Things To Do
in Húsavík
Húsavík is a small village located on the northern coast of the Faroe Islands. It is known for its picturesque surroundings, including stunning cliffs and rugged landscapes. The village is home to a close-knit community of residents who rely on fishing and agriculture for their livelihoods.
Húsavík offers visitors a quiet and charming retreat from the hustle and bustle of larger towns, with opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and birdwatching.
- "Takk fyri" - Thank you
- "Gott kvøld" - Good evening
- "Vælkomin" - Welcome
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $250
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $20 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $3 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $70 - $150
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $50 - $100
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing walk along the scenic coast of Húsavík. Enjoy the picturesque views of the harbor while sipping on your morning coffee.
Join a whale watching tour to explore the rich marine life surrounding the region. Witness majestic whales and playful dolphins in their natural habitat.
Visit a cozy local restaurant for dinner to savor traditional Icelandic seafood dishes. Reflect on your adventurous day as you relax with a warm drink.
Relax with a leisurely breakfast at a local café before exploring the stunning coastlines. Make sure to take in the fresh sea air.
Hike along the cliffs, where you can spot seabirds and endless ocean views. Capture stunning photos of the dramatic landscapes.
Head back to Húsavík and enjoy a casual dinner at a local bistro. Immerse yourself in Icelandic culture with traditional music performances.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural beauty, including dramatic cliffs and fjords.
- Rich wildlife, including opportunities for whale watching.
- Lively local culture with traditional music and festivals.
- Access to hiking trails and outdoor activities for nature lovers.
- The presence of unique geological features, like lava fields and hot springs.
- Limited accessibility, often requiring multiple forms of transport.
- Harsh weather conditions, especially during winter months.
- Higher cost of living compared to mainland areas.
- Limited amenities and services for tourists in remote locations.
- Potential isolation due to the small population and remote location.
Best Activities in Húsavík
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Húsavík is known as the whale watching capital of Europe. Tours are available that offer opportunities to see humpback whales, minke whales, and even blue whales in their natural habitat.
Explore the stunning Ásbyrgi canyon, a horseshoe-shaped depression within Vatnajökull National Park. Hike through lush vegetation and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding cliffs.
Take a boat trip to Flatey Island, which is a haven for various bird species. It's particularly famous for puffins during the summer months.
Rent a kayak and paddle through the calm waters of Skjálfandi Bay, where you can get close to marine life and enjoy the scenic coastal views.
Visit the geothermal area near Húsavík, where you can enjoy the natural hot springs and mud pools, perfect for a relaxing outdoor experience.
Enjoy camping at Ljósavatn Lake, surrounded by stunning landscapes and opportunities for fishing, hiking, and photography.
Join a guided tour to snorkel in Silfra, where you can swim between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates in crystal clear waters.
Experience the unique Icelandic horse culture by taking part in guided horseback riding tours through the scenic landscapes around Húsavík.
Tours
Uncover the best of Húsavík with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Húsavík
Visit one of these nice places.
A stunning fjord with dramatic cliffs and beautiful landscapes, perfect for capturing sweeping panoramic views.
A high vantage point offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and coastlines, ideal for nature photography.
A picturesque harbor area filled with colorful boats and charming buildings, great for capturing the essence of local life.
Located near the waterfront, the museum offers unique views and opportunities to photograph marine wildlife and educational exhibits.
A horseshoe-shaped depression with lush vegetation and towering cliffs, providing stunning photo opportunities in a dramatic setting.
Known for its puffin colonies, Lundey offers an incredible opportunity to photograph wildlife in its natural environment.
A scenic cape with rugged cliffs and rich birdlife, perfect for dynamic landscape photography.
Food in Húsavík
Húsavík Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Faroese dish of wind-dried and fermented mutton, best enjoyed at local restaurants like Áarstova in Tórshavn or Heimablídni in Húsavík.
Must-Try!
Another iconic Faroese dish made from wind-dried mutton, often served thinly sliced and enjoyed with rye bread. Look for it at Húsavík's Ósinn Restaurant.
A local favorite featuring salted and dried sheep's heads, available at special occasions and events in Húsavík. Check with local authorities or event organizers for opportunities to try this delicacy.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Visit the local market in Húsavík to sample a variety of fresh produce, seafood, and traditional Faroese snacks like flatbread and homemade jams. Open-air stalls and friendly vendors create a vibrant and authentic food experience.
