Things to Do in Höfn, Iceland

Höfn is a fishing town of around 2,200 people on Iceland’s south-east coast, perched on a spit of land between two lagoons with Vatnajökull — Europe’s largest glacier — dominating the horizon to the north. The town is known for two things: the best langoustine in Iceland, and its position as the closest base to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach.

It’s small and functional rather than scenic, but the surrounding landscape is extraordinary, and two or three days here is enough to take in the main glacier experiences and eat very well.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Thirty-seven kilometres west of Höfn on the Ring Road, Jökulsárlón is one of the most dramatic natural sites in Iceland. Icebergs calve from Breiðamerkurjökull glacier and float slowly toward the sea in a deep lagoon that didn’t exist before 1935 — the glacier has been retreating steadily, leaving the lagoon in its wake.

The icebergs range from blue-white to vivid aquamarine depending on the density of the ice, and some are streaked with black volcanic ash. The lagoon is accessible year-round, free to view from the road and shoreline.

Boat tours operate from June through October. The standard amphibious boat tour costs approximately ISK 7,500 per person as of 2026 and takes 40–45 minutes, getting close to the floating icebergs. Zodiac RIB tours (faster, more exposed, require life jackets) cost approximately ISK 9,900 and give a more immediate experience. Both depart from the lagoon car park. Book ahead in summer — the tours fill early in the day.

Photography notes: Jökulsárlón is photogenic at almost any time, but early morning (before 08:00 in summer) offers calm water and no crowds. The lagoon faces roughly south-east, so morning light falls well on the icebergs.

Diamond Beach

Directly across the Ring Road from Jökulsárlón, where the river from the lagoon meets the sea, icebergs wash up on a black sand beach and strand there as they melt. The contrast of clear and blue-tinged ice against the black sand is vivid enough to feel surreal.

Diamond Beach is free and accessible year-round. The same beach can be dangerous — waves are powerful and unpredictable, and the ice is slippery. Do not climb on the ice and stay aware of wave conditions, particularly in winter and early spring.

Vatnajökull National Park and Glacier Hiking

Vatnajökull National Park covers 14% of Iceland’s total land area. The main glacier, Vatnajökull, is 8,100 square kilometres of ice — approximately the size of Yorkshire. Several glacier tongues extend southward toward Höfn and the Ring Road, and guided glacier hikes operate on the nearest of these.

Falljökull is the glacier outlet most commonly used for introductory hikes from the Höfn area. Guided glacier hikes start from approximately ISK 12,000 per person as of 2026 for a 2–3 hour introductory experience, including crampons and ice axe. These require no previous experience but reasonable fitness. Longer tours covering crevasse zones and icefalls are available for more experienced hikers, from approximately ISK 18,000–25,000.

Skaftafell, about 140km west of Höfn within the national park, is the main visitor hub with walking trails, a campsite, and glacier access. The Skaftafellsjökull glacier hike is the most popular, with multiple operators offering daily departures in summer.

The glacier hiking guide covers equipment, safety, and operator options in more detail.

Hofskirkja Turf Church

On the Ring Road near Öræfi, approximately 80km west of Höfn, Hofskirkja is the last turf church built in Iceland using the traditional method. Construction was completed in 1884. It remains consecrated and was in regular use until the mid-20th century.

The church and adjoining graveyard are free to visit. The exterior, with its grass-covered turf roof and walls, shows the construction technique that sheltered Icelandic farms and churches for centuries. It’s a 10-minute stop and worth the minor detour from the Ring Road.

Eating: Höfn’s Langoustine

Höfn is Iceland’s langoustine capital. The local catch — Nephrops norvegicus, a small lobster-like crustacean from the cold waters of Hornafjörður — is considered among the sweetest and freshest available in Europe. Several restaurants in town specialise in it.

Pakkhús is the most well-regarded langoustine restaurant in Höfn, serving grilled langoustine, langoustine soup, and langoustine tails in various preparations. Main courses cost approximately ISK 4,000–6,000 per person as of 2026. The atmosphere is casual and fishing-town authentic — this is not a fine dining experience, but the quality of the langoustine justifies the reputation.

Other restaurants in Höfn serve langoustine alongside the standard Icelandic menu of fish, lamb, and burgers. For those on a budget, the petrol station and supermarket on the main road are the practical options — Höfn’s restaurant scene is small.

The Höfn Lobster Festival (Humarhátíð) in late June draws visitors specifically for the celebration of the local catch, with outdoor grilling, live music, and producers serving direct. Worth timing your visit around if langoustine is a priority.

Views of Vatnajökull from Town

From Höfn itself — particularly from the harbour and the shoreline walking paths — Vatnajökull’s white expanse fills the northern horizon. On clear days the scale of the ice cap is striking: it covers mountains behind mountains, extending 40–50km inland from the nearest visible point. This view requires no effort or cost and is simply part of being in Höfn.

Getting to Höfn

By car: 378km from Reykjavík via Route 1. Approximately 4.5–5 hours. The route passes the entire South Coast including Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Vík, and Jökulsárlón — making it natural to stop for a night or two before reaching Höfn rather than driving straight through.

By plane: Air Iceland Connect (airicelands.is) operates flights from Reykjavík Domestic Airport to Höfn (Hornafjörður Airport), taking approximately 45 minutes. Return fares are approximately ISK 18,000–30,000 as of 2026. This makes Höfn accessible without a car for glacier hiking day tours that include hotel pick-up, though you’ll need a rental car for Jökulsárlón.

By bus: Strætó and Reykjavík Excursions operate services from Reykjavík along the South Coast and Ring Road. The journey takes around 7–8 hours. A car gives substantially more flexibility for visiting the sites around Höfn.