Hoffellsjokull Glacier Reseguide

Hoffellsjokull is an outlet glacier in Southeast Iceland.

The glacier, called Hoffellsjökull in Icelandic, is an outlet glacier of the Vatnajokull ice cap, Iceland's largest glacier. It extends down from the vast ice sheet, carving through rugged terrain, creating a mesmerizing spectacle of ice and rock.

The Hoffellsjokull glacier first appeared during the Little Ice Age, a period of intense cold in the North Atlantic that started in the 14th century. The ice cap continued to grow until about 1890. For about 50 years, the glacier was a source of water for residents in the nearby town of Hofn, who also used ice from the glacier to keep fish cool.

More recently, the glacier has started to retreat due to climate change.

Visiting this ice cap offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in Iceland's pristine wilderness and witness the wonders of Vatnajokull National Park.

You can visit the Hoffellsjokull glacier on a self-drive tour of Iceland. This 10-day summer self-drive tour lets you spend a day in Southeast Iceland, meaning you can explore the area around the Hoffellsjokull glacier at your leisure.

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Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Gummao. No edits made.

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Why Visit the Hoffellsjokull Glacier?

Visiting the Hoffellsjokull ice cap offers a unique opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring power of nature firsthand. The glacier's icy expanse is a sight to behold, evoking a sense of wonder and appreciation for our planet's natural beauty.

A lagoon has started to form at the glacier's tongue. Chunks of ice break off the glacier and float in the water—it's a bit like a smaller version of the famous Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.

Photo from Flickr, Creative Commons, by Johannes. No edits made.

The glacier also flows through an ancient volcano, Geitafell. It's no longer active, but a large caldera remains, which is visible from some of the slopes above the ice cap.

The area around the Hoffellsjokull glacier is usually quiet, as fewer tourists travel to East Iceland than other, more popular areas. For this reason, it's a peaceful and serene destination, perfect for hiking or a picnic.

Visitors to the glacier area might also catch a glimpse of foxes and reindeer that live in the Hoffelsfjoll mountains. Various bird species also live here, so bring your binoculars.

Where is the Hoffellsjokull Glacier?

The Hoffellsjokull glacier is in Southeastern Iceland, on the eastern side of Vatnajokull National Park. It's part of the Hornarfjordur municipality, in the Hoffell farmland area, which gives the glacier its name.

Hofn is the closest town to the glacier — it's about 15 miles (24 kilometers) from the parking lot for the glacier's viewpoint.

Photo from Flickr, Creative Commons, by Carston Frenzl. No edits made.

How to Get to the Hoffellsjokull Glacier

Take Route 99 northbound from Hofn until you reach the Ring Road. Turn left and follow Route 1 for about 7.5 miles (almost 12 kilometers). Take the exit toward Hoffell and continue for a couple of miles (roughly 3.5 kilometers). It's a bumpy, unpaved road, so you'll need a 4x4 to complete the journey safely.

At the end of the track, you'll find a small parking area where you can leave your vehicle. It's about a 10-minute walk from the parking lot to the viewpoint, where you can see the icy lagoon at the Hoffellsjokull glacier tongue. 

Alternatively, you can hike from the Glacier World Guesthouse to the glacier — follow the mountainside to the glacier for about 4.5 miles (7.5 kilometers). This is a challenging, unmarked trail, so this is only for more experienced hikers.

Other Attractions Near the Hoffellsjokull Glacier

While exploring Hoffellsjokull Glacier, you'll have the opportunity to visit other nearby attractions.

The Hoffell hot tubs are around 2.5 miles (four kilometers) from the parking lot at the Hoffellsjokull glacier. Relax in the natural, geothermally heated water and take in the surrounding mountain views. It's a fantastic way to unwind after a hike or a long drive.

From the ice cap, it's also easy to reach Hofn, a picturesque fishing town home to around 2,000 people. Discover the town's highlights on a two-hour walking tour of Hofn with local food tasting.

If you have time to head slightly further afield, the Eystrahorn mountain is also within driving distance of the Hoffellsjokull glacier. It's a spectacular mountain of gabbro rock, which is relatively unusual for Iceland. Its beautiful jagged peaks make it a photographer's dream. You'll find it approximately 44 miles (70 kilometers) from the ice cap's viewpoint.