Höfn Town in Hornafjörður
Höfn is a picturesque fishing town located on the southeastern coast of Iceland, known as the gateway to the majestic Vatnajökull Glacier, the largest glacier in Europe. Nestled on a narrow peninsula, Höfn offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, glaciers, and the North Atlantic Ocean. The town is a key hub for exploring the diverse natural wonders of the region, including the nearby Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where icebergs drift serenely in turquoise waters, and the Skaftafell Nature Reserve with its breathtaking landscapes.
Höfn is also famous for its vibrant seafood culture, particularly its delicious langoustine (lobster), which is celebrated annually at the town's popular Humarhátíð (Lobster Festival). Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants while taking in the beautiful coastal scenery. The town itself is charming, with a small harbor, museums, and walking paths that offer opportunities to learn about the area's rich maritime history and to enjoy the natural beauty.
Höfn Facts
Founded in 1897 by merchant Ottó Tuliníus, Höfn is one of Iceland’s most significant fishing towns. With an area of 6 km², it is home to around 2,200 people. The town’s name, Höfn, fittingly means ‘harbor’ in Icelandic, and it is located in one of the few natural harbors along Iceland’s south coast.
Quick Facts:
- Founded: 1897
- Population: Approx. 2,200
- Area: 6 km²
- Elevation: 10 meters (33 feet)
- Main Industry: Fishing, particularly lobster and other seafood
Höfn grew steadily in importance over the Vatnajökull National Park years, particularly after the construction of the Hornafjarðarbrú Bridge in 1961, which connected the town to Iceland’s main transportation routes. The town was granted municipal status in 1988 and merged with several neighboring communities over the following decades to form the Sveitarfélagið Hornafjörður municipality.
History and Geography of Höfn
Höfn's history is closely related to its position by the sea and strategic location on the south coast of Iceland. Settlement began in 1897 when Ottó Tuliníus moved a trading post from nearby Papós - a location about 15 kilometers northwest of the current town - to Höfn. Gradually, this new trading post became a permanent settlement that supported the local economy through fishing and trade.
By 1946, the population had grown to 300 people, and Höfn continued to grow throughout the 20th century. The construction of the Hornafjarðarbrú Bridge in 1961 finally connected Höfn to the rest of the country through Route 1, better known as the Ring Road. This became a very important bridge for the economic boom of Höfn, being the second biggest in Iceland at that time and opening up much better accessibility for trade and travel.
Höfn was made a municipality in 1988 and in 1994 it merged with neighboring communities to form the Hornafjörður municipality, thereby reinforcing its position as the area's largest urban center.
Geographically, Höfn sits on a peninsula surrounded by sea on three sides, while at its back lies the spectacular view of Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier. This position makes it one of the few natural harbors along the South Coast, a region otherwise dominated by long, sandy beaches and open plains. The town is situated just off Route 1, commonly known as Iceland's Ring Road, and is close to the Vatnajökull National Park; because of this, it is an ideal location for travelers touring the southeast.
In extreme weather, waters around Höfn can freeze, though that is very rare. The town is surrounded by natural beauty, lying close to glaciers, mountains, and the ocean, which makes Höfn a serene and tranquil place to visit.
Nearby Attractions
Höfn gives access to the most incredible natural treasures in this part of southeast Iceland, from the Vatnajökull National Park, home of the glorious Vatnajökull Glacier, offering hiking tours, glacier walks, and glacier lagoon boat tours. That same very park houses one of the famous glacial lagoons, Jökulsárlón, where ice bergs break off the glacier, then serenely float in the water, creating a breathtaking sight.
Only a short drive from Höfn, the beautiful Vestrahorn Mountain rises, a dream for every photographer, with its towering peaks mirrored in the black sand beaches below. The Lónsöræfi Nature Reserve offers an interest in nature to those in love with Iceland's unique geography: rugged landscapes with colored rhyolite mountains-perfect for hiking enthusiasts.
Not far from here, there is also Skálafellsjökull, a glacier tongue from Vatnajökull, offering snowmobiling and guided glacier tours. A bit more distant, nonetheless accessible from Höfn, is another outlet from the same ice cap: the Hoffellsjökull Glacier.
Accommodation in Höfn
Höfn provides a range of accommodations for tourists that includes three-star hotels, guesthouses, and camping sites. Indeed, some hotels in Höfn, Iceland, are very modern and maintain great views overlooking the adjacent landscape, Vatnajökull, and the harbor.
Hotels in Höfn
- Location: Central Höfn, near the harbor.
- Overview: A well-known hotel offering modern amenities with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Vatnajökull Glacier. The hotel features spacious rooms, a restaurant serving fresh seafood, and easy access to local attractions.
