Things to Do in Hofn: Hidden Gems on the South Coast of Iceland [2025]
LOOKING FOR THINGS TO DO IN HOFN?
This Hofn travel guide has everything you need to know about Hofn: what to do, where to stay, and where to eat. The town is small, and most of the things to do are just outside of it, but its charm makes for a great base.
Hofn, which means harbour, is a long-time fishing port. It’s known for its quaint harbor, fishing industry (fishing and fish processing), accessible wildlife, and proximity to Vatnajokull, Europe’s largest glacier.
Don’t miss this special town on your Iceland road trip. Book your stay and explore nearby glacier lagoons, fjords, beaches, Vatnajokull National Park, and SO much more.
Things to Do in Hofn, Iceland
Hofn is a small town; while there are many things to do in the town center, it’s mainly a jumping-off point for exploring the area. All of these things to do in Hofn are either in town or within 1 hour of it. Enjoy!
1. Zip Line Across a Glacier!
Experience the world’s only Glacier Zip Line, soaring over Vatnajökull Glacier and a moulin (vertical ice cave) with views of Iceland’s icy expanse.
This tour includes a glacier hike year-round, plus winter access (October–April) to the Crystal Ice Cave, Iceland’s largest and bluest natural ice cave.
Summer tours skip the cave but keep the zip line and hike, blending adrenaline and natural wonder for an unforgettable adventure.
The meeting point is at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, about 1 hour from Hofn.
2. Relax in the Hoffell Hot Tubs
The Hoffell Hot Tubs are a fun stop on the way back to Hofn from an adventure. Located about 15 minutes outside of Hofn, down an unpaved road, you will find 5 hot tubs of varying temperatures awaiting you.
This is less like a geothermal spa and more like a natural hot spring with some basic amenities. Entry is around $10. Towels and a basic changing room are available.
3. Take a Small Group Ice Cave Tour
Iceland is one of the best places in the world to explore ice caves. Because of this, ice cave tours have become popular, especially around Vik, an adventure tour hub. However, if you go east (to Hofn), you can explore ice caves without the crowds (at least smaller crowds).
Starting at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, meet your guide, travel by vehicle, and hike to a secluded ice cave. On this half-day, small group tour, you will have lots of time to explore and photograph the caves.
All safety gear—helmet, crampons, and headlight—is provided for a safe, immersive experience away from the usual crowds.
Don’t forget travel insurance on your Iceland adventure! I always go with Safety Wing! They even have an adventure sports add-on, which is perfect for Iceland.
4. Stokksnes and Vestrahorn Mountain
Stokksnes is a peninsula in the south of Iceland, about 20 minutes east of Hofn, and Vestrahorn is the striking mountain with jagged black peaks that sits on it.
Stokksnes peninsula and beach area are private property, so you have to pay a small fee to enjoy it (~ $6.50). Pay the fee (and grab a snack) at the Viking Cafe – the first place you will see.
Continue on down a private road to explore the dunes, see the views, and walk on the outskirts of the NATO radar station (it occupies an old British army base).
If you have good weather, Vestrahorn is an incredible mountain to photograph because its peaks are so jagged, it’s surrounded by a black sand beach, and its reflection is often seen in the shallow sea water.
If you’re up for it, there are several hikes on Vestrahorn mountain!
5. Viking Village Film Set
Also located on Stokknes peninsula is an old Viking Village Film set. Entrance to the set is included in the Vestrahorn admittance fee. The set is a replica of a Viking village. Fun fact: the movie was never filmed! Now it’s just a tourist attraction.
4. Disc Golf!
There is a 9-hole disc golf course centrally located in Hofn in the Hofn Campgrounds. The reviews are mixed, but if you are a fan of disc golf, this is a fun opportunity to disc golf in another country!
5. Go on a Guided Glacier Hike on Vatnajoökull Glacier
Ever wanted to get up ON a glacier? This is your opportunity! Glacier Adventure leads glacier hikes on Vatnajoökull Glacier, surrounding Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.
This 4-hour tour includes a 4×4 car ride to the hiking point, a lengthy but easy hike, and history and geology information from your expert guide. All equipment is provided on this unique tour with almost 500 5-star reviews!
The tour meets in Hali, about 45 minutes west of Hofn.
6. Take a Private Aurora Hunting & Photography Tour from Hofn
This private tour from Höfn takes you to secluded spots in Vatnajökull National Park for optimal northern lights viewing under Iceland’s auroral oval.
Witness vibrant auroras painting the night sky, guided by experts who provide insights into this celestial wonder. Tailored for a personalized experience, the tour seeks the best locations for stargazing and stunning aurora photography.
7. Hofn Swimming Pool
Hofn has a great outdoor family-friendly swimming pool, great for entertaining the family or relaxing. The pool is 25 meters and has multiple slides. There are also hot tubs, a cold plunge, and a steam sauna.
The geothermal pool is frequented by both locals and travelers. It’s a great place to experience Iceland’s bathing culture and meet locals.
