Enjoy the excellent views of a lagoon and a glacial mountain from this quaint harbor town on the country’s eastern coast.
The fishing village of Höfn is among the largest settlements in eastern Iceland, which is reflected in its array of intriguing museums. It is where you will see a large lagoon of fresh water from the melted ice of a glacier. Gaze up at the snow-capped mountains and vast rivers that enhance the dramatic scenery around the harbor.
Höfn is one of the best bases for trips to see the Vatnajökull Glacier. Stop at the Höfn Visitor Centre, which is also the Vatnajökull National Park visitor center, to plan a visit to the glacier and learn about the region.
In addition to the town’s inspiring scenery, its cultural aspects make it stand out. Visit the Hornafjörður Art Museum to see a collection of works by internationally renowned Höfn artist Svavar Guðnason. The collection includes landscape paintings of Iceland’s impressive glaciers, lakes and mountains.
Go to the Gamlabúð Folk Museum to learn about Icelandic life at the turn of the 20th century. Huldusteinn is home to a fascinating collection of rocks from the nearby terrain, including crystal, jasper, spar and many other types.
After visiting museums and handicrafts stalls, take a tour of the Lónsöræfi Nature Reserve. Hike through the stunning canyons and cross the shallow rivers in a jeep.
Try the town’s renowned lobster dishes at one of the restaurants dotted around the harbor. Fishing is the main economic activity in the region.
The weather is fairly windy and the area is among the driest parts of Iceland. The town’s name is pronounced as “Herpn” and means “Harbor.”
Höfn lies on the eastern coast of Iceland, just to the east of the Vatnajokull National Park, and is part of the Hornafjörður municipality. Fly from Reykjavik to Höfn Airport, a small domestic transportation hub outside of the town. A bus from Reykjavik takes 9 hours to reach Höfn.
In the low desert, Höfn displays some of Iceland’s most picturesque natural features.
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