Höfn: Southeast Iceland's Lobster Capital

Höfn (population approximately 2,200) sits at the southeastern corner of Iceland, squeezed between Vatnajökull glacier — Europe’s largest — and the sea. It’s a genuine fishing town rather than a tourist hub, which gives it a different character from other stops on the Ring Road. The langoustine (Icelandic lobster) caught in these waters is the best in the country, and the glacier scenery within 80km rivals anything in Iceland.

Getting There

By car: 460km from Reykjavík via Route 1 (Ring Road). Allow 5.5–6 hours with no stops. Jökulsárlón is 80km west. Most Ring Road travellers arrive from the west (from Vík direction) or from the east (from Egilsstaðir direction).

By air: Eagle Air connects Reykjavík Domestic Airport to Höfn Airport (HFN), primarily serving local residents and charter groups. Limited schedule.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

80km west of Höfn. Icebergs calved from Breiðamerkurjökull glacier (an outlet of Vatnajökull) float through the lagoon before eventually washing out to sea. The lagoon has grown considerably since 1970 due to glacier retreat.

Zodiac and amphibian boat tours operate April–October, running approximately 40-minute circuits of the lagoon among the icebergs. Zodiac tours approximately ISK 9,900 adult; amphibian boat approximately ISK 7,900 adult. Book ahead in summer. The lagoon and Diamond Beach are free to visit without a tour.

Diamond Beach is immediately east of the lagoon entrance — walk 5 minutes. The icebergs that exit the lagoon wash up here. Early morning is best for photographs before other visitors arrive. No entry fee.

Glacier Tours from Höfn

Vatnajökull glacier dominates the landscape. Several operators run glacier walks from trailheads accessible from Höfn:

• Glacier Guides (glacierguides.is): Glacier walks on Falljökull and Kvíárjökull outlets from approximately ISK 9,900 adult. Half-day and full-day options.
• Icelandic Mountain Guides (mountainguides.is): Multi-day glacier expeditions for experienced hikers.
• Blue Ice Cave tours (October–March only): Crystal ice caves inside Breiðamerkurjökull, accessible by super-jeep from Jökulsárlón area. Book months in advance for winter. Tours approximately ISK 14,900–19,900 adult.

Where to Stay

Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon — Modern hotel directly at Jökulsárlón, 80km west of Höfn. The best located hotel in the area for glacier lagoon access. Doubles from approximately ISK 45,000–65,000 in peak season.

Hótel Höfn — The main hotel in Höfn town. Doubles from approximately ISK 28,000–40,000. Has the best restaurant in town.

Guesthouse Þórbergssetur — Budget option in Höfn. Doubles from approximately ISK 22,000.

Hótel Skaftafell (at Skaftafell, 100km west) — Better location for national park activities.

Where to Eat

Humarhöfnin (Pakkhús) — The most established langoustine restaurant in Iceland, in a restored warehouse near the harbour. Grilled langoustine tails (hommar) approximately ISK 5,900–8,000. Langoustine soup ISK 2,800. The quality is consistently excellent.

Otto Matur & Drykkur — Smaller restaurant with a shorter, focused menu. Good value langoustine and fish dishes. Mains approximately ISK 3,500–5,500.

Ísbúð Hornið — Ice cream shop on the main road. Soft serve in a cone from approximately ISK 700.