Traditional whaling in Iceland has changed. Whale meat hardly finds any customers in Iceland, Japan and Norway, the three classic whaling nations. Almost only tourists want to try the Icelandic delicacy. Above all, however, they want to get up close to the largest creatures. In the port of Húsavík, various companies with different concepts solicit customers for whale-watching tours.
Húsavík Whale Museum
The whale museum at the harbor provides information about the biology and habitat of whales in the North Atlantic. The eventful history of whaling is presented in several films. A visit in two parts before and after a whale watching tour is recommended. This way the impressions gained on the ship can be deepened. The entrance ticket is valid for the whole day.
Thirst for knowledge replaces hunger for whale meat
In the three remaining whaling nations, Norway, Japan and Iceland, consumption of whale meat is in sharp decline. Scientific whaling kills more whales worldwide than are in demand.
At the Whale Museum in Húsavík, observations from whale-watching boats have been scientifically recorded in a database since 2001 and evaluated together with other research institutions. The museum is open from March to October and the staff provides information about everything you want to know about whales.
Operators where whale watching can be booked:
Gentle Giants
Húsavìk Adventures
North Sailing
Salka Whale Watching
Wondrous Iceland Stories
Magical, mystical, whimsical. On our trip through Iceland, we experienced overwhelming nature, enjoyed the benefits of geothermal energy and tasted many an outlandish dish or of the beer that was only legalized in 1989. In Iceland there are leader sheep, but under no circumstances ponies. Instead, the descendants of the Vikings today have heated sidewalks, still seething volcanoes and a lot of creativity, which in the long dark months is the best recipe against the onset of winter depression. Other Moment Mal episodes are about hairy beer bottles, petrified trolls and wishing stones. Fermented, cruelly stinking Greenland shark contrasts with rye bread baked in hot earth. The whales that regularly appear off Húsavík are a popular photo motif during whale watching.
