Húsavík: Long Story Short

When the fishing industry underwent changes in the 1960s and 1970s, population growth temporarily stagnated. People increasingly moved to larger urban areas, and Húsavík—like many fishing communities—felt the impact of this migration. At the same time, the town began to strengthen itself in new areas, and population numbers generally remained more stable than in many other settlements in North Iceland.

Around and after 1995, a turning point occurred when whale watching began to gain momentum. As tourism increased, the local economy strengthened and new jobs were created. This led to renewed population growth, and the town became better at retaining young residents while also becoming more attractive to people from outside the area. Húsavík gradually became known as ‘the whale capital of Iceland,’ and tourism started to play a major role alongside fisheries and traditional services.

In the early 21st century, this development continued and the population grew slowly but steadily. In 2019, global interest in Húsavík suddenly surged when much of the Hollywood film Eurovision: The Story of Fire Saga was shot in the town. The movie and the song Húsavík (My Hometown) brought international attention and led to a significant increase in tourist visits.

Today, Húsavík is a vibrant community with a stable population of around 2,500 people. The town maintains its roots as one of Iceland’s oldest settlements while having transformed into a modern society built on culture, nature, and a diverse economy. Here, ancient history, fishing heritage, tourism, and international fame blend in a unique way — creating a community that thrives and continues to grow, slowly but surely.