Finally we see the whales in Húsavík & visit Goðafoss! 🐋 – Iceland 🇮🇸 Camper Roadtrip
Iceland Camper Roadtrip – Finally Whales in Húsavík & the Mighty Goðafoss
Some travel experiences cannot be planned. You can hope for them, wish for them, and try again and again. But in the end, nature itself decides whether to grant you that special moment.
That's exactly how we felt about our dream of seeing whales in the wild.
For four years now, we've been trying to experience whales up close on our trips to Norway and Iceland. Multiple times we stood on boats, gazed eagerly across the sea, hoping for that crucial moment. But each time, we came up empty-handed.
In Húsavík, the whale capital of Iceland, that was finally about to change.
Table of Contents
- Húsavík and the hope for the first whale safari
- Out to the open sea on a RIB boat
- Two hours of suspense – and no whales
- Goðafoss – the Waterfall of the Gods
- Campsite 66.12 North and Northern Lights
- Next round, next chance
- After four years, finally whales up close
- Conclusion of our travel day
Húsavík and the hope for the first whale safari
The alarm clock rings early in the morning. Today, something we've been looking forward to for a long time is on the agenda.
A whale safari with Gentle Giants in Húsavík.
After the storm last night, however, we are unsure if the tour will even take place. The wind had picked up considerably, and in Iceland, you never know how quickly the weather can change.
When we arrive in Húsavík, however, the situation looks much better. The sea appears calm, and the first boats are already leaving the harbor.
Anticipation slowly builds.
At the Gentle Giants ticket center, we receive our documents, and a short time later, we get the thick protective suits for the trip.
Now there's no turning back.
Our RIB boat is already waiting in the harbor.
As we put on the special suits, we look like little astronauts. But it's precisely this clothing that protects against wind, spray, and the sometimes chilly temperatures out at sea.
After four years of waiting, we are finally on a whale-watching boat.
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Out to the open sea on a RIB boat
Shortly after, the RIB boat leaves the harbor of Húsavík.
Immediately, the excitement on board rises.
The fast boats are a real experience. The boat constantly bounces over the waves, giving a feeling of freedom and adventure.
As the coastline slowly recedes, all eyes are fixed on the horizon.
Out here, the chances of whale sightings are said to be around 99 percent.
An impressive figure.
At full throttle, we head further and further out into the open sea.
Everyone looking out.
Everyone full of hope.
And everyone excited for the moment when the first dorsal fin breaks through the water's surface.
Two hours of suspense – and no whales
But nature doesn't adhere to probabilities.
After almost two hours at sea, we still haven't seen a single whale.
Slowly, it gets quiet on the boat.
The initial euphoria gives way to disappointment.
Eventually, the boat turns around and makes its way back to Húsavík.
Of course, we are disappointed.
But that's exactly what makes experiences in nature so special. There's no guarantee and no show. Animals live by their own rules.
Before we even reach the harbor, however, we receive surprising news.
Free tickets are available for all guests.
These can be used for another tour.
Suddenly, hope rekindles.
Goðafoss – the Waterfall of the Gods
Since we still have a whole afternoon ahead of us, we spontaneously decide to visit the famous Goðafoss.
The waterfall is one of the most famous sights in North Iceland.
Upon arrival, we immediately notice how quiet it is here today.
Perfect conditions for a relaxed stroll.
The name Goðafoss translates to "Waterfall of the Gods." According to legend, around the year 1000, the Lawspeaker of Iceland threw his pagan idol statues into the river here after Iceland officially adopted Christianity.
The waterfall itself is about 30 meters wide and around 12 meters high.
Its horseshoe shape is particularly impressive, making it look different from almost every angle.
Depending on the weather, light, and water level, Goðafoss always presents a new side of itself.
For us, it is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Northern Iceland.
Campsite 66.12 North and Northern Lights
In the late afternoon, we arrive at campsite 66.12 North.
We feel welcome as soon as we arrive.
The site is directly on the coast and offers fantastic sea views.
These are exactly the kinds of places we love on our travels.
As the sun slowly disappears, the campsite operator comes by and informs all guests about possible Northern Lights activity.
Of course, cameras are immediately set up and warm clothes are put on.
And indeed.
Later in the evening, faint Northern Lights appear in the sky.
Not a spectacular storm of colors, but enough to perfectly round off this already special day.
Next round, next chance
The next morning means another early start.
The big question is:
Will we even get a spot on the boat?
The free tickets are valid, but only as long as there are available seats.
Luckily, we're in luck.
Spots become available at short notice, and we get to go again.
This time, the excitement level rises even more significantly.
After all, this is our last chance.
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After four years, finally whales up close
As soon as we're out at sea, the mood changes.
Suddenly, whales appear.
Everything happens incredibly fast.
So fast, in fact, that we barely have time to aim our cameras properly.
But this time, it doesn't matter.
We simply enjoy the moment.
The whales repeatedly surface and then disappear into the depths of the North Atlantic.
After four years and a total of five attempts, we finally get to enjoy this experience.
A moment that will stay with us for a long time.
Sometimes it takes patience.
Sometimes it takes several attempts.
But that's precisely why such moments feel so special in the end.
Conclusion of our travel day
This day once again shows why we love Iceland so much.
Disappointment and joy are often only a few hours apart.
The unsuccessful whale safari, the impressive Goðafoss, northern lights in the evening, and finally the encounter with the whales make this travel day one of the most emotional of our entire Iceland trip.
After four years and five attempts, it finally worked out.
And that's exactly why we will never forget this day.
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