Visit Húsavík
Discover the whale capital of Iceland
Visit Húsavík
Services
Research, web design, digital identity, UX), development, motion design, content strategy
About the project
Visit Húsavík is a destination website designed to present a clear and accessible overview of everything Húsavík has to offer. The goal was to create a modern website that captures the town’s atmosphere and serves both visitors and locals alike.
Húsavík is known for whale watching and dramatic nature, but also for its warm community and strong sense of identity. The new website was meant to make these qualities visible in a simple and approachable way, provide a clear overview of experiences, events, and services, and function as a reliable source of information for both visitors and those interested in living in the “Whale Watching Capital of Iceland.”
Objective
The previous Visit Húsavík website had become outdated and no longer fully reflected the experience, atmosphere, and diversity that Húsavík has to offer. At the same time, it became clear how important it is to have a shared, modern digital platform that serves as a central source of information for tourism, events and the local community.
This mattered because Húsavík is experiencing growing interest from travelers and increased competition from other destinations. A strong digital presence was needed to:
- Attract visitors to the town
- Support local tourism businesses
- Create a shared information hub for the community
Myndræn frásögn og stemning
Strong imagery was a key element of the project. Visit Húsavík provided high-quality photography, which Hugsmiðjan used to build a warm, human, and engaging narrative. The website does not take itself too seriously; instead, it invites users to explore, discover, and be drawn in by the place.
On-location users first
One of the most important principles was that the website should not only serve people planning a trip, but also travelers already in the area. This led to a strong focus on mobile usability, fast access to essential information, and flexibility to adjust plans while on site.
Special emphasis was placed on Húsavík’s connection to the Diamond Circle. An interactive map was designed where users can explore key destinations—Ásbyrgi, Goðafoss, Mývatn, and Dettifoss—and see driving distances from Húsavík. This reinforces the town’s role as a natural hub for travel in North Iceland.
Events as a living part of the website
During the process, it became clear how important an active event calendar would be. The resulting solution allows anyone to submit an event, which can easily be reviewed and approved by an editor. This makes the website a living platform for the community—not just a static marketing site.
Objective
The goal was to create a more attractive and significantly stronger digital identity for Húsavík, improving both information delivery and user experience. The website should spark interest in Húsavík as a destination while also helping users take the next step and visit the town. In this way, it supports Húsavík’s positioning as a year-round destination.
Result
The end result is a lively, engaging, and accessible destination website that:
- Supports the destination’s marketing efforts year-round
- Increases the visibility of experiences, events, and services
- Makes it easy to discover things to do and places to stay
The website serves multiple audiences through clear structure and language adaptation. It lays the foundation for long-term development and is designed to grow alongside the ambitions of the community.
Choosing Hugsmiðjan proved to be a fortunate decision
Choosing Hugsmiðjan proved to be a fortunate decision. Last year, the focus was placed on building a well-functioning new website, and several options were carefully evaluated before selecting Hugsmiðjan. From the very beginning, the collaboration has been outstanding and the entire process exemplary.
As the saying goes, it’s wise to consider the end at the beginning—and having clear design documentation as a reference throughout the project proved extremely valuable and continues to do so. The professionalism of the Hugsmiðjan team was admirable, and for those involved on our side, the collaboration was both highly educational and an excellent foundation for future work—not only on the website, but in everything we take on going forward.
Helga Björg Sigurðardóttir - Managing director Visit Húsavík