-seeing museums complete the cultural offer.
The summers in North Iceland are comparatively chilly; the daily maximum temperature ranges from twelve to fifteen degrees Celsius. In winter, maximum temperatures around two degrees Celsius are common. Do not forget that in summer, you can get sunlight almost all day and all night long. In winter, it's the exact opposite and only for some hours you will see some daylight.
The most famous landmark of Húsavík is the lovely wooden church Húsavíkurkirkja. The architect Rognvaldur Olafsson built this church with white walls and a greenish roof in the early twentieth century. The building material was imported from Norway. At the altar, the figures depicted in the painting of Lazarus are based on Húsavík residents -- the artist used the townspeople as models. The admission here is free.
This fishing town is considered to be one of the best spots for whale-watching worldwide. In the bay, there is a higher probability to see these quiet giants than in any other location in Iceland. If you want to know more about the mammals, check out the Húsavík Whale Museum by the harbour. The area around Húsavík is also well known for its geothermal springs; these offer an excellent opportunity to relax in one of Iceland’s natural or manmade spas.
Several hotels, cottages, guesthouses, campgrounds, and hostels in Húsavík, Iceland, are available. Cheaper accommodations such as your Húsavík, Iceland hostel can be booked out quickly during the peak season in summer. Alternatively, you can try out the campsites if you have suitable equipment and clothes with you.
Written by local enthusiast for Húsavík hostels
Flo