Húsavík, once a busy whale-hunting port, is now Exhibit A in making the case that whale-watching tours are a better source of income. Packaging itself as the "European Capital of Whale-Watching," this pretty fishing town of 2,700 complements the tours with pleasant harborside eateries and a compelling whale museum. Húsavík's regional folk museum is also a standout, but far more visitors choose to gain a deeper scientific understanding of penises at the Icelandic Phallological Museum, a collection of 235 mammalian male members.

Húsavík is usually just a 1-day wonder in travel itineraries that dwell longer in Akureyri, Mývatn, and Jökulsárgljúfur National Park. Scan the sights and activities below, however, to see if a second day would be worth your time.