Höfn is a small port town in southeast Iceland, nestled between glaciers and ocean. We consider it an essential stop-off point on Route 1, not least for its strategic position between the southern coast and the eastern fjords. In winter, this fishing village reveals a peaceful face, between polar lights and snowy landscapes.
Here are our tips for visiting Höfn in winter: activities, weather, temperatures…
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
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Visiting Höfn in winter: is it worth it?
Our review
Visiting Höfn in winter is absolutely worthwhile, especially if you’re travelling along Route 1. The town is an ideal stop-off point on a long journey between the south coast and the eastern fjords. We fell in love with the atmosphere and the views!
We appreciated its calm atmosphere and characterful port, far from the hustle and bustle of tourism. It’s also a perfect base for exploring the surrounding natural wonders, such as the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon and Vestrahorn mountain. We recommend spending at least one night here to enjoy the winter peace and quiet, and try your luck at spotting the Northern Lights as soon as you leave town.
Benefits
- The town is a convenient stop-off point on Route 1, between the south coast and the eastern fjords.
- It’s an excellent base for visiting Jökulsárlón, Vestrahorn and the eastern fjords.
- The Northern Lights can be seen just a few minutes from downtown, far from light pollution.
- There are very few tourists in winter, which adds to the authenticity of the experience.
- Langoustine is a local specialty not to be missed, and Höfn is Iceland’s langoustine capital.
- The winter scenery of glaciers, mountains and ocean is spectacular.
Staying in Höfn
As we mentioned above, it’s a great little town to stay in on your road trip.
We recommend..:
- Höfn Berjaya Iceland Hotel
Ideally located with sea views on both sides.
See photos and availability - Guesthouse Dyngja, also close to the port.
Near the port, Studio, apartment and rooms with shared bathroom.
See photos and availability - Old Airline Guesthouse
Rooms with shared bathrooms
See photos and availability
WHERE TO STAY IN Iceland
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
- Where to stay in Iceland (coming soon)
- Where to sleep in Reykjavik (coming soon)
- Best 5-star hotels (coming soon)
- Where to sleep on the South Coast (coming soon)
- Where to sleep on the Golden Circle (coming soon)
- Where to sleep on the Snaefellsnes peninsula
Weather, temperatures and conditions
Winter in Höfn is marked by temperatures generally fluctuating between -5°C and 5°C. Wind is an important factor: gusts from the North Atlantic can make it feel much colder. Precipitation is frequent, in the form of rain or snow depending on the day. We advise you to bring several layers of warm clothing, a waterproof windbreaker and good shoes.
The days are very short in the middle of winter. In December, the sun rises around 11am and sets around 3pm. This low-angled light, however, produces remarkable golden and rosy hues, ideal for photography. We recommend consulting the road.is website before each trip to check road conditions.
RENTING A CAR IN Iceland
Discover the best offers on Discovercars, our preferred platform!
On Route 1, no 4WD required, off Route 1, it depends on your plans.
What to do in Höfn in winter
Höfn may be a small town, but it’s not lacking in charm or winter activities. Here’s what we recommend you discover on site and in the surrounding area.
Stroll around the port and the city
Höfn harbour is the heart of the town. We invite you to take a stroll along the waterfront to observe the fishing boats and enjoy the maritime atmosphere. The setting is particularly photogenic in winter, when snow covers the quays and the snow-capped mountains are reflected in the calm waters of the harbor. And don’t miss the statue and monument near the harbour, sublime at sunrise when the golden light envelops them. We found it a striking sight when we visited.
Strolling through the streets of Höfn, you’ll also discover Gamlabúð, a former trading warehouse converted into a cultural and information center. It’s a good starting point for understanding the local history and culture of the Vatnajökull region.
Monuments in Höfn
At the end of the peninsula, you’ll find a parking lot with several sculptures and monuments:
More beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and galciers (if the weather is clear).
The Universe Scupture
There are panels with information about the sun, among other things. The sun is represented as a globe, with the rest of the solar system scaled around it (so some planets are very far away and not along the parking lot. You’ll see Mercury and Venus nearby.
Commemorative monuments
Right next door, moldings in very different styles. We really liked the cut-out concrete columns and the way they played with the sun.
