The area around Hoffell is shaped by farming and glaciers. The hiking trails described here range from a short route to a viewpoint to a trail that takes several hours. Hoffellsjökull is an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull; around the glacier and Geitafellsbjörg, there are several hiking trails with views of the glacier and its lagoon. When planning your day, it is worth checking the specific time estimate: for the trails featured here, it ranges from about ten minutes to four to five hours.

Landscape and character

Hoffell lies partly within Vatnajökull National Park and is known for its gabbro, geothermal water, rivers, gravel plains and mountain views. The area is protected for outdoor recreation because of its rich vegetation and wildlife, as well as its various geological features. Glaciers, rock and water shape different aspects of the landscape.

Hiking trails with different time estimates

The O1 viewpoint trail to Hoffellsjökull is 0.5 km long and takes about ten minutes. It leads to a viewpoint overlooking the outlet glacier and the former shoreline of a glacial lagoon. O3 runs from the Hoffellsjökull parking lot to Geitafellsbjörg, then back to the parking lot via a jeep track and Húsberg. The route is 4.2 km and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. O5 runs from Hoffell Guesthouse to the Hoffellsjökull parking lot and back; it is listed as 7.5 km and takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. O4 to Geitafellstindur is 12 km long, takes about 4 to 5 hours and offers spectacular views of Hoffellsjökull and the surrounding area. O5 covers more distance than O3; their estimated times overlap at about two hours, while O5 can take up to about 2.5 hours. O4 takes the longest time of the trails described here.

Farm, church and glacier information

The name Hoffell refers to a farm dating from Iceland’s settlement period in Nes í Hornafirði. Hoffellskirkja served as a church site for centuries and was rebuilt from the ground up in 1981. The church is a wooden building with 45 seats. Hoffell Guesthouse has a short, informative presentation about Hoffellsjökull and the surrounding landscape. When planning, you can therefore consider not only the hiking trails but also the area’s history and the information about the glacier available there.

Getting there and practical planning

A 3 km paved road leads from Route 1 to Hoffell Baths and Hoffell Guesthouse. The road to the Hoffellsjökull parking lot continues for another 4 km over a rough gravel road. It can be difficult for ordinary cars; a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended. Road conditions can change with the weather and the season. Check them before you set off; hikers should also check trail conditions and the weather before starting out. Overnight stays are not permitted at the Hoffellsjökull parking lot; check this rule again before your trip.

Hoffell Baths has four spacious hot tubs and a sauna with views of Hoffellsjökull. Check the latest information about the facilities before your trip. When planning your stay, it helps to consider the starting point and the time required for your chosen hike: O3 starts at the Hoffellsjökull parking lot, while O5 starts and ends at Hoffell Guesthouse.

Discover more destinations: Fáskrúðsfjörður, Bjarnanes, Laugarfell, Eskifjorður, Vallanes, Borgarfjörður, Höfn Í Hornafirði, Djúpivogur

For the main travel overview: Austurland.