You’re in elf country! Nestled in a fantastic lava field just outside of Reykjavik, the colorful harbor town of Hafnarfjordur offers both traditional and offbeat experiences.
Icelanders consider Hafnarfjordur the country’s unofficial elf capital. Folktales tell of “Hidden people,” elves and trolls who roam and live in the town’s lava formations. When visiting, we recommend that you pick up a map at the local tourist office and discover the locations where these mysterious beings might live.
Hafnarfjordur has also become the ‘Viking Center’ of Iceland. It is home to the nation’s only Viking restaurant, which hosts a Viking Village and Festival during two spirited weekends in June.
The Viking Festival
Hafnarfjordur turns into a Viking town during the annual Viking Festival. Local and foreign artists join this festival to celebrate our dear ancestors. You can discover all kinds of aspects from the Viking-era: ships. cuisine. handicrafts and even battle demonstrations. The Viking Festival one of the town’s biggest highlights of the year, therefore one not to be missed if you’re around at the time!
What to do in Hafnarfjordur
In the downtown area, you’ll find the lovely Hellisgerdi public park with volcanic boulders, small caves and the world’s northernmost bonsai garden .
The elegant Hafnarborg Arts Center on the waterfront is a local treasure, offering a full program of art shows and musical events. The Hafnarfjordur Museum offers a walk through the town’s history as a thriving fishing port.
The seaside suburb is also home to good restaurants, whale watching tours and horseback riding in the Burfell lava fields.
