Norðurþing Travel Guide

City Northeastern Icelandic municipality with coastal communities

Along Iceland’s northeast coast, the Norðurþing area offers whale-watching from Húsavík, geothermal fields near Mývatn, and bird cliffs on Tjörnes. Travelers come for sea safaris, volcanic landscapes and small harbors where fish smokehouses and local guides arrange boat trips.

Costs

$120-220 / day (Iceland average)

Iceland prices apply; accommodation and excursions are the main expenses.

Safety

Very safe, low crime

Very safe; natural hazards like strong winds, sea ice and volcanic activity are primary risks.

Best Time

Summer for whales; winter for northern lights

June-August for whales and midnight sun, Sept-April for northern lights.

In This Guide

Why Visit Norðurþing?
Top Things to Do
Plan Your Visit
Where to Stay
Where to Eat

Time

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Weather

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Population

2,228

Infrastructure & Convenience

Good road network but car recommended; Húsavík offers tour operators and English services.

Popularity

Attracts international nature tourists especially for whale watching and geothermal sites.

Known For

Húsavík whale-watching, geothermal areas, Mývatn region, birdlife, northern lights, volcanic landscapes, fishing towns, rugged coastline

Norðurþing municipality includes Húsavík, often called Iceland's whale‑watching capital.

Why Visit Norðurþing? #

The Norðurþing area in northeastern Iceland is a draw for whale-watching and rugged natural attractions centered on Húsavík and surrounding sites. Húsavík’s whale-watching boats and the Whale Museum are major reasons to visit, while nearby Ásbyrgi canyon and coastal bird colonies reward nature lovers. The region’s geothermal pools and small fishing villages combine wildlife encounters with low-key cultural experiences rooted in seafaring and northern rural life.

Top Things to Do in Norðurþing

All Attractions ›

Goðafoss

Prominent horseshoe-shaped waterfall in northern Iceland

Waterfall

Húsavík Whale Museum

Museum documenting whales and local whaling history

Museum

Don't Miss

Húsavík Whale Museum - The Húsavík Whale Museum presents research, exhibits, and local cetacean history on Skjálfandi Bay.
Whale-watching departures - Whale-watching boats leave Húsavík harbor regularly for close views of humpback and minke whales.
Húsavík harbourfront - Stroll Húsavík's harborfront for colorful boats, seafood stalls, and coastal views.

Hidden Gems

Húsavík Thermal Baths - Relax at the community thermal baths near the town, offering hot pools and sea views.
Local whale-identification projects - Visit a whale-identification project center to learn about citizen science and photo-ID methods.
Ásbyrgi viewpoint walks - Short trails on Ásbyrgi's rim provide quiet overlooks into the horseshoe-shaped canyon.

Day Trips

Mývatn area and geothermal sites - Mývatn's geothermal fields, pseudocraters, and baths make a dramatic full-day excursion.
Ásbyrgi and Dettifoss - Northern canyon Ásbyrgi and Dettifoss waterfall offer raw landscapes reachable on day trips.

Best Time to Visit Norðurþing #

Norðurþing is best visited in summer for midnight sun, whales and puffins, or winter for aurora - each season offers unique wildlife but variable weather. Plan activities around daylight and sea conditions.

Winter

November - March · -6-2 °C / 21-36 °F

Winter is dark, windy and cold with brief daylight - aurora hunting is prime, but many roads and services can be limited by weather.

Spring

April - May · 0-6 °C / 32-43 °F

Spring thaws slowly; migrating birds return and landscapes open up - expect blustery days, muddy tracks, and rewarding quieter wildlife encounters.

Summer

June - August · 6-12 °C / 43-54 °F

Summer is cool and bright with long daylight; ideal for whale watching, puffin colonies and hiking coastal trails with generally calm seas.

Best Time to Visit Norðurþing #

Climate

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

By Train & Bus

How to Get Around Norðurþing #

Norðurþing refers to the municipality centred on towns such as Húsavík, which are very walkable around the harbour and town centre. Regional buses and seasonal connections serve the area; many whale-watching departures leave from Húsavík harbour. Driving is the most practical option for exploring the wider municipality; distances between settlements are larger than in urban areas and services can be limited outside peak season.

Where to Stay in Norðurþing #

Budget

Húsavík - $70-130/night

Norðurþing covers Húsavík and surrounding settlements. Budget stays are mainly guesthouses and hostels in Húsavík.

Fosshotel Husavik (value deals) - Occasional budget rates off-season
Húsavík Guesthouse - Simple rooms, central location

Mid-Range

Húsavík harbour - $130-200/night

Mid-range options in Húsavík provide comfortable rooms, good whale-watching departures, and easy access to nearby nature.

Fosshotel Husavik - Well-located, quality service
Húsavík Cape Hotel - Modern rooms, good whale-watching access

Luxury

Húsavík - $180-300/night

There are no large resort complexes in Norðurþing; the best hotel options are the top properties in Húsavík.

Húsavík Cape Hotel - High-standard rooms with views
Fosshotel Husavik - Top local full-service option

Where to Eat in Norðurþing #

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Norðurþing's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Fish

Asian

Pizza

Seafood

Coffee Shop

Fish & Chips

Nightlife in Norðurþing #

Nightlife in Norðurþing is low-key outside the busy summer months; Húsavík offers several cafés, restaurants and seasonal live-music events. Expect a quiet evening scene in smaller settlements.

Shopping in Norðurþing #

Shopping across Norðurþing is focused in the main towns (especially Húsavík) where you’ll find small craft shops, outdoor suppliers and souvenir stores geared to visitors. Grocery chains cover daily needs but selection is smaller than in larger Icelandic towns.