Höfn Í Hornafirði – Nature, Art and Harbour Culture

If you’re looking for a holiday apartment in Höfn Í Hornafirði, you can assess the town according to your own travel interests: nature watching on Ósland, art and regional themes, or a visit to the outdoor swimming pool each offer a different focus. Ósland is particularly easy to explore: the nature reserve lies by the harbour and is connected to the mainland by a man-made causeway. Walking paths run around the Óslandstjörn pond and along the shore.

Ósland: Birdlife, Paths and Natural History

Ósland is home to a rich variety of birdlife. During the breeding season, Arctic terns are predominant. The walking paths bring together different aspects of the area: the pond, the shore and the nature protected on Ósland. An information board on Óslandshæð covers the surrounding nature reserve; a monument to fishermen is also located there.

A distinctive feature can be seen in the basalt rock: it bears imprints of trees that were covered by lava long ago. If you’re out with children and enjoy exploring nature through tangible discoveries, you can combine this glimpse into the former landscape with the nature trail. From Ósland, it runs through a scale model of the solar system. The sizes and distances are shown proportionally, offering an engaging way to talk about the scale of the solar system.

Art and Regional Themes in Höfn

Svavarssafn gives Höfn a dedicated attraction for art lovers. The art museum is devoted to abstract painter and Cobra artist Svavar Guðnason; its collection includes around 1,000 works of art. Svavarssafn regularly exhibits works by Guðnason and other artists from Austur-Skaftafellssýsla. The museum brings together a focus on one artist and an insight into art from the region.

Gamlabúð serves as a tourist information centre, museum and cultural centre. Its exhibition focuses on the region’s geology, glaciers and culture. There is also a small souvenir shop. Those interested in nature and culture will find several different ways to explore these subjects here: the landscape and its geological connections, as well as the region’s cultural history.

Outdoor Pool, Harbour and Local Traditions

Sundlaug Hafnar is a 25-metre outdoor swimming pool. Its pools include warm and cold pools as well as a paddling pool; there is also a steam bath.

The harbour is also part of the town’s character. Pakkhús restaurant is located in the heart of Höfn, right by the harbour and the information centre. It is housed in an old warehouse, where original product stamps have been preserved on the walls. In recent years, Höfn has also promoted lobster as an important part of its town image, including through an annual lobster festival held in summer. The restaurant’s location, the building and the festival each offer a distinct glimpse into the town’s culture.

Discover More Places

You can also explore Djúpivogur, Fáskrúðsfjörður, Hof, Eiðar, Fljótsdalur, Kleppur, Reydarfjördur and Laugarfell.

For the wider travel overview: Austurland.