Northern Lights in Husavik, Iceland

Husavik is a picturesque harbor town of about 2,300 people on the shore of Skjalfandi Bay in northeast Iceland. Known as the Whale Capital of Iceland, the town has built its reputation on some of the world's best whale watching - humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, and occasionally blue whales frequent these nutrient-rich waters.

What's less well known is that Husavik is also an excellent northern lights destination. At 66.05°N - almost exactly on the Arctic Circle - it needs only a KP index of 2 for aurora viewing. The town's remote northern position means very low light pollution, and the surrounding landscape of mountains, coastline, and open bay provides diverse viewing options.

The town gained international fame through the 2020 film Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, bringing its charming harbor and surrounding scenery to a worldwide audience. For aurora visitors, the combination of whale encounters and northern lights creates a trip that's hard to beat. Check the aurora forecast daily to optimize your viewing schedule.

Husavik Harbor: The colorful harbor with its wooden church (Husavikurkirkja, built 1907) and whale watching boats creates a charming foreground. While town lights reduce contrast, the harbor remains a pleasant viewing location for strong displays.

Grenivik: A small village about 30 minutes west of Husavik on the opposite shore of Eyjafjordur. The drive offers dark skies and the village itself has minimal light pollution with views across the water to the mountains.

Route 85 North: Driving north from Husavik along Route 85 toward Asbyrgi takes you through increasingly remote and dark terrain. The Jokulsargljufur canyon area (part of Vatnajokull National Park) offers spectacular geological formations as aurora foregrounds.

Skjalfandi Bay Shore: Walking south along the coast from Husavik leads to open shoreline with mountain views and dark skies. The bay's still waters can create stunning aurora reflections on calm nights.

The magic of Husavik is the overlap between whale watching and aurora seasons:

September-October: Peak whale watching season continues while dark nights return. This is the ideal overlap period - whales are abundant and active, and aurora appears from late evening. Temperatures 3°C to -2°C.

November-January: Whale watching becomes weather-dependent and some operators reduce schedules. Aurora viewing is at its peak with maximum darkness. The landscape transforms under snow, and the few tourists who visit enjoy an intimate experience.

February-March: Whale watching resumes more consistently as days lengthen. Aurora remains visible during the long evenings. This period offers a good balance of both attractions. The March equinox enhances geomagnetic activity.

Getting There: Husavik Airport (HZK) has limited service. Most visitors drive from Akureyri (about 50 minutes via Route 85) or fly into Akureyri Airport (AEY). The drive from Reykjavik is about 5.5-6 hours via Route 1.

Whale Watching: North Sailing and Gentle Giants are the main operators, offering traditional oak boat and RIB tours respectively. Winter tours operate weather-permitting, with humpback whales being the most commonly seen species year-round. Book in advance.

Husavik Whale Museum: One of Europe's best whale museums, housing real whale skeletons and comprehensive exhibits on cetacean biology and the history of whaling in Iceland. A perfect activity when waiting for dark skies.

Accommodation: Fosshotel Husavik is the main hotel. Husavik Cape Hotel and several guesthouses and Airbnb options are available. The GeoSea geothermal sea baths offer stunning clifftop hot pools overlooking Skjalfandi Bay - open into the evening and a unique aurora viewing opportunity from the water.