Living in norðurþing
If you are considering locating your business in North Iceland the area has a lot to offer.
First off Iceland as a whole scores very well in many of the international indexes that measure quality of life. Icelandic living standards are very high, safe, with good education and health care, modern infrastruture, good work-life balance and stable government. Combine that with the beutiful nature, clean air and water, and you certainly have all the workings for a good quality of life.
Húsavík
Húsavík is often described as the biggest small town in Iceland — not because of its size, but because of its character. With its colorful houses, scenic harbor, and strong sense of community, Húsavík offers the charm of a small village with the services, cultural life, and opportunities of a much larger town.
Located on the shores of Skjálfandi Bay, Húsavík is the largest town in the Þingeyjarsýsla district and a key service center for the surrounding region. This gives local residents access to amenities and activities far beyond what you’d expect from a community of just a few thousand people.
Húsavík is known for being safe, friendly, and community‑oriented, making it an ideal place for families. The town offers essential services including schools, healthcare, cultural centers, swimming facilities, athletics, and outdoor recreation, all within short walking or driving distances.
Family life is supported by:
- Quality preschools and elementary schools
- After‑school programs and youth activities
- Local music schools, drama groups, sports clubs, and community events
- A modern healthcare clinic and hospital serving the region
The atmosphere is relaxed, safe, and rooted in Icelandic values of community and connection.
Despite its modest size, Húsavík has a vibrant cultural life, with active local choirs, theater groups, festivals, and community gatherings throughout the year. The town’s maritime heritage and history as one of Iceland’s oldest settlements also contribute to its identity and pride.
It is a place where people know each other, support one another, and take part in the life of the town — whether in sports clubs, cultural events, environmental initiatives, or volunteer groups.
Nature, Sports, and Outdoor Lifestyle
Húsavík sits at the gateway to some of North Iceland’s most spectacular landscapes. The town is famous as the Whale Capital of Iceland, offering the country’s highest whale‑sighting rates and access to rich marine wildlife.
For outdoor and nature lovers, Húsavík offers:
Hiking trails along dramatic cliffs and mountains
Fishing spots including nearby Lake Botnsvatn
Skiing areas just outside town
Geothermal sea baths with panoramic ocean views
Easy access to the Diamond Circle, including Dettifoss, Lake Mývatn, and Ásbyrgi
The surrounding environment naturally encourages an active, healthy lifestyle.
Balanced Work–Life Environment
With short commute times, strong community networks, abundant nature, and access to both local jobs and regional opportunities, Húsavík offers an exceptional work–life balance.
Locals enjoy:
- More time with family
- Easy access to outdoor activities
- A slower, calmer daily rhythm compared to larger urban centers
- A supportive social environment
Many residents choose Húsavík specifically for its blend of career opportunities, natural beauty, and high quality of life.
The Biggest Small Town — In Every Way That Matters
Húsavík may have the soul of a small village, but it lives large in culture, community, and natural surroundings. Whether for families, professionals, nature enthusiasts, or newcomers seeking a more grounded pace of life, Húsavík offers a uniquely rich and welcoming home.
akureyri
Akureyri, an hours drive from Húsavík, is widely recognized as the capital and service center of North Iceland, offering the strongest concentration of healthcare, education, transportation, and cultural infrastructure in the region. It is home to Akureyri Hospital, one of Iceland’s two national specialty hospitals, providing advanced medical services, emergency care, and serving as a central hub for the country’s air ambulance operations.
Akureyri’s role as a transportation gateway continues to grow, supported by Akureyri International Airport, the only international airport in North Iceland. The airport offers daily domestic flights and an expanding network of direct international routes, positioning Akureyri as the northern entry point for both travelers and businesses.
With its strong infrastructure, vibrant cultural life, and strategic location, Akureyri is an important regional hub—connecting people, services, and opportunities throughout North Iceland.
The regional service center
húsavík
A community experienced in welcoming new industry
Húsavík has a strong track record of embracing new opportunities and working closely with major companies as they establish operations in the region. A defining example of this is the development of PCC BakkiSilicon which brought large‑scale industrial activity to Bakki and required substantial collaboration between local authorities, residents, and the company.
The town not only supported the arrival of PCC BakkiSilicon but also invested in the infrastructure needed to make such development possible — from a dedicated industrial road and harbor tunnel to strengthened emergency services, including the construction of a new fire station to meet industrial demand. This demonstrated Húsavík’s ability to adapt, respond, and partner constructively with large investors.
Why This Experience Matters for the Future
Húsavík’s experience means the community understands what it takes to host large employers: collaboration, planning, flexibility, and long‑term vision. Just as importantly, the local population has already experienced the economic and social impacts of major industrial projects, giving residents a practical understanding of the opportunities such investments bring.
A Community That Welcomes New Opportunities
At its core, Húsavík is an open, forward‑looking community. Local leadership has emphasized the value of attracting new sustainable industries, highlighting that the town “welcomes new opportunities” and sees growth as essential to long‑term regional vitality.
Whether it is supporting established industry, encouraging innovation, or embracing emerging sectors, Húsavík is ready — and eager — to continue building its future with partners who share its vision for sustainable, community‑oriented development.