- Notable Features: Glacier and harbor views, on-site restaurant, central location.
Fosshotel Vatnajökull
- Location: 13.3 km (8.3 miles) from Höfn, along Route 1.
- Overview: Fosshotel Vatnajökull is a modern hotel with panoramic views of Vatnajökull Glacier. This hotel provides comfortable accommodations, an on-site restaurant, and a cozy bar, making it a great choice for travelers looking to explore the glacier and surrounding nature.
- Notable Features: Glacier views, contemporary design, ideal for nature lovers.
Milkfactory
- Location: Just outside central Höfn.
- Overview: Housed in a renovated old milk factory, Milkfactory offers stylish and modern rooms with a unique blend of industrial design and comfort. It’s located close to the center of Höfn and provides easy access to nearby attractions like Vatnajökull Glacier and the harbor.
- Notable Features: Unique industrial design, spacious rooms, modern amenities, and close to town.
Guesthouses in Höfn
Guesthouse Nýpugarðar
- Location: 35.8 km (22.2 miles) outside Höfn, in the countryside.
- Overview: A family-run guesthouse offering cozy rooms with beautiful views of the surrounding farmland and mountains. Nýpugarðar provides a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, perfect for travelers seeking a quiet stay close to nature.
- Notable Features: Countryside location, stunning mountain views, peaceful setting.
Dilksnes Guesthouse
- Location: 5 km (3.1 miles) from Höfn.
- Overview: Dilksnes Guesthouse is a charming farmhouse offering comfortable rooms with a homely atmosphere. The guesthouse is surrounded by scenic nature, ideal for guests looking to experience Iceland’s rural beauty.
- Notable Features: Farmhouse setting, close to town, welcoming hosts.
Guesthouse Hvammur
- Location: Central Höfn, near the harbor.
- Overview: A budget-friendly guesthouse located in the heart of Höfn, Hvammur offers clean, simple accommodations with easy access to restaurants and local attractions. Ideal for those who want to stay in a central location without breaking the bank.
- Notable Features: Central location, affordable rates, close to dining and shops.
Camping in Höfn
Höfn Camping Ground
- Location: Near the center of Höfn, within walking distance of the harbor.
- Overview: Höfn Camping Ground is a well-maintained campsite offering grassy areas for tents and parking spaces for campervans. The site is equipped with basic amenities, including showers, toilets, and cooking facilities, making it a convenient choice for campers.
- Notable Features: Central location, well-maintained facilities, close to shops and restaurants.
Vikurnes Camping Ground
- Location: Just outside Höfn, along the coastline.
- Overview: This peaceful camping ground offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding mountains. It’s a great spot for campers looking to enjoy Icelandic nature while still being close to Höfn’s amenities.
- Notable Features: Ocean views, quiet location, perfect for nature lovers.
Restaurants & Food Culture
Höfn is famous for seafood, and the town’s lobster is a must-have for visitors, locally known as langoustine. There are several restaurants in town where seafood is served, and a lot where this particular catch, the langoustine, can be enjoyed fresh from the sea.
One of the high spots in the gastronomic calendar of the town is the Höfn Iceland Lobster Festival, held each summer. During the festival, visitors can try various dishes from lobster, attend culinary performances, and side events with live music and showing the best of Höfn's food culture.
Besides seafood, Höfn has a number of restaurants and cafes that serve everything from lamb to vegetarian dishes to satisfy any palate. We can recommend these options:
- Pakkhúsið Restaurant
- Humarhöfnin
- Ósinn Restaurant in Hótel Höfn
Where is Höfn?
Höfn is located in southeast Iceland, on a small peninsula in Hornafjörður, about 458 kilometers (285 miles) east of Reykjavik. The town sits right on the coast, surrounded by the North Atlantic Ocean on three sides, and offers stunning views of Vatnajökull Glacier.
- GPS Coordinates: 64.2539° N, 15.2085° W
How to Get to Höfn?
Traveling to Höfn Iceland from Reykjavik can be done by car or plane. By car, take Route 1 (the Ring Road) east from Reykjavik. The drive is approximately 458 kilometers (285 miles) and takes around 5.5 to 6 hours, depending on weather and road conditions.
If you’re coming from Jökulsárlón, one of Iceland’s most famous glacier lagoons, Höfn is about 80 kilometers (50 miles) east, and the drive takes about 1 hour. For those traveling from Vik, another popular tourist destination, Höfn is 271 kilometers (168 miles) away, taking approximately 3 hours by car.
Höfn also has a small domestic airport with flights from Reykjavik, making it a convenient option for travelers looking to shorten the journey time.