Cruise Ship Passenger Port of Call Guide to Husavik, Iceland

Getting to Port

The harbour sits right in town, making your arrival straightforward. You can dock at three main berths:

• Norðurgarður (135m)
• Þvergarður (90m)
• Bökugarður (220m)

If you’re on a larger ship, you’ll anchor offshore and take a tender boat to land. The water depth is 25m.

The town centre is just a 100-metre walk from the port. You have several transport options:

• Pre-booked taxis
• Shuttle services
• Rental cars
• Tour buses (for shore excursions)

You’ll need Icelandic Króna (ISK) for local purchases. You can:

• Exchange currency at local banks
• Use ATMs near the port
• Get a free city map from the tourist centre

No public transport runs in Húsavík, so plan your transport before arrival.

Essential Port Services

The port of Húsavík welcomes you with practical maritime and passenger services. Three berths serve different ship sizes, with Bökugarður accommodating vessels up to 220m long.

Key Services:

• Tourist information centres provide local guidance
• ATMs and currency exchanges handle your Icelandic Króna needs
• Town-wide internet keeps you connected

Maritime Services:

Book these in advance:

• Waste handling
• Bunkering
• Pilot services

Emergency Contacts:

• Medical help: Call 112
• Maritime assistance: Use Channel 16

The port lacks a terminal building, but you’ll find all necessary services within walking distance in town.

Each berth offers direct access to Húsavík’s central area, making your cruise stop straightforward and convenient.

You can reach these services easily from any berthing point, and local staff are ready to assist with your needs.

Whale Watching Adventures

Skjálfandi Bay welcomes you to Iceland’s premier whale watching destination. You can spot 24 whale species here from April to October. The most common sightings include minke whales, harbour porpoises and white-beaked dolphins.

You’ll see more humpbacks in autumn, while blue whales appear most often in June and July.

You’ll spend three hours on traditional oak boats with a 97% chance of seeing whales. Your guides will explain everything about the local marine life while you sip hot chocolate and enjoy fresh cinnamon buns.

Puffins and Arctic terns join the show between May and August. If you miss seeing whales, you can typically get a free second tour or a voucher from most operators.

You should:

• Book your tour in advance
• Check the weather forecast
• Wear warm clothes
• Bring your camera
• Review cancellation terms before booking

Local Money and Shopping

You can use credit cards in most places, but keep some Icelandic Króna (ISK) for smaller purchases. Get cash from ATMs or exchange money at banks between 9:00-16:00. Check your bank’s foreign transaction fees before you travel.

The main shopping street, Garðarsbraut, offers:

• Kaðlín: Local jewellery, wool items and homemade jams
• Salvía: Home decor and gift items
• Multiple shops selling traditional Icelandic lopapeysa sweaters

You’ll find two main supermarkets:

• Krambúð
• Nettó Húsavík

Shop opening times vary throughout the week. You can check current times at the tourist information centre or online.

Money tips:

• Most shops accept major credit cards
• ATMs provide easy access to local currency
• Banks offer better exchange rates than hotels
• Small shops prefer cash payments

Getting Around Husavik

Getting around Husavik is simple – you can walk everywhere in this small town.

The harbour area holds most tourist spots, with clear paths connecting all key locations. You can reach the Whale Museum, shops and restaurants within a 5-minute walk from the cruise port.

Taxis operate in town if you need them, but your feet will take you everywhere you want to go.

Walking routes offer lovely views of the harbour and surrounding countryside.

Transportation Options Available

Getting around Húsavík is simple with these transport options:

Shuttle Services:

• Fjallasýn and Húsavík Mini Bus provide local rides
• Travel North offers guided trips to specific locations

Car Rentals:

• You can rent from Bilaleiga Húsavíkur or Europcar
• Vehicle options range from small cars to SUVs
• All vehicles meet Iceland’s road requirements

Bus Service:

• Strætó bus (route 79) runs between Húsavík and Akureyri
• Two daily departures from N1 gas station
• Fixed schedule with designated stops

The best choice depends on your plans:

• Choose shuttles for simple local trips
• Rent a car to explore freely on your own schedule
• Take the bus for budget-friendly travel to Akureyri

You’ll need to book car rentals and shuttle services in advance during peak cruise season.

