Höfn: The Ultimate Travel Guide to Iceland's Lobster Capital

About Höfn

Unlike many Icelandic towns with Viking roots, Höfn started more recently as a trading post in the late 19th century. The town grew into an important fishing port, with lobster and cod fishing driving its economy.

Local business owners and the Co-operative Society helped turn Höfn from a small fishing village into a modern town throughout the 20th century. You can still see bits of this history in buildings like Gamlabúð, once a trade center and now an info center for Vatnajökull National Park.

Current State and Economy

With just over 2,000 residents, Höfn has a small-town feel while offering everything travelers need. The town still thrives on fishing – especially langoustine (Icelandic lobster), which gave Höfn its nickname as the "Lobster Capital of Iceland."

In recent decades, tourism has become key to Höfn's economy. Its location near Vatnajökull National Park and other natural spots has made it a popular base for travelers, leading to more hotels, restaurants, and tour services.

Why is Höfn Worth a Visit?

Höfn offers a mix of cultural and natural experiences that make it a great addition to your Iceland trip:

1. Gateway to natural wonders: Perfect for exploring Vatnajökull National Park, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and other key sites.
2. Great food: For a small town, Höfn has excellent dining options. The seafood – especially the langoustine, is some of the freshest in Iceland.
3. Real Icelandic experience: While popular with tourists, Höfn keeps its working-town character. You'll get a genuine taste of Icelandic life away from more touristy areas.
4. Amazing views: The town offers views of Vatnajökull glacier, Europe's largest ice cap, creating a striking backdrop.
5. Festivals: If you visit in July, you might catch the annual Lobster Festival, a celebration of local seafood with music and events.

Location & How to Get There

Höfn sits on Iceland's southeastern coast, about 460 km (285 miles) from Reykjavík along the Ring Road (Route 1). While somewhat remote, you can get there several ways:

By Car

The most popular option is driving along the Ring Road from Reykjavík, taking about 5-6 hours without stops (which you shouldn’t do). Renting a car lets you explore at your own pace and stop at sights along the way.

By Bus

Public buses run from Reykjavík to Höfn year-round, more often in summer. The trip takes around 6-7 hours.

Guided Tours

Many tour companies offer multi-day trips along Iceland's south coast that include Höfn, often with glacier tours included.

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Things to Do in Höfn

Despite being small, Höfn offers plenty to keep you busy:

Explore the Harbor

Walk around Höfn's harbor, watching fishing boats come and go and taking in the coastal vibe. The harbor is the center of town life and great for photos, especially at sunset when boats stand out against the colorful sky.

Visit Local Museums

Höfn has several museums worth seeing:

• Svavar Guðnason Art Museum: Features contemporary art. It was opened in 2011, and it’s free to visit.
• Gamlabúð Folk Museum: In one of the town's oldest buildings, it shows local history and serves as a visitor center for Vatnajökull National Park. The admission is also free.

Relax at the Swimming Pool

Like many Icelandic towns, Höfn has a public swimming pool with geothermal hot tubs, a 25-meter pool, and water slides. It's a good place to relax after exploring and meet locals.

Attend the Lobster Festival

If you're visiting in July, try to catch the annual Lobster Festival, where you can enjoy langoustine dishes while listening to music and joining in festivities.

Go Birdwatching

The bird reserve south of the harbor is great for birdwatching, with various species depending on the season.

Photography Tours

With dramatic landscapes all around, photography tours are popular for capturing Iceland's natural beauty, including glaciers, mountains, and black sand beaches.

Places to Visit Near Höfn

Höfn makes an excellent base for exploring some of Iceland's most spectacular natural attractions:

Explore Vatnajökull National Park

Vatnajökull National Park, with Europe's largest glacier, is a must-visit from Höfn. You can hike on the ice ($120) to see incredible formations, check out blue ice caves in winter ($230), or race across by snowmobile ($230). If you're not up for that, just drive 20 minutes to see Hoffellsjökull glacier from a viewpoint, or stop by the visitor center in town for maps and tips.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

About 80 km from Höfn, this famous lagoon features floating icebergs that have broken off from the nearby glacier. The lagoon has appeared in several films, including James Bond's "Die Another Day." Boat tours run during summer, letting you get close to the icebergs.

Diamond Beach

Just across from Jökulsárlón, Diamond Beach gets its name from ice chunks that wash up on the black volcanic sand, looking like diamonds in the sun. It's one of Iceland's most photogenic spots and is free to visit.

Vestrahorn

About 15 km from Höfn near Stokksnes, this mountain with sharp peaks rising above black sand beaches is perfect for photographers. There's an entrance fee of around 900 ISK ($7) per person.

Glacier Tongues

Several glacier tongues are accessible near Höfn, including:

• Hoffellsjökull: Relatively close to town
• Fláajökull: With walking trails about 30 km from Höfn
• Heinabergsjökull: Features a hidden glacier lagoon

Viking Film Set

Near Stokksnes, you can visit an abandoned Viking village film set designed for a Universal film that was never made. The entrance fee is about 800 ISK (around $6).

