Hafnarfjordur

Hafnarfjörður is a charming harbour town just south of Reykjavík, known as the 'Town of the Elves' — local folklore says the town's lava fields are home to Iceland's hidden people (huldufólk). It is the third-largest municipality in Iceland, with a well-preserved old town centre of tiny, colourful houses along the harbour. The town has a strong maritime heritage, reflected in its annual Viking festival and the beautifully restored 15th-century-style buildings along the old port.

Climate

Same as Reykjavík — subpolar oceanic climate with cool summers (9–14°C) and mild winters (0–3°C). Frequent rain and wind. Weather changes rapidly.

Hafnarfjörður is a 15-minute drive south of Reykjavík. Strætó bus routes 1 and 19 connect from central Reykjavík to Hafnarfjörður regularly (30 minutes). From Keflavík Airport, take the Airport Express bus to Reykjavík and transfer, or rent a car.

The old town and harbour are very walkable. Bus services connect to the residential areas. Car is useful for visiting the lava fields and Hellisgerði park on foot.

The old town centre (Víkin) with its colourful corrugated-iron houses along the harbour. Hellisgerði park, a beautiful lava rock garden said to be home to elves. Hafnarfjörður's historic harbour with its restored 19th-century buildings. The Settlement Centre with exhibitions on the local Viking-age history.

Explore the charming old town streets and harbour. Walk though the lava rock garden at Hellisgerði and look for 'elf houses' in the rocks. Visit the annual Viking Festival in June with a recreated Viking village, battles, and feasts. Go for a swim at the local geothermal swimming pool. Take a ghost walk tour of the town's hidden people and elf folklore.

Fjörugarðurinn (the 'Viking Village') for traditional Icelandic fare in a Viking-themed setting. Viðeyjar for harbour-view dining with fresh local seafood. Kaffi Hvítá for coffee and pastries in the old town. Hafnarfjörður's fish and chips shops serve some of the freshest cod in the region.

Hafnarfjörður has several cosy cafés and bars. The Viking Village bar serves mead in a longhouse atmosphere. Most nightlife is better in Reykjavík, a short drive or bus ride away.

Hotel Hafnarfjörður (formerly Viking Hotel) is the main hotel, family-run with a cosy atmosphere. There are also guesthouses in the old town. Many visitors stay in Reykjavík and visit Hafnarfjörður as a day trip.