In Iceland's northeast, the land seems alive—volcanic craters, steaming vents, and bubbling mudpots create an otherworldly terrain. Lake Mývatn's wetlands draw one of Europe's largest gatherings of waterbirds, while black lava fields stretch to the horizon. Offshore, humpback and minke whales feed in rich waters, beneath cliffs crowded with puffins and guillemots. And the north was even famously featured in the Will Ferrell film, Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, shining a spotlight on this wild and remote coast.
Known as the whale-watching capital of Iceland, Húsavík is where the giants of the sea come extremely close to shore. Humpbacks hunt for food, minkes move past boats, and even blue whales can be spotted in these nutrient-rich waters. On land, geothermal baths and seabird cliffs round out one of Iceland’s most valued regions.
Iceland’s “capital of the north” balances small-city culture with wild surroundings. Snowcapped peaks rise above the fjord, waterfalls can be found in every direction nearby, and whales are often seen just offshore. In summer, the midnight sun lights up the trails, while in winter, auroras arc can be seen above the mountains.