Keep an eye out for the annual Street Food Festival in Húsavík, which showcases a diverse range of culinary delights from Faroese and international chefs. This event offers a perfect opportunity to explore a wide array of street food options.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Húsavík is known for its beautiful natural surroundings. Locals have a strong cultural norm of respecting and preserving the environment. When visiting, be mindful of your surroundings and always follow the principle of leaving no trace.
Icelanders, including those in Húsavík, value politeness. It is customary to greet people with a smile and a friendly 'halló' or 'bless.' Saying 'takk' (thank you) is also important in showing gratitude.
Community plays a vital role in Húsavík. Engaging respectfully with locals, whether through conversation or participating in local events, is appreciated. Showing interest in their culture and traditions fosters good relations.
Safety
Tipping in Húsavík
Ensure a smooth experience
In Húsavík, tipping is not commonly practiced as service charges are typically included in the bill. However, if customers receive exceptional service in restaurants or from tour guides, a small tip or rounding up the bill is appreciated as a gesture of gratitude.
Payment methods in Húsavík include cash (Icelandic króna) and credit/debit cards, which are widely accepted. Many establishments, including restaurants, shops, and tourist services, prefer card payments as they offer convenience and security.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring in Húsavík offers a refreshing atmosphere with blooming wildflowers and longer daylight hours. It's a great time for whale watching as many species migrate back to the area. Expect cooler temperatures, ranging from 1°C to 10°C (34°F to 50°F), and occasional rain showers.
Summer is peak tourist season in Húsavík, characterized by milder temperatures, ranging from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F), making it the best time for outdoor activities. Expect longer days, vibrant greenery, and opportunities for whale watching, puffin spotting, and enjoying local festivals.
Autumn brings stunning fall foliage and cooler temperatures, ranging from 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F). This season is quieter with fewer tourists, making it a great time to explore local culture and enjoy the scenic landscapes. Whale watching tours are still available in September.
Winter in Húsavík is cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing, ranging from -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F). Expect snow and ice, creating a picturesque winter landscape. While whale watching is limited, it's a great time for those interested in experiencing Icelandic winter activities such as snowmobiling and watching the Northern Lights.
Húsavík at Night
Hiking in Húsavík
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic hike that offers stunning views of the town of Húsavík and the surrounding landscape. The trail is moderate in difficulty and is suitable for most hikers.
Located about 40 km from Húsavík, Ásbyrgi is a magnificent canyon offering a variety of hiking trails with lush vegetation and a unique geological formation. It's perfect for day hikers looking for a spectacular experience.
This area offers several trails along the coast and through lush nature, providing beautiful ocean views and chances to spot wildlife, including seabirds and seals.
A historical site with nearby trails that allow hikers to explore the rich cultural history while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding fjords and mountains.
Though primarily known for its cave, the area around Raufarhólshellir offers hiking trails through unique lava fields and volcanic landscapes.
Aiports
How to reach Húsavík by plane.
The main international airport in the Faroe Islands, located on Vágar Island.
The largest international airport in Iceland, located in Keflavik.
A secondary airport in Reykjavik, serving domestic flights and some international connections.
An airport serving Shetland, Scotland, offering flights to and from mainland UK.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The primary ethnic group in the Faroe Islands, native to the islands with a distinct culture and language.
Significant number of Norwegians reside in the Faroe Islands, linked through historical ties and trade.
People from Denmark have historical connections to the Faroe Islands, particularly through governance and trade.
Includes individuals from various European countries living or working in the Faroe Islands.
A smaller demographic group consisting of individuals from Asian countries settling in the Faroe Islands.
This group includes people from different parts of the world who may have settled in Húsavík.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Húsavík is known as the whale watching capital of Iceland, attracting visitors to see various whale species in the surrounding waters.
Fishing is a popular activity in Húsavík, with many locals engaging in both commercial and recreational fishing due to the rich marine life.
Football is a favored sport among locals, with local teams participating in regional leagues and community games.
The beautiful landscapes around Húsavík offer numerous hiking trails, attracting outdoor enthusiasts to explore the natural beauty of the area.
Kayaking is popular in the coastal waters around Húsavík, providing a unique way to explore the fjords and observe marine wildlife.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Húsavík.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Faroese cuisine leans heavily towards meat and seafood, many restaurants and cafes in Húsavík offer vegetarian dishes, often highlighting locally grown produce and creative preparations.
Vegan options may be more limited, but several establishments in Húsavík are willing to accommodate vegan dietary requirements upon request. Check with the staff for customized vegan offerings.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can find gluten-free alternatives at various dining venues in Húsavík. Some cafes and restaurants specifically label gluten-free items on their menus, while others are willing to adjust dishes to accommodate gluten-free diets.