Hofn is a fishing town of around 2,000 people in southeast Iceland and is a key stop on Route 1 between Kirkjubaejarklaustur and Egilsstadir. The name "Hofn" simply translates to "harbor."
Known for its scenic harbor, Hofn is one of the few natural harbors on Iceland’s South Coast. It’s accessible year-round by self-drive tours and guided packages and has a domestic airport.
For a comfortable stay, you can book hotels and accommodations in Hofn, making it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding natural wonders and engaging in fun activities. Please note that some of the activities listed below are only accessible by car, so you might want to rent a vehicle in Iceland to make the most of your time.
This charming town has plenty to offer, from stunning coastal views and flat beaches to easy access to the ocean, which occasionally freezes in winter. So if you’re visiting, keep reading to discover the top things to do in Hofn.
Key Takeaways
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Town experiences: Hofn is a charming fishing town with plenty to offer visitors.
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Cultural visits: Explore museums, heritage sites, and local art.
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Outdoor adventures: Enjoy glacier hikes, ice climbing, kayaking, and scenic walks.
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Local events: Join festivals like the Lobster Festival and taste fresh seafood.
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Nearby attractions: Take day trips to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and other South Coast highlights.
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Where to eat in Hofn: Savor fresh seafood, cozy cafes, and local specialties like langoustine and lobster.
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Where to stay in Hofn: Find comfortable accommodations ranging from guesthouses to hotels for a convenient base.
9. Enjoy a Swim at the Local Pool in Hofn
The swimming pool in Hofn is a popular community facility offering total relaxation. This modern geothermal pool is heated by natural Icelandic hot water, making it an inviting spot year-round, even in chilly weather.
The pool complex includes a large outdoor pool for swimming, a hot tub and jacuzzi of varying temperatures for relaxation, and a children’s pool with slides, making it enjoyable for all ages.
There is also a steam room, perfect for unwinding after a swim or warming up on colder days. The facility is well-maintained, and its outdoor pools allow visitors to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding environment.
Locals and travelers alike visit the pool for the soothing geothermal waters and welcoming atmosphere, making it a great place to experience Iceland’s swimming culture and unwind amid Hofn’s natural beauty. Check out the opening hours on their official website.
- Check out the Best Swimming Pools in Iceland
- Learn about Swimming Pool Etiquette in Iceland
8. Visit the Viking Village Film Set Near Hofn
The Viking Village Film Set, located near Hofn in Southeast Iceland, is an evocative replica of a Norse settlement originally built in 2010 for a film project that was never completed. Nestled amidst rugged Icelandic landscapes, the set is composed of timber structures with traditional Viking-style details, offering an authentic experience of what a Norse village may have looked like.
The site is open for visitors to explore, providing an atmospheric glimpse into Iceland’s Viking heritage. The scenic location, surrounded by mountainous terrain and sweeping fjords, adds to the immersive feeling of stepping back in time.
While the village was intended for cinematic purposes, it has since become a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors interested in Viking history and Iceland’s cinematic locations.
Many people visit to capture unique photos or simply walk among the dwellings. We highly recommend taking the opportunity to enjoy a coffee and a freshly made waffle at the Viking Cafe after your visit, which is just next to the Viking Village Film Set.
- Learn more about Vikings and Norse Gods in Iceland
7. Explore the Thorbergur Center Near Hofn
Þórbergssetur, or the Thorbergur Center, is a cultural museum in Iceland dedicated to honoring the life and legacy of renowned Icelandic author and philosopher Þórbergur Þórðarson (1888–1974). Situated in the quaint village of Hali, about a 50-minute drive from Hofn, the museum celebrates Þórbergur's literary contributions.
The museum’s design is unique, resembling a row of books—a nod to Þórbergur's life as a writer. Inside, visitors can delve into exhibits showcasing his life, philosophical ideas, and literary works, along with displays that highlight traditional Icelandic life and Hali’s local history.
Þórbergssetur frequently hosts cultural events, lectures, and exhibitions, making it a vibrant center for literature and heritage. For anyone interested in Iceland's literary history, Þórbergssetur provides an inspiring journey into the life of one of the nation’s most cherished 20th-century writers.
Close to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, the Thorbergur Center is simple to pair with nearby attractions, adding variety to your Hofn itinerary.
- Learn more about The Icelanders and their Big Love of books
- Read about Icelandic Literature for Beginners
6. Experience Kayaking in Hornafjordur
Experience the beauty of Hornafjordur on this three-hour kayaking tour from Hofn, ideal for travelers seeking breathtaking mountain views and fresh ocean air. Starting in Hofn, you’ll head to the old pier in Osland, a protected area popular with birdwatchers and home to nesting Arctic terns.
