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Iceland🇮🇸 | villagesHöfnlobster cuisine, glacier backdrop, fishing port | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Höfn
🌟 Highlightvillage ranked #3
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 16, 2026

Most people only realize on the bus out that Höfn is the last place for a while where you can stock up properly, dry out, and reset before (or after) the long, exposed stretch of Iceland’s southeast coast. It sits on a low peninsula in the far southeast, between the Vatnajökull glaciers and a maze of cold, steel-grey fjords. For backpackers, Höfn is a practical pause more than a “wow, stay a week” destination: supermarkets, a few guesthouses, hot showers, and windbreaks from the Atlantic. The payoff is the atmosphere outside town—wide black-sand shores, big sky, and that constant hiss of wind and seabirds. Evenings are quiet, more cooking in hostel kitchens than bar-hopping, and it’s easier to meet other travelers here than in smaller, sleepier hamlets like Djúpivogur, but calmer than busier hubs like Vik.

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #3 village in IcelandWhy Höfn should be on your travel list

Höfn is a backpacker’s haven nestled between the stunning Vatnajökull National Park and the serene East Fjords. The atmosphere here is laid-back, perfect for those who want to slow down and soak in the local character. You’ll find fresh seafood wafting through the air, especially the famed langoustine, which adds a delicious touch to your stay.

This village serves as a strategic pause between busier spots like Reykjavik and the glacial wonders of the south. It’s a launching pad for hikes in the nearby national park or a stroll along the black sand beaches. Most travelers linger for a night or two, enjoying the quiet charm that attracts solo adventurers and couples alike. If you’re a slow traveler or a hiker, Höfn offers a refreshing break that feels earned, making it a worthwhile stop on your Icelandic journey.

💡 HighlightsThe experiences that define the visit

  • The langoustine (lobster) sculpture and harbour — The town’s unofficial mascot: a big langoustine overlooks the working harbour. It’s kitschy, photogenic, and a good marker for why Höfn’s seafood culture is a thing — plus the harbor backdrop gives you glacier-tipped mountain views that don’t feel staged.
  • Humarhöfnin (the Langoustine House) — Not just a restaurant: an institution in Höfn for fresh langoustine and to see how local cuisine grew out of the harbour industry. Even if you skip the full meal, popping in for a taste or to watch the chefs at work gives you real local flavor.
  • The old Pakkhús (packing house) / harbour warehouses — These converted packhouses now host cafés, exhibits and the occasional market or gig. They’re a neat slice of industrial heritage — where the town once
… read more 👉
  • The langoustine (lobster) sculpture and harbour — The town’s unofficial mascot: a big langoustine overlooks the working harbour. It’s kitschy, photogenic, and a good marker for why Höfn’s seafood culture is a thing — plus the harbor backdrop gives you glacier-tipped mountain views that don’t feel staged.
  • Humarhöfnin (the Langoustine House) — Not just a restaurant: an institution in Höfn for fresh langoustine and to see how local cuisine grew out of the harbour industry. Even if you skip the full meal, popping in for a taste or to watch the chefs at work gives you real local flavor.
  • The old Pakkhús (packing house) / harbour warehouses — These converted packhouses now host cafés, exhibits and the occasional market or gig. They’re a neat slice of industrial heritage — where the town once packed fish and now packs culture and coffee.
  • Hornafjörður / Höfn Heritage Museum — Small, local museums in fishing towns are gold for learning the family-and-sea stories that shaped a place. Expect fishing gear, photographs, and accounts of life here — compact but essential context for Höfn’s identity.
  • Vatnajökull Visitor Centre (Höfn) — The most useful indoor stop for understanding the giant glacier on your doorstep. Exhibits explain local glaciology, recent floods, and safe ways to explore the surrounding ice landscapes — handy before you head out on a day trip.
  • Höfn Church (Höfnarkirkja) — A small town church with clean lines and a spot-on view over the town and fjord. Worth a quick visit for architecture, quiet time, and the local sense of place that crops up in parish records and memorials.
  • Sundlaug Höfn (the public swimming pool) — Icelandic town life is as much about pools as it is about mountains. The outdoor hot tubs and lap pool here are a great way to relax after a day of driving, and you’ll hang out with locals — always the best cultural intel.
  • Harbour promenade & glacier viewpoints — Walkable, close-to-town viewpoints where the sea, mountains and Vatnajökull combine. It’s not a single monument but these little vantage points give the clearest, most immediate sense of why people settle here.
  • Working fishing harbour and boat-watching — The harbour is a living museum: watch crews, landings, and the day-to-day bustle that keeps Höfn fed and employed. Observing (respectfully) and talking to someone on the quay will teach you more than a lot of guidebooks.
  • Small galleries and pop-up exhibitions — Höfn has a handful of modest art spaces and seasonal shows in cafés or the Pakkhús; they showcase local artists, seascapes, and crafts. Not headline-grabbing, but excellent for seeing how residents interpret their landscape.
A few great day trips easily reachable from Höfn: Jökulsárlón/ Diamond Beach, the Vestrahorn (Stokksnes) headland, and Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park — Vestrahorn at Stokksnes is my personal favorite.
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Things to do around Höfn

