Winter festival this weekend – also in Hafnarfjörður

A varied programme and free entry to all events

The museums in Hafnarfjörður and Ásvallalaug are taking an active part in the Winter Festival with a varied and fun programme for all ages. The Winter Festival takes place from 1-3 February across all six municipalities of the capital region. In Hafnarfjörður, the programme includes Ásvallalaug, the Hafnarfjörður Library, Hafnarborg and the Hafnarfjörður Folk Museum. Visitors are also encouraged to take the opportunity to experience and enjoy the splendour of the lights in Hellisgerði, as the lights will be taken down as soon as the sun rises after the Winter Festival. This festival of light and darkness, which has been held for several years, consists of three main pillars: Museum Night, Swimming Pool Night and light art, along with a variety of events where a group of artists take part in creating a unique atmosphere in the capital region.

Swimming Pool Night in Hafnarfjörður

Ásvallalaug on Thursday, 1 February from 18:00 to 22:00

Ásvallalaug will be open late into the evening with a fun programme from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and swimming will be free at the pool, as well as at twelve other swimming pools in the capital region. Visitors to Ásvallalaug will get to experience a different kind of evening in the pool, where light, darkness and joy will reign supreme. Hafnarfjörður Swimming Club invites everyone to an open training session with the 'Görparnir' at 20:00, and is holding a splash competition for the biggest splash at 19:30 and again at 20:30. The one and only Eva Ruza will be on hand to host a swimming pool bingo for the whole family. Prizes for all ages and fitness levels will be on offer. The Hafnarfjörður Swimming Club's parents' council will be running a refreshment stall in the pool's foyer.

Museum Night in Hafnarfjörður

Hafnarfjörður, Hafnarfjörður Museum and Library, Friday 2 February from 18:00 to 22:00.

The Hafnarfjörður Folk Museum, the Hafnarfjörður Library and Hafnarborg will be offering a fun and varied programme on Museum Night on Friday evening, 2nd February, when many museums across the capital region open their doors.

Hafnarfjörður Library

At Hafnarfjörður Library, the programme starts at 6 p.m. when Mæja the Little Strawberry from the Fruit Basket arrives and will be holding a children's concert. There will also be a Magic Symbol Workshop with Otilia Martin, a presentation on the library's work, an audio story, the DJ corner will be open, and guests will be offered the chance to try out various library equipment such as a vinyl press and a badge-making machine.

Hafnarfjörður Museum of Local History

At the Hafnarfjörður Museum of Local History, there will be a treasure hunt around the Packhouse, the Sívertsen House and Beggubúð. Annríki will exhibit the bathhouse works at the Sívertsen House, and folklorist Dagrún Ósk Jónsdóttir will give the lecture „The Moon and the Darkness in Icelandic Folklore“. Finally, the Klassík art group will perform Icelandic and foreign music.

Port city

At Hafnarborg, the house manager will guide visitors through the current exhibitions. The Halli Guðmunds Trio will perform at the 6 p.m. evening concert, and visitors can focus on grounding and inner calm by taking part in Nidra meditation at 7:30 p.m.

Emphasis on unconventional, colourful and lively events

On Museum Night, numerous and diverse museums in the capital region focus on offering unconventional, colourful and lively events, providing visitors with a new perspective on the museums. Residents and visitors of all ages can enjoy the Museum Night until late at no cost.  The Winter Lights Trail will play a key role this weekend, a walking route from Hallgrímskirkja down Skólavörðustíg and on to Austurvöllur, marked by light art installations. These light installations will illuminate the city centre from 18:30 to 22:30 every day of the Winter Festival. Visitors can therefore enjoy the experience outdoors with their loved ones at their own pace. Hafnarfjörður residents and friends of the town are encouraged to take the opportunity this weekend to experience the splendour of the lights in Hellisgerði. After the Winter Festival has ended, the Christmas lights will be taken down as the days get longer.

Have a great time and a happy Winter Festival at home in Hafnarfjörður and across the entire capital region!