Things To Do
in Höfn
Höfn sits along a sheltered harbor in southeast Iceland, surrounded by jagged mountains and the sparkling glacial beauty of Vatnajökull. The town is famed for its lobster cuisine and maritime atmosphere, drawing visitors who want fresh seafood and dramatic coastal scenery. Its proximity to Vatnajökull National Park makes it a convenient base for glacier adventures and iceberg-filled lagoons.
In Höfn you’ll experience Iceland’s rugged charm, where small-town hospitality meets spectacular natural landscapes.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Wake up to the crisp sea air and enjoy a hearty Icelandic breakfast at a local café overlooking the harbor. After settling into your guesthouse, take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, soaking in views of fishing boats and the towering Vatnajökull glacier in the distance. Chat with friendly locals to get insider tips on hidden coves and fjord viewpoints.
Drive along the scenic coastal route towards the nearby fjords, stopping at lookout points for panoramic photos of colorful fishing villages framed by rugged mountains. Visit the Höfn Glacier Museum to learn about glacial geology and the role of ice in shaping Iceland’s landscape. Sample freshly caught langoustine at a seaside bistro for a taste of the region’s famous shellfish.
Return to Höfn as the sun dips low, painting the sky in pastel hues over the harbor. Unwind with a soothing soak in a hot tub or sauna at your accommodation, reflecting on the day’s discoveries. Head to a local pub for live music, pairing your drink with traditional Icelandic tapas for a cozy night out.
Start your day early with a guided glacier hike on Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest ice cap, donning crampons and an ice axe for safe traversal. Marvel at the deep crevasses, shimmering blue ice formations, and learn from your guide about the glacier’s movement and glacial melt patterns. Capture dramatic photos against the backdrop of frosty peaks and vast ice fields.
Visit the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and embark on an amphibian boat tour to drift among icebergs that have calved off the glacier. Listen as the ice groans and crackles, creating an otherworldly soundtrack to your voyage among floating ice sculptures. Cross the road to explore Diamond Beach, where crystal-clear ice chunks glisten on black volcanic sand.
Return to Höfn for a seafood feast at a waterfront restaurant, savoring dishes made with local produce and catch-of-the-day fish. Watch the sunset illuminate the glacier summit in golden light before taking a short stroll back to your lodgings. Cozy up by the fireplace, perhaps sampling a locally crafted schnapps as you recount the day’s icy adventures.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $15-25 |
| ☕Cup of coffee | $4-6 |
| ⛽Gasoline (per liter) | $2.0-2.4 |
| 🍺Beer in a bar | $8-9 |
| 🍽️Dinner for two at mid-range restaurant | $60-100 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural scenery (glacier lagoons, Vestrahorn)
- Small-town charm and lobster cuisine
- Good base for Vatnajökull adventures
- Limited nightlife and services in winter
- Can be windy and expensive
- Long drives to larger cities for major services
- "Halló" - Hello
- "Takk fyrir" - Thank you
- "Góðan daginn" - Good day
- "Talar þú ensku?" - Do you speak English?
- "Hvar er klósettið?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Hvað kostar þetta?" - How much does this cost?
Places to Visit in Höfn
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic photo location with dramatic mountain backdrops, black sand beaches, and reflective pools.
Floating icebergs against a glacial backdrop; best in the golden hours.
Ice chunks washed ashore on black sand create striking, high-contrast scenes.
Colorful boats and rugged coastline provide classic Icelandic maritime photography.
Food in Höfn
Höfn Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Freshly caught langoustine prepared in soups, grills, or as main courses; iconic to Höfn.
Must-Try!
Lobster-based dishes featuring lobster meat with rich sauces and accompaniments.
A creamy, cultured dairy treat often served with local berries as a dessert or breakfast option.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal stalls offering freshly caught seafood and small street bites near the harbor.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a polite hello (halló) and a handshake; respect personal space; remove shoes when invited into homes.
Stay on marked trails; pack out trash; follow local rules in nature reserves.
Be on time for tours and pickups; Icelanders value punctuality.
Safety
Tipping in Höfn
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory in Iceland; rounding up or leaving 5-10% for exceptional service is appreciated but not expected.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; cash is less commonly used; ATMs are available in town.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Long days with extended golden hours; great for driving the Ring Road and photographing soft light over glacier landscapes.
Short days with potential for snow and ice; good chances for Northern Lights viewing; road conditions can be challenging.
Milder temperatures return; waterfalls and rivers swell; still some snow at higher elevations.
Changing colors and crisp air; wind and rain are common; great for aviation conditions and fewer crowds.
Höfn at Night
Hiking in Höfn
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Iconic coastline hike with dramatic sand dunes and sea cliffs.
Remote multi-day hikes through the Lón region, best with a guide.
Short coastal walks with glacier lagoon views.
Airports
How to reach Höfn by plane.
Small domestic airport near Höfn with seasonal flights to Reykjavik.
Iceland's international gateway; connect to domestic flights to Höfn.
Regional airport in East Iceland; serves domestic flights and connects to Höfn via road.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Small town with a few thousand residents; predominantly Icelandic; seasonal workers in tourism and fishing.
Large influx during summer; families, hikers, and photographers.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular among visitors seeking adventurous winter activities in the Vatnajökull region.
Local football and handball are common; water sports in summer.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Höfn.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available in several cafés and restaurants; look for soups, salads, and veggie mains; inform staff about dairy or egg restrictions.