Dr. Charla Jean Basran (BSc’11) is a UBC Okanagan alum who has lived in Húsavík for the past 10 years. A marine biologist, Charla specializes in whale research at the University of Iceland’s Research Centre in Húsavík.
What three words best describe Húsavík?
Picturesque. Relaxed. Nordic.
How did you come to live in Húsavík?
My passion for marine biology and whale research led me to Húsavík originally to conduct fieldwork for my master’s degree. Those initial few months drew me into the town, and over the next several years opportunities arose for me to build a happy life and career here.
What do you like most about living there?
I enjoy living in a small town where the general attitude is very relaxed and where it is possible to feel connected to nature. I love that the town overlooks a beautiful bay where whales come to feed every year, and you can watch the midnight sun touch the ocean in the summertime and the northern lights shine in the wintertime.
Best time of year to visit
Summer to early autumn, i.e., June to mid-September.
Best view
From the lighthouse or from the top of Húsavík Mountain.
Best cultural experience
Going to the local swimming pools.
Latest trend
Using electric scooters to get around town as there is no public transport since Húsavík is so small.
Marks out of 10 for transit
Although there isn’t any transit, everything is within walking distance!
Describe your favourite neighbourhood.
I like the harbour area the best. It is lively with people and boats coming and going in the summer and offers a beautiful view all year round.
If you could change one thing about Húsavík, what would it be?
As Húsavík is a small town that relies heavily on tourism in the summer, there are few places that are open and substantially fewer things to do in the wintertime. It would be nice to have more activities and opportunities to socialize during winter.
What might surprise a visitor about Húsavík?
For a town of only approximately 2,400 residents, there is a lot to enjoy here during the summertime, including several nice restaurants, a local brewery, geothermal pools, and of course opportunities to go whale watching, which is something Húsavík is known for.
What are your favourite hidden gems or activities that only locals know about?
There is a lovely park and pond in the middle of town — Skrúðgarður (known simply as Húsavík Park in English) — and a hike leading up to Botnsvatn, a lake on Húsavíkurfjall (or Húsavík Mountain), which are mostly only enjoyed by locals.
What’s the most overrated tourist hotspot?
Within Húsavík I don’t think there is an overrated hotspot.
How easy is it to meet new people?
During the summer months, you can easily meet people from all over the world who come to work in the tourism industry, especially for the whale-watching companies. The easiest way to meet locals is to go to the swimming pools and the brewery.
What issues are particularly important to the people of Húsavík?
The town’s future development is particularly important. It can be difficult to find housing, and both housing prices and the general cost of living are high. Finding ways to develop and diversify the town while preserving the culture and surrounding natural environment is always a hot topic.
What is one local custom that every visitor should know about?
In Húsavík and all over Iceland, people generally really appreciate the birdlife in the country, and it’s important that visitors do as well. You will find many gardens with seeds and apples to attract the birds and, in Húsavík specifically, it is actually illegal to let your cat roam outdoors. Many Icelandic songs and poems refer to birds, and the European golden plover is considered the sign that spring is arriving.
Looking to connect with your UBC alumni community?
If you live outside our campus communities in the Lower Mainland and Central Okanagan, visit the Global Alumni Network page to see if there’s an alumni ambassador or social media community where you live.
Alumni volunteers also host fun My Town Meetups in locations around the world. Check out our Meetups page to see if there’s a gathering near you — or sign up to host one in your location!
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Previously Published on ubc.ca with Creative Commons License
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