Passing through Hornafjörður Airport? A layover in Hofn is more doable than you might think. The city is only about 30 minutes from the airport, and with a bit of planning you can stretch your legs, grab a real meal, and see something new before your next flight.
Essential Info Before You Head Out
Three things to verify before you walk out of HFN:
- Can you legally enter Iceland? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 30-minute journey each way by local transport, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the ISK. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some ISK in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Getting to Hofn from the Airport
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| local transport | ~30 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~50 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the local transport is usually the way to go. It’s predictable, which matters when you have a flight to catch. Taxis can be faster in ideal conditions but slower when traffic builds up.
What to Do With Your Bags
Dedicated luggage storage at HFN may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Hofn’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Planning Your Layover Spending
Quick budget math for your Hofn layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$15 |
| Meal | ~$29 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$54 |
Cards are increasingly accepted in Hofn, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
How to Spend Your Time in Hofn
If you head into Hofn, here are two things worth checking out:
Höfn Harbour & Lighthouse is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
Hofn Glacier Museum (Gamlabúð) is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. Even a quick visit gives you a sense of the local culture and history.
If you’d rather stay inside HFN — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Hornafjörður Airport Observation Area
- Icelandic Souvenir Corner (HFN)
Where to Grab a Meal
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Hofn: Pakkhús Restaurant and Humarhöfnin Restaurant. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for Hornafjörður Airport Café & Snacks or HFN Grab-and-Go Counter. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at HFN, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Hofn itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Iceland that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Rest Areas & Lounges
Not every layover involves sightseeing. If you’d rather rest, HFN has seating areas throughout the terminal, though comfort levels vary. Grab a neck pillow and stake out a quiet corner.
Airport lounges — accessible via day pass, credit card perks, or services like Priority Pass — typically offer reclined seating, showers, and a quieter environment.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Hofn doesn’t have to be wasted time. With the city just 30 minutes from HFN, you’ve got a real opportunity to turn a stopover into a mini-trip. The logistics are straightforward — it’s just a matter of deciding to go for it.
Watch the clock, travel light, and have a great time out there.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.