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Höfn depends on what you want to do:

Summer (June-August)

Peak season offers milder weather, with temperatures from 10-15°C (50-59°F), and nearly 24 hours of daylight around the summer solstice. This time is ideal for hiking, wildlife watching, and boat tours on Jökulsárlón. The town is livelier, with most tours and attractions running at full capacity. The annual Lobster Festival usually happens in July.

Shoulder Seasons (May & September)

These months offer good weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices. Most attractions are still accessible, though some tours may be limited. Temperatures typically range from 5-10°C (41-50°F).

Winter (October-April)

Winter brings shorter days, colder temperatures (often around freezing), and possible snow and ice on roads. However, it's the only time to see ice caves, usually accessible from November to March. The Northern Lights also appear during clear winter nights. Many facilities have shorter hours, and some roads may close due to weather.

For the best overall experience, aim for late May through early September, when you'll have good weather, full access to attractions, and long daylight hours for exploring.

Where to Stay

Höfn offers a range of places to stay for different budgets:

Luxury Options

Fosshotel Vatnajökull ($178-$570/night)

Located in central Höfn with glacier views, this hotel offers modern amenities, a highly-rated breakfast buffet, and a tour desk for booking glacier activities. It's good for couples and small groups wanting a comfortable base with easy access to town.

Höfn - Berjaya Iceland Hotels ($193-$595/night)

A modern hotel with sleek design and views of Vatnajökull glacier. Located along Route 1 about 5 minutes drive from Höfn, it has an on-site restaurant and bar. Best for couples and solo travelers who want modern comforts.

Mid-Range Options

Árnanes Country Hotel ($115-$595/night)

This family-run hotel, about 3.7 miles from Höfn, offers glacier views and a good breakfast buffet. It's perfect for families and nature lovers seeking a rural setting with easy access to town. There are also rooms with shared bathrooms if you’re on a budget, but still want a special place to stay.

Hotel Höfn ($178-$355 ISK/night)

A well-established hotel in central Höfn with modern en-suite rooms and a restaurant specializing in Icelandic cuisine, especially seafood. It's convenient for couples and business travelers who want reliable accommodation with dining on-site.

Budget Options

Höfn Guesthouse ($100-170$/night)

A cozy, budget-friendly guesthouse in central Höfn with a home-like atmosphere and shared facilities including a kitchen. It's perfect for solo travelers, backpackers, and budget-conscious visitors.

Guesthouse Dyngja ($93-$210/night)

A charming, family-run guesthouse near the harbor with nicely decorated rooms and breakfast included. Great for couples and families wanting a simple, but more personal experience.

For the best rates, book well ahead, especially if visiting between June and August when accommodations fill up quickly.

Where to Eat

Höfn's food scene is a highlight, especially for seafood lovers. Here are the top places to eat:

Pakkhús Restaurant

Located by the harbor, Pakkhús is known for local ingredients, particularly langoustine from Höfn's fishing boats. The restaurant is in a historic warehouse, creating a nice yet cozy dining experience. Main courses range from 4,500-7,500 ISK.

Must-try dishes:

• Langoustine soup with cream and herbs
• Grilled langoustine tails with garlic butter
• Skyr dessert with blueberries

Kaffi Hornið

A family-friendly restaurant on the main road, Kaffi Hornið offers a diverse menu in a casual, welcoming atmosphere. It's known for excellent lobster soup and works with various dietary needs. Main courses range from 3,000-6,000 ISK.

Must-try dishes:

• Creamy lobster soup with bread
• Grilled Icelandic lamb chops with rosemary
• Homemade chocolate cake with whipped cream

Íshúsið Pizzeria

This harbor-side pizzeria makes stone-baked pizzas with unique local toppings like langoustine. It's perfect for casual dining and families, with pizzas ranging from 2,800-4,000 ISK.

Must-try dishes:

• Langoustine pizza with mozzarella and garlic
• Seafood pizza with shrimp and cod

Otto Matur & Drykkur

Offering a more intimate dining experience, Otto focuses on traditional Icelandic recipes with a modern twist. The restaurant emphasizes freshly caught seafood and local produce in a quaint setting. Main courses range from 4,000-6,500 ISK.

Must-try dishes:

• Smoked cod with dill sauce and potatoes
• Langoustine skewers with lemon butter

Hafnarbúðin

This no-frills diner is loved by locals for its affordable, hearty meals, including fish and chips and burgers. It's great for budget travelers or those wanting a quick, satisfying bite, with meals ranging from 1,800-3,000 ISK.

Must-try dishes:

• Fish and chips with tartar sauce
• Langoustine roll with garlic mayo

I recommend booking in advance for Pakkhús and Otto Matur & Drykkur, especially during summer. Try to have langoustine at least once during your stay – it's what Höfn is famous for!

Conclusion

Höfn may be small, but it offers incredible experiences. From the moment you arrive and see the glacier backdrop to your first bite of fresh langoustine, this fishing town draws visitors with its mix of natural beauty and authentic Icelandic culture.

Whether you're using it as a base to explore southeast Iceland's glaciers and lagoons or just enjoying the seafood, Höfn offers a more intimate, less touristy experience than many of Iceland's more famous destinations.