Camping in Höfn: A Quiet Town with Modest Facilities
Höfn is a picturesque and tranquil town, but Camping in Höfn left a bit to be desired. While the location was serene, the facilities were fairly outdated and limited.
Camping in Höfn Overview
The public area was small, offering just a few tables with no proper cooking area – only a microwave and an electric kettle were available. Outdoor amenities included a dishwashing sink and a few picnic tables, which worked well for those using portable stoves.
The shower facilities of camping in Höfn were particularly sparse, with only one for men and one for women. Luckily, we arrived late and didn’t have to wait for a shower after dinner. Tokens are typically required for showers, but on this night, the receptionist mentioned they were out of tokens, so we enjoyed hot showers for free!
Despite the limitations, the 24-hour access to all facilities was a big plus.
Stargazing and Scenic Parking
Almost midnight, I was heading back to the campervan to sleep when I noticed a few fellow travelers still out snapping photos under the midnight sun. Camping in Höfn sits on elevated ground, and parking on the rear slope offers some stunning views—definitely worth considering when you park!
A Surprise Camping in Höfn
The next morning, we discovered a note tucked under our windshield wiper asking us to stop by the reception before leaving. Apparently, our receipt had blown away when the door was opened. Thankfully, it had only blown into the van and not far off. We showed the receipt, and all was good.
The staff here were warm and friendly, which made up for the basic facilities of camping in Höfn.
A Quick Goodbye
The following morning, we snapped a few hurried photos of the campsite before hitting the road again.
A Jam-Packed Day of Adventure
This day was one of the most action-packed on our journey:
- Morning at Vik: After exploring the campsite’s black sand beach and its iconic red-roofed church on the hill, we set out for Reynisfjara Beach.
- Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon: A scenic stop on our way to Vatnajökull National Park.
- Vatnajökull National Park: We visited the visitor center, hiked to Svartifoss Waterfall, and spontaneously added the Glacier Trail hike to view the glaciers up close.
- Hidden Glacier Trails: After leaving the park, we explored another glacier trail before ending our day at the stunning Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach around 8:30 PM.
We finally arrived at Hofn’s campsite after driving 311 kilometers and hiking over 14 kilometers (thank you, AllTrails, for the tracking!). It was undoubtedly a “big day.”
Key Highlights of Camping in Höfn
- Stunning Location: Elevated campsite with great views if you park strategically.
- Friendly Service: Despite the limited amenities, the staff’s hospitality stood out.
- 24-Hour Access: No waiting for kitchen or bathroom facilities, even during peak hours.
Pro Tips for Höfn Campsite
- Bring your own stove if you plan to cook, as indoor facilities are limited.
- Aim to park on the slope for the best views.
- Keep an eye on receipts and other loose items—it’s windy in Iceland!
Stay tuned for Day 3, where we share more incredible stops along our campervan journey around Iceland’s Ring Road.
Our CamperVan Rental
For an unforgettable Ring Road self-drive adventure, choosing the right campervan rental is key! We compared multiple car rental platforms and websites, carefully considering price, reviews, and overall value, and ultimately chose Lava Car Rental. Our campervan came fully equipped with everything we needed: sleeping bags, a full cooking set including a portable gas stove, brand-new IKEA tableware, a drinking water tank (was filled full at the pickup), a foldable table, and more.
I was initially worried about the cleanliness of the sleeping bags and even brought our own just in case—but that turned out to be unnecessary. The sleeping bags provided were super clean, and the overall experience exceeded our expectations.
Note: This is an affiliate link, meaning I may earn a small commission if you book through it—at no extra cost to you. However, I’m recommending Lava Car Rental because we personally rented from them twice—a 4×4 SUV (planning to explore the Highlands) and later this CamperVan—and had an amazing experience. Their prices, vehicle quality, and service were excellent, and they even gave us a free upgrade!