There, you’ll meet your expert guide, who will provide all necessary gear, including a kayak, paddle, dry suit, and life jacket. Dress warmly and leave valuables behind, as this activity requires light packing and moderate physical fitness.
After launching from the harbor, paddle along the shoreline and small islands of the fjord, where you may spot seals in the water or on the banks enjoying the sun. Your guide will share insights into Hofn’s culture, history, and local landmarks, with views of the Vatnajokull Glacier in the background.
Midway, you’ll stop at the stunning black-sand Sudurfjorur Sandbank for a break, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views and traditional Icelandic snacks. After the break, paddle back to Hofn to complete this unforgettable adventure through Southeast Iceland’s pristine waters.
Don’t miss this opportunity for a scenic and enriching kayaking experience in the Hornafjordur, guided by a local expert and complete with delicious local treats.
- Read about Seal Watching in Iceland
- Explore Wildlife and Animals in Iceland
5. Discover Icelandic Art at Svavarssafn Museum in Hofn
Svavarssafn, or the Museum of Svavar Guðnason, is a dynamic contemporary art museum in Hofn. Throughout the year, the museum hosts a variety of exhibitions featuring Icelandic artists, especially those with ties to the region.
Hornafjordur is celebrated for its dramatic landscape and unique glacial light, providing inspiration that many Icelandic artists have sought to capture. Svavarssafn offers a serene space to experience art that reflects this remarkable natural beauty.
Founded to honor Svavar Guðnason (1909–1988), Iceland’s pioneering abstract painter, the museum celebrates his legacy and influence as a leader of Iceland's mid-20th-century avant-garde. Svavar, born in Hofn, was one of the few Icelandic artists of his era to gain an international following.
The museum began when Ásta Eiríksdóttir, Svavar’s widow, donated significant pieces from his collection to Hornafjordur. Today, it houses around 500 works by Svavar and other regional artists. Each year, it presents three exhibitions that blend contemporary pieces with selections from its collection.
The museum is open year-round in the city hall, and visitors are free to visit it.
- Check out The Best Museums in Iceland
- Visit the Top 12 Art Museums and Galleries in Reykjavik
4. Savor Hofn’s Local Flavors on a Walk
One of the best ways to experience a place is through food, and Hofn is no exception. A two-hour walking tour in Hofn lets you explore the village’s charm and enjoy traditional Icelandic delicacies along the way.
Perfect for travelers interested in Icelandic culture and cuisine, this tour begins at the Gamlabud Visitor Center in Hofn, where you’ll meet your knowledgeable local guide.
Stroll along the scenic harbor with views of the Atlantic Ocean and visit the Osland Conservation Area with its diverse birdlife. If visiting between May and August, you might catch a glimpse of nesting Arctic terns.
Enjoy vistas of nearby mountains and, on clear days, the Vatnajokull Glacier. Your guide will share stories of Hofn’s fishing heritage, local legends, and the history of this village, established in 1897.
Known as Iceland’s lobster capital, Hofn celebrates its seafood traditions each July with a lobster festival (more on that later). The tour concludes with a tasting at Pakkhús Restaurant, where you’ll try local foods unique to this region.
This leisurely tour, ideal for all ages, emphasizes a “slow adventure” approach, offering insights into Hofn’s culture and fostering local connections
- See also our Ultimate Guide to Iceland Food Culture
- Read more about Fishing in Iceland
3. Soar Above Iceland’s Natural Wonders
Embark on a breathtaking 50-minute flight tour over Iceland’s iconic landscapes, including the stunning Jokulsarlon, the sparkling Diamond Beach, and Iceland’s highest peak, Hvannadalshnukur, on the Oraefajokull Glacier. This aerial adventure is perfect for travelers eager to witness Iceland’s dramatic beauty from above.
Your journey begins at Skaftafell terminal on Iceland's southeast coast. After check-in and a safety briefing, you’ll board the aircraft with your experienced pilot.
The flight starts with a view over the colorful Kjos Canyon, known for its sharp ridges and vibrant scenery, before heading to Hvannadalshnukur, towering 6,900 feet above sea level.
Next, you’ll soar over Vatnajokull, Europe’s largest glacier, reaching the renowned Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon with its vast icebergs and cinematic allure. Marvel at the nearby Diamond Beach, where smaller icebergs glitter against the black sand.
As you return to Skaftafell, enjoy sweeping views of glaciers, black sand plains, and farmlands, capturing Iceland’s diverse beauty. This tour offers incredible photo opportunities, showcasing Iceland’s natural wonders from a truly unique perspective.
