Höfn í Hornafirði

Discover the charm of this fishing village in Vatnajökull National Park.

South Iceland
The harbor at Höfn í Hornafirði
The Viking village in Höfn
The harbor at Höfn í Hornafirði
The Viking village in Höfn
The harbor at Höfn í Hornafirði
The Viking village in Höfn
The harbor at Höfn í Hornafirði
Best time to visit
All year
Parking
Free
Charging station
Yes

Your guide to Höfn, Iceland

The sleepy fishing town of Höfn í Hornafirði makes an ideal base for exploring Vatnajökull National Park, aka glacier country. In this south coast harbor village, you’ll find places to eat, as well as a fantastic swimming pool loved by locals.

Höfn is located just off the Ring Road (Route 1) within throwing distance of the mighty Vatnajökull glacier. The town is surrounded on both sides by glacial rivers, which deposit their black sands in the bay.

If you’re looking for a great jumping-off point in this part of Iceland, Höfn does the job well. Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, Skaftafell, and the Eastfjords are all just a short drive away.

What to see and do in Höfn

After a day’s driving in Iceland, there are fewer things more relaxing than a soak in the hot pot (what Icelanders call a hot tub). The local pool in Höfn has a few to choose from, as well as a 25-meter pool and water slides for kids (or big kids)!

You’ll find a scattering of eateries around the main streets of Hafnarbraut and Víkurbraut, which join up to form a loop. 

In the summer, the town hosts a ‘lobster festival’ called Humarhátíð. The streets are filled with families having fun and live music too, so there’s a lovely atmosphere. And it’s a chance to try the local seafood delicacy, langoustine (often billed as ‘lobster’ in Iceland).

The most scenic view in the town is from the Ósland headland, where you can see out onto the Stokksnes peninsula and Skarðstindur mountain.

Other attractions near Höfn í Hornafirði

The edge of the Vatnajökull glacier

Vatnajökull Glacier & National Park

Witness glaciers and wild landscapes up close with a visit to Iceland’s largest national park.

0 km (0 mi)

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Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon at sunrise with a pink sky

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Encounter one of Iceland’s natural wonders first-hand at this spectacular glacier lagoon.

80 km (50 mi)

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The village of Djúpivogur seen from a distance

Djúpivogur

Take in stunning views of fjords and high peaks in this laid-back coastal town.

104 km (65 mi)

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Skaftafellsjökull glacier in Vatnajökull National Park

Skaftafell

Get ready to immerse yourself in the wonders of Icelandic nature.

138 km (86 mi)

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