Arnanes country hotel review: family-friendly glacier views in Höfn, Iceland
Planning your Iceland itinerary and wondering whether to include Höfn on your road trip? And if so, where to stay in Höfn with glacier views? After staying at Arnanes Country Hotel, we can confidently say it’s worth staying 2 nights at least. Most travelers following the Ring Road counterclockwise use Höfn as their eastern turnaround point. Höfn is the perfect base for exploring some of Iceland’s most iconic glacier landscapes, including Stokksnes, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, Heinabergslón, and Ingólfshöfði.
If you’re planning a 10-day Iceland itinerary, I’d highly recommend spending quality time on the South Coast and including Höfn in your plans. Only if you have two weeks or more, I would recommend to drive the whole Ring Road as we did. But whether you’re following the traditional counterclockwise route or coming from the east like we did, finding the right Höfn accommodation can make or break this leg of your Iceland road trip.
We had planned a long morning of driving along Iceland’s dramatic coastline from Seyðisfjörður via the scenic Route 939, therefore we searched for a hotel with comfy beds and an excellent breakfast to fuel our glacier adventures. Our search led us to Arnanes Country Hotel, a hotel that combines authentic Icelandic hospitality with those glacier views you see in every Iceland travel guide.
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Why Arnanes Country Hotel is the perfect Höfn accommodation choice
Arnanes Country Hotel is a family-run business, and you can truly feel that in the warm, personal welcome you receive upon arrival. The main building is the heart of the property, home to the reception, a small bar, and a cozy sitting area with sofas, board games, and books that give it a relaxed, living-room vibe. The dining area, where breakfast and dinner are normally served, offers beautiful views of the Vatnajökull National Park, though during our visit in April, the restaurant was closed, which is common in the shoulder season.
What sets Arnanes Country Hotel apart is its unique accommodation layout. Instead of one large building with hotel rooms, the property features several smaller buildings, each with individual guest rooms. These aren’t rustic cabins—they’re modern, spotlessly clean, and thoughtfully designed to offer both comfort and privacy, all while keeping that signature Icelandic charm. Each room has its own entrance from the outside and a dedicated parking space right in front, which makes unloading after a long drive super convenient.
Inside, the rooms are well-equipped and impeccably clean, featuring a private bathroom with a shower, a desk, a TV, coffee and tea bags as well as a kettle, a small but essential detail for us. We always fill our thermos with hot water in the morning so we can enjoy a warm cup of tea throughout the day, especially when we’re unsure if we’ll pass a café at the right moment.
The real highlight for our kids? The Icelandic horses grazing peacefully in the fields around the property. We hadn’t booked a horse-riding excursion on this trip, so being able to get up close to these gentle animals was an unexpected bonus. As soon as we checked in, we walked over to say hello. You cannot feed the horses, but if you are lucky and they approach you, you can touch them.
The best hotel breakfast in Höfn with glacier views
We arrived in the afternoon under gloomy skies and some rain, but the next morning greeted us with clear blue skies and sunshine. As we made our way to breakfast, the dining room’s large windows revealed what we had missed the day before: an absolutely breathtaking view of glaciers stretching across the horizon. Arnanes country hotel is where to stay in Höfn with glacier views!
Breakfast at Arnanes Country Hotel truly deserves a special mention. We were warmly greeted by the friendly cook who had just finished setting up the buffet. The breakfast buffet was generous featuring fresh local ingredients wherever possible, traditional Icelandic options, and familiar international favorites.
The buffet offered something for every palate: an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, a large variety of breads, and a selection of cheeses, salami, and ham. More adventurous guests could sample traditional Icelandic delicacies like herring (though admittedly not for everyone!), while pâté added a continental touch. The many jars of confitures and marmalades looked like homemade too.
Families were well catered for with both sugary cereals for the kids and healthy options for health-conscious guests. The yogurt station was particularly impressive, featuring an array of nutritious toppings including chia seeds, dried fruits, and other superfoods. Juices and milk completed the extensive offering, ensuring everyone found their perfect breakfast combination.
But the real magic was in the setting. Enjoying this delicious breakfast while gazing out at the vast Vatnajökull glacier system. We lingered on the terrace afterward, sipping coffee, enjoying the sun and soaking in the view. This was a quiet reminder of why so many people fall in love with Iceland’s raw, untamed beauty.
