Hofn, Iceland (Höfn means “harbor”) is a quaint village with nearly 2000 residents situated on the shores of Hornafjörður in the southeast portion of the country.
Known for its delectable lobster, gorgeous coastal views, and Europe’s largest glacier, visiting Hofn is like stepping into a postcard. This guide is here to ensure you find the best things to do in Hofn, Iceland.
Where is Hofn?
You can reach the village by driving from Reykjavik to Hofn on the Ring Road (Route 1) along the Southern coast.
This pleasant drive will bring you past Hornafjördur fjord, which translates to the “Fjord of Horns.”
Hofn can be reached year-round via a 4×4 vehicle. While a 4×4 isn’t always necessary, it’s recommended since the village is located on a peninsula surrounded by freezing waters on three sides.
This can make road conditions tough for travelers with two-wheel drive vehicles. However, if you’re not comfortable with that drive, Hofn can be reached by plane on clear days. It’s one of the few areas in Southeast Iceland that has a domestic airport.
For those who want to venture to the capital, the journey from Hofn to Reykjavik will take around six hours to cover the 450 kilometers (280 miles) distance.
If you plan to continue northeast, then the route from Hofn to Egilsstaðir will take an additional three hours, but along the way, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views. You may also have a chance to spy on some sheep and reindeer.
Why You Should Visit Hofn, Iceland
Even if you weren’t actively searching for things to do in Hofn, Iceland, it’s still a frequent stop for those cruising along the Ring Road.
If you plan to explore the South Coast or East Fjords, Hofn makes a convenient overnight stop—whether you’re booking a hostel or settling into one of the many comfortable hotels. It also serves as a fantastic base for visiting Vatnajökull National Park, the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and Diamond Beach.
Find yourself in town and not sure what to do in Hofn, Iceland? Start with food.
As the lobster capital of Iceland, Hofn’s coastal restaurants specialize in fresh, local seafood—especially langoustine. The town’s culinary charm reaches its peak during the annual Lobster Festival each July. And when it comes to what to see in Hofn, the vibrant food scene and welcoming community events are just the beginning.
Nature lovers will be delighted to know that Hofn, Iceland, attractions include plentiful and easy-to-access camping adventure. The town can be your base camp before your party sets out on a trail to many beautiful campsites.
4 Incredible Things to Do in Höfn, Iceland
With the local economy of Hofn fitting the profile of a small fishing village, tourism is one of their critical industries. Here are four fabulous things to do in Hofn, Iceland.
Explore Europe’s Biggest Glacier
Hofn is a waypoint en route to Europe’s largest national park, Vatnajökull National Park. This park is home to Europe’s biggest glacier—the Vatnajökull glacier—which spans 3,200 square miles and covers three-fifths of the national park. Among the many things to see in Hofn, its proximity to this breathtaking landscape makes it a perfect starting point for your adventure.
While taking pictures of this natural wonder from afar is perfectly acceptable, the more adventurous will seek an exhilarating glacier walk.
It’s recommended to use a guide since specialist equipment is necessary to navigate around the mass of ice and glacier rivers. If you want to turn the excitement up a notch, you can turn your glacier walk into an ice climb, making your vacation an adrenaline trip.
Delve into the Ice Caves
The Vatnajökull glacier also offers a truly, once-in-a-lifetime experience through its ever-changing, seasonal ice caves. As one of the most unforgettable Hofn attractions, these shimmering caves are best explored with a guide, who can safely lead you through their translucent, frozen chambers.
Discover Why Iceland is the Land of Fire and Ice
Nowhere else quite captures Iceland’s raw power like Hofn, where outlet glaciers and volcanic forces collide. The town serves as a gateway to Vatnajökull National Park, home to Öraefajökull—a towering 6,500-foot volcano encased in glacial ice.
If you’re exploring things to do in Hofn for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, guided ice cave tours offer a glimpse beneath the surface—sometimes even below the legendary Katla volcano—for an experience that’s nothing short of mesmerizing.
See the Sights in the Town of Hofn
While you may be thinking of Hofn as a temporary resting point, you owe it to yourself to explore it. The town — and South Iceland more broadly- is proud of its rich culture and heritage, with many museums and art exhibits to satiate any world traveler.
Not all the best things to do in Hofn involve major tourist attractions or grand adventures Some of our favorite experiences include sampling exotic food stalls, unwinding in locals-only pubs, or soaking in one of the town’s distinctive hot baths.
Well, not just any hot baths. Hot spring baths and outdoor baths are set against breathtaking scenery. Don’t miss out on experiencing the Icelandic culture of hot baths in the quaint town of Hofn.
Tips for Visiting Hofn
If you’re still wondering what to do in Hofn, to ensure you have a great experience visiting the coastal town of Hofn, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- If you choose to visit Hofn during the winter, opt for a 4×4 with studded tires. The road conditions can vary wildly with many narrow passes and blind curves.
- While driving, it’s mandatory to have your headlights on regardless of the time of day.
- Since the region is less developed than its Western counterparts, finding a hotel can be difficult. This makes choosing a campervan ideal since you can see the island without worrying if there are appropriate accommodations for you.
Explore Höfn with Rent.is
As you’re probably aware, at Rent.is, we believe the best way to find things to do in Hofn, Iceland, is with a campervan. With this list, we’ve carefully selected only the best things to do. Hofn, Iceland is best seen with best Iceland camper rentals and we are confident we have one that fits your travel needs. Contact us today to see which one is right for you.