Helliskaffi settles in at Hellisgerði

Helliskaffi opens this summer  

The Municipality of Hafnarfjörður and Helliskaffi have entered into an agreement regarding the use of the property at Reykjavikurvegur 15b, specifically Oddrúnarbær in Hellisgerði. Helliskaffi will have use of Oddrúnarbær, two greenhouses on the site, and the area in front of the stage and buildings for the next four years.  

The aim is to create a vibrant gathering place for visitors of all ages, with a special focus on a child-friendly experience, small events, music and gatherings throughout the year. Helliskaffi is set to open in early June.  

A dream come true

Helliskaffi is run by chef Knútur Hreiðarsson and his wife, Theódóra Ingibergsdóttir. It has long been their dream to create a cosy meeting place for all age groups in Hellisgerði.  

Knútur grew up himself just a stone's throw from the pleasure garden and already has a good experience of the social life in the garden and a good feel for the opportunities. He was on duty at Hellisgerði last Christmas, welcoming thousands of guests with delicious food and a warm atmosphere.   

„We look forward to opening Helliskaffi in the historic Oddrúnarbær building in the heart of Hellisgerði in the summer of 2026. The idea is to create a cosy and family-friendly café with Icelandic and Danish influences, where the emphasis will be on good coffee and cake, high-quality ingredients and a warm atmosphere.“ says Knútur.  

„We want not only to make use of the café itself, but also to breathe new life into Hellisgerði as a whole, creating an experience that naturally complements the park, its history, and the mystique of the area.“  

Theódóra Ingibergsdóttir and chef Knútur Hreiðarsson run Helliskaffi.

Pleasure garden and open space

A strong emphasis is placed on the operation aligning with the town's strategy to increase its appeal for visitors and passers-by, and on taking into account that Hellisgerði is a pleasure garden and an open outdoor recreational area. At the same time, Hellisgerði is a conservation area, and the provisions of the planning regulations on protection apply there.  

„The enthusiasm for the project and the love for the garden are tangible.“ says Valdimar Víðisson, the mayor. „I know that the couple will do a good job and create a warm and pleasant gathering place for all of us here in Hellisgerði, in harmony with the environment and all the people who live here – including the elves.“  

The management of Hellisgerði will continue to be in the hands of the Head Gardener of Hafnarfjörður Municipality. Oddrúnarbær is 20.2 square metres in size, a house built in 1905, and is divided into a porch, a front room, two lavatories, a back room and a cellar.  

 Caption: The Culture and Tourism Committee of Hafnarfjörður Municipality at the signing of the agreement for Helliskaffi in Hellisgerði..