Iceland's Lobster Capital

If there's one thing Höfn is famous for, besides breathtaking glaciers and dramatic coastal landscapes, it's lobster.

Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the mighty Vatnajökull glacier, Höfn has built a reputation as Iceland's lobster capital. For decades, local fishermen have headed out into the surrounding waters to catch the sweet, delicate langoustine that has made this small harbour town a must-visit destination for seafood lovers from around the world.

What Makes Höfn's Lobster So Special?

Unlike the large lobsters found elsewhere, Icelandic langoustine is smaller, sweeter, and incredibly tender. The cold, clean waters surrounding Southeast Iceland create the perfect environment for exceptional seafood, giving Höfn's langoustine its unmistakable flavour and quality.

Fishing has always been at the heart of the town. Long before Höfn became a popular stop along the Ring Road, generations of local fishermen made their living from these waters, shaping the town's culture, traditions, and cuisine. Today, that heritage lives on through the restaurants, stories, and people who continue to celebrate the sea.

Every summer, the town even hosts the Höfn Lobster Festival, where locals and visitors come together to celebrate one of Iceland's most beloved ingredients with food, music, and community spirit.

Taste the Best of Höfn at Hótel Höfn

A visit to Höfn wouldn't be complete without trying the local langoustine, and we're proud to showcase it on our menu.

At Hótel Höfn, we combine fresh Icelandic seafood with carefully crafted dishes inspired by both local traditions and Italian flavours.

Some guest favourites include:

• Lobster Soup – Rich, creamy, and packed with the flavour of freshly caught Icelandic langoustine.

• Lobster Tempura – Lightly fried langoustine served with sweet chilli sauce for the perfect balance of crisp and delicate seafood.

• Lobster Pasta – Fresh langoustine tossed with spaghetti, cream, shallots, and Parmesan for a comforting yet elegant dish.

• Lobster Feast – The ultimate experience for seafood lovers, featuring lobster soup, langoustine tempura, lobster tails, and garlic bread.

Whether you're enjoying lunch after exploring Jökulsárlón or settling in for dinner after a day of adventure, these dishes offer a true taste of Höfn.

More Than a Meal

For us, lobster is more than just a local speciality, it's part of Höfn's identity.

Every plate tells the story of a harbour town shaped by the sea, where generations of fishermen have brought home the day's catch and where visitors from around the world gather to experience some of Iceland's finest seafood.

So while you're here, make sure to order the lobster. After all, when you're visiting Iceland's lobster capital, there's no better place to taste it than right here in Höfn.

We look forward to welcoming you to Hótel Höfn, and serving you a meal you'll remember long after your Iceland adventure comes to an end.