Iceland Cruise Guide. Enjoy your Cruise to Iceland!

Icelanders have always known that their country is beautiful, special and unique, and this fact is becoming more and more known throughout the world. The number of visitors to Iceland is steadily increasing. In 2012, 246 cruise ships docked in Iceland, which has thirteen harbours to accommodate these all around the country, each of which have very interesting cities and areas to explore.; small review.

The Westman Islands are an archipelago of about 15 islands and islets, situated in the south of Iceland. The largest island is Heimaey which is 13.4 km2 and is also the only inhabited one, with more than 4,000 inhabitants. There are a few museums you can visit , such as the popular Sagnheimar Culture Museum or the Natural History Museum. You can also climb up the volcano Eldfell, where you can still feel the heat from the eruption in 1973. Join a bus tour of the island or stay in the main town and enjoy the cafes, restaurants, shops or many art galleries the island has to offer.

Hafnarfjordur, a suburb of Reykjavik, is a small town that was built on the lava field that has elapsed from Mount Burfell, more than 7,000 years ago. The center has a small lake and picturesque views.

Reykjavik, Iceland's capital, is a charming town that has all the qualities of a capital without the crowds and noise that come with it. There are many shops, cafés, restaurants and museums located in the city center, and we also recommend you to visit one of the swimming pools, for a real Icelandic experience!

North of the Snaefellsnes peninsula, Grundarfjörður is perfectly located for visiting the region. This small fishing village is known as the home of the mountain Kirkjufell. A trip around the peninsula is probably the best option,if you have a few hours; you can admire waterfalls glaciers, volcanoes, beaches and possibly even puffins and seals.

Isafjörður is the capital of the westfjords, and has nearly 2600 inhabitants. It is a charming town, with shops, cafes, restaurants and hotels. The old town is made up of many wooden houses dating from the nineteenth century and it is lovely to walk down the main street. If you like history or fishing, the Maritime Museum is an interesting visit; also opt for the old hospital that was turned into a cultural center and offers various exhibitions during the year. The area also has many opportunities for walking and hiking.

The charming village of Siglufjörður in Tröllaskagi Peninsula, is a popular destination in summer. The population of 1200 inhabitants, living mainly from fishing and the growing tourism industry. The museum of traditional Icelandic music and the herring Museum are not to be missed!

Grimsey is a small Icelandic island of about 5 km2 which is situated 41 kilometers north of Iceland. The island is a popular tourist destination, with many travellers coming here solely because it is situated on the Arctic Circle. On the island there is a grocery store, a campsite and a few guesthouses, cafés, galleries and, of course, a swimming pool!

In Akureyri, the second largest city of Iceland, visit the small town center, Listagilið, the arts district of Akureyri, Akureyri Church, and then try the botanical garden, listagarðurinn, where you can admire hundreds of plants and flowers. A dip in the delightful swimming pool is required.

Húsavík is a small town of 2500 inhabitants located in the north of Iceland, best known as the European capital of whale watching. It is possible to see these huge mammals from May to October, approximately. Around Húsavík, there are many amazing places to visit: Myvatn Ásbyrgi, Dettifoss to name a few.

Founded by Norwegian fishermen, the small town of Seyðisfjörður now has 700 inhabitants and lives mainly from fishing and tourism. It is also known for its charming wooden houses, Seyðisfjörður is especially popular for its artistic activity. The visual arts center, Skaftfell, offers year-round exhibitions, discussions and performances, and many events are held here in the summer.

Eskifjörður is a small town of 1100 inhabitants in East Iceland, which gets its name from a fjord surrounded by the mountains Eskja and Hólmatindur. The village is known to house a rare collection of pebbles and larger rocks of Iceland. You can also visit Randulfssjóhús to learn more about fishing, the old mine Helgustaðanáma or inquire at the tourist office to hike in the area.

Djúpivogur is a small village in eastern Iceland, which has 250 inhabitants. It is a good base for exploring the fjords of the east. We advise you to go by boat to the island of Papey, where you will see hundreds of puffins and seals.

Hofn is a small town of 1600 inhabitants located in the south of Iceland, near the famous glacial lagoon Jökulsárlón and Vatnajökull National Park where many hiking opportunities await you.

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Húsavík Travel Guide: Whale Watching Capital of Iceland

Husavik is a town on the eastern shores of The Skjalfandi Bay.  It is a commercial centre for a large agricultural area and processing of farm produce plays a considerable role in the town’s economy.  Many dairy and meat products processed here are appreciated all over the country.  Fishing and fish processing are also important bases of livelihood.  The fastest growing trade, however, is tourism.

Whale Watching

Nestled on the edge of Shaky Bay, the town of Húsavík is globally recognised as one of the best locations in the world from which to watch whales. In fact, there is a higher chance of seeing whales in Húsavík than any other place in Iceland. So, if you’re ever considering where to go whale-watching, our town is without a doubt, second to none.

Whale-watching Tips

• If photographing, you don´t need a huge lens, the whales are so big, a small zoom or even a normal 50mm is often sufficient.

