Hafnarfjörður - July 2025
Just 10 minutes south of Reykjavík lies Hafnarfjörður, a harbour town known for its Viking heritage, lava landscapes and cosy charm. With its vibrant art scene, family-friendly festivals and quirky links to Icelandic folklore, Hafnarfjörður offers a unique blend of history, culture and nature. Visitors can explore elf parks, dine at a Viking feast, or simply enjoy a coffee among colourful old houses. Whether you're travelling with family or seeking authentic Icelandic character, Hafnarfjörður provides a welcoming, walkable escape rich in stories and surprises.
Top attractions
Viking Roots
Hafnarfjörður proudly embraces its Viking roots, perhaps more than any other town in Iceland. At the heart of this connection is Fjörukráin – The Viking Village, a themed hotel and restaurant that offers immersive dining experiences with mead, music and costumed servers. The village comes alive each summer during the Viking Festival, where re-enactors from across the world gather to demonstrate traditional crafts, battle techniques and old Norse rituals. With its storytelling flair and warm hospitality, Hafnarfjörður makes Viking culture fun and accessible.
Festive Fun
One of Hafnarfjörður’s most enchanting places is Hellisgerði, a pretty garden with winding paths, moss-covered lava rocks and bubbling springs. Locals believe the park is home to huldufólk (hidden people), Iceland’s elusive elves and supernatural spirits. Hellisgerði becomes especially magical during the Christmas season, when lights and decorations transform the area into a fairytale setting. In keeping with the festive mood, a Christmas market takes place in Hafnarfjörður's town centre. Children can meet the Icelandic Yule Lads, and families gather for music, hot chocolate and holiday crafts.
Cosy and Colourful
Hafnarfjörður’s historic town centre is a delight to explore, with narrow streets, colourful corrugated-iron houses, independent cafés, and artisan shops. The harbour area is especially inviting, with sailboats bobbing in the marina and restaurants serving local seafood and pastries. Public art and sculptures are scattered throughout town, often tied to stories from Norse mythology or Icelandic folklore. The town’s relaxed pace, walkability, and strong community spirit make it ideal for older travellers, families, and anyone looking to experience small-town Iceland with easy access to the capital.
Hidden Worlds
Built on ancient lava flows from volcanic eruptions, Hafnarfjörður has earned the nickname ‘The Lava Town’. The dark, rugged terrain weaves through neighbourhoods and parks, offering a contrast to the town’s colourful buildings. Local legends tell of elves and hidden people living in these lava fields, and this unique blend of natural geology and folklore gives Hafnarfjörður a mystical charm. Whether you're hiking through lava formations or joining a guided elf walk, you'll experience a side of Iceland where myth and landscape are deeply intertwined.
How to get to Seltjarnarnes
By Bus
To get to Seltjarnarnes and Grótta by bus, you can take bus number 11, which runs between Mjódd bus stop and Seltjarnarnes. The Hofgarður bus stop is closest to Grótta, which is 1 km away from the bus stop.
By Electric Scooter
Electric scooters are available at Seltjarnarnes.
By Car
There are parking lots in the area, for example, at Grótta.