Ice Cave Tour in the National Park of Vatnajökull

Ice Cave Tour in the National Park of Vatnajökull

4.6(610) 3h
From €142
per personViator
Small-Group Ice Cave Tour from Jökulsárlón

Small-Group Ice Cave Tour from Jökulsárlón

4.8(292) 2h 30m
From €170
per personViator
Ice Cave and Glacier Walk into Blue Glacier Canyon

Ice Cave and Glacier Walk into Blue Glacier Canyon

5.0(244)
From €235
per personViator
Ice Exploration Tour from the Glacier Lagoon

Ice Exploration Tour from the Glacier Lagoon

4.9(213) 4h 30m
From €135
per personViator
Ice Cave and Glacier Exploration Tour of Vatnajökull from Jökulsárlón

Ice Cave and Glacier Exploration Tour of Vatnajökull from Jökulsárlón

4.9(186)
From €249
per personViator
The Original Ice Cave Tour in Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

The Original Ice Cave Tour in Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

4.8(204)
From €177
per personViator
Jökulsárlón: Blue Ice Cave and a Long Glacier Hike

Jökulsárlón: Blue Ice Cave and a Long Glacier Hike

5.0(52) 5h 30m
From €281
per personViator
Crystal Ice Cave & Super Jeep Tour from Jökulsárlón

Crystal Ice Cave & Super Jeep Tour from Jökulsárlón

4.0(143) 2h 30m
From €150
per personViator
Glacier Hiking In Skaftafell

Glacier Hiking In Skaftafell

4.8(57) 3h
From €87
per personViator
Half-day Canyoning under Vatnajökull

Half-day Canyoning under Vatnajökull

5.0(45) 5h
From €300
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?When to go for the best experience

  • Weather: Summer months (June to August) bring the mildest weather, with temperatures hovering between 10-15°C (50-59°F). Winters are harsh, often dipping below freezing, making trails icy and less accessible.
  • Temperature: Daytime highs in summer feel crisp but comfortable, perfect for long hikes without overheating. Spring and autumn can be unpredictable, swinging from chilly to surprisingly warm in a single day.
  • Daylight Hours: In summer, Höfn enjoys nearly 24 hours of daylight, thanks to the midnight sun. This extended light lets you stretch your hiking hours and soak in the landscape without rushing. Winter days shrink to just a few hours of dim light, limiting outdoor time.
  • Crowds: Peak summer draws tourists, especially in July, which can mean busier trails and higher accommodation
… read more 👉
  • Weather: Summer months (June to August) bring the mildest weather, with temperatures hovering between 10-15°C (50-59°F). Winters are harsh, often dipping below freezing, making trails icy and less accessible.
  • Temperature: Daytime highs in summer feel crisp but comfortable, perfect for long hikes without overheating. Spring and autumn can be unpredictable, swinging from chilly to surprisingly warm in a single day.
  • Daylight Hours: In summer, Höfn enjoys nearly 24 hours of daylight, thanks to the midnight sun. This extended light lets you stretch your hiking hours and soak in the landscape without rushing. Winter days shrink to just a few hours of dim light, limiting outdoor time.
  • Crowds: Peak summer draws tourists, especially in July, which can mean busier trails and higher accommodation prices. Shoulder seasons (late May or September) offer quieter paths and a more intimate connection with the wild.
  • Seasonal Activities: Summer opens up glacier hiking, boat tours, and birdwatching. Winter is prime for northern lights but demands serious gear and experience for safe travel.
  • Price Fluctuations: Expect accommodation and transport costs to peak in July and August. Booking in shoulder seasons can save money and still deliver solid weather and daylight.
Pro-tip: Aim for late June or early September—daylight lingers, the air is fresh, and you dodge the crowds while still catching most activities at a friendlier pace.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: below average for travelingFEBFebruary: below average for travelingMARMarch: fair for travelingAPRApril: good for travelingMAYMay: highly recommended for travelingJUNJune: excellent for travelingJULJuly: highly recommended for travelingAUGAugust: highly recommended for travelingSEPSeptember: highly recommended for travelingOCTOctober: good for travelingNOVNovember: fair for travelingDECDecember: below average for traveling
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🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas and accommodation options

Höfn is your gateway to Vatnajökull’s icy wilderness, and where you stay shapes how you experience this raw edge of Iceland. The village itself is small, so the best spots for backpackers are less about luxury and more about atmosphere and access.

Höfn Hostel nails the balance. It’s basic but clean, with dorms that keep your pack light and your wallet happy. The vibe is quietly social—travelers swapping glacier stories over instant coffee. It’s a short walk from the harbor, so you wake up to salty air and the faint hum of fishing boats, which feels like a real Icelandic pulse.

If you want a … read more 👉
Höfn is your gateway to Vatnajökull’s icy wilderness, and where you stay shapes how you experience this raw edge of Iceland. The village itself is small, so the best spots for backpackers are less about luxury and more about atmosphere and access.