8. Go Kayaking in Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Kayaking in Jokulsárlón is one of my favorite things I’ve done in Iceland. It’s an opportunity to see the icebergs from a more intimate perspective, enjoy some peace and quiet out on the water (away from the crowds), and observe the wildlife up close – there are lots of seals in the lagoon!
It was pouring rain the day that we went, and half of the people in our small group left, opting for a refund. We stayed and got to do the tour with only 4 people, plus our guide. It was very wet, but magical.
9. Lobster Festival
Hofn is known as Iceland’s lobster capital and the town throws a festival celebrating this local delicacy every summer. If you happen to be in Hofn at the end of June, you’re in for a treat.
Local Hofn restaurants serve fresh lobster dishes, including but not limited to a town favorite, langoustine soup. There is live music, competitions, and more. This is a great way to experience local flavors and culture.
10. Ingólfshöfði Nature Reserve Puffin Tour
There is a cape just under an hour west of Hofn that is a haven for nesting seabirds like puffins and skuas. To get to the cape, you ride in the back of a hay cart pulled by a tractor across the sand and marshes. So fun!
When you arrive, enjoy a guided walk around the nature reserve, bird watching, and sightseeing. This is a great option for wildlife lovers.
11. Go Hiking!
We hiked to Fláajökull, an outlet glacier that’s part of the greater Vatnajökull glacier. The hike started at Haukafell Campground. It was mostly easy and completely beautiful!
12. Hvalnes Lighthouse
This lighthouse is about 40 minutes east of Hofn and a super quick and fun stop. I love all of the colorful lighthouses in Iceland!
Where is Hofn?
Höfn is located on the tip of a peninsula on the southeast coast of Iceland. It’s approximately 3 hours east of Vik and 6 hours east of Reykjavik, for reference.
Once you turn off the Ring Road, it takes about 5 minutes to get into the town center. It’s convenient and easy to find.
3 Great Places to Stay in Hofn, Iceland
Even though Hofn is small, there are lots of places to stay. It’s a popular stop for anyone driving around the Ring Road, and it is another adventure tour hub. These are my top recommendations.
Lambhus Glacier View Cabins
This is where I stayed when I went to Hofn the first time. While the cabins are tiny, they are located on a privately owned farm, and there are Icelandic horses right outside your door – and you can pet them 🙂
The cabins make for a cozy, romantic stay in Hofn. The owners were kind and responsive. The property is located about 10 minutes outside of the town center.
REY Stays – House
This gorgeous, well-designed 2-bedroom home is about 10 minutes from the town center. Even though it’s close to town, it feels like you are in the middle of nowhere, and it is a great location for northern lights viewing.
Höfn – Berjaya Iceland Hotels
This is a great option if you like convenience, design, and comfort. This beautiful hotel is located in the harbor, the heart of Hofn. It’s within walking distance to several restaurants and things to do in Hofn.
They have all the amenities of any hotel, including a wake-up call for the Northern Lights.
Also Read: Iceland Packing List – for All Seasons and Epic Activities
Hofn Restaurants – Where to Eat in Hofn
If you love seafood, you are in for a treat. Being a fishing town, Hofn has some of the freshest seafood anywhere.
We ate at Pakkhus Restaurant and really enjoyed it. The ambiance is nice, the food was good, and you have a view of the harbour. Ishusid Pizzeria was a popular spot too, for good reason. The pizza was great.
For something a little nicer, check out Otto. Wherever you go, make sure you try the langoustine soup!
If you are checking out or going on any tours at Jokulsarlon Lagoon, there are some great food trucks. Most notable are Heimanhumar, a lobster food truck, and Nailed It Fish & Chips (our guide recommended this one).
Is Hofn Worth Visiting?
Yes! Its location near Vatnajökull National Park positions it as a gateway to incredible nature and adventure activities, like Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, and Vestrahorn. Perfect for photographers and nature lovers.
Höfn has more unique activities too, like the world’s only Glacier Zip Line, and its culinary scene, centered on langoustine (Icelandic lobster), is a big draw.
There are also cultural highlights like museums and art galleries, a community geothermal pool, and its famed fishing industry. For northern lights hunters, Höfn’s dark skies from September to April are prime.
If you’re driving the Ring Road or seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences, Höfn’s blend of adventure, food, and scenery makes it a rewarding stop.
Ultimately, Höfn’s worth lies in its proximity to more remote adventures and its authentic coastal character.
How do You Pronounce Hofn?
Believe it or not, it’s pronounced “Hup”. Check out the video below!
Wrap-Up
Höfn packs a lot into a small package. Zip over Vatnajökull on the world’s only Glacier Zip Line, paddle Jökulsárlón’s lagoon, or dig into langoustine at the harbor.
With Vestrahorn, puffin tours, and northern lights nearby, it’s a solid Ring Road stop. Book a place, explore the area, and take in the magic of this little fishing town.
