Best Time to Visit
June to August, November to March for ice caves
Currency
Icelandic Króna (ISK)
Language
Icelandic
Timezone
GMT (UTC+0)
Discover Höfn
Höfn isn't just a town; it's a portal to Iceland's frozen heart. As the gateway to Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier, this charming fishing settlement on a peninsula is where you'll find the world's most accessible glacial wonders. The air tastes of salt and ice, and the town's identity is inextricably linked to the colossal ice cap that looms on the horizon.
Forget generic coastal charm—Höfn offers a raw, elemental experience. It's the basecamp for venturing onto the glacier itself, for watching icebergs calve into the surreal Jökulsárlón lagoon, and for hunting the Northern Lights over the black sands of Diamond Beach. More than that, it's a community that celebrates its bounty with the annual Humarhátíð (Langoustine Festival), turning its prized catch into a reason for a joyous, local party.
Why Visit Höfn?
Proximity to Vatnajökull National Park: Höfn is the primary service town for the park's southern sector, offering direct access to guided glacier hikes on Falljökull outlet glacier, super jeep tours onto the ice cap, and winter ice cave explorations in crystal-blue natural caverns.
The Glacier Lagoon Circuit: From Höfn, you can easily visit both Jökulsárlón and the smaller, more intimate Fjallsárlón glacier lagoons. Witness icebergs of impossible blue drift towards the sea, then see them wash up as glittering ice sculptures on the adjacent Diamond Beach.
Iceland's Langoustine Capital: The town's harbor supplies some of the world's sweetest, most succulent langoustine. Savor it freshly grilled at Pakkhús Restaurant or in a creamy bisque at Humarhöfnin, a culinary experience deeply tied to the local economy.
A Photographer's Dreamscape: The dynamic landscapes provide endless subjects: the reflection of Vatnajökull in Stokksnes lagoon, the dramatic Vestrahorn mountain peaks, the aurora dancing over the harbor, and the ever-changing ice formations at the lagoons.
Authentic Small-Town Icelandic Life: Experience a working fishing community without the crowds of Reykjavík. Visit the Höfn Swimming Pool for a local soak, browse the regional exhibits at the Hornafjörður Art Museum, and chat with fishermen at the harbor.
Strategic Ring Road Stop: Located on Route 1, Höfn is a crucial overnight stop for those driving Iceland's Ring Road, offering essential services, quality accommodation, and a chance to recharge before or after the remote Eastfjords.
Höfn is Known For
Ready to explore Höfn?
Höfn Neighborhoods
Hafnarbraut & the Harbor
The bustling heart of Höfn, centered around the main road and active fishing port. This is where you'll find most restaurants, guesthouses, and the town's energy. The constant comings and goings of boats and the smell of the sea define the vibe.
Highlights:
Best for:
Heppur & Nesjahverfi
A quiet, primarily residential area stretching east from the center towards the Nesjahverfi peninsula. It offers stunning, unobstructed views across the water to Vatnajökull and is characterized by peaceful streets and local homes.
Highlights:
Best for:
Hornafjörður Region (Greater Area)
This encompasses the vast, flat glacial outwash plains (sandur) surrounding Höfn. It's a stark, beautiful landscape of black sand, braided rivers, and distant mountains, feeling remote and powerfully elemental.
Highlights:
Best for:
Industrial & Service Zone (West)
The practical, working side of town west of the harbor. It's home to the swimming pool, sports complex, larger supermarkets like Krónan, and essential services, offering a glimpse into the town's everyday infrastructure.
Highlights:
Best for:
Top Attractions
Local Tips & Insider Knowledge
- •Book glacier hikes and ice cave tours *well* in advance, especially in summer. Operators like Glacier Guides and Local Guides of Vatnajökull fill up fast.
- •The weather can change violently in minutes. Even for a short drive to Jökulsárlón, pack a waterproof jacket, warm layers, and proper shoes.
- •For the best langoustine, ask which catch is 'today's' at restaurants. The quality difference is noticeable.
- •Fill your gas tank in Höfn before heading east into the remote Eastfjords or west towards Skaftafell, as stations are sparse.
- •Visit the Netted Fish Warehouse ('Humarhöfnin') for a more casual, budget-friendly langoustine meal compared to upscale Pakkhús.
- •The Höfn Swimming Pool is a fantastic and affordable way to warm up, with hot pots and stunning views. It's a true local hub.
- •For Northern Lights viewing in winter, drive just 5 minutes out of town towards the sandur to escape light pollution. Check the aurora forecast (vedur.is).
- •If you visit Stokksnes/Vestrahorn, be prepared to pay a small access fee (approx. 900 ISK) to the landowner at the Viking Cafe.
