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The Icelandic Seal Centre
The Icelandic Seal Centre was created to promote seal research and sustainable seal-watching along the
Vatnsnes peninsula. While the centre has a serious research component to the facility, the museum section perfectly captures these lovable, adorable creatures. The main varieties of seals that the
Centre works with are harbour, harp, bearded, gray, hooded, and ringed seals. (There’s also the odd walrus that comes ashore in Iceland from Greenland. The Seal
Centre is contacted in that event.) The staff has information on the best sites for sealwatching opportunities and a small shop (hours variable; check website) sells souvenirs and light meals. For independent travellers, it is possible to go to the popular seal-watching spots without a tour guide. The museum is an entertaining, informative and fun experience for both adults and kids. Some of the exhibitions are geared toward children, with topics that include the seals of the North Atlantic and the Arctic, the importance of seals in Icelandic culture and tradition, seal biology (with skeletons on display), and the evolution of seal hunting on the island. There are also documentaries on Icelandic seals in English.
Selasetur Íslands
Brekkugata 2 - 530 Hvammstanga 4512345
selasetur@selasetur.is www.selasetur.is
HÚSAVÍK GREEN HOSTEL is an environmentally friendly hostel located in the heart of Húsavík with it's own environmental policy. The hostel offers a variety of rooms and a minimum stay of two nights.
Vallholtsvegur 9, 640 Húsavík +354 866 0882 husavikgreenhostel@gmail.com www.husavikgreenhostel.is/
The ARCTIC FOX CENTRE is a non-profit research and exhibition center, focusing on the arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) – the only native terrestrial mammal in Iceland. The long term aim is to collect all available knowledge and material relevant to the arctic fox in past and presence.
Eyrardalur 1, 420 Súðavík 456 4922 melrakki@melrakki.is www.melrakki.is
FISH AND CHIPS in Húsavík harbour is a fast-food restaurant with the freshest fish and excellent views over the harbor. This is a fantastic place to enjoy your fish and chips. Hafnarstétt 19 - 640, Húsavík + 354 4642099 www.facebook.com/ fishchips-152014694866754
KAKALASKÁLI in Skagafjörður has two story and art exhibitions about the turmoils of the 13th century. One is an outdoor installation depitcing the biggest battle in Icelandic history, the Battle of Haugsnes. At Kakalaskáli you also find Maria's workshop and antiques store.
Kringlumýri, 561, Varmahlíð t: +354 865 8227 kakalaskali@gmail.com www.kakalaskali.is/
NAUSTIÐ is a small, family-owned restaurant in the heart of Húsavík. It is located in a beautifully renovated old house, full of great ambiance. They offer great food, with carefully chosen i ngredients.
Ásgarðsvegur 1 - 640, Húsavík t: 4641520 www.facebook.com/naustid
The ICELANDIC SEAL CENTER'S main mission is to promote seal research, responsible seal watching and contribute to the development of sustainable seal watching locations on the Vatnsnes peninsula in cooperation with the local tourism board and NORCE.
Brekkugötu 2 - 530. Hvammstangi +354 4512345 selasetur@selasetur.is www.selasetur.is/en/
BÁRAN BAR/RESTAURANT in Þórshöfn, Northeast Iceland, offers local cuisine like fish, lamb, vegetables or for those who dare, whale or Puffin. During summer they also serve breakfast.
