Norðurþing
Norðurþing at a Glance
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.
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.
Best Things to Do in Norðurþing
Norðurþing Bucket List
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
Winter is dark, windy and cold with brief daylight - aurora hunting is prime, but many roads and services can be limited by weather.
Spring
Spring thaws slowly; migrating birds return and landscapes open up - expect blustery days, muddy tracks, and rewarding quieter wildlife encounters.
Summer
Summer is cool and bright with long daylight; ideal for whale watching, puffin colonies and hiking coastal trails with generally calm seas.
Continental climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -4°C to 12°C. Moderate rainfall (612 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -4° - 1° | -8° | 51 mm | overcast | 93% | 7.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 3.8h |
| February | Poor | -4° - 1° | -8° | 44 mm | overcast | 91% | 7.3 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.8h |
| March | Poor | -4° - 1° | -8° | 48 mm | overcast | 91% | 7.1 m/s | 0.1 low | 11.5h |
| April | Poor | -2° - 3° | -5° | 33 mm | overcast | 90% | 6.4 m/s | 0.4 low | 15.2h |
| May | Poor | 2° - 7° | 4° | 30 mm | overcast | 88% | 5.7 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 19.1h |
| June | Acceptable | 5° - 10° | 4° | 40 mm | overcast | 85% | 5.4 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 22.6h |
| July | Acceptable | 7° - 12° | 7° | 49 mm | overcast | 86% | 5.0 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 20.6h |
| August | Acceptable | 7° - 12° | 6° | 53 mm | overcast | 87% | 5.0 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 16.6h |
| September | Poor | 4° - 8° | 2° | 66 mm | overcast | 89% | 5.8 m/s | 0.2 low | 12.9h |
| October | Poor | 1° - 5° | -2° | 78 mm | overcast | 92% | 6.2 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.2h |
| November | Poor | -2° - 3° | -5° | 68 mm | overcast | 92% | 6.7 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.2h |
| December | Poor | -4° - 2° | -8° | 52 mm | overcast | 92% | 7.2 m/s | 0.0 low | 1.5h |
How to Get to Norðurþing
How to Get Around Norðurþing
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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.
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.