2. Go Hiking & Ice-Climbing on Vatnajokull Near Hofn
Join an exciting glacier hike and ice-climbing adventure on Vatnajokull, just a short trip from Hofn. This standout experience in Skaftafell Nature Reserve offers an incredible up-close view of Iceland’s icy wilderness.
Starting at the Skaftafell Visitor Center, you'll meet your certified guide for a safety briefing and basic ice-climbing instruction. Equipped with crampons, helmets, harnesses, and ice axes, you’ll step onto the glacier tongue, taking in panoramic views of the mountains, including Iceland’s highest peak, Hvannadalshnukur. Fans of Game of Thrones may recognize the iconic landscape!
As you trek, experience the quiet beauty of the glacier’s pristine, snow-covered terrain, encountering formations like glacier moulins and stunning blue ice sculptures. For added adrenaline, you’ll have the chance to try ice climbing, scaling the glacier walls with ice axes.
Don’t miss this exhilarating experience of exploring and climbing one of nature's wonders—Vatnajokull Glacier.
1. Sail Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Just Outside Hofn
Just about a 1-hour drive from Hofn, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is one of Iceland’s most breathtaking sights. Gliding across its icy waters on a boat lets you experience towering icebergs and the sheer scale of Vatnajokull Glacier up close. Several Jokulsarlon tours are available, each with different pick-up locations.
One excellent option is the Jokulsarlon zodiac boat tour, where you’ll glide across the tranquil lagoon, weaving between towering icebergs and spotting resident seals resting on the ice. Ideal for nature enthusiasts, this tour offers a unique perspective of Iceland’s “Crown Jewel.”
Located at the foot of Vatnajokull, Jokulsarlon is where icebergs from Breidamerkurjokull drift toward the Atlantic. Meet your guide at the Jokulsarlon parking area, near Iceland’s Ring Road, for a quick briefing. After suiting up with a flotation suit and lifejacket, board the agile Zodiac boat, which navigates close to the towering icebergs, ideal for capturing amazing photos.
Marvel at the varied icebergs, with their electric blue and pure white hues, and listen to the crackling sounds as they float and collide. Your guide will share insights into the area’s glacial history, and with luck, you’ll spot seals swimming or resting on the ice. Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in the magical beauty of Jokulsarlon!
Bonus: Experience the Lobster Festival in Hofn
Hofn is famously recognized as Iceland’s lobster capital, and each summer at the end of June, the town hosts a lively Lobster Festival to celebrate this prized delicacy. The festival offers an authentic Icelandic experience filled with local flavors, and year-round, the town’s charming restaurants serve up fresh lobster dishes and other regional specialties.
A highlight is the rich langoustine soup from the local fishery, Skinney-Þinganes. In addition to the food, the festival features sporting events, concerts, and more, making it a must-visit for visitors.
- Learn more about the Top 20 Festivals in Iceland
- Check out the Top 6 Restaurants on the South Coast of Iceland
- See also: Top 6 Restaurants in East Iceland
Top 5 Places To Eat in Hofn
Exploring the local food scene is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Hofn, and knowing where to eat makes the experience even better. The town’s famous fresh seafood appears on menus in creative and traditional ways.
Here are some of the best places to eat in Hofn, from lobster feasts to coffee breaks.
5. Hafnarbudin
Photo from Hafnarbudin
For a casual and affordable meal, Hafnarbudin is a local favorite. This retro-style diner overlooks the harbor and serves classic Icelandic fast food with a twist. Its lobster burger is a must-try for anyone visiting Hofn, giving you a taste of the town’s famous seafood without the fine-dining price. With burgers, fish & chips, and milkshakes on the menu, it’s the perfect stop for a quick and satisfying bite after discovering the top things to do in Hofn.
4. Otto Matur & Drykkur
Photo from Otto Matur & Drykkur
Otto Matur & Drykkur is another excellent choice when looking for the best restaurants in Hofn. Known for its langoustine soup and fresh seafood dishes, Otto combines quality ingredients with a relaxed dining atmosphere. The menu also includes tasty alternatives beyond seafood, making it a great stop for travelers exploring the best things to do in Hofn.
3. Pakkhus Restaurant
Photo from Pakkhus Restaurant
Pakkhus Restaurant is one of the best places to eat in Hofn, especially if you want to try the town’s famous langoustine. Set inside a beautifully restored harbor warehouse, it offers fresh Icelandic seafood and locally sourced dishes in a cozy yet elegant setting. As one of the top restaurants on the South Coast, it’s a dining experience you’ll want to include in your trip to Hofn.
2. Viking Cafe
Another great stop while exploring the top things to do in Hofn is Viking Cafe, located just outside town near the foot of Vestrahorn Mountain. This rustic cafe serves fresh seafood and homemade cakes in a cozy, wood-paneled setting.
