Sights in Húsavík
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Lundey & Flatey
The small islands of Lundey & Flatey lie anchored in Skjálfandi, near Húsavík. Lundey (Puffin Island), rises dramatically from the sea in a series of high, nest-covered cliffs and is a breeding ground for puffins, fulmars and other sea birds. Flatey (Flat Island) lives up to its name, rising only a couple of metres above sea level. It's now abandoned, but as recently as 1942 it had a population of more than 100.
Tours to both islands are possible with the two whale-watching companies, Norður Sigling and Gentle Giants.
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Húsavík Museum
A folk, maritime and natural-history museum all rolled into one complex, the Húsavík Museum is one of the best local museums you’ll find in Iceland. The museums occupy the 1st and 3rd floors of the building (the library is on the 2nd floor), and an annexe nearby. The natural-history display has the usual array of stuffed animals, including arctic foxes, a frightening-looking hooded seal, and a stuffed polar bear, which was welcomed to Grímsey in 1969 with both barrels of a gun.
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Icelandic Phallological Museum
The unique Icelandic Phallological Museum houses a bizarre collection of penises. From pickled pickles to petrified wood, there are over 300 different types of family jewels on display. There are no actual human contributions though. But don’t rush to volunteer – four donors-in-waiting have already promised to bequeath their manhood (signed contracts are mounted on the wall). Quirky sidenote: all displays are translated into Esperanto.
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Húsavík Whale Museum
Best visited before you head out on a whale-watching trip, the excellent Húsavík Whale Museum will tell you all you ever needed to know about these gracious creatures. Housed in an old slaughterhouse at the harbour, the museum interprets the ecology and habits of whales, conservation and the history of whaling in Iceland through beautifully curated displays, including several huge skeletons soaring high above (they’re real!).
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Húsavíkurkirkja
Húsavík'slovely and unusual church is quite different to anything else seen in Iceland. Constructed in 1907 from Norwegian timber, the delicately proportioned red-and-white church would look more at home in the Alps. Inside its cruciform shape becomes apparent and is dominated by a depiction of the resurrection of Lazarus on the altarpiece. The carved font is also worth seeking out, as are the 17th-century murals and candlesticks.
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Skrúðgardin
The small town park Skrúðgardin is a lovely place running along the southern bank of the Buðará river. It's a relaxing spot for a walk, and there are several heritage houses scattered around, including one of Húsavík's original homes, Arholt.
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Hveravellir
The geothermal site Hveravellir, on Rte 87, about 26km south of Húsavík, provides some of Húsavík's hot-water supply. The farm here sells fresh vegetables from its geothermally heated greenhouses.
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Lake Botnsvatn
It's a 5.2km walk around the Lake Botnsvatn, in a hollow behind the village, where reafforestation projects are greening the landscapeCampers are welcome by the lake, but there are no facilities.
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