Mývatn is a shallow eutrophic lake in an area of active volcanism in northern Iceland, not far from Krafla volcano. The lake and its surrounding wetlands have a vibrant fauna of waterbirds, especially ducks. The lake was created by a large basaltic lava eruption 2300 years ago, and the surrounding landscape is dominated by volcanic landforms, including lava pillars and rootless vents (pseudocraters). The effluent river Laxá is known for its rich fishing for Brown Trout and Atlantic Salmon.

The name of the lake (Icelandic mý (“midge”) and vatn (“lake”); the lake of midges) comes from the enormous numbers of midges to be found there in the summer.

The name Mývatn is sometimes used not only for the lake but also for the whole surrounding inhabited area. The River Laxá, Lake Mývatn, and the surrounding wetlands are protected as a nature reserve (the Mývatn-Laxá Nature Conservation Area).

Hverir, also known as Hverarond or Namafjall, is a geothermal area in northeastern Iceland near Lake Myvatn. This otherworldly landscape is characterized by bubbling mud pits, steaming fumaroles, and vibrant yellow sulfur deposits.

The otherworldly nature of the landscape immediately strikes visitors to Hverir. The ground is cracked and barren, emitting a pungent smell of sulfur that fills the air. The bubbling mud pits and hissing fumaroles create a surreal atmosphere as you step onto another planet.

One of the most striking features of Hverir is the bright yellow sulfur deposits that can be seen clinging to the rocky ground. These colorful formations add a pop of color to the otherwise desolate landscape and starkly contrast the surrounding black volcanic rocks.

Hverir is also home to several hot springs heated by the geothermal activity beneath the surface. Visitors can see steam rising from these pools of water, creating a hypnotic and almost mystical effect.

Visiting Hverir is a truly unique experience that offers a glimpse into the raw power of nature.

Please arrive at the ticket office in Húsavík no later than 30 minutes before departure.

On this 3-hour tour, you’ll marvel at the natural beauty of Skjálfandi Bay and have the opportunity to see whales, dolphins, and sea birds in their natural habitat. Enjoy a smooth, safe sailing in a traditional Icelandic oak boat and treat yourself to a cup of hot cocoa and cinnamon buns on the way back to Húsavík.

Warm overalls and raincoats are provided.

Thousands of satisfied visitors have recommended this tour from around the world. The Original Husavik Whale Watching tour is an authentic wildlife activity operated by North Sailing, the pioneers of whale watching in Iceland.

Húsavík is a town in Norðurþing municipality on the north coast of Iceland, on the shores of Skjálfandi Bay. It has 2,237 inhabitants. The town’s most famous landmark is the wooden church Húsavíkurkirkja, built in 1907.

Income is derived from tourism, fishing, retail, and small industry. Until recently, Húsavík was the export harbor for silica extracted from nearby Lake Mývatn.

According to the Landnámabók (“Book of Settlement”), Húsavík was the first place in Iceland to be settled by a Norse man. The Swedish Viking Garðar Svavarsson stayed there for one winter around 870 A.D. When he left the island in the spring of 870, after a winter’s stay, he left behind a man named Nattfari and two slaves, a man and a woman, and they established a farm here. The town’s name means “bay of houses,” probably referring to Garðar’s homestead, which may have been the only house in Iceland.

Húsavík is Iceland’s capital of whale watching, sighted on over 95% of trips during the summer.

GeoSea in Húsavík is a world-class geothermal bathing mecca and an experience that taps into the historical roots of a small fishing town in North Iceland that has harnessed the Earth’s geothermal waters for centuries. It is a rare union of mineral-rich seawater and heat from the Earth’s core. Perched along a western-facing cliffside that overlooks Skjálfandi Bay and the Arctic Circle to the north, our baths provide the ultimate vantage point for whale watchers and those seeking the northern lights. Reconnect, decompress, and uniquely enjoy Icelandic nature at GeoSea.

There is a long tradition of bathing in Iceland’s geothermal waters. Icelanders have met in hot pools throughout history to relax and relieve themselves of the day’s hard work. Since its opening, GeoSea has been popular among Icelanders and locals alike. In a way, our sea baths serve as a cultural center where locals come to discuss the day’s happenings – taking part in a custom ingrained in Iceland’s cultural fabric.

You can treat yourself to a refreshing soft drink or alcoholic beverage at our swim-up bar while relaxing in the warm water – a rare luxury in Iceland. We also have a unique dining area where you can enjoy refreshments in a cozy bathrobe.

The picturesque Goðafoss is 12 meters high and 30 meters wide. The waterfall is located in the mighty Skjálfandafljót River, which originates in the Vatnajökull Glacier.

Goðafoss means “Waterfall of the Gods,” getting its name from The Book of Icelanders, a tale in one of the old Icelandic manuscripts about Þorgeir, the law speaker, who made Christianity the official religion in Iceland in 1000 AD. After he had converted to the new religion and upon his arrival home, he threw his old statues of the Norse gods of his former religion into the waterfall, hence the name Goðafoss.