As one of the best places to eat near Hofn, it’s a perfect spot to pause for a meal or coffee while taking in the surrounding dramatic landscapes.
Whether you’re craving a casual coffee, a full lobster feast, or a quiet meal with a view, knowing where to eat in Hofn is an essential part of enjoying the town’s charm.
1. Kaffi Hornid
A local favorite is Kaffi Hornid, a welcoming spot in the heart of Hofn known for hearty Icelandic dishes, homemade cakes, and, of course, their signature lobster specialties. With its bright, spacious interior and role as both a restaurant and cafe, it’s one of the best places to eat in Hofn, whether you’re after a full meal, a light lunch, or simply coffee and cake.
Top 5 Places To Stay in Hofn
Spending a night or two in Hofn allows you to fully immerse yourself in this picturesque fishing village on Iceland’s southeastern coast. Hofn offers a range of accommodations to suit various preferences and budgets, from cozy guesthouses to scenic hotel rooms, ensuring a comfortable stay for everyone.
Whether you’re seeking a convenient base to explore nearby glaciers and other attractions or a tranquil retreat with views of Iceland’s dramatic coastline, Hofn combines comfort with unforgettable natural beauty.
5. Milk Factory
Milk Factory is one of the most unique accommodations in Hofn, set in a former dairy building that’s been transformed into a stylish bed & breakfast. It features cozy, modern rooms with mountain views and a welcoming atmosphere.
With free Wi-Fi, spacious parking, and a convenient location close to the harbor, Milk Factory is a popular choice for travelers looking for a relaxing stay while exploring Hofn and nearby sights like Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.
4. Seljavellir Guesthouse
Seljavellir Guesthouse is a modern and comfortable place to stay just a few minutes’ drive from Hofn. Surrounded by stunning views of mountains and glaciers, it offers bright, spacious rooms with private bathrooms and easy access to South Coast attractions like Vatnajokull National Park.
The quiet setting and daily breakfast make it one of the top-rated guesthouses near Hofn. Its location just off Iceland’s Route 1 adds extra convenience and comfort for travelers on Ring Road tours.
3. Hofn Guesthouse
For a budget-friendly stay, Hofn Guesthouse provides both convenience and charm in the center of the town. Ideal for Ring Road travelers or those exploring the South Coast and Eastfjords, this modern guesthouse provides a welcoming base for solo travelers, couples, or groups.
The guesthouse features double rooms with cozy bedding, aurora-inspired decor, and large windows with mountain views. Each room includes a TV and free WiFi, while shared bathrooms come with showers and hairdryers. Guests can also enjoy a communal kitchen and dining area, perfect for self-catering and keeping expenses low.
Choose Hofn Guesthouse for an affordable, comfortable, and well-located stay along Iceland’s Ring Road.
2. Berjaya Hofn Hotel
Experience serene comfort at Berjaya Hofn Hotel, a newly renovated, eco-certified retreat in the heart of Hofn. This 36-room hotel combines breathtaking harbor and glacier views with a commitment to sustainability. Guests can choose between double rooms with queen or twin beds, each featuring a private bathroom and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Start your day with a wholesome breakfast buffet, including fresh bread, oatmeal, fruit, cereals, coffee, and tea. Light refreshments like sandwiches and smoothies are available throughout the day, along with a bar and Sunday lunch menu.
Convenient free parking and an electric vehicle charging station underscore the hotel’s eco-friendly focus, offering a mindful stay that aligns with environmental values.
1. Hotel Hofn
Hotel Hofn offers guests cozy accommodations with views of Vatnajokull, Europe’s largest glacier. Known for comfort and convenience, the hotel serves as an ideal base for exploring Southeast Iceland’s natural wonders.
Each room features modern amenities, including private bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, and free WiFi. The hotel’s restaurant specializes in local Icelandic cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh seafood, like Hofn’s famous langoustine dishes, along with vegan and gluten-free options.
With easy access to Vatnajokull National Park, black-sand beaches, and the northern lights in winter, Hotel Hofn offers a welcoming retreat for travelers seeking Iceland’s dramatic landscapes.
Add the Top Things To Do in Hofn to Your Iceland Itinerary
Now you should know what to do in Hofn for a good time and how to enjoy this charming little town in Iceland. Activities in Hofn range from exploring captivating natural scenery and engaging in outdoor adventures to immersing yourself in local culture with unique tours and seasonal festivals.
Visitors can enjoy guided excursions, scenic vistas, and unforgettable experiences that highlight Iceland’s rugged beauty. Iconic sites like the Hofn Harbor provide cultural insight, while folklore and history add to the town’s charm.
We hope you’re now inspired by all the exciting activities available in the fishing town Hofn! Which experience interests you the most? Did we miss anything? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
