What is the population of Hofn?

Hofn has approximately 2,200 residents.

Why is Hofn the lobster capital?

Hofn is Iceland's main port for langoustine (Nephrops norvegicus) fishing, and the town holds an annual Lobster Festival.

How far is Hofn from Reykjavik?

Hofn is about 450 km from Reykjavik, approximately 5-6 hours by car via the Ring Road. It's often an overnight stop when driving the Ring Road.

What glacier views are there from Hofn?

Hofn looks out on Vatnajokull, Europe's largest glacier. Several glacier tongues are visible, including Hoffellsjokull nearby.

How far is Jokulsarlon from Hofn?

Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon is about 80 km west of Hofn (1 hour drive), so Hofn is a good base for visiting.

When is the Lobster Festival?

The Humarhátíð (Lobster Festival) is usually held in late June/early July, with lobster tasting, music, and local celebrations.

What services does Hofn have?

Hofn has supermarkets, restaurants, hotels, gas stations, and is the main service town for Southeast Iceland.

Is Hofn in East or South Iceland?

Hofn is technically in Southeast Iceland, at the boundary between South and East regions. It is the gateway to the Eastfjords.

Hofn: Iceland's Langoustine Town

Name: Hofn, Iceland
Address: IS

Iceland's lobster capital: a fishing town beneath Vatnajokull glacier, known for langoustine and the gateway to Jokulsarlon.

Last reviewed March 3, 2026By the Iceland.org travel deskEditorial policy

Population

~2,200

Southeast Iceland • Lobster capital

Hofn sits on a peninsula facing Vatnajokull, Europe's largest ice cap. The fishing town is Iceland's langoustine capital, and its restaurants are known for their seafood. It's a natural overnight stop for Ring Road travelers and a base for glacier trips.

Sources and last reviewed

Last reviewed: 2026-03-03

Hofn is the main service town for Southeast Iceland and gateway to Vatnajokull glacier.

Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.

Official sources to check

Region

Southeast Iceland

450 km from Reykjavik

Population

~2,200

Fishing and tourism town

Known for

Langoustine

Lobster Festival in June/July

Top Attractions near Hofn

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Iceberg lagoon, 1 hour west

Diamond Beach

Icebergs on black sand

Vatnajokull Glacier Views

Ice cap views from town

Langoustine Restaurants

Fresh lobster at local restaurants

Hoffellsjokull Glacier

Accessible glacier tongue nearby

Stokksnes & Vestrahorn

Mountain and black sand coastline

How to Get to Hofn

From Reykjavik: 5-6 hours via Route 1 (Ring Road), passing South Coast attractions.

From the East: 2-3 hours from Egilsstadir via the Eastfjords.

By air: Small airport with occasional domestic flights.

Best Time to Visit Hofn

June/July: Lobster Festival and best weather.

Year-round: Jokulsarlon and the glacier are worth visiting in any season.

Planning help

Hofn FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

Back to Cities & Towns