Höfn, Iceland: travel guide
A fishing town beside Vatnajökull and the glacier lagoon of Jökulsárlón
A fishing town in southeast Iceland famed for langoustine ("humar") and as the gateway to Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier, and the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.
About Höfn
Höfn is a small fishing town in the south-east of Iceland, with the great ice cap of Vatnajökull rising behind it across the water. It is a quiet harbour town, known for its langoustine, which is served in local restaurants.
Things to do around Höfn include visiting the glacier lagoon of Jökulsárlón, a short drive west, where icebergs drift towards the sea, taking glacier hikes and exploring ice caves with a guide in the right season. The views of the glacier tongues from the town and surrounding roads are impressive in clear weather.
Höfn suits travellers driving the Ring Road, and those who want to see Iceland's ice and mountains up close. Summer is the easiest season, while winter offers ice caves and northern lights.
- Country
- Iceland
- Currency
- ISK
- Time zone
- Atlantic/Reykjavik
Last updated
Top places to visit in Höfn
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
glacier-lagoon · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Iceland's deepest lake, filled with blue icebergs calving off Breiðamerkurjökull and drifting to the sea — often with seals in view.
Diamond Beach
black-sand · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
The black sands of Breiðamerkursandur where stranded icebergs glitter like diamonds against the surf.
Skaftafell (Vatnajökull NP)
national-park · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
A wilderness area within Vatnajökull National Park with glacier tongues, the Svartifoss trail and sweeping views of Iceland's highest peaks.
Svartifoss
nature · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
The "black waterfall" in Skaftafell, framed by dark hexagonal basalt columns that inspired Hallgrímskirkja's design; a 1.5 km walk from the visitor centre.
Stokksnes & Vestrahorn
mountain · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A photogenic black-sand headland beneath the jagged Vestrahorn massif, with a replica Viking film-set village nearby.
Fjallsárlón
glacier-lagoon · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A quieter glacier lagoon beneath Fjallsjökull, with close-up iceberg zodiac tours and views to Öræfajökull.
Höfn Harbour
waterfront · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
The langoustine capital's working harbour, ringed by seafood restaurants with Vatnajökull as a backdrop.
Hoffell Hot Tubs
thermal · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Rustic geothermal hot tubs on a farm below Hoffellsjökull glacier, a peaceful soak off the Ring Road.
Things to do
- Jökulsárlón Boat Tour Sightseeing · 0.8 h · from ISK 6,900 per person
- Vatnajökull Glacier Hike Adventure · 4 h · from ISK 14,990 per person
- Blue Ice Cave Tour Adventure · 3.5 h · from ISK 19,900 per person
- Fjallsárlón Zodiac Tour Sightseeing · 1 h · from ISK 9,900 per person
Day trips and tours
- Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach 7 h · from ISK 17,900
Where to stay in Höfn
- Höfn Town about ISK 30,000 per night
A quiet harbour town for langoustine and glacier trips, well placed for Jökulsárlón and Vatnajökull.
Hotels
- Hótel Höfn 3-star · ISK 24,000 to ISK 46,000 per night
- Guesthouse Hvammur ISK 16,000 to ISK 34,000 per night
- Milk Factory Guesthouse 3-star · ISK 20,000 to ISK 42,000 per night
Where to eat
- Pakkhús Restaurant Seafood, Icelandic · about ISK 8,000 per person
- Humarhöfnin Seafood, Icelandic · about ISK 7,500 per person
- Otto Matur & Drykkur Bistro, Icelandic · about ISK 6,000 per person
- Kaffi Hornið Icelandic, Pizza, International · about ISK 4,800 per person
- Hafnarbúðin Fast Food, Icelandic, Diner · about ISK 2,200 per person
Getting to Höfn
Airport: Höfn (HFN)
How visitors arrive in Höfn
- Bus or car from Reykjavik By road from Reykjavik · common
Buses from Reykjavik stop at the N1 station on the main road; the town is a short way off the Ring Road. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- Flight from Reykjavik By air from Reykjavik · possible
Hornafjordur Airport receives flights from Reykjavik, though the airport is outside town. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
From the airport to the centre
- Car rental from Hornafjordur airport
The airport lies outside town and only road access is described, so most visitors collect a hire car there. The desk is small; book ahead. Source: innanlandsflugvellir.is
From the bus terminal to the centre
- Long-distance bus to the N1 stop unconfirmed
The intercity bus stops at the N1 petrol station on the main road into town. Services from Reykjavik may require a change. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
Getting around
- Car Rental Self main way to get around
Driving is the easiest way to get around Höfn, where local public transport is limited to a single taxi, and a rental station operates at the airport.
- Walking
Best time to visit Höfn
- Jan 3°C
- Feb 3°C
- Mar 4°C
- Apr 6°C
- May 9°C
- Jun 11°C
- Jul 13°C
- Aug 12°C
- Sep 10°C
- Oct 7°C
- Nov 4°C
- Dec 3°C
More in Iceland
Frequently asked questions about Höfn
- What are the main places to visit in Höfn?
- Places covered in our Höfn guide include Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, Skaftafell (Vatnajökull NP), Svartifoss, Stokksnes & Vestrahorn.
- Where should I stay in Höfn?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Höfn: Höfn Town.
- How do I get around Höfn?
- Ways to get around Höfn covered in our guide: Self-drive car, Walking.
- What is the weather like in Höfn?
- Average daytime highs in Höfn run from 3°C in Jan to 13°C in Jul.