Hoffell: Glacier Trails and Landscapes

Hoffell brings together a region shaped by farming and glaciers, with hiking trails, glacier views, and geothermal water. Hoffellsjökull is an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull. Short trails to viewpoints and longer hikes define the area; the Hoffell Baths have four spacious hot tubs and a sauna with views of Hoffellsjökull.

Glacial Landscape and Nature

Hoffell lies partly within Vatnajökull National Park. The area is known for its gabbro, rivers, gravel plains, and mountain views; geothermal water is also one of its characteristic features. The area is protected for outdoor recreation because of its rich vegetation, wildlife, and geological features. This variety defines the character of the place: glaciers and open gravel plains are part of the landscape, as are the mountain slopes shaped by earlier glaciers.

From Hoffell, a drive or hike heads north across the sands of Hoffellssandur. The route through this landscape offers a different view of the slopes shaped by earlier glaciers than the viewpoints by Hoffellsjökull. There are several hiking trails around Hoffellsjökull and Geitafellsbjörg, with views of the glacier and its lagoon.

Hiking Trails of Varying Lengths

The O1 viewpoint trail to Hoffellsjökull is 0.5 kilometres long and takes about 10 minutes. It leads to a viewpoint overlooking the outlet glacier and the old shorelines of a glacial lagoon. This short loop is quite different from the longer hikes in the area.

The O3 trail to Geitafellsbjörg starts at the Hoffellsjökull parking area. The 4.2-kilometre route takes about 1.5 to 2 hours and follows a jeep track and Húsberg before returning to the parking area. For a longer hike, consider O4 to Geitafellstindur: the trail is 12 kilometres long, takes about 4 to 5 hours, and offers spectacular views of Hoffellsjökull and the surrounding area.

O5 runs from Hoffell Guesthouse to the Hoffellsjökull parking area and back. The route is 7.5 kilometres long and takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. This makes it possible to factor routes of different lengths and durations into your day’s plans, without equating the short viewpoint trail with a hike lasting several hours.

Getting There and Practical Information

From Route 1, a 3-kilometre paved road leads to the Hoffell Baths and Hoffell Guesthouse. The Hoffellsjökull parking area is a further 4 kilometres along a rough gravel road. It can be difficult for regular cars; a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended. Bear this access road in mind when planning a hike from the parking area. Overnight stays are not permitted at the Hoffellsjökull parking area.

Before setting out, hikers should check trail and road conditions as well as the weather. This is particularly important when planning longer routes and the drive to the parking area. If you choose a holiday apartment for your stay, you can factor your planned hikes and the drive into your day’s plans without planning to stay overnight at the parking area.

Hoffell Baths and Hoffellskirkja

The Hoffell Baths have four spacious hot tubs and a sauna with views of Hoffellsjökull. They offer a different way to experience the area from hiking: the hot tubs, sauna, and glacier views are the main attractions. Hoffell is also known for Hoffellskirkja. The place has been a church site for centuries; the wooden church, with seating for 45, was rebuilt from the ground up in 1981.

Hoffell is also the name of a farm dating from Iceland’s settlement period in Nes í Hornafirði. Hoffell Guesthouse has a short informative presentation about Hoffellsjökull and the surrounding landscape. As well as the trails and viewpoints, this offers a concise way to learn more about the glacier and its surroundings.

More places to explore: Stöðvarfjörður, Vopnafjörður, Vallanes, Kleppur, Brunnholl, Borgarfjörður, Seyðisfjörður, þÓrshöfn.

For the wider travel overview: Austurland.