Höfn í Hornafirði
Quick guide to Höfn (Hofn) in Hornafjordur
| Location | Southeast Iceland, on Hornafjordur near Route 1 |
| Best for | Jokulsarlon, glacier activities, Stokksnes and Ring Road overnights |
| Use Höfn as a base | One or more nights for Southeast Iceland rather than a rushed stop |
| Nearby highlights | Jokulsarlon, Diamond Beach, Vatnajokull National Park, Skaftafell and Vestrahorn |
| Town character | Fishing harbour, seafood restaurants and practical traveller services |
| Best season | All year; winter activities and road conditions need extra planning |
| Good to know | Keep plans flexible around weather and driving conditions, especially outside summer. |
| Coordinates | 64.2532647,-15.2080441 |
Where is Höfn located?
Höfn is on Iceland's southeast coast, just off Route 1 in Hornafjörður. It is the main service town between the South Coast and the Eastfjords, making it a practical overnight base for glacier-lagoon trips, Vestrahorn and the wider Vatnajökull area.
Driving direction: From Reykjavik, follow Route 1 east through the South Coast and past Skaftafell and Jokulsarlon. From Egilsstadir or Akureyri, follow Route 1 south through the Eastfjords and along the coast to Hornafjörður. Vestrahorn and Stokksnes are about 15 km east of town.
Höfn has fuel, groceries, restaurants and accommodation, so it is a good place to refuel and reset before or after a longer driving day. Outside summer, check weather and road conditions before setting out and allow extra time for wind, ice or temporary closures.
Why stay in Höfn?
Höfn (Hofn) is more than a service stop. It gives travellers a comfortable base between the South Coast and the Eastfjords, with the harbour and restaurants close by and some of Iceland's most memorable glacier and mountain scenery within reach.
It is a particularly good choice when you want to slow down around Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, plan a glacier activity in the wider Vatnajokull area, or photograph the coast around Stokksnes and Vestrahorn without turning the day into a long drive.
Things to do in Höfn and nearby
Use this split to plan your stay: five easy things to do in Höfn itself, followed by five standout experiences within driving distance of town.
5 things to do in Höfn
Walk Höfn harbour and waterfront. Start by the working harbour for fishing heritage, mountain views and the everyday rhythm of southeast Iceland.
Try local langoustine and seafood. Höfn is known for its langoustine, making a harbour-side meal a natural part of a Ring Road itinerary.
Visit Gamlabúð and local culture stops. Take time for the historic former trading house, local exhibitions and the town centre.
Use Höfn as a comfortable southeast base. Slow down, refuel and plan Jökulsárlón, Vatnajökull and the Eastfjords from a practical overnight stop.
Walk around Ósland and the coast near town. Enjoy open views across Hornafjörður and a quieter nature break before continuing along Route 1.
5 things to do near Höfn
See Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach. Plan time for icebergs, changing light and short shoreline walks.
Take a Zodiac tour at Jökulsárlón. Get close to the icebergs on a fast boat ride across the glacier lagoon.
Kayak at the Glacier Lagoon. Choose a slower, more active way to experience the water and glacier scenery.
Hike a glacier at Skaftafell. Pair the national park with a guided Vatnajökull glacier hike.
Photograph Vestrahorn and visit the Viking Village Film Set at Stokksnes. Treat this dramatic black-sand coast east of Höfn as a dedicated stop when light and wind are favourable.
Tours near Höfn
These activities are the clearest booking matches for a stay in Höfn. They are selected for the glacier-lagoon and Vatnajokull experiences travellers commonly plan around the town.
A fast, close-up way to experience the icebergs at Jokulsarlon.
A more active glacier-lagoon choice for confident paddlers.
A longer paddle for travellers who want a quieter glacier-lagoon adventure.
A shorter guided glacier walk for a Höfn and Skaftafell route.
A longer, more technical glacier day for travellers after a challenge.
Höfn photo album
Explore Höfn's harbour, mountain views and the wider southeast coast. The existing full-screen album and thumbnail navigation stay in place here.
Places near Höfn
These are the major natural anchors for a Höfn stay. Use them to shape a slower Southeast Iceland route.
Towns and villages on the Höfn route
These practical overnight and service bases help travellers continue west toward the South Coast or east toward the Eastfjords.
Höfn itinerary ideas
One-night glacier lagoon stop
Arrive in Höfn, walk around the harbour and book an overnight. Use the next day for Jokulsarlon, Diamond Beach and a Zodiac Tour when the timing fits.
Two nights for a slower southeast route
Keep one day for the coast around Stokksnes and Vestrahorn, then choose either a glacier lagoon kayak tour or a Skaftafell glacier hike on the following day.
Ring Road transition day
Use Höfn as the point where a South Coast route turns toward the Eastfjords. Continue to Djupivogur for a gentler first stop east of town, or overnight in Höfn before a longer drive.
FAQ about Höfn
Is Höfn worth staying in?
Yes. Höfn is one of the strongest overnight bases in Southeast Iceland because it combines useful services with access to glacier lagoons, mountain scenery and guided activities.
What is Höfn known for?
Höfn is known for its fishing harbour, langoustine and its location near Jokulsarlon, Vatnajokull National Park and the Stokksnes coast.
Is Höfn close to Jokulsarlon?
Höfn is a practical base for planning a Jokulsarlon day. Pair the lagoon and Diamond Beach with a Zodiac Tour or glacier lagoon kayaking if you want an on-the-water experience.
What tours should I book near Höfn?
The clearest choices depend on the day you want:
- Zodiac Tour: Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon for a short, easy boat experience.
- Kayaking at the Glacier Lagoon for an active lagoon experience.
- Skaftafell Glacier Hike for an approachable guided glacier walk.
- Ice Climbing Skaftafell for a longer, more demanding activity.
Can I visit Vestrahorn from Höfn?
Yes. Höfn is the most practical town base for planning the Stokksnes and Vestrahorn coast. Check local access, light and conditions before committing to the detour.
Where should I go after Höfn on the Ring Road?
Travellers heading west often use Kirkjubaejarklaustur as the next route base. Travellers continuing east can stop first in Djupivogur and then continue toward Egilsstadir and Fellabaer.
Is Höfn suitable in winter?
Yes, but winter routes need more flexibility. Choose activities with clear meeting information, leave time for changing road conditions and check official weather and travel advice before longer drives.
How many nights should I stay in Höfn?
One night works for a Ring Road stop. Two nights are better when you want to combine Jokulsarlon, Stokksnes or Vestrahorn, a guided activity and a slower pace.
The town Höfn in southern Iceland with glaciers in the background
The camping area close to the town Hofn in South Iceland
The Harbor in Höfn Iceland
The Road to Hofn in South Iceland
An old shipwreck at the harbor in Höfn during a sunset in Iceland
The town Höfn in South Iceland