The Husavik Whale Museum is a non-profit educational centre and exhibition space located in a refurbished slaughterhouse by the harbour in Husavik, Iceland. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport, accessibility, and practical visitor tips to assist in planning a visit to the facility.
The information in this guide was last updated in April 2026. A key update for the 2026 season is the completion of the “Blue Whale Hall” refurbishment, which has introduced new interactive acoustic stations allowing visitors to hear the recorded vocalisations of various North Atlantic whale species.
Quick facts
| Feature | Detail |
| Opening hours | Daily 09:00 – 18:00 (summer schedule) |
| Ticket prices | Adult: 2,650 ISK; Children 16 or under get in free. |
| Address | Hafnarstétt 1, 640 Husavik, Iceland |
| Nearest transport | Husavik Harbour Bus Stop (Strætó Route 79) |
| Typical time needed | 1 to 1.5 hours |
Husavik Whale Museum opening hours
The Husavik Whale Museum operates on a seasonal schedule with hours that expand during the spring and summer months. From May to September, the museum is open daily from 09:00 to 18:00. From October to April, opening hours are 10:00 to 16:00.
The museum is closed on 24, 25, 31 December and 1 January. Last admission is permitted 30 minutes before closing time.
Husavik Whale Museum ticket prices
Admission for adults (ages 18+) is 2,650 ISK, while children aged 16 or under get in free.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in April 2026.
Five great things to do in Husavik
- 🐋 Go whale-watching – the traditional way on a handsome oak ship.
- 🚤 Get a taste of adventure on a RIB cruise – spotting whales and puffins on the way.
- ♨️ Soak in the mineral-rich waters – at the GeoSea Geothermal Baths.
- 🌊 Head out again in search of whales in Skjalfandi Bay – on another guided boat tour.
- 📸 Capture the coastline’s beauty – while exploring more Husavik highlights on a local experience.
How to get to the Husavik Whale Museum
The museum is situated directly on the harbour front in Husavik, making it easily accessible for those already in the town centre for boat tours. Visitors driving from Akureyri should take Route 1 east and then turn onto Route 85 north, a journey that takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Public transport is provided by the Strætó national bus system via Route 79, which connects Akureyri and Husavik. The bus stop is located within a 5-minute walk of the museum entrance. For those arriving via domestic flight to Husavik Airport (HZK), a taxi or pre-arranged shuttle is required for the 10-kilometre journey to the harbour.
Parking at the Husavik Whale Museum
There is a large public car park located directly in front of the museum and along the harbour side. Parking is currently free of charge for all visitors, with no time limit imposed.
During the peak season in July and August, the harbour parking area can become congested due to the volume of whale watching passengers. In such instances, additional free parking is available at the Husavik Church lot or near the local supermarket, both of which are within a 10-minute walk of the museum.
How long to spend at the Husavik Whale Museum
A standard visit to the Husavik Whale Museum takes between 1 and 1.5 hours. This allows sufficient time to view the 11 real whale skeletons on display and read the educational panels regarding whale biology and marine ecology.
Visitors with a specific interest in marine conservation or those who wish to watch the full documentary screenings in the museum theatre should allow for 2 hours. Because the museum is located next to the boat piers, many visitors combine their visit with a whale watching tour, visiting the museum either immediately before or after their time at sea.
Accessibility at the Husavik Whale Museum
The Husavik Whale Museum is housed in a historic building that has been modified to meet modern accessibility standards. The ground floor, which contains the majority of the skeleton displays and the reception desk, is level and accessible to wheelchair users.
A lift provides access to the upper floor, where the documentary theatre and additional exhibits are located. The museum pathways are wide enough for standard wheelchairs and strollers. Accessible toilets are available on-site, and staff members are trained to assist visitors with specific mobility requirements.
Inside the Husavik Whale Museum
The museum is organised into several themed galleries spread across two floors, focusing on the biology, history, and conservation of whales in the North Atlantic. The primary highlight is the Skeleton Room, which contains 11 authentic whale skeletons, including a massive 25-metre Blue Whale skeleton, which is one of the few on display worldwide. Other skeletons include those of a Sperm Whale, Minke Whale, and a Narwhal.
Visitors can explore the Whale Watching Gallery, which explains the transition of Husavik from a fishing and whaling hub to the whale watching capital of Iceland. The Marine Ecosystem Exhibit provides details on the diet and migratory patterns of whales found in Skjálfandi Bay. On the upper floor, a dedicated theatre shows documentaries on marine research, and a “Whale School” section provides interactive learning stations for younger visitors. The museum also houses a library and research area used by scientists studying local cetacean populations.
Practical visitor tips
| Category | Advice |
| Timing | Visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the mid-day peak when boat tours return. |
| Crowds | The Blue Whale Hall is the most popular area; move to the smaller side galleries if it becomes congested. |
| Layout | Start on the ground floor and follow the numbered path to ensure you see the skeletons in size order. |
| Entry process | Present your boat tour confirmation at the desk first to see if you qualify for a partnership discount. |
| Logistics | The museum is kept at a cool temperature to preserve the bone specimens; wearing a jacket inside is advised. |
Frequently asked questions about the Husavik Whale Museum
| Question | Answer |
| Is the Husavik Whale Museum suitable for children? | Yes, the scale of the skeletons and the interactive “Whale School” are designed for younger visitors. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for the Husavik Whale Museum? | No, advance booking is not required for individuals, though large groups should notify the museum. |
| Is the Husavik Whale Museum open on Sundays? | Yes, it is open every Sunday during the spring and summer months from 10:00 to 18:30. |
| Are the whale skeletons real? | Yes, all 11 skeletons on display are authentic bones from whales that stranded on Icelandic shores. |
Things to do near Husavik Whale Museum
- Husavik Whale Watching: Multiple boat operators depart from the piers located directly outside the museum for 3-hour sea tours.
- Husavik Church (Húsavíkurkirkja): A distinctive wooden church built in 1907, located a 3-minute walk from the museum.
- The Exploration Museum: A museum 5 minutes away dedicated to the history of exploration, including NASA’s moon landing training.
- Geosea Geothermal Sea Baths: Geothermal pools located a 3-minute drive north, offering views over the bay where whales are spotted.
- Husavik Harbour Walk: A paved path along the piers with views of traditional wooden boats and various seafood restaurants.
What to visit tomorrow
- Mývatn Bird Museum (Sigurgeir’s Bird Museum): A 50-minute drive away, this museum houses a vast collection of Icelandic bird specimens.
- The Akureyri Art Museum: Located 1 hour 15 minutes away, featuring contemporary Icelandic and international art in a former dairy plant.
- Minjasafnið á Akureyri (Akureyri Museum): A 1 hour 20-minute drive to see exhibitions on local history and cultural heritage.
- Nonni House: Located 1 hour 15 minutes away in Akureyri, this museum is dedicated to the author Jón Sveinsson in his childhood home.
- Safnasafnið (The Icelandic Folk and Outsider Art Museum): A 1 hour 10-minute drive, focusing on self-taught artists and folk traditions.
