Major city · Iceland
Húsavík
Give Húsavík one night, two if you want a whale tour plus the GeoSea pool: it is a 45-min drive from Akureyri and worth a stop, not a base.
Húsavík is a 2,500-person harbour town on Skjálfandi bay and Iceland's whale-watching centre: operators report sightings on most summer sailings. The town itself is small enough to walk in 20 minutes, so the trip is about the bay, the whale museum and the geothermal pool, not about covering sights. Most travellers reach it by car from Akureyri or as a stop on the Ring Road.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- ISK
- Best months
- Jun–Aug for whale season and midnight sun; Apr–May and Sep for fewer crowds
- avoid Nov–Mar (tours limited, roads and weather can close the pass from Akureyri)
- Airports
- HZK · AEY
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 7Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Nordic countries ↗Decide light or dark before anything else: summer trips (June–August) and aurora trips (September–March in the Arctic) need different countries, clothes and bases.
- Nordic countries ↗Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland and the Faroes sell stronger alcohol only in state shops with short hours; buy before evening and before Sundays and holidays.
- Iceland ↗Iceland is not in the EU but is in the Schengen area. Check the entry rules for your passport on official sources.
- Iceland ↗Driving off marked roads is illegal and fined heavily; F-roads into the highlands open only in summer and require a 4x4.
- Iceland ↗Check the road authority's conditions map and the Met Office forecast every morning, and leave a travel plan on SafeTravel for hikes and remote drives.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Húsavík112 ▾
- Emergency (police, fire, ambulance, coast guard)112
- Non-urgent medical advice (Læknavaktin)1700
- Road conditions (Icelandic Road Administration)1777
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Húsavík, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Icelandic króna (ISK, kr).Iceland-wide
- SIM or eSIMEEA roaming applies: EU/EEA SIMs work at home prices.Iceland-wide
- Tap waterCold tap water is excellent; hot tap water is geothermal and smells of sulphur — do not drink it.Iceland-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Not expected.Iceland-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Iceland-wide
- SafetyVery safe: the real risks are cold and wind on the water, slippery harbour edges, and winter driving over the pass from Akureyri.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFew on long drives; petrol stations and paid toilets (ISK 200–500 (≈ US$2–5)) at sites.Iceland-wide
- Emergency numbers112 emergency (police, fire, ambulance, coast guard) · 1700 Non-urgent medical advice (Læknavaktin) · 1777 Road conditions (Icelandic Road Administration) (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany rural guesthouses and cafés close October–April; highland huts only in summer.Iceland-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckHZK Húsavík airport (About 5 min by car from town; domestic flights only — check current operators and schedules.).
- Getting aroundWalk.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee500–800 kr
- Sit-down mealMain course, harbour restaurant3,500–6,000 kr
- Beerdraught in a bar / can at a shop1,200–1,600 kr400–600 kr
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week2,000–4,000 kr
- Museum or sight ticketWhale Museum entry, adultabout 1,300 kr
- Budget bedHostel or guesthouse bed, a night, per personISK 6,000 (≈ US$50)
- Mid-range bedGuesthouse or hotel double room, a night, per roomISK 28,000 (≈ US$250)
- High-end bedGuesthouse or hotel double room, a night, per roomISK 45,000 (≈ US$400)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ISK 9,000 (≈ US$75) · Mid ISK 16,000 (≈ US$130) · High ISK 30,000 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- HZK Húsavík airport (About 5 min by car from town; domestic flights only — check current operators and schedules.) · AEY Akureyri airport (About 1 h by car; the practical arrival point for most travellers.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
Feb
Avoid
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
Mar
Avoid
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
Apr
Best
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
May
Best
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Jun
Best
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Jul
Best
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Aug
Best
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Sep
Best
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Oct
not flagged
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Nov
Avoid
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Dec
Avoid
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
Best: Apr–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)), coolest Jan (−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C) low), wettest Jan (14 rain days), driest Jun (9). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Húsavík: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
14 rd
Feb
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
12 rd
Mar
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
13 rd
Apr
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
11 rd
May
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
10 rd
Jun
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
9 rd
Jul
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
10 rd
Aug
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
11 rd
Sep
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
12 rd
Oct
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
14 rd
Nov
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
13 rd
Dec
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
14 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Walk. The town is flat and small: harbour to church is about 10 minutes on foot, and there is no local public transport. A car is only needed for the pool, Saltvík farm and day trips; parking in the centre is free.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Mývatn
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Drive Route 85 east, then Route 87 or 848
Geothermal fields, lava formations and the nature baths; a full day, or sleep over.
Door to door: About 45 min–1 h
Drive Route 85 via the Ljósavatnskard pass
Iceland's second city: botanical garden, pools and the main bus link south.
