Hoffell: Glacial Landscapes, Trails and History

Hoffell is an area shaped by farming and glaciers, partly located within Vatnajökull National Park. Hoffellsjökull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull, shapes the landscape alongside gabbro, geothermal water, rivers, gravel plains and mountain views. The area is protected for outdoor recreation because of its rich vegetation, wildlife and various geological features.

From Hoffell, a drive or hike leads north across the sands of Hoffellssandur through a landscape of mountain slopes shaped by former glaciers.

Hiking Trails Around Hoffellsjökull

Around Hoffellsjökull and Geitafellsbjörg, visitors can explore several hiking trails with views of the glacier and its lagoon. The O1 viewpoint trail to Hoffellsjökull is 0.5 km long and takes about 10 minutes. It leads to a viewpoint overlooking an outlet glacier and the former shorelines of a glacial lagoon.

O3 runs from the Hoffellsjökull parking area to Geitafellsbjörg and back to the parking area via a jeep track and Húsberg. The route is 4.2 km long and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. O5 runs from the Hoffell Guesthouse to the Hoffellsjökull parking area and back; the trail is 7.5 km long and takes about 2 to 2.5 hours.

O4 leads to Geitafellstindur, is 12 km long and takes about 4 to 5 hours. This trail offers spectacular views of Hoffellsjökull and the surrounding area. Hiking times range from about ten minutes on the O1 viewpoint trail to four to five hours on O4, with O3 and O5 in between.

Getting There and Conditions

A 3 km paved road leads from Route 1 to the Hoffell Baths and Hoffell Guesthouse. The route to the Hoffellsjökull parking area continues for another 4 km along a rough gravel road, which can be difficult for regular cars; a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended. Road and trail conditions can change with the weather and the season. Check trail and road conditions, as well as the weather, before setting out. Overnight stays are not permitted at the Hoffellsjökull parking area.

History and Insights into Hoffell

Hoffell refers to a farm dating from Iceland’s settlement era in Nes í Hornafirði. Hoffellskirkja was a church site for centuries and was completely rebuilt in 1981. The church is made of wood and has 45 seats.

The Hoffell Guesthouse has a short, informative presentation about Hoffellsjökull glacier and the surrounding landscape. The presentation brings together the themes that also shape Hoffell’s trails and landscape.

Hoffell Baths

Hoffell Baths has four spacious hot tubs and a sauna with views of Hoffellsjökull. Check the facility information before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Hámundarstaðir, Stöðvarfjörður, Fáskrúðsfjörður, Brunnholl, Fljótsdalur, Berunes, Seyðisfjörður, Bjarnanes

For the overview of the wider region: Austurland.