Where is Hoffellsjökull?

Hoffellsjökull is a Vatnajökull outlet glacier near the town of Höfn in southeast Iceland. It flows down from the eastern edge of Vatnajökull into a proglacial lagoon.

What is the Hoffellsjökull proglacial lagoon?

As Hoffellsjökull retreats, it has formed a proglacial lagoon at its terminus. It is smaller than Jökulsárlón and draws far fewer tourists, so it is a much quieter place to see a glacial lagoon.

Why is Hoffellsjökull important for science?

Hoffellsjökull is one of the most closely monitored glaciers in Iceland. Scientists have been measuring its retreat, mass balance, and ice dynamics for decades, which makes it valuable for climate change research.

How do you visit Hoffellsjökull?

Drive from Höfn toward the glacier on a gravel road (about 20 km). The road leads to a parking area near the glacier terminus. No guided tours operate regularly; it is mainly a self-drive viewing destination.

How fast is Hoffellsjökull retreating?

Hoffellsjökull has retreated significantly in recent decades. Repeat photography and scientific measurements show the ongoing shrinkage, which feeds the growing proglacial lagoon.

Hoffellsjökull: a Quiet Lagoon Near Höfn

A Vatnajökull outlet glacier near Höfn with a quiet proglacial lagoon, less visited than Jökulsárlón and a long-running scientific monitoring site.

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

Region

Southeast Iceland

Near Höfn. A quieter alternative to Jökulsárlón.

Hoffellsjökull is the quiet counterpart to Jökulsárlón. This Vatnajökull outlet glacier near Höfn flows into a growing proglacial lagoon that sees a fraction of the visitors. It is also one of Iceland's most scientifically studied glaciers, with decades of monitoring data documenting its retreat and the effects of climate change on Iceland's ice.

Sources and last reviewed

Last reviewed: 2026-03-03

Do not walk on the glacier or approach the ice face too closely. Calving events can happen without warning. The gravel access road can be rough; drive carefully.

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

Official sources to check

Best for

Quiet lagoon experience

Far fewer visitors than Jökulsárlón.

Access

Gravel road from Höfn

About 20 km on gravel. Regular car possible with care.

Pro tip

Combine with Höfn

Visit on a rest day in Höfn, then a langoustine dinner.

What to Expect

A quiet proglacial lagoon with floating icebergs
Scientific monitoring equipment visible near the glacier
Peaceful setting with mountain and glacier views
Clear evidence of glacial retreat over recent decades
Moraines and other landforms left behind by the retreating ice
Possibility of having the entire glacier viewpoint to yourself

Nearby Attractions

Höfn town with famous langoustine restaurants
Stokksnes beach and Vestrahorn mountain
Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach (1 hour west)
Hoffell hot tubs (natural geothermal bathing near the glacier)
Fláajökull and Heinabergsjökull outlet glaciers nearby
Lón lagoon nature reserve with diverse birdlife

How to Get There

From Höfn, drive about 20 km on a gravel road
Sign-posted from Route 1 near Höfn
Regular car possible but drive slowly on gravel
No facilities at the glacier; bring supplies
About 5.5 hours from Reykjavik via Route 1

Best Time to Visit

Year-round access via gravel road (conditions permitting)
Summer for best road conditions and longest light
Autumn color on the surrounding slopes
Winter can offer northern lights over the lagoon
Check road conditions before driving the gravel road

Planning help

Hoffellsjokull (Hoffellsjökull) Glacier FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

All glaciers