Taste the local cuisine
Höfn is renowned for the quality of its restaurants for such a small town.
It’s nicknamed Iceland’s “langoustine capital”. Every summer, the town organizes the Humarhátíð, a festival dedicated to langoustine, proof of the importance of this product in the local identity).
Unfortunately, in winter the options are more limited.
Watching the northern lights
One of Höfn’s great assets in winter is the ease with which you can observe the northern lights. Just step out of the city for a few minutes and you’ll escape the already low level of light pollution. We recommend you keep an eye on the aurora forecasts on the Icelandic Meteorological Office website (en.vedur.is), and remain flexible with your schedules.
Exploring the surrounding area from Höfn
Höfn is a strategic base from which to explore the region. Here are the must-see excursions:
Jökulsárlón: the famous glacial lagoon is about 1h15 drive west. In winter, the icebergs take on striking bluish hues in the low light. Diamond Beach, just next door, displays ice blocks washed up on the black sand.
Read more about it.
Vestrahorn: this iconic mountain rises just 15 minutes from Höfn. We were impressed by its dramatic silhouette, even more striking in the snow. Stokksnes, at the foot of the Vestrahorn, offers a panorama of black sand dunes of rare beauty. Access is subject to a small charge at the Viking Café farm.
Eastern fjords: from Höfn, Route 1 climbs north towards the eastern fjords. This stretch of road passes through grandiose landscapes of rugged mountains and isolated fishing villages. We advise you to allow plenty of time, as winter road conditions can slow progress.
Read more
Museums and swimming pool
- Svavar Guðnason Art Museum: contemporary works of art. It opened in 2011 and admission is free. Open in winter (but reduced hours here)
- Public swimming pool with geothermal baths, 25-metre pool and waterslides. Open all year round. (but reduced hours here)
- Gamlabúð Folk Museum: Unfortunately closed in winter – housed in one of the town’s oldest buildings, it tells the story of local history. Admission is free.
UNFORGETTABLE ACTIVITIES IN winter
- Visit an ice cave
- Glacier hiking
- Whale watching (from Reykjavik, Husavik or Akureyri)
How do I get to Höfn? Map
Höfn is located on Route 1 (Ring Road), about 460km from Reykjavík. In winter, the journey by car takes between 6 and 8 hours, depending on weather and road conditions. We strongly recommend renting a 4WD vehicle for this time of year. Roads may be icy, snow-covered or temporarily closed.
Most travellers integrate Höfn into an itinerary along Iceland’s southern coast, stopping off after Vík and Jökulsárlón. It’s also a natural starting point for exploring the eastern fjords as you continue north. Always check road conditions on road.is before setting off.
Christmas in Höfn
Spend Christmas in Höfn and experience the festive season the Icelandic way, in a warm and intimate atmosphere. The city is adorned with a few bright decorations that glow in the winter darkness. In Iceland, Christmas celebrations begin on the evening of December 24. Families gather for a traditional dinner, often featuring hangikjöt (smoked lamb) or rjúpa (ptarmigan). We advise you to book your accommodation and meals well in advance, as options are limited in this small town.
New Year’s Eve in Höfn
New Year’s Eve in Iceland is a spectacular occasion, even in small towns like Höfn. The locals set off fireworks at midnight, a tradition that is deeply rooted throughout the country. The spectacle is all the more striking here, as total darkness and the absence of light pollution make each explosion of color particularly vivid. We suggest you bring very warm clothing, as the festivities take place outdoors.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO iceland IN WINTER
- Best of
Iceland’s winter landscapes
Best things to do in Iceland in winter
The most beautiful waterfalls
Ice caves
Best excursions from Reykjavik
- Practical advice
Getting around (coming soon)
How to rent a car in Iceland
Winter driving tips
Where to stay in Iceland in winter
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 1 week – 10 days (to come)
- The must-dos
Reykjavik in winter
Golden Circle in winter
South coast in winter
Snaefellsnes in winter
Silver Circle in winter (coming soon)
Lake Myvatn in winter
Eastern Fjords in winter
Seljalandsfoss in winter
Jokulsarlon in winter
