The picturesque northern fishing village of Dalvík is situated on the western shore of Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjord. It offers travelers tranquil, stunning scenery that shows no trace of the devastating 1934 earthquake that nearly obliterated the town.
Dalvík is located 42 km north of Akureyri, about a 30-minute drive away. The most popular activity in town is whale watching. While the town of Húsavík is indeed more famous for this,
here too you can book a whale watching cruise via GetYourGuide:
The summer months are an ideal time to spot a variety of whale species, including minke whales, humpback whales, orcas, dolphins, and more. Morning tours are recommended, as the sea tends to be calmer and flatter. During the cruise, you will observe whales, dolphins, and diverse seabirds. A whale watching cruise with Arctic Sea Tours is a fantastic experience for the whole family—don't miss it!
Hostel Dalvik
Located in the center of Dalvík. Offers free Wi-Fi and parking, along with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities.
Fosshotel Dalvik
Close to the town center. Features private or shared bathrooms and shared laundry facilities.
Whale watching cruise in Dalvík:
Those wishing to venture even closer to the Arctic Circle can hop on the ferry from Dalvík to Grímsey Island.
Located 50 km north of the Icelandic mainland, Grímsey is the country's northernmost inhabited settlement. Spanning 5.3 square kilometers, it is home to around 100 residents. The island is ideal for sea angling and bird watching (especially puffin spotting). In addition, exploring the island on foot, meeting the locals, and taking in the peaceful serenity makes for a wonderful experience. As mentioned, you can reach Grímsey Island via the ferry departing Dalvík three times a week at 9:00 AM, or via daily flights from Akureyri. Every traveler who visits receives a certificate confirming they have crossed into the Arctic Circle.