Ásbyrgi and Dettifoss
goDoor to door: About 1 h to Ásbyrgi, 1.5 h to Dettifoss
Drive Route 85 east then Route 864
Canyon, horseshoe cliffs and Europe's most powerful waterfall; Route 864 is gravel — check conditions.
Siglufjörður
overnightDoor to door: About 2 h
Drive west via Route 85 and Route 76, through the Tröllaskagi tunnels
Herring-era town on a fjord; too far for a comfortable return day.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Town centre and harbour
Walking distance to the whale-tour ticket offices, Whale Museum and restaurants; best for one night with an early sailing.
Höfði (Húsavík Cape)
Quiet headland above town, 5 min walk to the harbour and 2 min to the pool; views over the bay.
Kaldbakur, 2 km south
Self-catering cottages with parking; needs a car for everything.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- 8,000–13,000 kr excl. bed
- Mid
- 13,000–22,000 kr excl. bed
- High
- 22,000 kr+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Guesthouse or hotel double room1 × 1 night × ISK 28,000 | ISK 28,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × ISK 16,000 | ISK 32,000 |
| Whale-watching tour, 3 h, per adult2 × ISK 11,000 | ISK 22,000 |
| GeoSea geothermal sea baths, adult entry2 × ISK 6,000 · check | ISK 12,000 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × ISK 2,500 | ISK 5,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ISK 9,900 |
| Trip total≈ ISK 54,450 per person per day, bed included | ISK 108,900≈ US$900 |
2026 estimate in Icelandic króna; flights and car hire excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | 500–800 kr |
| Fish soup or a bowl of lamb soup | 2,000–3,200 kr |
| Main course, harbour restaurant | 3,500–6,000 kr |
| Beer: draught in a bar / can at a shop | 1,200–1,600 kr / 400–600 kr |
| Whale-watching tour, 3 h | 11,000–12,000 kr |
| GeoSea geothermal sea baths, adultcheck | about 6,000 kr |
| Whale Museum entry, adult | about 1,300 kr |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | 2,000–4,000 kr |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- It is cold and windy on the water even in July: warm socks, gloves and a hat matter more than a rain jacket, since operators lend waterproof over-trousers.
- Secure your phone or camera on deck — dropping gear overboard is the most common accident on whale tours.
- If you get seasick, take medication before boarding; the bay can be rough.
- The mountain pass from Akureyri (Route 85 via Ljósavatnskard) can close in winter storms: check road.is and vedur.is before driving.
- Whale watching runs roughly April–October; outside that window sailings are limited or cancelled.
Emergency numbers
- Emergency (police, fire, ambulance, coast guard)
- 112
- Non-urgent medical advice (Læknavaktin)
- 1700
- Road conditions (Icelandic Road Administration)
- 1777
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
HúsavíkHúsavík
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Á þetta heimilisfang, takkTo this address, please
Emergency
- Emergency (police, fire, ambulance, coast guard)112
- Non-urgent medical advice1700
- Road conditions1777
Embassy
No embassies in Húsavík; embassies are in Reykjavík. US citizens: the US Embassy in Reykjavík handles consular help (check the address and hours).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Strætó bus 79, Akureyri → Húsavík: 1–3 departures a day, about 1 h 30 min
- Taxi, Húsavík airport → town centre: about 5 min by car
- Whale-watching tour, 3 h: 11,000–12,000 kr per adult
Say or show
- Halló — Hello (ha-LOH)
- Þakka þér — Thank you (THAH-ka thyer)
- Hvað kostar það? — How much is it? (kvath KOS-tar thah)
- Get ég borgað með korti? — Can I pay by card? (get yeg BOR-gath meth KOR-ti)
- Hvar er höfnin? — Where is the harbour? (kvar er HUP-nin)
- Ég þarf hjálp — I need help (yeg tharf yalp)
Print or screenshot this card: mobile coverage is good in town but patchy on the roads east towards Dettifoss.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Húsavík. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Aug for whale season and midnight sun; Apr–May and Sep for fewer crowds · avoid Nov–Mar (tours limited, roads and weather can close the pass from Akureyri) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for HZK and AEY: transfer times, taxi fallback, last bus from Akureyri.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: harbour and ticket offices, church and museum row, pool and cape.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Whale Museum, Húsavík Museum, Húsavíkurkirkja, GeoSea) and eat pages with last orders.
- Storm and winter-closure fixtures for the Route 85 pass so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialVisit Húsavík — official destination site
- officialHúsavík Whale Museum
- officialHúsavíkurkirkja
- officialHúsavík Museum
- officialStrætó — bus 79, Akureyri–Húsavík
- secondaryWikivoyage: Húsavík, revision 5293545 (CC BY-SA 4.0)