Höfn Hostel nails the balance. It’s basic but clean, with dorms that keep your pack light and your wallet happy. The vibe is quietly social—travelers swapping glacier stories over instant coffee. It’s a short walk from the harbor, so you wake up to salty air and the faint hum of fishing boats, which feels like a real Icelandic pulse.

If you want a bit more privacy without blowing your budget, Guesthouse Nypugardar offers simple rooms with a kitchen. Cooking your own meals here means you can linger over dinner, watching the low Arctic light fade behind the mountains. It’s a subtle luxury that turns the chill outside into a cozy contrast.

Avoid places too far from the village center. The light shifts fast in Höfn, and being close means you catch the golden hour on the harbor or the first crack of dawn over the glacier—moments that make the cold worth it.
Best hostels in Iceland


Best quality hotels in Iceland

🚌 Day tripsBest day trips from Höfn

Höfn is a backpacker’s dream base, perfectly positioned for exploring Iceland’s stunning landscapes without the hassle of constant packing and unpacking.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Just an hour’s drive from Höfn, Jökulsárlón is a surreal spectacle where massive icebergs drift lazily in a shimmering blue lagoon. The contrast of the ice against the dark volcanic sands is striking. Bring a packed lunch to enjoy while watching seals play among the ice. Aim for early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds. Expect to spend around 3-4 hours here, and budget about 1,500 ISK for snacks and gas. A common mistake? Forgetting a warm jacket; the wind can bite even in summer.

Vestrahorn Mountain
A mere 20-minute drive from Höfn, Vestrahorn is a photographer’s paradise. The jagged … read more 👉
Höfn is a backpacker’s dream base, perfectly positioned for exploring Iceland’s stunning landscapes without the hassle of constant packing and unpacking.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Just an hour’s drive from Höfn, Jökulsárlón is a surreal spectacle where massive icebergs drift lazily in a shimmering blue lagoon. The contrast of the ice against the dark volcanic sands is striking. Bring a packed lunch to enjoy while watching seals play among the ice. Aim for early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds. Expect to spend around 3-4 hours here, and budget about 1,500 ISK for snacks and gas. A common mistake? Forgetting a warm jacket; the wind can bite even in summer.

Vestrahorn Mountain
A mere 20-minute drive from Höfn, Vestrahorn is a photographer’s paradise. The jagged peaks rise dramatically from the black sand beaches, creating a breathtaking backdrop. Spend a few hours hiking along the coast or simply soaking in the views. The best time to visit is during sunrise when the light casts a golden hue over the landscape. Costs are minimal—just gas and maybe a small fee for parking. Many first-timers miss the hidden trails; don’t stick to the main path.

Stokksnes Peninsula
This trip is a quick 30-minute jaunt from Höfn. The peninsula offers stunning views of Vestrahorn and the surrounding sea. You can wander along the beach or explore the grassy dunes. The area is rich in birdlife, making it a great spot for nature lovers. Plan for about 2-3 hours here, and keep an eye out for the entrance fee, which is around 800 ISK. A common oversight is not checking the tide schedule; the beach can disappear at high tide.

Vatnajökull National Park
About an hour from Höfn, this park is home to Europe’s largest glacier. You can hike on marked trails or join a guided glacier walk for a more immersive experience. The park is stunning year-round, but late spring and early fall offer the best weather. Expect to spend 4-5 hours here, with costs varying based on your chosen activities—around 5,000 ISK for a guided tour. Many backpackers underestimate the weather; layers are essential, even in summer.

FAQTraveler FAQ

You get to Höfn primarily by driving along the Ring Road (Route 1) from Reykjavik, which takes about 6-7 hours covering roughly 450 kilometers. Alternatively, you can fly into Höfn Airport from Reykjavik, with flights taking around 45 minutes. Bus services also connect Höfn with other towns but are less frequent.
Yes, Höfn is worth the trip for its stunning views of Vatnajökull glacier, Iceland's largest ice cap, and its reputation for excellent lobster dishes. The town serves as a gateway to Vatnajökull National Park and nearby glacier lagoons like Jökulsárlón, making it a key spot for nature lovers and photographers.
Yes, Höfn can be visited as a day trip, especially if you are driving the Ring Road and want to explore the glacier lagoons nearby. However, spending at least one night is recommended to fully experience the local cuisine and explore the surrounding natural attractions without rushing.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

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We 💚 feedbackKey takeaways before you go

Höfn is a gateway to the breathtaking Vatnajökull National Park, where the air is crisp and the glaciers loom large, offering a surreal backdrop for your adventures. But be ready for the weather—it can shift from sunny to stormy in minutes. Pack layers and embrace the unpredictability; it’s part of the charm that makes this place feel alive.

✈️ When did I visit Iceland?
In July 2019 I visited this magical island. For sure in my top-3 for spectacular landscapes. Rented a car and did the whole ring-road.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Iceland, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

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