Höfn is a small town in south-east Iceland, in the Hornafjörður community beside Vatnajökull National Park. It suits travelers who want glacier country close at hand, with Jökulsárlón 50 miles (80 km) away.
The town is about 280 miles (450 km) from Reykjavik, roughly six hours of straight driving. There is one main road, route 1, so the trip is simple but long.
At a glance
- Location: south-east Iceland, close to Vatnajökull National Park
- From Reykjavik: about 280 miles (450 km), around six hours of driving on route 1
- Getting there: plane, local bus or rented car
- Jökulsárlón: 50 miles (80 km) from Höfn
- Peak summer months: July and August, with highs near 57°F (14°C)
- Festival: langoustine festival in late June
Where is Höfn and what is it like?
Höfn í Hornafirði sits in the south-eastern part of Iceland. The Hornafjörður community lies close to Vatnajökull, the biggest glacier in Europe, and Höfn is close to Vatnajökull National Park. Hornafjörður Airport is 3 miles (5 km) north of the town.
The town is compact. At the harbour, Ósland is a conservation area joined to the mainland by a man-made land bridge. Glaciers fill the horizon, and the area is a base for day trips toward Jökulsárlón.
Culture has a home here too. Hornafjörður Cultural Center holds six museums and a research department, so a rainy hour has somewhere to go.
What is there to do in Höfn?
Jökulsárlón and its icebergs
Jökulsárlón is 50 miles (80 km) from Höfn. A guided boat trip of 30 to 40 minutes sails among icebergs more than a thousand years old. It is a day outing from town, so plan the drive as part of the visit.
A food cart called Local Langoustine stands by Jökulsárlón. It offers langoustine, hot dogs and vegan sausage, which makes lunch easy without driving back to Höfn.
This stop suits anyone who wants ice up close, and it works for families with older children who can sit through a boat ride.
Haukafell and Fláajökull
Haukafell is an outdoor recreation area just east of Fláajökull, a short distance from Route 1. It is an easy detour on the road.
The area has several trails. One hiking route connects Haukafell to Fláajökull and crosses a footbridge over Kolgrafardalsá. There is also a well-equipped campsite in beautiful surroundings.
Pick this if you want to walk toward a glacier on your own schedule, or camp near one. Check the weather first, because Höfn sees rain in every month.
Museums at the Cultural Center
Svavarssafn is a contemporary art museum at Hafnarbraut 27, inside the city hall. It sits in the middle of town, so it is a quick stop between meals.
Hornafjörður Cultural Center has six museums as well as a research department. That gives a long indoor morning when the glaciers are in cloud.
Höfn Swimming Pool is a 25 meter family friendly outdoor pool opened in 2009. Hornafjörður Golf Club’s Silfurnesvöllur course has 9 holes and par 70. Glaciers of Höfn is a new year-round indoor attraction.
Höfn Local Guide
Höfn Local Guide is at Hafnarbraut 41. It offers customized hiking tours, yoga and mindfulness outdoors, kayak paddling and local food tasting.
It also runs a village walk and guided tours to nearby spots. A walk is a good first hour in town if you do not yet know where to start.
This is the choice for travelers who prefer a local guide to driving alone. Ask what is on offer for your dates before you arrive.
Langoustine and where to eat
It offers a varied programme for the whole family: concerts, entertainment and food culture. Plan around late June if you want to catch it.
In town, Kaffi Hornið is a restaurant and coffee house on the main road at Hafnarbraut 42. Pakkhús restaurant is on the 2nd floor of a two-storey house overlooking the harbour, and it seats 60 to 100 people depending on the kind of event.
If you want glaciers, icebergs and seafood, Höfn fits well. With children, the pool, the festival and the boat trip are the easy wins. If you want nightlife or a long list of sights, it suits you less.
Where to stay in Höfn
Berjaya Höfn Hotel is at Ránarslóð 3, and Hótel Höfn is at Víkurbraut. Milk Factory guesthouse offers 17 rooms, and Guesthouse Dyngja is at Hafnarbraut 1.
Höfn HI Hostel is at Hvannabraut 3, a fit for budget travelers. Höfn Camping Ground is at Hafnarbraut 52, and Haukafell has its own campsite outside town. Another guesthouse at Haga 2 is applying for an operating licence.
How do you get to Höfn and get around?
Höfn can be reached by plane, local bus or rented car. By road, Reykjavik is around 280 miles (450 km) away, about six hours of straight driving on route 1.
Driving is on the right side of the road, and headlights must be on at all times, day or night. Off-road driving is illegal in Iceland.
A car makes sense for Jökulsárlón and Haukafell.
When should you go to Höfn?
June, July and August are the mildest months. July highs reach 57°F (14°C), with lows of 47°F (8°C). Late June adds the langoustine festival.
Winter is colder, with January highs of 39°F (4°C) and lows of 29°F (-2°C).
If you want gentler weather for walking and driving, aim for early summer. Pack for rain whatever the month.
What to know before visiting Höfn
According to the U.S. State Department, U.S. citizens need no visa for up to 90 days in Iceland for tourism or business.
- Passports must have 3 months’ validity beyond your date of departure from the Iceland/Schengen Area, and 6 months is recommended.
- Iceland does not accept the 12-page U.S. emergency passport for visa-free entry unless it has 3 months beyond your planned date of departure.
- No vaccinations are required.
Sources
- south.is (https://www.south.is/en/service/hotel-edda-hofn), checked 2026-10-30
- visitvatnajokull.is (https://visitvatnajokull.is/how-to-travel-in-iceland-during-winter-time/), checked 2026-10-30
- south.is (https://www.south.is/en/experiences/activities/outdoor-activities/hiking-tours-hiking/hofn-local-guide), checked 2026-10-30
- travel.state.gov (https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/iceland.html), checked 2026-10-31
- ambwashingtondc.esteri.it (https://ambwashingtondc.esteri.it/en/chi-siamo/gli-uffici/), checked 2026-10-25
- meteostat.net (https://meteostat.net/en/station/04082), checked 2026-10-30
- south.is (https://www.south.is/en/travel-info/tours/day-tour-provider/hofn-local-guide), checked 2026-10-30
- ferdalag.is (https://www.ferdalag.is/is/ahugaverdir-stadir/nattura/haukafell), checked 2026-10-30