- •Summer brings relentless daylight. Bring a sleep mask if you're sensitive to light, as many accommodations have thin curtains.
- •The wind in Höfn is legendary and can be strong enough to rip car doors off. Always hold the door firmly when opening it.
Höfn Food Scene
Höfn's food scene is dominated by the sea, specifically the celebrated Icelandic langoustine (humar), pulled fresh from the harbor. Dining here is a celebration of this single, exquisite ingredient, prepared in myriad ways, from simple grills to rich bisques.
Must-Try Dishes
Langoustine Specialists
- • Pakkhús (fine dining)
- • Humarhöfnin (casual warehouse)
- • Kaffi Hornið (restaurant with view)
For the ultimate experience, order a whole grilled langoustine platter to share.
Local Cafés & Bakeries
- • Hafnarbúðin (cafe & bakery)
- • Íshúsið (Pizza & Bar)
- • Kaffi Hornið (breakfast)
Grab a fresh pastry and coffee at Hafnarbúðin for a morning fuel-up before your adventures.
Self-Catering & Groceries
- • Krónan supermarket
- • Nettó supermarket
- • Local fish shop (if available)
Stock up on groceries at Krónan for picnics; dining out in Iceland is expensive.
Pub & Bar Food
- • Ósinn Pub
- • Íshúsið (Pizza & Bar)
Ósinn is the town's main pub, a great spot for a local beer and a burger after a long day.
Popular With
Best Time to Visit Höfn
Spring
April and May see longer days, melting snow, and the return of birdlife. The landscape is thawing, but winter's grip lingers on the glacier. Ice cave tours typically end.
Pros:
- + Increasing daylight
- + Fewer tourists than summer
- + Potential for late-season Northern Lights
Cons:
- - Unpredictable, often wet weather
- - Many hiking trails may still be closed or muddy
- - Ice cave tours are unavailable
Summer
June to August brings the midnight sun, with nearly 24-hour daylight and the warmest temperatures (averaging around 11°C). This is peak season for glacier hiking, lagoon visits, and the Langoustine Festival in July.
Pros:
- + Phenomenal hiking and glacier access
- + Long days for extended exploration
- + Langoustine Festival (early July)
- + All services and tours are operational
Cons:
- - Highest prices for accommodation and tours
- - Most crowded time of year
- - No darkness for Northern Lights
- - Persistent wind and bugs
Autumn
September and October feature dramatic skies, autumn colors in the lowlands, and rapidly shortening days. Crowds thin out significantly, and the first snows dust Vatnajökull.
Pros:
- + Beautiful, moody photography light
- + Fewer tourists
- + Lower accommodation rates
- + Northern Lights return by late September
Cons:
- - Weather becomes increasingly stormy
- - Some tour operators reduce schedules
- - Days get very short by late October
Winter
November to March is the realm of ice and darkness. Temperatures hover around freezing, snow blankets the town, and the magical blue ice caves within Vatnajökull are accessible. Northern Lights are frequent.
Pros:
- + Access to natural ice caves
- + Excellent Northern Lights viewing
- + Dramatic, snowy landscapes
- + Authentic, quiet winter experience
Cons:
- - Very limited daylight (4-7 hours)
- - Extreme weather can cancel tours
- - Some restaurants and services may have reduced hours
- - Driving conditions can be hazardous
Find cheap transport to Höfn
Compare prices for trains, buses, and flights to Höfn
Enter your departure city to see prices
Book Activities in Höfn
Skip the line with pre-booked tours and attractions
Day Trips from Höfn
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach
80 km, 1 hour drive west on Ring Road
The crown jewel of the region, where icebergs from Breiðamerkurjökull glacier calve into a deep lagoon before floating out to sea and washing onto the black sand shore as glittering ice diamonds.
Stokksnes Peninsula & Vestrahorn
20 km, 20-25 minute drive east
A dramatic, otherworldly landscape of black sand dunes, a Viking film set, a small lagoon, and the iconic, jagged peaks of Vestrahorn mountain rising from the sea—a photographer's paradise.
Skaftafell (Vatnajökull National Park)
130 km, 1.5 hour drive west on Ring Road
The main visitor center for Vatnajökull National Park, offering a gateway to stunning hiking trails, waterfall views, and guided glacier walks on a different outlet glacier, Svínafellsjökull.
Höfn Budget Guide
Höfn is in line with general Icelandic prices, which are high. Costs are driven by guided tours, dining out, and accommodation. Self-catering and booking in advance are key for budget management.
