Fosshotel Vatnajökull

One of the first settlement farms in Iceland was Horn, built by Hrollaugur son of Rögnvaldur Earl of Møre in Norway. The Hornafjörður Municipality and several natural sites are named after the settlement farm. Horn means the same thing in Icelandic and English. The area is approximately a ten-minute drive away from Höfn. The Horn area is below Vestra-Horn, a 454-meter-high mountain and it is an interesting geological site composing of un-stratified plutonic rock, mostly gabbro but with some granophyre. East of the mountain is a strange-shaped outcrop called Brunnhorn that stretches out to sea. Seals also tend to hang out on the stretch of sand, so if you're lucky you can catch a picture of a lazing seal as well. In the Second World War, the Horn area became a base for the British army and later a NATO radar station was set up at Stokksnes, south of Horn. At Stokksnes you can feel the power of the Atlantic Ocean as the waves hit the rocky shore with massive force.

Almannaskarð is an old mountain road about 10 km
to the east of Höfn. Today the south-west ramp is closed for car traffic, as in
2005 it was replaced by a 1300 m long tunnel that curves under a mountain.
Since then the area has become a popular hiking path for locals and at the top
of the road is a magnificent viewpoint where you can enjoy a panoramic view of
the Hornafjörður region as well as Vatnajökull glacier, on a clear day. It is a
charming stop for those who crave the tranquility and natural beauty of the
countryside.

Haukafell is a forestry project that was launched in 1985 and now offers ample shelter to the low-lying, local vegetation, which mostly consists of berry-bushes that are ripe for picking in August. The area is situated east of Fláajökull glacier and is a popular outdoor area for the locals. There are various hiking trails to be enjoyed in the beautiful surroundings and the crispy fresh air. From
Haukafell you find a marked hiking trail to Fláajökull glacier, where you cross a recent walkway over the Kolgrafardalsá river. In Haukafell you find a good campsite in a beautiful area.

Fláajökull is an easily accessible outlet glacier from Vatnajökull. The area offers spectacular views of the ever-receding glacier that has receded 2 km during the last one hundred years, leaving a glacial lagoon in its wake. The area can be described as a hikers' paradise as it has several good hiking trails and offers a rich variety in birdlife. The area is therefore an excellent destination for bird watchers, hikers and all who are interested in witnessing how the movement of the glacier shapes the surrounding landscape.

Ósland is an island accessible by a manmade isthmus (land bridge) and is situated just a few steps from the harbor area. Ósland was
once an island but is now connected to the mainland. It is a conservation area popular for hiking. There is rich birdlife and the Arctic Tern is predominant during the nesting season. Ósland situated just a few steps from the harbour area in Höfn. Walking trails circle the pond, Óslandstjörn, and are along the shore. On the hill, Óslandshæð, is a memorial to the fishermen and an information board about the surrounding natural area. From Ósland you can follow the nature trail that has been set up to model the solar system - it's been scaled down and has its sizes and distances in correct proportion. There are also visible impressions of trees in the basalt rock in the area; trees that have been covered by lava a long time ago.