The red-roofed wooden church overlooking Húsavík harbour is the most recognisable image of the town, and it earns that status. Built in 1907 from Norwegian timber in a cruciform design, Húsavíkurkirkja stands on a small rise above the waterfront and is visible from almost anywhere in town and from the bay itself. The warm ochre-red of the exterior against the blue harbour and the mountains beyond makes it one of the most photographed churches in Iceland.
Inside, the church is bright and simply furnished, with white-painted timber walls and a painted altarpiece. Húsavík was one of the first places in Iceland to receive Christianity — a Swedish Viking named Garðar Svavarsson wintered here in the 9th century — so there's a certain aptness to the prominence of the church in the town's visual identity. The church is usually open during the day and takes only a few minutes to see, but it's worth timing your visit to catch the afternoon light when the timber glows its warmest.