Buy local, support the builders and preserve the heritage.
The businesses we would send our own family to.
Around Djúpivogur and Höfn there are dozens upon dozens of family businesses that have kept this coast alive through the decades, building the country's most versatile and mature travel industry. We like to promote them and encourage our friends and customers to buy from them. No commission, no arrangement — we are not competing with each other.
When a guest buys a coffee here, or a night at a hotel, or a woollen jumper, the money stays in the area. That is not a slogan — it is how a small community on a long coast evolves, and not only survives but thrives in one of the most isolated parts of the country.
It also changes the trip. A guide who grew up here, a farm that has been in one family for generations, a harbour where the boats still come in — that is an experience nobody can assemble from Reykjavík.
Around the harbour and up the fjord.
Faktor Brewery
A great bar right by the harbour.
Langabúð
A coffeehouse in a legendary building from the 1700s.
Djúpivogur Food Wagon
Local salmon and hotdogs you have to try.
Bakkabúð
Local and Icelandic souvenirs.
Hótel Framtíð
Charming hotel with a great restaurant.
LeFever Hot Sauces
The first Icelandic hot sauce, made in Djúpivogur.
Múli
An authentic Icelandic farm experience with a petting zoo.
Bragðavellir
Accommodation at the farm and the rustic Barn restaurant.
The lobster town, and out to the lagoons.
Heppa Restaurant
Icelandic cuisine with a modern twist, overlooking the harbour.
Birki Restaurant
Great atmosphere in one of Höfn's oldest buildings, with a variety of tastes.
Pakkhúsið Restaurant
Authentic local cuisine in an old refurbished warehouse from 1932.
Hafnarbúðin
The original diner in Höfn, still going strong as ever.
Hoffell Baths
Geothermal baths and sauna with glacier views.
Smyrlabjörg
Country hotel offering authentic Icelandic food.
Ice Lagoon
Jökulsárlón is one of Iceland's pearls — boat trips on the glacial lagoon among the icebergs.
Fjallsárlón
A smaller glacial lagoon that offers a more intimate experience.
Glacier Journey
Snowmobiles and superjeeps — a family-run tour operator.
Glacier Adventure
Family-run operator for hiking, glacier walks and ice caves.
Northern Light Bite
Locally sourced fish and chips at Jökulsárlón.
- Family-owned and family-run
- Based on this coast, Djúpivogur to Höfn
- No fee to be here, and no exclusivity asked
- Somewhere we would genuinely send a guest
Run something local?
If you are a family business on this coast and you are not on this page, that is an oversight rather than a decision. Get in touch and we will add you.
palli@vatnajokull.isQuestions about a call day, or a private tour?
We answer the same day. Ask for the programme, or tell us the day you have in mind.
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