Science Fair Project Encyclopedia
Húsavík
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Location in Iceland | |||
| County | Suður-Þingeyjarsýsla | ||
| Constituency | Northeast | ||
| Area | 270 km² ( 104.25mi²) | ||
| Population Total (2003) Density |
2,453 9.09/km² | ||
| Postal codes | 640 | ||
|
Latitude | |||
| Municipal website | |||
Húsavík is a small town in the north of Iceland at the shore of Skjálfandi bay.
The income of the inhabitants comes from tourism and fishing as well as shops and small industry.
Húsavík has become a center of whale watching in the north, because whales of different species are often entering the bay.
The history of the town is interesting, too. The first viking staying for a longer time on the island passed the winter here. This was the Swedish viking Garðar Svavarsson who gave the island the name Garðarshólmi. A monument near the schoolhouse remembers him.
The church of the town is also worth looking at. It dates from the 19th century.
The region of Mývatn with its interesting geology and diverse animal life is nearby. Húsavík exports the silica that is extracted from the lake.
See also
External links
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