Höfn
Save11 hand-picked places in 6 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.
Only have a day? See a ready-made day plan ↓Show on the map
Tips
5 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
Working fishing harbour, heart of Iceland's langoustine capital.
3 tips
- Watch the boats unload in the afternoon
- Glacier views across the fjord on clear days
- Restaurants line the waterfront
📷 Photos
- 2
Old merchant house now a Vatnajökull National Park visitor centre.
3 tips
- Free exhibition on glaciers and nature
- Ask rangers about road and trail conditions
- Good stop on a rainy day
📷 Photos
- 3
Small headland with bird life, walking paths and glacier views.
3 tips
- Arctic terns nest here in summer, mind your head
- Easy loop walk from the harbour
- Look for the fishermen's memorial
📷 Photos
- 4
Black sand dunes beneath the jagged Vestrahorn mountain.
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Small entry fee at the Viking Café
- Best at sunrise or sunset
- Look for reflections at low tide
📷 Photos
- 5
Glacier tongue and iceberg lagoon about 20 km from town.
3 tips
- The gravel access road is rough
- Do not walk on the glacier unguided
- Hot tubs at nearby Hoffell farm
📷 Photos
Take this map with you
Opens Google Maps with these places, ready to save to your own list.
Before you go: Höfn tips
Transportation
- Drive the Ring Road: Hofn sits just off Route 1 in southeast Iceland. A rental car is the easiest way to reach Jokulsarlon, Vestrahorn and the glacier tongues.
- Check road conditions daily: Use road.is for closures and safetravel.is for alerts. Wind and ice can close the Ring Road around Hofn in winter.
- Consider a domestic flight: Hornafjordur Airport has flights from Reykjavik, saving a long drive. Pair it with a rental car or tour pickup in town.
Security
- Join guided glacier tours: Ice caves and glacier hikes on Vatnajokull should only be done with certified guides. Crevasses and melting ice are deadly.
- Respect the wind: Strong gusts in southeast Iceland can rip car doors off. Park facing the wind and hold the door firmly when opening.
- Watch the arctic terns: In summer, terns nest near Osland and dive at walkers. Wear a hat or hold a stick above your head when passing.
Saving
- Shop at Netto: The Netto supermarket in Hofn is much cheaper than restaurants. Stock up on snacks and supplies for long drives.
- Drink tap water: Icelandic tap water is clean and excellent. Refill a bottle instead of buying water.
- Share glacier tours: Small group tours can be cheaper than private ones. Book ahead in peak season for better choice.
Weather/Clothing
- Layer for changing weather: Hofn's weather shifts fast. Pack a waterproof shell, warm mid layer and thermal base layers in any season.
- Prepare for winter darkness: Short days and snow are common in winter. Bring warm boots, gloves and a headlamp, and enjoy aurora chances.
- Pack for cool summers: Even in summer, it rarely gets warm. Bring a fleece, hat and waterproof boots for glacier lagoon visits.
Cultural
- Feast on langoustine: Hofn is known as Iceland's langoustine capital. Try humar soup or grilled langoustine at harbour restaurants.
- Shower before swimming: At the Hofn swimming pool, you must shower without a swimsuit before entering. This is strict Icelandic pool etiquette.
- Join the lobster festival: Humarhatid in early summer celebrates the langoustine with music, food and community events.
Local Hacks
- Visit Stokksnes and Vestrahorn: These dramatic black sand dunes and peaks lie on private land. Pay the small entry fee at the Viking Cafe.
- Go to Jokulsarlon early: The glacier lagoon is about an hour away. Arrive early to avoid tour buses and catch soft light on the icebergs.
- Get a PIN for your card: Many fuel pumps in Iceland need a card PIN. Check yours works or buy prepaid fuel cards in Hofn.
1-day itineraries in Höfn
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.