Where to Stay in Husavik: Kaldbak-Kot Cottages

Many people visiting the central-north region of Iceland choose to stay in Akureryi, assuming that the country’s largest town outside the capital area will offer more to see and do than the small town of Husavik, which had 2,403 residents at the start of 2026. And if you want nightlife and multiple restaurants to choose from, it’s probably wise to follow suit. But if you want to settle into village life in Iceland and enjoy some of the peaceful natural surroundings of Iceland, consider staying in Husavik, about an hour’s drive east of Akureryi, instead.

There are only a handful of options to choose from in Husavik. Fosshotel Husavik, in the center of town, is the choice for those seeking a more traditional hotel, with economy and deluxe double or twin rooms, a restaurant and a bar. It added a new annex in 2016 and is now the largest conference hotel in North Iceland.

However, the place that gets my vote for best accommodation in Husavik is Kaldbaks-Kot, a group of self-catering log cottages just outside town, and they are still taking bookings. The cottages are scattered amongst landscaping and trees that help conceal them and make the property appear much more intimate than it is. From the front of my cabin, all I could see was a small pond, and beyond that, the green cliffs that dropped off into the bay, with the mountains standing tall across the fjord.

According to the cottages’ site, each one has a small private bathroom with a shower, a TV and radio, an internet connection, and a kitchenette with everything you need to make small meals. There are three hot tubs for guests, all with views over the lakes and Skjálfandi Bay. The one-bedroom cottages are 20 square meters with a 7 square meter terrace, plenty for a couple; there are also cottages with a sleeping attic and two-bedroom cottages, and for families or groups, the Villa and Skógarkot sleep up to 10 guests.

Rates vary with the season, so check the cottages’ own booking page for current prices. Visit North Iceland lists the cottages as open from April 10 to October 16, so if you’re coming in winter, contact them first.

The cabins are not luxurious by any means, but they are clean and comfortable. Stock up on groceries in Akureyri or in Husavik, cook yourself a feast, and take in the view of the sunset over the fjords from your private deck.

The cottages are 2 km from the town center, a short drive or an easy walk.

If you get as lucky as I did, you may step outside after nightfall, hoping to check out the stars, and instead be greeted with the sight of the brilliant green Northern Lights dancing above your head.