Husavik has the distinction of being the first place in Iceland ever to be built in. In 870. before the permanent settlement, Swedish Viking explorer Gardar Svavarsson sailed around the then uninhabited (and unnamed) Iceland, proving it is an island. He wintered in the north, in quarters he had built in the "Bay of Houses".

A trading centre since 1614, Husavik developed into a village in the 19th century and was the home of the oldest cooperative society in Iceland, founded in 1882. The town has largely lived on fishing since then, with some agricultural processing, light industry and services. Husavfk is set with a commanding view over the bay of Skjáifandi ("Shaker") towards the rugged northern coastline to its east and west, and out to the open Arctic Ocean.

Husavik is a town on the eastern shores of The Skjalfandi Bay. It is a commercial centre for a large agricultural area and processing of farm produce plays a considerable role in the towns economy. Many dairy and meat products processed here are appreciated all over the country. Fishing and fish processing are also important bases of livelihood. The fastest growing trade, however, is tourism. Accommodations, cuisine, and services to travellers are at their very best. Husavik was the first place in Iceland to offer whale watching cruises and many tourists sole purpose for visiting the town is to participate. Therefore it is sometimes called 'The Whale Spotting Capital of The World'. The Whale Centre is ideal for getting better acquainted with the giants of the oceans. The Folks Museum is among the most attractive ones of the country. Other visitors want to enjoy other remarkable nearby areas, such as Lake Myvatn and its surroundings and the third National Park Jokulsargljufur, which are ideal for daily excursions from Husavik. One of the most popular and best salmon rivers of Iceland, "Laxa of The Adaldalur Valley", is in the region within a short driving distance from town. Brown trout and lake char fishing is also popular in several nearby lakes and rivers where the occasional salmon is also caught..