Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A folk, maritime and natural-history museum rolled into one complex, the Culture House
is one of the north's most interesting regional museums. 'Man and Nature' nicely outlines
a century of life in the region, from 1850 to 1950 (lots of local flavour), while the stuffed
animals include a frightening-looking hooded seal, and a polar bear that was welcomed to
Grímsey in 1969 with both barrels of a gun.
Húsavíkurkirkja
CHURCH
Húsavík's church is quite different from 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 (from lava!) on the altarpiece.
Skrúðgarður
GARDENS
As scenic as the waterfront area is, a walk along the duck-filled stream of the endearing
town park offers a serene break. Access is via a footbridge on Ásgarðsvegur, or beside Ár-
ból guesthouse.
Sundlaugin
SWIMMING POOL
10am-6pm Sat & Sun Jun-Aug, shorter hours Sep-May; )
The local swimming pool has hot-pots, and waterslides for kids.
Tours
Whale Watching
This
is why you came to Húsavík. Although there are other Iceland locales where you can
do whale-watching tours (Reykjavík and Eyjafjörður, north of Akureyri), this area has be-
come Iceland's premier whale-watching destination, with up to 11 species coming here to
feed in summer. The best time to see whales is between June and August. This is, of
course, the height of tourist season, and you'll have a near-100% chance of seeing one.
