Hofsós: A Quiet Treasure by the Sea

A Village Steeped in History

Though it feels sleepy now, Hofsós once played a much larger role in Iceland's story.

For centuries, it was an important trading post where merchant ships pulled into the harbor, goods were exchanged, and news from far-off places were told.

You can still feel echoes of that time in the village today: in the old turf-roofed houses, the sturdy stone walls, and the soft, salty air that seems filled with stories.

What to Experience in Hofsós

The Hofsós Swimming Pool

Few swimming pools in Iceland — or anywhere — have a setting like this.

Carved into the hillside just above the sea, the Hofsós Sundlaug is a modern masterpiece of simplicity: a warm, welcoming infinity-edge pool where the water seems to melt right into the fjord beyond.

Whether floating in the hot tubs or swimming a few quiet laps, the view of distant mountains and endless water will make you feel like you've slipped into another world.

The Icelandic Emigration Center

For those curious about Iceland's history, the Icelandic Emigration Center offers a moving glimpse into the great wave of Icelanders who left their homeland for North America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Through letters, photographs, and stories, you'll feel the hope, heartbreak, and courage of those who risked everything for a new life across the sea.

The Harbor and Shoreline Walks

A simple walk along Hofsós' shoreline is worth taking slowly.

The old jetty, the black pebbled beaches, and the deep stillness of the fjord — all invite you to slow down, breathe deep, and listen to the quiet language of land and sea.

A Place Made for Rest and Reflection

At Key to Iceland, we believe real travel isn't always about rushing from one big sight to another.

Let Hofsós remind you that Iceland's quietest corners are often its most unforgettable.