What to do around Höfn, your gateway to South Iceland Adventures
Stokksnes and the Viking Village film set
Just a short drive from Arnanes Country Hotel, Stokksnes is easy to reach and absolutely worth the visit. In fact, we drove there twice during our stay. We had been eager to explore the Viking Village film set and the dramatic Vestrahorn, but our first afternoon didn’t go as planned: Iceland’s weather had other ideas. This was the first time in ten days that we had such a heavy rain! We took shelter in the cozy cafe at the entrance and enjoyed warm pancakes and hot chocolate. The kids didn’t mind the change of plans though 😉
The next morning, however, brought a complete transformation. What a difference the weather makes! Under clear skies, the black sand beach unveiled its dramatic beauty, towering mountain peaks reflecting in still tidal pools, and waves leaving patterns across the volcanic shore when the weather plays along.
The entrance fee is 1.100 kr. (around 7€) per adult for access and parking at Vestrahorn.
Höfn swimming pool and playground
After a day of exploring, the Höfn swimming pool is the perfect place to unwind and have some family fun. The local pool features two hot pools, a steam room, kids pool and water slides that kept our kids entertained for hours. As the kids have free entry and adults pay 1.350 ISK (around 9€) is a place you cannot skip, even if it´s raining.
At the back of the swimming pool, there is a great playground, the perfect place to burn off some energy, especially after spending some time in the car.
Planet path Höfn, columnar basalt and other sights in Hofn
One of the unexpected gems we discovered while exploring Höfn was the Planet Path. This outdoor exhibition takes you on a journey through the solar system, with each stop representing a planet. As we continued our stroll around the town, we also came across the Columnar Basalt formations.
Hiking from Hoffell and Heinabergslón
For nature lovers and hikers, the trails around Hoffell and Heinabergslón are a must-see. These areas offer some of the best hikes in the region, with routes leading you through lush landscapes, past glaciers, and along peaceful lakes. To get to Hoffell, you will need a 4×4 drive though.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
No trip to the Höfn area is complete without a visit to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most iconic natural wonders. The lagoon is filled with massive icebergs that have calved off the nearby Vatnajökull glacier, floating serenely in the turquoise water. The scene feels almost otherworldly, with seals often seen lounging on the ice.
Diamond Beach
Just across the road from Jökulsárlón, Diamond Beach is a must-visit when you’re in the area. Here, chunks of glacial ice wash up on the black volcanic sand, creating a striking contrast of sparkling ice against the dark shore. It’s an incredibly photogenic location, and our kids loved running around the beach, marveling at the ice formations.
Glacier walk Falljökull
For a truly unforgettable adventure, we took part in a glacier walk on Falljökull, one of the outlet glaciers of Vatnajökull. We joined the glacier encounter with local guide which is suitable for kids from 8 years old and were kitted out with crampons and safety gear before stepping onto the ancient ice.
Walking on the glacier was both humbling and exhilarating. The crevasses, ice formations, and views of the surrounding landscape were incredible, making this experience a highlight of our trip. The guide’s knowledge about the glacier’s history and the natural forces at play was fascinating, adding another layer of depth to the adventure.
Ingólfshöfði
For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, you can visit Ingólfshöfði, a secluded promontory that offers a fascinating glimpse into Iceland’s natural world. It’s a great spot for bird-watching, particularly puffins, which nest in the cliffs during the summer months.
Where to eat in Höfn
Höfn is famously known as the langoustine capital of Iceland, so if you’re a seafood lover, don’t miss the chance to try these local delicacies. One of the most recommended places in town is Pakkhús Restaurant, known for its fresh langoustine dishes served in a cozy harbor-side setting. It’s popular for a reason, so be sure to make a reservation in advance.
Traveling with kids, though, sometimes means adjusting plans—and palates. When our crew voted for pizza, we ended up at Íshúsið Pizzeria Restaurant, which is conveniently located right next to Pakkhús. It turned out to be the perfect compromise: the kids got their pizza (starts at 2.550 ISK for a pizza margherita), while we enjoyed their delicious langoustine soup (3.600 ISK) and langoustine pizza (4.500 ISK). A win-win for everyone, and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere to top it off.
Final thoughts
Whether you’re looking for where to stay in Höfn with glacier views, planning glacier walks, exploring Diamond Beach, or simply soaking in Iceland’s dramatic landscapes, Arnanes Country Hotel offers the perfect retreat after days of adventure. If you’re debating whether to include Höfn in your Iceland itinerary, our advice is simple: do it, and make Arnanes your home base. The combination of comfort, location, and authentic Icelandic charm makes it a stay you’ll remember.
Have you stayed at Arnanes Country Hotel or are you planning a visit to Höfn? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
