A small Icelandic town known for its lobster fishing and stunning views of Vatnajökull glacier. Located near Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon and Skaftafell National Park.
Höfn, a small fishing town in southeastern Iceland, sits between the Vatnajökull glacier and the Atlantic Ocean. Home to just over 2,000 residents, this coastal community is known for its langoustine, often called Icelandic lobster. Visitors to Höfn can explore the nearby Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, photograph the distinctive Vestrahorn mountain, and sample fresh seafood while experiencing small-town Icelandic life. The town also serves as a convenient base for those venturing into Vatnajökull National Park.
Location and Geography
Höfn occupies a unique position on Iceland's southeastern coast. The town sits on a peninsula, surrounded by the sea on three sides. The area around Höfn is relatively flat and sandy, making it one of the few natural harbors on Iceland's south coast. This geographical feature gave the town its name, which means "harbor" in Icelandic. From Höfn, you can see the massive Vatnajökull glacier to the north, creating a striking backdrop for the town.
Langoustine Capital of Iceland
Höfn is known as the "Langoustine Capital of Iceland" due to its active fishing industry and abundance of Norwegian lobster (also known as langoustine). Many local restaurants serve this delicacy, prepared in various ways. You can try langoustine soup, grilled langoustine tails, or even langoustine pizza. One of the best places to sample this local specialty is Otto Matur & Drykkur, a restaurant known for its fresh seafood and creative dishes. If you visit in late June, you might catch the annual Lobster Festival, where you can taste different langoustine dishes and enjoy live music and entertainment.
Natural Sights Near Höfn
Höfn serves as an excellent base for exploring some of Iceland's most interesting natural sights. The Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, about an hour's drive west of Höfn, is a popular destination. Here, you can watch massive icebergs float in a glacial lake before drifting out to sea. Adjacent to the lagoon is Diamond Beach, where chunks of ice wash up on black sand, creating an unusual landscape. Closer to town, the Stokksnes peninsula offers views of the Vestrahorn mountain, often called "Batman Mountain" due to its distinctive shape. This area is particularly popular among photographers, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Museums and Cultural Sites
Despite its small size, Höfn has several museums you can visit. The Gamlabúð, housed in one of the oldest buildings in town, serves as a visitor center for Vatnajökull National Park and provides information about the local area. The Hornafjörður Art Museum displays work by local artists, while the Huldusteinn Rock Museum exhibits a collection of East Icelandic rocks and minerals. For a deeper dive into local history and culture, you can visit the Þórbergur Center in nearby Hali, dedicated to the life and works of Icelandic author Þórbergur Þórðarson.
Activities and Tours
Höfn's proximity to Vatnajökull National Park makes it a good starting point for glacier tours and ice cave explorations. Several local companies offer guided excursions onto the glacier, where you can try activities like ice climbing or snowmobiling. In winter, you can join tours to explore the blue ice caves that form within the glacier. For a different perspective, consider taking a boat tour of the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where you can get close to the icebergs and possibly spot seals.
Getting to Höfn
Höfn is located about 450 km east of Reykjavík along Iceland's Ring Road (Route 1). If you're driving, the journey takes about 5-6 hours without stops, but you'll likely want to allow more time to enjoy the scenery along the way. There's also a small airport in Höfn with domestic flights from Reykjavík, which take about an hour. Public buses connect Höfn to other parts of Iceland, though service may be limited, especially in winter.
