Iceland (Lonely Planet, 7th Edition) - Fran Parnell [249]
Höfn has a nine-hole golf course at the end of Dalabraut at the northern end of town.
Tours
A visit to this region wouldn’t be complete without a pilgrimage to Vatnajökull – see the boxed text, opposite.
Festivals & Events
Every year in early July, Höfn’s annual Humarhátíð (Lobster Festival) honours this crunchy crustacean, which is a renowned local catch. There’s usually a fun fair, flea markets, dancing, music, ice-sculpture competitions, lots of alcohol and even a few lobsters.
Sleeping
Höfn campsite ( 478 1606; camping@simnet.is; Hafnarbraut 52; sites per person Ikr850, sb Ikr2500, 6-person cabins Ikr8500; mid-May–mid-Sep) Lots of travellers stay at the hilly campsite on the main road into town. There are also 16 good-value log cabins here, with two double and two single beds, and kitchens (but limited cooking equipment).
Nýibær HI Hostel ( 478 1736; hofn@hostel.is; Hafnarbraut 8; sb dm/tw Ikr2500/5800) At the harbour end of town, Höfn’s best budget option is a medium-sized place that’s usually bustling with travellers in summer (it’s open all year). It’s in an old but cosy house with a kitchen, and a dining room that doubles as the common area (where many a glacier tour and long-distance hike has been dissected!). There are also laundry facilities.
Gistiheimilið Hvammur ( 478 1503; hvammur3@simnet.is; RánarslóÐ 2; sb Ikr3000, s/d Ikr8500/10,400) Run by the same couple that runs the hostel, Hvammur is the pick of the guest houses for its 30 simple rooms, all with washbasins and satellite TV. Some overlook the boat-filled harbour.
Gistihúsið Árnanes ( 478 1550; www.arnanes.is; sb Ikr4700, s/d without bathroom Ikr13,400/16,700, with bathroom Ikr16,700/20,900; ) On the Ring Road 6km west of Höfn, this rural place is an excellent choice for its cottages and guest-house rooms (some with balconies). Prices include breakfast. The sleeping-bag accommodation is disappointing, though – with mountain views all around, it seems a shame to be underground! There’s an agreeable dining room–art gallery, with set meat and fish courses (from Ikr2000); it’s open in summer only, and then only if there are enough diners.
Gistiheimilið Ásgarður ( 478 1365; asgardur@eldhorn.is; RánarslóÐ 3; s/d/tr Ikr11,000/15,000/19,000; ) Harbourside Ásgarður is more like a hotel than a guest house. All rooms have a bathroom and a small TV, and some have glacier views. They’re a bit boxy, but the guest house is in a good location and the people are very friendly. Breakfast is included.
Gistiheimilið Hafnarnesi ( 426 7515, 844 6175; www.hafnarnes.is; s/d Ikr6500/8500; ) Owner Kristín is a hospitable host, warmly welcoming guests to her house. There’s a sitting room and fully equipped kitchen, and the simple rooms on the upper floor have glacier views. Hafnarnesi is perched on a hillock on the edge of town.
Hótel Höfn ( 478 1240; www.hotelhofn.is; Vikurbraut; s/d from Ikr19,250/26,500; ) Höfn’s business-class hotel is often busy with tour groups in summer. All rooms have a bathroom and TV, and breakfast is included. The rooms are a bit frayed around the edges – even the deluxe ones aren’t particularly flash – but perhaps you won’t notice the decor if you get one with glacier views. There’s a decent restaurant, and discounts are available out of season.
As the southeast’s only megalopolis, Höfn often fills up quickly in summer. Hótel Edda Nesjum ( 444 4850; Nesjaskóli; s/d from Ikr8000/10,000; Jun–mid-Sep), 8km down the road at Nesjaskóli, is a possible accommodation option when all else is full. There’s an on-site restaurant and a petrol station and grill opposite, but all other facilities are in Höfn. You’ll really need a car, although the glacier tour companies may pick you up from the hotel with advance arrangement.
Eating & Drinking
Café Tulinius ( 869 9340; snacks Ikr650-1390; from 11am Mon-Fri summer) Down by the harbour, this new summer-only cafe serves fancy coffees, traditional Icelandic snacks (flatbread with smoked lamb, rye-bread sandwiches) and creamy cakes. It’s named