In the south end of Höfn, next to the harbour, is a conservation area called Ósland. Once an island, the area has now been connected to the mainland by way of a manmade land bridge. Ósland is a popular spot for hiking and bird observation, with many Arctic Terns flying around during nesting season.
On the hill Óslandshæð, is an epic view of the glaciers and Vestrahorn mountain. You will find a sign of information for the surrounding area, as well as a memorial to fishermen who have lost their lives at sea. From there are additional walking paths that circle the pond, Óslandstjörn, and along the shore.
The Nature Trail
Explore the Nature Trail on the western side of Höfn, and take in the stunningly scenic views of the glaciers of Vatnajökull National Park.
Along the trail is a model of the solar system, scaled down to more than 2.1 billion-fold. The planets are placed on gabbroic boulders, on top of metal poles, and an information sign is attached to each boulder.
Beginning with the sun at the Óslandshæð hill, the trail is around 2.8km long and ends with the planet Neptune. However, if you want to walk further, information on the dwarf planet Pluto is placed at the official end of the trail. Though Pluto is no longer categorized as a planet, its placement is a reminder that our solar system extends far beyond the orbits of the outer planets.
History
Settlement in Höfn began in 1897, when merchant Ottó Tulinius moved there with his family from Papós (can link to Vestrahorn Hike/Ganga fyrir Horn). Slowly, an urban area developed around trade and fishing, and in early 1946 the town became a separate district called Hafnarhreppur. At the end of 1988, Hafnarhreppur became a municipality and thereafter, simply called Höfn.
Culture
Svavarssafn is an art museum dedicated to the abstract painter and Cobra artist, Svavar Guðnason. It is open all year around with diverse exhibitions on Hafnarbraut 27.
Gamlabúð is a visitor center in Höfn that offers information about the area, brochures and maps. In the house, there is also an exhibition about the region´s geology, glaciers and culture, and a small souvenir shop. It is located next to the harbor area.
Practical information
Gas stations: Olís and N1
Restaurants: Pakkhúsið, Kaffi Hornið, Heppa, Íshúsið, Hafnarbúðin, Ottó, Ósinn, Berjaya.
Stores: The grocery store: Nettó, open 09-19:00 weekdays and 10:00-19:00 on weekends.
Other stores like Vínbúðin liquor store, Húsasmiðjan, Martölvan, Handraðinn, Berg-spor, Dokk, Húsgagnaval.
Lansbankinn local bank: Open 12:00-15:00 on weekdays, ATM at the entrance of the bank open 24/7.
Healthcare: Lyfja pharmacy, open 10:00-18:00 on weekdays.
Health Center on Víkurbraut 31, open 08:00-15:00 on weekdays.
Car mechanics:
Jökladekk (offers repair service). Bugðuleiru 2, 780 Höfn. Tel: +354 839-1616
Car service Gunnars Pálma. Bugðuleiru 6, 780 Höfn Tel: +354 478-2041
Neyðarþjónusta Austurlands (24 hour emergency service). Álaugarvegur 2, 780 Höfn Tel: +354 892-6044
Swimming pool: Víkurbraut 9, open 06:45-21:00 on weekdays and 10:00-19:00 on weekends
