Húsavik Light

Sixty-six degrees north of the equator, off the northeastern coast of Iceland near the Arctic Circle, the brightly painted Húsavik Lighthouse spends the winter in near-perpetual darkness.  On December 21, the sun is out for a total of two hours and forty-five minutes.

Since 1956, this lighthouse has guided fishing boats safely through Skjálfandaflói Bay to the small town of Húsavik.  However, it’s not the only illumination to be seen in Iceland’s winter skies.  The phenomenal light displays of the aurora borealis, visible from the fishing port of Húsavik, have sparked the imagination of northern dwellers for centuries and continue to astound skywatchers today.

Many people climb to the top of Húsavik Lighthouse to view the aquatic wildlife in Skjálfandaflói Bay.  Minke and humpback whales, orcas, and even blue whales have been spotted from the top of the lighthouse.  And when the northern lights make their way across the Icelandic night sky, the top of this lighthouse makes for the perfect place to take in the ethereal splendor.

Included in AWA, The Postcards 👇