Walking the Historic Port

Taking a walk around Húsavík’s historic port lets you explore this coastal town up close. The 2km harbour path stays flat and easy, making it suitable for visitors of all abilities.

You’ll spot the Húsavíkurkirkja church‘s distinct cross shape and 26-metre steeple along your route. The path takes you through Skrúðgarðurinn gardens, where you can cross wooden bridges over the Búðara brook.

You can also visit the spot where Garðar Svavarsson built Iceland’s first house in 870.

Choose between walking on your own or joining a guided tour. Get a town map from the tourist office before you start.

Bring comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather.

Natural Wonders and Wildlife

You’ll find Húsavík on Iceland’s northern coast, where Skjálfandi Bay hosts 24 whale species.

Watch minke, humpback and blue whales breach the water’s surface while seabirds circle above.

Key natural attractions near Húsavík:

1. Ásbyrgi Canyon
   • A horseshoe-shaped gorge with high cliffs
   • Rich plant life blankets the canyon floor
   • Known locally as the “Shelter of the Gods”
2. Dettifoss Waterfall
   • Located in Jökulsárgljúfur National Park
   • Europe’s most powerful waterfall
   • Accessible via marked hiking trails
3. Lake Mývatn Area
   • Volcanic landscapes and hot springs
   • GeoSea Sea-Baths with ocean views
   • Perfect spot for whale watching while bathing

The Húsavík Whale Museum offers:

• Detailed whale species information
• Local marine conservation projects
• Interactive educational displays
• Whale skeleton exhibits

You can spot wildlife year-round, with peak whale watching from June to August.

Arctic terns and puffins visit during summer months.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Typical Weather Conditions and Temperatures in Husavik Throughout the Year?

The weather in Húsavík brings you two distinct seasons: brief summers and extended winters. You’ll find average temperatures around 1°C throughout the year. During July, you can expect temperatures to reach 11°C, whilst January sees temperatures hovering around -1°C. You should pack for changeable weather, as rain occurs regularly throughout the year, and conditions can shift quickly.

Are There Public Wifi Spots or Internet Cafes in Husavik?

You’ll find plenty of free WiFi spots in Húsavík. The town offers internet access at cafes like Cafe Hvalbakur and Heimabakarí bakery. Your accommodation, restaurants and most public spaces will provide free WiFi connections. Iceland maintains extensive internet coverage, making it easy for you to stay connected throughout your visit.

Which Local Icelandic Dishes Should Visitors Try in Husavik’s Restaurants?

Try these Husavik local specialties:

• Kjötsúpa (lamb soup) – a hearty dish with tender meat and root vegetables
• Fresh-caught fish at Gamli Baukur restaurant
• Local seafood platters at Naustið restaurant
• Skyr – Iceland’s protein-rich dairy dessert similar to thick yoghurt
• Hákarl – fermented shark meat (a challenging but authentic delicacy)

The restaurants serve generous portions and use locally-sourced ingredients. You’ll find these dishes offered year-round on most local menus.

What Emergency Medical Facilities Are Available for Cruise Ship Passengers?

You can access emergency medical care through three main options:

Your cruise ship’s onboard medical centre provides basic treatment and stabilisation services.

The Husavik Health Center offers comprehensive emergency care when your ship docks.

Call 112 from any phone to reach local emergency services immediately.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Whale Watching Tours?

Age restrictions vary between whale watching companies. You can take your children on most tours, but specific rules apply. Húsavík Excursions asks that children be at least 8 years old or 130cm in height. Viajes Islandia accepts guests of all ages, and your children under 6 can join for free.