Höfn: what to see and do
On a peninsula in southeastern Iceland, Höfn stands close to the Hornafjörður fjord. The town’s name translates as harbour, and fishing and tourism are its principal economic activities.
Things to do in Höfn
Among Höfn’s museums is an exhibition about Vatnajökull National Park, housed in Gamlabúð. The headland of Stokksnes is close to the town.
The guided blue ice cave tour on a glacier in Iceland lasts 3 hours. It includes a modified vehicle for transport to the glacier and back, blue ice cave admission, a safety helmet, crampons for walking on the glacier and a local expert guide throughout.
The private blue ice cave tour in Iceland with glacier exploration also lasts 3 hours. Included are Super Jeep transport to the glacier and back, an experienced local guide throughout, a safety helmet, crampons for glacier walking and guided explanations of glaciology and the environment.
Höfn in Iceland
To the east of Höfn are several small islands. The town was founded in 1897 by Ottó Tuliníus, a merchant. Its population was about 300 in 1946. Höfn became a town in 1988.
Fishing, notably langoustine, remains central to the town. A speciality associated with the Höfn area is Icelandic langoustine. Humarhátíð, the lobster festival, is held each summer in late June or early July.
Höfn and Vatnajökull
Vatnajökull is visible from Höfn, which serves as a major centre for people visiting the glacier. Organised glacier trips run from Höfn throughout the year. Jökulsárlón, a large glacial lake, lies within the southern part of Vatnajökull National Park. The lagoon lies about 80 km west of Höfn by road. It is visible from the stretch of Route 1 between Höfn and Skaftafell.
The full day tour of Iceland’s south coast and glacier lagoon lasts 14 hours. It includes transport for the day in a sedan, SUV or van according to the booking, a professional guide throughout, admission at the main stops and an itinerary adjusted for weather and road conditions.
Transport connections
Höfn is on Route 1, the Ring Road that runs around Iceland. The route along the south coast between Höfn and Reykjavík covers about 460 km. The town’s airport is about 4 to 5 km away and operates scheduled services to Reykjavík.
Climate
Höfn’s climate is classified as borderline subarctic. Daytime summer temperatures reach highs of approximately 12 °C, while winter temperatures remain slightly above freezing. Annual precipitation totals approximately 1,450 mm.
Frequently asked questions
Where in Iceland is Höfn?
Höfn occupies a peninsula in southeastern Iceland, close to the Hornafjörður fjord.
What does the name Höfn mean?
Harbour is the English meaning of Höfn.
What is there to see in Höfn’s museums?
Gamlabúð houses an exhibition about Vatnajökull National Park.
Can Vatnajökull be seen from Höfn?
Vatnajökull is visible from the town.
How far is Jökulsárlón from Höfn?
Jökulsárlón is about 80 km west of Höfn by road and is visible from Route 1 between Höfn and Skaftafell.
