The mighty Vatnajökull glacier dominates Höfn, a small fishing town on Iceland’s south coast. The town’s proximity to Vatnajokull National Park, home to Europe’s largest glacier, makes it a hub for outdoor adventurers who have access to various glacier activities, from ice climbing to exploring ice caves and glacier hikes. Crossing the black-sand beach of Sudurfjörur is an exhilarating experience that offers stunning views of the glacier and the surrounding landscape. in an ATV is another popular thing to do in Hofn, as is taking a dip in Hofn swimming pool, learning about Icelandic culture at the Hornafjördur Art Museum, and exploring the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, which is around an hour’s drive west.
Winter is the peak season in Höfn, since many travelers use the small town as a base for exploring the ice caves of the Vatnajokull Glacier and Jökulsárlón. The area is also a top spot for seeing the northern lights, which are at their best between October and April. Summer visitors will be able to fit more outdoor activities into their days, thanks to the extended daylight hours. There’s also a lively Lobster Festival (Humarhátið) on the first weekend of July.
The town itself is compact, and its attractions can be easily reached on foot. For adventures further afield, take the number 51 public bus, which travels between Reykjavík and Höfn, making stops at places of interest along the way, including Selfoss, Vík, Skaftafell, and Jökulsárlón. That said, you can save time and see more sights if you rent a car or book a guided tour from Höfn. There’s also a small domestic airport here.
Höfn’s swimming pool is an impressive facility for a town of its small size. The Höfn Swimming Pool (Sundlaug Hornafjarðar) on Víkurbrauthas has a heated, outdoor, 82-foot-long (25-meter-long) pool where you can swim laps. There are also hot tubs and a steam room, which are great for relaxing after a day spent exploring the countryside and meeting some of the locals.
