Exceptional cohesion and hospitality of the residents
Austurgata was, in years gone by, the main shopping street of Hafnarfjörður. The street is typical of Hafnarfjörður, where the settlement, the lava field and the people form a close-knit whole. Fifteen houses on the street are older than the street itself, and an emphasis has been placed on preserving the street's early 20th-century appearance. The residents of Austurgata are very close-knit, and today they use a modern Facebook residents' page to stay in touch and for events.
The town's former main shopping street
Austurgata was, in years gone by, the main shopping street of Hafnarfjörður. The street is typical of Hafnarfjörður, where the settlement, the lava field and the people form a close-knit whole. Fifteen houses on the street are older than the street itself, and an emphasis has been placed on preserving the street's early 20th-century appearance. The residents of Austurgata are very close-knit, and today they use a modern Facebook residents' page to stay in touch and for events.
Businesses and institutions are along the street, such as Nándin, a grocery shop with an environmental focus, Hljómar, offering music lessons and music therapy, and Hafnarfjörður's oldest church, the Fríkirkjan, which stands on a cliff overlooking the street. There is also the old telephone exchange, which is now a home, and the town's most historically famous Christmas house. With the arrival of the grocery shop at the end of the street by the stream, residents say that the culture and atmosphere of the past is gradually being revived. Many make their way from the streams and to the area around Hljóma on Saturdays.
The unity and creativity of the residents of East Street has, among other things, led to the East Street Festival, which has become an integral part of the 17th June celebrations, with a street market atmosphere, a sale of arts and crafts, a food stall, and soulful music. Some open their gardens on this day or invite guests to sit in front of their houses. Others go even further in their hospitality at the annual HEIMA festival, where East Street takes centre stage and numerous residents invite passers-by into their living rooms to experience the singing and sounds of well-known musicians in an unusually intimate setting.
Hafnarfjörður's Christmas Magazine 2021
This coverage is part of the content in Hafnarfjörður's Christmas Magazine 2021. The Christmas issue has the sole and true purpose of introducing the Christmas town of Hafnarfjörður to all interested parties, to visitors and passers-by, and to shine a light on the warmth and diversity that lies with the people and businesses of the Christmas town of Hafnarfjörður. The 2021 Christmas magazine features, among other things, coverage of alternative entertainment, fitness traditions, the unique community spirit of the residents, the House of Opportunities in Hellisgerði, family-run businesses, the Northern Lights, magically-themed cafés, tempting recipes, the importance of enjoying oneself and relaxing, The Christmas Heart and the Heartwarming, which opens in December, community projects for the good of the community, and last but not least, the Christmas Village, which opened on the first weekend of Advent.
Hafnarfjörður's Christmas Magazine 2021