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Hofn is a small fishery town situated at the Hornafjördur fjord in southeast Iceland. The word “Hofn” means “harbor”. It has spectacular scenic beauty, and an epicenter for the fishing and agriculture industries. The town got its municipal rights in 1988.
People had started settling in Hofn more than a century ago, since the region had an important trading post. Since then, Hofn has grown into a town which is a major fishing, agricultural and commercial location in Iceland.
The most important and famous location near Hofn is the Vatnajökull glacier, the largest glacier in Iceland. It is also the largest glacier in Europe in terms of volume, and the second largest in terms of area, and covers more than 8% of Iceland. Iceland's highest mountain peak Öræfajökull, is situated in the southern region of the glacier, as is the famous Skaftafell National Park, Iceland's second largest National Park.
There are many routes to the glacier, the most traveled being the road on the glacier spur Skalafellsjokull. The excursion is a thrilling, polar-style experience for travelers. There are also a number of four-wheel drive tours starting from Hofn to the glacier.
The accommodation facilities in Hofn are above average, with visitors having a vast choice of recreational activities. Locally made handicrafts are a popular pick. The Glacier Exhibition during summertime and the famous Humarhátíð or the annual lobster festival held in June/July are significant events of the town. There are a number of restaurants in the town, serving quality food, majority of which includes the fresh fish caught in the area.
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