Húsavík Live Cam

History

Húsavík, a charming town located on the northern coast of Iceland in Norðurþing municipality, boasts a history that is both ancient and intriguing. Known as the “Whale Watching Capital of Iceland,” this picturesque town draws visitors from around the world, but its roots trace back over a thousand years. According to Icelandic sagas, Húsavík is one of the earliest settlements in Iceland, with its origins linked to Swedish explorer Garðar Svavarsson in the 9th century. The name “Húsavík” translates to “Bay of Houses,” a title stemming from Garðar’s arrival and the construction of Iceland’s first house on its shores.

As the legend goes, Garðar Svavarsson became the first Norseman to circumnavigate Iceland. When he discovered Húsavík, he decided to settle there temporarily, building a house for himself and his crew, which marked the town’s first establishment. Although Garðar eventually left, the area retained the name “Húsavík,” and Norse settlers later moved in, establishing a more permanent community. Throughout the medieval period, Húsavík grew steadily, thanks to its coastal location, which provided ample resources for fishing and whaling—two industries that would shape the local economy for centuries to come.

During the 19th century, Húsavík gained prominence as a trading post and fishing village. By this time, Iceland was under Danish rule, and the fishing industry flourished along with the gradual modernization of Iceland’s economy. Húsavík served as an essential stop for fishing vessels, which brought both trade and growth to the town. It was during this period that some of Húsavík’s oldest surviving buildings, including warehouses and residential homes, were constructed. Many of these structures still stand today, reflecting the architectural style and resilience of 19th-century Icelandic construction.

In the 20th century, Húsavík became famous for a very different reason: whale watching. The waters around Húsavík are some of the richest in marine biodiversity, and with the arrival of commercial whale watching tours in the 1990s, the town found a new economic lifeline. Whale watching tourism began to grow rapidly, and Húsavík soon became internationally recognized for offering some of the best whale watching experiences in the world. The local tourism industry has since diversified, adding a variety of services, tours, and activities that celebrate Húsavík’s rich marine life and stunning natural surroundings.

Climate

The climate of Húsavík is categorized as subarctic, but due to its location near the Arctic Circle, the weather can vary dramatically throughout the year. Winters in Húsavík are cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. However, the nearby ocean and prevailing coastal winds prevent temperatures from plunging as low as in some inland areas. Snow is common during winter, but Húsavík experiences relatively mild winter conditions compared to other regions at similar latitudes.

Spring arrives slowly in Húsavík, typically marked by longer daylight hours and gradual warming. Due to Iceland’s high latitude, the transition between seasons can be abrupt, with temperatures rising and falling unpredictably during this period. Spring in Húsavík is often characterized by chilly breezes from the Arctic, but the increased daylight encourages a revival of plant life, bringing vibrancy back to the landscape. This season also sees the return of migratory birds, adding to the unique biodiversity of the region.

Summers in Húsavík are short but surprisingly mild. Daytime temperatures can reach up to 15–20°C (59–68°F), creating comfortable conditions for outdoor activities and sightseeing. However, temperatures can vary, and it's common for summer days to experience chilly breezes. The summer months bring extended daylight due to Iceland’s midnight sun phenomenon, during which the sun barely sets. This continuous daylight attracts visitors to Húsavík who wish to experience the unique phenomenon while exploring the town's scenic landscapes and engaging in outdoor pursuits such as hiking, whale watching, and birdwatching.

Autumn in Húsavík is brief and cool, with temperatures gradually decreasing as daylight hours diminish. The fall season is notable for its brilliant foliage, as the surrounding countryside transforms with vivid autumn colors. This time of year is also marked by the beginning of the Northern Lights season. As the skies darken, Húsavík becomes an ideal spot to witness this natural phenomenon. Clear autumn nights often offer a spectacular view of the aurora borealis, adding to the town’s allure for visitors during the off-peak tourist season.

