Höfn is a small fishing town in southeastern Iceland, located on a narrow peninsula surrounded by the waters of Hornafjörður and nearby lagoons. The town sits beneath the large Vatnajökull ice cap, whose glaciated peaks form a prominent backdrop to the surrounding landscape. Höfn is an important service and fishing center for southeast Iceland, with a harbor, restaurants, shops, and accommodation. Its location near Vatnajökull National Park also makes it a convenient base for exploring glaciers, black-sand coastlines, wetlands, and other landscapes along Iceland's southeastern shore.

Fishing has played an important role in Höfn's local identity, with the harbor remaining closely connected to the town's economy and daily life. The town is sometimes associated with lobster, known locally as langoustine, which is harvested in the surrounding waters and features prominently in local cuisine. Höfn's cultural heritage is also reflected at the Gamlabúð visitor center, a historic trading building that now provides information about the area's people and environment. The nearby villages and farms preserve traditions connected with sheep farming, fishing, and life in a remote coastal region.

The landscapes around Höfn are shaped by the interaction of glaciers, rivers, lagoons, and the sea. Vatnajökull National Park extends across much of the surrounding region, with glaciers such as Hoffellsjökull and Heinabergsjökull accessible from the wider area. The Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon lies along the coast, where icebergs calve from Breiðamerkurjökull and drift toward the Atlantic. Nearby Diamond Beach is known for pieces of glacial ice scattered across dark volcanic sand. Around Höfn itself, the Hornafjörður wetlands and coastal waters provide habitats for numerous bird species.

Höfn's food culture is particularly associated with langoustine, which is served grilled, baked, in soups, and in other local preparations. Icelandic lamb, fresh fish, dairy products, rye bread, and potatoes are also common ingredients in the region. Restaurants in and around the town often emphasize seafood caught in nearby waters, reflecting Höfn's role as a fishing community. The town hosts the Lobster Festival, a local food event centered on its best-known seafood specialty. Another distinctive detail is Höfn's location on the Hornafjörður peninsula, where several glacial outlets and waterways surround the settlement and connect the town closely to the landscape.