Húsavík

Húsavík (say it: HOO-sa-veek) has earned a serious reputation as Europe's best whale watching destination, and after one morning out on Skjálfandi Bay, you'll understand why. Humpback whales are spotted on around 98% of summer tours, often feeding so close to the boat you can hear them breathe. The town itself is small — just 2,300 people — but it punches well above its weight.

Beyond the whales, Húsavík is worth a proper wander. The colourful timber church, Húsavíkurkirkja, is one of Iceland's most photographed, and the Exploration Museum tells the surprisingly compelling story of how this quiet fishing town became a training ground for NASA astronauts in the 1960s. Grab a bowl of langoustine soup at Gamli Baukur on the harbour — it's the kind of meal you'll talk about for years.

Húsavík sits about 75 kilometres east of Akureyri, making it an easy day trip or a natural overnight stop on a North Iceland road trip. Visit between May and September for whale watching at its best, or come in winter for the northern lights and a dramatically different, quieter atmosphere. It's a place that rewards slowing down.