Geography

Húsavík is located along the eastern shore of Skjálfandi Bay in northern Iceland. The town’s coastal geography and proximity to the Arctic Circle shape its climate and natural environment. Skjálfandi Bay, meaning “Shaky Bay,” earned its name from the earthquakes frequently occurring in the region due to tectonic activity. The bay itself is a product of glacial activity, with deep waters that provide ideal conditions for marine wildlife, including numerous species of whales, dolphins, and seabirds, making it one of Iceland’s best locations for whale watching.

The surrounding terrain of Húsavík is defined by rolling hills, rugged cliffs, and basalt formations, all indicative of Iceland’s volcanic landscape. Inland, the landscape becomes increasingly mountainous, and the geology reflects centuries of volcanic eruptions and glacial movements. The highlands near Húsavík provide excellent opportunities for hiking and exploring Iceland's raw, untouched wilderness. One of the most prominent geographical features in the region is Húsavíkurfjall, a mountain that rises behind the town, offering panoramic views of Skjálfandi Bay and the Arctic Ocean beyond.

In addition to its marine and mountainous surroundings, Húsavík lies close to Lake Mývatn, a popular tourist destination known for its unique geothermal landscape. The area around Mývatn includes lava fields, hot springs, mud pots, and volcanic craters, creating an otherworldly setting that attracts geologists and nature enthusiasts from around the globe. The volcanic activity in this region continues to shape the landscape, and visitors to Húsavík often combine a trip to the town with an excursion to Lake Mývatn and its geothermal wonders.

Skjálfandi Bay and Marine Life

Skjálfandi Bay, which lies directly adjacent to Húsavík, is not only a scenic feature but also one of the richest marine ecosystems in Iceland. The bay’s nutrient-rich waters are a result of glacial runoff, which brings nutrients from Iceland’s highlands into the coastal waters. These nutrients sustain a diverse marine ecosystem, including plankton, fish, and a variety of marine mammals. The bay is most famous for its whale populations, which include species such as humpback whales, minke whales, and even the occasional blue whale, the largest animal on Earth.

The abundance of marine life has made Húsavík a center for eco-tourism, particularly whale watching. The town offers numerous whale watching tours, allowing visitors to see these magnificent creatures up close in their natural habitat. Local tour operators prioritize sustainable practices to protect the marine ecosystem, ensuring that tourism does not disturb the whales and other wildlife. These tours provide an educational experience, as guides share information about the different species encountered, their behavior, and the importance of conservation.

Húsavík’s Northern Lights and Midnight Sun

Due to its high latitude, Húsavík is one of the best places in Iceland to experience two of nature’s most mesmerizing phenomena: the Northern Lights and the Midnight Sun. The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, are visible from Húsavík on clear winter nights when solar activity interacts with the Earth’s magnetic field, producing vibrant displays of green, purple, and pink lights that dance across the sky. The Northern Lights season typically runs from September to April, drawing photographers and travelers eager to witness this natural spectacle.

Conversely, during the summer months, Húsavík experiences the Midnight Sun. For several weeks around the summer solstice, the sun barely dips below the horizon, providing nearly 24 hours of daylight. This phenomenon allows for extended sightseeing and outdoor activities, as visitors can explore the natural beauty of Húsavík and its surroundings at any hour. The Midnight Sun also enhances the vividness of the Icelandic landscape, casting a unique golden light over the town and bay, which is particularly striking during the late evening hours.

Tip: Whale Museum and Exploration Tours

For visitors interested in learning more about the marine life that makes Húsavík famous, a visit to the Húsavík Whale Museum is highly recommended. The museum offers detailed exhibits on different whale species, Iceland’s whaling history, and marine conservation efforts. It provides valuable context for those going on whale watching tours, enriching the experience by offering insights into the ecology and behavior of whales in Skjálfandi Bay.

Interesting Fact: Húsavík’s Role in Popular Culture

Húsavík gained international fame as the setting for the 2020 film *Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga*, which starred Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams. The town became especially popular among fans of the film, and the song "Húsavík (My Hometown)" even garnered an Academy Award nomination. This recent pop culture spotlight has attracted a new wave of tourists eager to visit the locations featured in the film, adding a modern layer to Húsavík's historical and cultural appeal.