When to Go and Where to Sleep
June to August gives the mildest weather, open mountain roads and the long daylight that makes a two-day visit feel longer. May and September are quieter and cheaper, but some services and tours scale back. Winter is for the northern lights and the ice caves near Vatnajökull, booked with licensed guides; driving this stretch in winter demands experience with ice and sudden coastal winds. Whenever you come, pack waterproof layers — the south-east coast catches weather that the rest of the country misses.
Höfn's accommodation is small-scale: guesthouses and hotels clustered around Hafnarbraut and the harbour, with a handful of farm stays on the approach roads. Book a harbour-side room if you plan to eat out both nights, and something on the western edge of town if you want easy parking and an early start towards Jökulsárlón. Two nights is the right amount — one is too rushed for the lagoon and the coast, three leaves you short of things to do in town itself.
Good to know
Questions, answered
Do I need a car for two days in Höfn?
Yes, realistically. Jökulsárlón is 79 km west and Djúpivogur 105 km east, with limited public transport between them. A rental car from Reykjavík or Keflavík gives you the freedom to reach the lagoon before the coach tours arrive.
What is Höfn best known for?
Langoustine. The town's harbour restaurants serve it fresh, and the annual lobster festival in early July draws visitors nationwide. Beyond food, Höfn is the practical base for Vatnajökull, Jökulsárlón and the Vestrahorn mountain at Stokksnes.
How many nights should I stay in Höfn?
Two nights covers the glacier lagoon, Skaftafell or Vestrahorn, and a relaxed morning before driving on. One night feels rushed given the distances; three nights suits travellers who want slower walks in the national park.
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