• Don´t worry too much about the cold because you get thick insulated overalls to wear, and at the end of the trip, some companies offer a hot chocolate or if you´re lucky, even a shot of rum.

• Although high winds might prevent you from going out to sea at all, rain is never a bad thing, as you have more chance of seeing a Humpback breach (jump) in this kind of weather.
You can check the weather in advance, but the weather in Iceland is notoriously changeable, so none of the whale-watching companies will be able to tell you for sure if they are offering trips until the day itself.

• If you get seasick, some of the companies offer medication on bumpy weather days but you can also get it from the local pharmacy, just ask for Postafen or Dramamine.
• Typical whale-watching trips take three to four hours and can be quite tiring, especially if you’re not used to being at sea. So, make sure you give yourself time afterwards to sit in the harbour and take a coffee in Gamli Baukur or eat some fish and chips.
• Don´t try and go looking for whales to eat in Húsavík, when a fair portion of the town’s income comes from watching them, eating them is a little counter-productive.

Húsavík Whale-watching Companies

There are three different companies offering whale-watching trips here in Húsavík. Trips take about 3 hours, and can be taken on the beautiful wooden boats pioneered by North Sailing, the speedy ribbed boats of Gentle Giants or with the singing tour guide of Visit Askja.

All the companies have very friendly (we recommend you Visit Askja), multilingual guides who are passionate about whales, many of them working for the companies for many many years. The local companies are also active participants in the education and research of the whales.

Húsavíks harbour is a hive of activity in this respect, because as well as the three whale-watching companies that use the docks, there is the Whale Museum and the University of Iceland´s research centre. There are partnerships between these organisations and the whale-watching companies, with many boat trips containing researchers.

Nearby Things to Do and See

1. Horse-riding

At nearby Saltvik, visitors to Húsavík can take advantage of the local horse-riding facilities. With horses chosen according to the rider’s ability and excellent guides to help you on your way, what better way to get out and about and see some of Iceland’s magnificent countryside than sat on a lovely little Icelandic horse.

2. Ystafell Transportation Museum

From weird, repurposed tanks used to deliver milk, to giant snowmobile buses that look straight off the set of Dune, the Transport Museum at Ystafell has collected and preserved half a century´s worth of vehicles, and set it on display in a wonderfully remote location. Covering an array of automobilia, along with the cars themselves, there´s photographs and information to read about Iceland’s transportation history.

Contact:
464-3133 or 861-1213
sverrir@islandia.is

3. Flateyjarskagi Peninsula

Flateyjarskagi is a mountainous peninsula in Northern Iceland located between Akureyri and Húsavík. Practically deserted on the peninsula itself, it´s relative remoteness makes for prime but easily accessible hiking ground.  In the west is Laufás Turf House Museum, whilst in the southwest before you reach Akureyri is an Outsider Art Museum. At the base of Flateyjarskagi is the oldest and second largest forest in Iceland, Vaglaskógur. A popular place for camping, there is a range of tree species and the oldest stone bridge in Iceland.

4. Eider Falls

The Eider Falls are one of the closest waterfalls to Húsavík. Known in Icelandic as Æðafossar (pronounced eye-tha-foss-ar) they are located about 10 kilometres southwest, in the River Laxá. The Laxá is an extremely rich fishing river running from Lake Mývatn to Skjálfandi Bay, with some of the largest brown trout in the country.

5. Knútsstaðaborg Hollow

Knútsstaðaborg is an accessible hollow chamber inside a rocky outcrop to the west of Húsavík. About 10 square metres in size, brace yourself for the strong smell of sheep´s wool when you step inside, the local livestock keep shelter here in hot sun or bad weather.

Where to eat

Gamli Baukur, (on the waterfront in an old wooden building) ☎ +354 464 2442. They have an excellent selection of fish, soups, and salads. Downstairs is the small restaurant and upstairs a lively, little bar.

Fosshótel Húsavík. ☎ +354 464 1220Has a reasonably priced restaurant/pizzeria.

Naustið, Naustagarður 2 (yellow house by the harbour), ☎ +354 464 1520. Nice and simple seafood restaurant.

Pallurinn, (behind the Gentle Giants ticket centre), ☎ +354 496 1440. An interesting tent restaurant where they grill whole lambs. Very nice food with reasonable prices. Only open during the summer season.

Salka, Garðarsbraut 6 (green house right by the main road.), ☎ +354 464 2551. Restaurant/pizzeria, where it is also possible to taste puffin.

Where to Sleep

Fosshótel Húsavík. Fosshótel Húsavík is a friendly and well-equipped hotel, located in the heart of Húsavík, within walking distance of the harbor.

Húsavík Cape Hotel. Húsavík Cape Hotel is a new 16 room hotel, located at Húsavík Cape, with a fantastic view across the town and Skjálfandi bay.

Kaldbakskot Cottages. Eighteen newly built log cabins, 20-30 square meters in size, with all modern conveniences.

Árból Guesthouse. Árból is a particularly beautiful and pleasant guesthouse located by the stream Búðará in the west corner of the town park. 

Get a free map of Húsavík here.

Johanna, Iceland24h.blogspot.com
February 2016