Budget
€120-180 per person (dorm bed, self-catered meals, free sights, no tours)
per day
Mid-Range
€250-400 per person (private guesthouse room, one restaurant meal, one guided tour like a lagoon boat trip)
per day
Luxury
€500+ per person (hotel room, fine dining, multiple guided tours like glacier hike and ice cave visit)
per day
Money-Saving Tips
- •The biggest expense is guided activities. Prioritize one or two must-dos.
- •Book accommodation months ahead for summer to avoid exorbitant last-minute prices.
- •Use the supermarkets (Krónan, Nettó) for lunch supplies and snacks.
- •Share rental car costs with travel companions to cut per-person transport expense.
- •Many natural attractions (lagoons, Diamond Beach, Stokksnes) only have small parking fees or are free.
Höfn Hidden Gems
Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon
A smaller, quieter glacier lagoon just west of Jökulsárlón, with an incredibly close view of the Fjallsjökull glacier tongue.
It feels more raw and intimate than its famous neighbor, with fewer crowds and stunning, unobstructed views of the crumbling ice face.
Heinabergsjökull Glacier Lagoon
A secluded lagoon at the end of a rough gravel road, part of the Vatnajökull ice cap.
You'll likely have this serene, iceberg-dotted lagoon all to yourself. It requires a 4x4 vehicle and a sense of adventure to reach.
Höfn Swimming Pool (Sundlaug Höfn)
The local geothermal swimming pool and hot pot complex.
It's where locals relax. Soaking in the hot pots with views of the mountains is an affordable and authentic Icelandic experience far from tourist spas.
Hornafjörður Art Museum (Listasafn Hornafjarðar)
A small but excellent museum showcasing contemporary art from Icelandic and international artists, with a focus on the region.
Offers a compelling cultural counterpoint to the natural wonders, featuring thought-provoking exhibitions in a modern space.
The Old Herring Factory (Silfurbjörg)
A historic, rusting herring processing plant on the edge of the harbor, now a stark industrial monument.
A poignant piece of local history, offering fantastic, moody photo opportunities, especially at sunset or under the Northern Lights.
Höfn Culture & Customs
Höfn's culture is shaped by fishing, glaciers, and isolation. It's a resilient, practical, and close-knit community where people are deeply connected to the formidable nature surrounding them. Life follows the rhythms of the sea and the weather.
Cultural Etiquette
- •Always remove your shoes when entering someone's home or many guesthouses.
- •Tipping is not expected or customary in Iceland, including at restaurants.
- •Respect all closures and signs, especially near glaciers and cliffs; they are for your safety.
- •Be punctual for tours; operators run on tight schedules dictated by weather and daylight.
- •Speak calmly and directly; Icelanders generally appreciate honesty and lack of pretense.
Useful Phrases
Frequently Asked Questions about Höfn
How many days should I spend in Höfn?
A minimum of two nights is ideal. This allows one full day for a Jökulsárlón/Diamond Beach trip and another for a glacier hike or ice cave tour, with time to explore the town itself.
Can I see the Northern Lights from Höfn?
Yes, from September to April, if solar activity is strong and the sky is clear. For the best view, drive a few minutes out of town to eliminate light pollution, such as onto the sandur plains.
Do I need a guide to visit the glacier lagoons?
No, you can drive to Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach independently and walk around for free. However, for a boat tour on the lagoon or to step onto the glacier itself, you must book a guided tour.
Is Höfn a good base for exploring Vatnajökull National Park?
It's an excellent base for the park's southeastern sector, including the glacier lagoons and outlet glaciers like Falljökull. For the Skaftafell area further west, it's a bit of a drive (1.5 hours), but still doable as a day trip.
What is the Langoustine Festival (Humarhátíð)?
A lively local festival held in early July celebrating Höfn's famous catch. It features live music, langoustine feasts, family activities, and a strong community party atmosphere. Book accommodation far in advance if attending.
Can I visit ice caves from Höfn year-round?
No. Natural ice caves within Vatnajökull are generally only stable and safe to enter from approximately November through March. Summer tours visit man-made ice tunnels instead.
Is the drive from Reykjavík to Höfn difficult?
The 5-hour drive on the Ring Road (Route 1) is paved and well-maintained in summer. However, it can be challenging in winter due to snow, ice, and high winds. Always check road.is and weather forecasts before setting out.
Are credit cards widely accepted in Höfn?
Yes, Iceland is largely cashless. Credit/debit cards (especially with PIN) are accepted everywhere, including for parking, tours, and even the smallest coffee shop. It's wise to have a small amount of ISK as a very rare backup.
Höfn Itineraries
Travel Guides
Plan your Höfn adventure
Let AI create the perfect itinerary for your trip to Höfn. Just describe what you want to experience.
Plan Höfn trip