Hvalasafnið á Húsavík

About the museum

The Húsavík Whale Museum was founded in 1997 by Ásbjörn Björgvinsson and began operating under the name Hvalamiðstöðin (Whale Centre) with a simple exhibition that quickly attracted attention. Since then it has developed into a strong educational and cultural institution working in close cooperation with the scientific community, with the involvement of staff and volunteers.

The museum is housed in the former slaughterhouse of the Þingeyingar Co-operative (Kaupfélag Þingeyinga) at Hafnarstétt 1 in central Húsavík. The exhibition area covers 1,400 m² and contains 13 whale skeletons, interactive displays, films and accounts of whales and of human interaction with them through the ages.

The permanent exhibition covers the evolution of whales, their senses, behaviour and mating, the main whale species around Iceland, whaling in the country, and the protection of whale stocks and marine areas. The museum runs education programmes, including the Whale School (Hvalaskólinn), and links this education to visitors' experiences of whale watching in Skjálfandi bay.

Highlights

• 13 whale skeletons, including in the Whale Corridor on the upper floor
• A permanent exhibition on the evolution, senses and behaviour of whales
• Interactive displays and films
• The history of whaling around Iceland and the protection of whale stocks
• Free audio guide in eight languages
• A museum in a historic building by the harbour

Permanent exhibitions

• Grunnsýning – The permanent exhibition provides insight into the evolution, senses, behaviour and mating of whales, and presents the main whale species around Iceland alongside their skeletons.
• Hvalagangurinn – On the upper floor, skeletons of many whale species, from minke whale to sperm whale, are displayed in a separate room.

Founded

1997

Director

Arngrímur Arnarson

Admission & discounts

School groups on organised study trips arranged by a school enter free.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Hands-on stations

The interactive displays appeal to both children and adults. Children aged 16 and under enter free and must be accompanied by an adult.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in central Húsavík by the harbour, in the former slaughterhouse of the Þingeyingar Co-operative.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

A souvenir shop is at the museum entrance.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Up to 45 guests.

A meeting room on the third floor for up to 12 people (ISK 25,000), with a view over the harbour and the Kinnarfjöll mountains, and a conference hall for up to 45 people (ISK 50,000 for up to 3 hours). Coffee is included in the rental price; bookings are made by email to the museum.

Plan your visit