As you drive the Iceland Ring Road, whether heading clockwise through the rugged north and east or anticlockwise along the stunning south coast, you will eventually reach a small harbour town framed by the sea on one side and mountains crowned with glaciers on the other. This is Höfn, often called the “Capital of Southeast Iceland.”
It’s not technically a capital at all, but spend a little time here and you’ll see why it’s earned the title. Höfn is the largest town in this corner of the country. It’s a laid-back, welcoming hub where fishing boats line the harbour, locals chat over coffee, and travellers refuel before venturing deeper into Iceland’s wildest landscapes.
Are you planning to explore Vatnajökull Glacier on our Iceland adventure activities? Do you want to witness the wonder of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon or the dramatic coastline that defines this region? Höfn makes a great natural base, and this Höfn travel guide will show you exactly why. Scroll down to get started! And if any questions come to mind as we go, please just get in touch.
Where Exactly is Höfn?
Höfn sits on Iceland’s southeast coast, between Vík í Mýrdal (270km west) and Egilsstaðir (180km northeast), right on the Iceland Ring Road (Route 1). When driving the full circle anticlockwise, it’s the last significant town before the Eastfjords. As such, it’s become a natural stop for anyone driving the complete route, but it’s just as popular with adventurers heading out to explore the Vatnajökull National Park area.
Its name translates into English as “harbour” or “haven”, and the town’s geography explains why. A cluster of peninsulas and inlets jut out into the Atlantic, forming a natural shelter for fishing boats. Inland, mountains rise behind Höfn, which is where you’ll find the unmistakable white mass of Vatnajökull Glacier, Europe’s largest ice cap by volume.
It’s this blend of ocean, mountains, and ice that makes Höfn so distinct. You can stand by the harbour watching the fishing boats return and still see glaciers gleaming on the horizon. This is off-the-beaten-path country, so you can also include some of Iceland’s best hidden gems in your itinerary, too.
What is Höfn Known For?
Traditionally, Höfn has been a fishing town, famous for its langoustine (also known as Icelandic lobster), a local delicacy celebrated every summer at the annual Humarhátíð Festival. The town’s identity still revolves around the sea, with its working harbour and seafood restaurants serving the day’s catch.
But in recent years, Höfn has also become a gateway to adventure. Its proximity to Vatnajökull Glacier has transformed it into one of southeast Iceland’s main travel hubs. Visitors come not just for the food and scenery, but for the chance to get closer to Iceland’s raw, natural power, from glacier lagoons to ice caves and mountain trails.
If you’re already interested in visiting or even staying in Höfn, check out our Guide to Iceland’s Ring Road. The local tips and insights will help you plan where it fits into your journey.
Things to Do in Höfn
Despite its small size (think a population below 2,500), there’s plenty to enjoy in and around Höfn. The harbour area is perfect for a stroll, especially in the evening, when the light softens over the mountains. For a dose of local culture, pop into the Hornafjörður Cultural Centre, home to six museums, including Svavarssafn, the museum of Svavar Guðnason, Iceland’s first abstract painter.
As mentioned above, Humarhátíð is the town’s Icelandic lobster festival and is a highlight of the cultural calendar in July! If you’re in the region at this time of year, don’t miss it. The festival is a lively weekend of music, food, and celebration that captures the warmth of Icelandic coastal life.
For a slower pace, visit the town’s geothermal swimming pool, a 25m, family-friendly outdoor facility complete with a main pool, a wading pool for kids, a jacuzzi, water slides, hot tubs, and a sauna. Bathing outside in the warm waters is a quintessential Icelandic experience, and one you can find out more about in our blog about the top 10 swimming pools on the south coast of Iceland.
The Best Adventures Near Höfn
Of course, the real magic lies just beyond town. Höfn is surrounded by some of Iceland’s most extraordinary landscapes, all within a short drive. A little over an hour west sits the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where massive icebergs drift slowly toward the sea. Just nearby, Fjallsárlón offers a quieter alternative away from its more popular neighbour. Both lagoons are fed by the mighty Vatnajökull Glacier, and you can stand close enough to hear the ice creak and crack as it moves.
To the east of town, Vestrahorn Mountain and Stokksnes Beach provide one of Iceland’s most dramatic photo opportunities — a black sand bay with sharp, jagged peaks that rise straight out of the ocean mist. We included this spot in our picks for five must-sees in southeast Iceland!
And then, of course, there’s the enormous glacier itself. Ice Guardians and our partners operate a range of Iceland adventure activities in the Vatnajökull region, including glacier walks and ice cave tours. Our own Ultimate Vatnajökull Glacier and Ice Cave Exploration has various starting points depending on conditions and seasonal changes. These include Höfn, Skaftafell, and various points in between.
Some of our partner tours, like the Vatnajökull Glacier Walk, meet at the Glacier Adventure Base Camp just 67 km west of Höfn, by Hali Country Hotel. That’s only around a 50-minute drive!
For a deeper look at the region’s natural wonders, read our Top 5 Best Glaciers in Iceland blog and find out why Vatnajökull tops the list!
Where to Eat and Stay in Höfn
For a small town, Höfn punches above its weight when it comes to dining. Pakkhús Restaurant, located in an old warehouse by the harbour, is a favourite for local seafood and seasonal Icelandic dishes. Another must-try is Hafnarbúðin, a cosy diner-style spot that serves excellent langoustine soup and burgers — a perfect stop after a long day on the road.
There are several comfortable places to stay, from modern hotels to family-run guesthouses. You’ll also find campsites and self-catering cottages with glacier views, ideal for those spending a few days exploring the area.
When’s the Best Time to Visit Höfn?
The best time to visit Höfn really depends on what your dream trip to the Land of Fire and Ice looks like. Some of the most sought-after experiences are only available at certain times of year, so it’s important to plan your adventure around your must-dos!
Summer (June to August) is peak season, and it brings long daylight hours, the midnight sun, mild temperatures, and lively festivals. It’s perfect for road trips, outdoor activities, and sightseeing. Autumn (September to October) is a shoulder season, so you can expect fewer crowds and cheaper prices for accommodation, flights, and some tours. The season also creates a beautiful golden atmosphere, and you have an increased chance of seeing the Northern Lights.
Winter (November to March) is Iceland’s low season, and our country’s landscapes transform into a snow-covered wonderland. While this provides beautiful scenery, it means travel requires more planning. Many roads close for months at a time, especially in the Highlands. Winter is also the season for thrilling Vatnajökull Glacier ice cave tours. Spring (April to May), another shoulder season, offers a balance of lengthening days, fewer visitors before the summer peak, and snow-capped mountains.
If you want to understand how Iceland’s weather shapes each season, take a look at our blog on Iceland’s Weather, Climate, and Temperature.
Join Us for an Iceland Glacier Adventure!
If you’re passing through Höfn or staying nearby, why not turn your journey into something truly memorable? Our Iceland adventure activities take you deep into the heart of Vatnajökull National Park, a world of blue ice, crevasses, and breathtaking crystal formations.
We’d love to show you the landscapes that make southeast Iceland so extraordinary. Höfn might be the gateway, but the glacier is where the adventure truly begins. Browse our range of Iceland glacier activities, and if you have any questions for the Ice Guardians team, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
