Hafnarfjörður is a beautiful town, a natural wonder. The town is built in a horseshoe shape at the foot of the fjord, on the edge of the active volcanic belt that runs through the Reykjanes Peninsula. The landscape is varied, but the lava fields are one of the town's defining features. Many interesting places can be found and discovered. maze of the town.
Aluminium ring
Here you can find a fun walking trail of elf paths in Hafnarfjörður, compiled by Silja Gunnarsdóttir, owner of alfar.is. The route runs from Strandstígur to Hafnarfjörður Church, up to the Hill via the Flensborg Steps, and from there down Öldugata and behind the Learning Centre by the Stream. From there, you walk…
It is ideal to walk up Ásfjall, where there is a good view over Hafnarfjörður and the neighbouring towns.
Love star
Ástjörn is a crescent-shaped lough that was formed in a gorge on the western side of Ásfjall when the Hellnahraun lava flow erupted around 2,000 years ago and blocked its outlet to the sea. It is possible to walk around the lough.
Dwarf stone
On the lawn between Hafnarfjörður Church and the Strandberg parish hall, on the Suðurgata side, is a stone called Dvergasteinn. When the church was built in 1914, it was left standing undisturbed so as not to disturb the protective powers of the stone.
The old corrugated iron building
Hafnarfjörður boasts the largest continuous settlement of corrugated iron-clad timber houses in the country. Much of the town's original layout remains, where houses were built on suitable sites in the lava field, with the streets laid out later.
The steam boiler from Coot
The trawler Coot from Aberdeen was purchased for Hafnarfjörður in 1905 and was the first trawler owned by Icelanders. Coot's fishing career ended abruptly when it ran aground on Keilisnes in the Reykjanes Peninsula in 1908.
Hammerknives
Hamarskotslækur, often simply called the Stream, flows below Kinnard Valley, through Hörðuvelli and alongside the Hamar. It is an ideal place to feed the ducks, and the stream is characterised by its unique wildlife and pleasant walking trails.
Saint Barbara
A statue of Saint Barbara was found in a stone cairn in Kapelluhraun. On a low lava hill opposite the aluminium smelter at Straumsvík, there is a barely noticeable cairn. These are the remains of a medieval Catholic chapel and have been designated as ancient monuments.
Helgafell
Helgafell is a 340-metre-high basalt mountain a short distance from Kaldársel, south-east of Hafnarfjörður. The mountain is a popular hiking route and a relatively easy climb from the north-east, although it is otherwise rocky and steep.
Hellisgerði
Hellisgerði is a public park, entirely covered in lava. It's the perfect place to take a blanket and a picnic when the weather is nice, and let children explore and enjoy themselves in this beautiful environment. During Advent, the park is dressed up for the festive season…
Hvaleyrarvatn
Hvaleyrarvatn and its surroundings are one of the most beautiful places in the capital region. There are many walking trails in the area, and everyone is free to fish in the lake.
Whale Bay
Hvaleyri is a spit of land south of Hafnarfjörður, ideal for a trip to the coast. The name comes from when Hrafna-Flóki and his companions found a baleen whale on the spit. There is now a golf course there, but traces of ancient settlement can still be seen in the area. Hvaleyri…
The Monastery
At the Carmelite Monastery on the Old Town Quay, there are Polish nuns. In the monastery's chapel, there are daily Masses, and during Advent, there is a nativity scene which everyone is welcome to see. The monastery garden is a lovely garden that the nuns have more or less created themselves.
Kleifarvatn
Kleifarvatn is the largest lake on the Reykjanes Peninsula, situated between Sveifluháls and Vatnshlíð. It is the third-largest lake in South Iceland (10 km²) and one of the country's deepest (97 m). The lake is very beautiful and a popular tourist destination, and ideal for…
Krysuvík
Krysuvík is one of Iceland's most beautiful natural gems, and the diverse palette of colours in the Seltún geothermal area has captivated many artists. The magnificent landscape is ideal for outdoor activities and nature watching.
Promenade
It's lovely to walk along the harbour, where you can experience the town's history on foot or by bike. It's also ideal to go on a coastal walk at Hlein Nature Reserve, or to go fishing at Flensburg Harbour or the North Quay. It can test your patience, but it's…
Stream
The River Straumur probably takes its name from the sea currents at Straumshólmar or from the underground river that flows there to the sea from Kaldárbotnar. There is a beautiful walking trail through the area.
Going out to eat
Hafnarfjörður is known for its diverse range of friendly restaurants and cosy cafés.
Widstadatun
Viðistadatún is a beautiful public park surrounded by lava fields, near Viðistada Church and the Hraunbúar Scout Centre. In the area, everyone should be able to find something to do to suit them.
