Hoffell

The Hoffell area is a part of Vatnajökull National Park. The object of the area‘s conservation is to protect the habitat of several rare lichens with rare dispersion, and a few rare vascular plants. The area is also conserved for outdoor recreation.

The Hoffell area is located only a short distance from the town of Höfn, southeast Iceland. The area is charachterised by a larger outlet glacier, Hoffellsjökull, and gabbro rock, which originally formed deep in the earth‘s crust but is now visible due to uplift of the area and glacial erosion.

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HOW TO GET THERE

A paved road leads to Hoffell farm, only 2 km from Road 1. A gravel track continues the short distance to Hoffellsjökull glacier, on which a small ford needs to be crossed. A 4x4 vehicle is preferred but not always necessary.

ACTIVITIES

Information and educational signs are to be found at the end of the track which leads to Hoffellsjökull. From there, marked hiking paths lead into the Hoffellsfjöll mountains, which give the opportunity of a 30 minutes hike, a 2 hours hike and a 4-5 hours hike. The first two are loops but the third on extends from the longer loop towards to mountain top of Geitafell. All these paths are way marked. There are also longer paths which remain unmarked.

The locals at Hoffell farm also offer pedal boat tours on the glacial lagoon in front of Hoffellsjökull and a quad-bike tours in the nearby area. It is also possible to take a bath in geothermal pools that have been set up in the area.

SERVICES

Information: Hoffell farm is an information office co-working with Vatnajökull National Park.

Shops: A supermarket and all kinds of services are to be found in the town of Höfn, 15 km away from Hoffell.

Restaurants: Restaurants are open in Höfn all year round.

Accommodation: The locals at Hoffell farm run a guesthouse which is open all year round.