If you asked anyone in our family to name a highlight from our time in Iceland, there’s a good chance Húsavík would top the list.
Located on Iceland’s northern coast, Húsavík is a small fishing town of about 2,500 people. Its name means “Bay of Houses,” and it holds the distinction of being one of Iceland’s first settlements. Húsavík is also known as the Whale Capital of Iceland, thanks to the nutrient-rich waters that attract more than seven different whale species each summer, including humpback, minke, and even the mighty blue whale.
We spent our morning strolling through the quiet streets, stopping in a few stores, and taking in the harbor views. Our walk brought us to Húsavíkurkirkja, the town’s iconic wooden Lutheran church built in 1907. With its striking red roof and classic Nordic architecture, it stands out against the surrounding landscape and can be seen from nearly every point in town.
We also learned that Húsavík is home to the Eurovision Museum, which celebrates the long-running international song competition. While we didn’t have time to go inside, it was fun to discover that parts of the 2020 Netflix film Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, starring Will Ferrell, were filmed right here. The town even inspired the movie’s finale song, “Húsavík.” This movie is now on our Netflix watch list.
After a quick lunch back on the ship, we geared up for our afternoon adventure: a whale and puffin watching tour. Kelsey gave each of us a handmade knit hat, complete with a pom-pom, which not only kept us warm but also made us a recognizable group on the way to the dock. Our coordinated look drew compliments from fellow passengers.
Once aboard our sightseeing boat, we were each handed a full winter jumpsuit. At first, we weren’t convinced they were necessary but we quickly changed our minds once we hit open waters, the chilly North Atlantic wind made us very grateful for the extra layers.
Not long after leaving the harbor, we were treated to an unexpected surprise: a pod of dolphins swimming not far from the boat. It was a delightful start to the excursion. Soon after, we reached Puffin Island, home to thousands of nesting puffins. These quirky little birds with their colorful beaks and clumsy charm were a hit with everyone on board. We then headed a little further out to sea and spotted several humpback whales. Watching these gentle giants glide through the ocean was breathtaking.
The tour ended with a sweet Icelandic tradition: a giant cinnamon roll and a steaming mug of hot chocolate – a perfect treat after a chilly few hours at sea.
Before returning to the ship, we stopped at Húsavík Öl, a local craft brewery located near the harbor. I enjoyed a hazy New England-style IPA called Kemur og Fer, while Karen tried the unique and refreshing Crowberry Martini, made with a native Icelandic berry (similar to a blueberry).
It was a full and unforgettable day filled with nature, local flavor, and a touch of Icelandic culture. We returned to the ship satisfied and ready for whatever came next.
Hammond Adventures 