Höfn í Hornafirði

The sleepy fishing town of Höfn í Hornafirði makes an ideal base for exploring Vatnajökull National Park, aka glacier country. In this south coast harbor village, you’ll find places to eat, as well as a fantastic swimming pool loved by locals.

Höfn is located just off the Ring Road (Route 1) within throwing distance of the mighty Vatnajökull glacier. The town is surrounded on both sides by glacial rivers, which deposit their black sands in the bay.

If you’re looking for a great jumping-off point in this part of Iceland, Höfn does the job well. Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, Skaftafell Nature Reserve, and the Eastfjords are all just a short drive away.

After a day’s driving in Iceland, there are fewer things more relaxing than a soak in the hot pot (what Icelanders call a hot tub). The local pool in Höfn has a few to choose from, as well as a 25-meter pool and water slides for kids (or big kids)!

You’ll find a scattering of eateries around the main streets of Hafnarbraut and Víkurbraut, which join up to form a loop. 

In the summer, the town hosts a ‘lobster festival’ called Humarhátíð. The streets are filled with families having fun and live music too, so there’s a lovely atmosphere. And it’s a chance to try the local seafood delicacy, langoustine (often billed as ‘lobster’ in Iceland).

The most scenic view in the town is from the Ósland headland, where you can see out onto the Stokksnes peninsula and Skarðstindur mountain.