Hvaleyrarvatn-lake-in-Hafnarfjordur-city-area-reykjavik

Nature attractions and walks

Hafnarfjörður is surrounded by beautiful nature, and outdoorsy types will enjoy hiking in the surroundings. Just beyond the quiet buzz of Hafnarfjörður's charming streets lie dozens of spectacular nature areas. Within the environs of Hafnarfjörður, walkers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts can explore the coastline, volcanoes, lava fields, and more. Furthermore, there are also variety of beautiful natural destinations, not far from the town’s center, which you can spend part of the day exploring. Everyone can enjoy the natural sites Hafnarfjörður has to offer.

Enjoy nature
Hellisgerði
Hellisgerði

You might be surprised to learn that in addition to its 30,000 human residents, Hafnarfjörður is also home to many elves, dwarfs and other mystical beings, collectively called ‘Hidden Folk’. Local folklore has it that you can visit these supernatural beings in Hellisgerði an enchanting park located close to the town centre.

Krýsuvík Geothermal Area
Aerial photo of Krýsuvík geothermal area

Not too far from the centre of Hafnarfjörður rest the remarkable solfatara fields of Krýsuvík, where you’ll discover an expanse of steaming volcanic vents and boiling hot springs, framed dramatically by a range of multi-coloured hills.

Víðistaðatún
People walking on Víðistaðatún

Víðistaðatún sculpture park is one of Hafnarfjörður‘s green recreational areas which features a collection of outdoor sculptures by local and international artists. The park also has a six-hole disc golf course, football field, tennis courts, children's playground and barbeque facilities.

Hamarinn
Hamarinn cliff on a sunny day

This cliff is just a few minutes' walk from the town center. Hamarinn is a protected nature site and a sightseeing point offering expansive views of the town and the surrounding natural area. Here you can take your perfect photo of Hafnarfjörður to take back home with you.

Hvaleyrarvatn
People sitting by Hvaleyrarvatn lake

A picturesque lake surrounded by forest and greenery. There are lots of trails to explore and handy barbecue facilities around. The perfect spot for a picnic in a good company.

Mt. Helgafell
Grindarskarð

Formed in the late Ice Age when a volcano erupted under a glacier, today Helgafell Mountain anchors Hafnarfjörður. Rising low in the distance beyond the town, this dense sandstone and lava mound is often referred to as the town's mountain.

 

Leiðarendi lava cave
Inside Leiðarendi lava cave

Leiðarendi is a lava tube located in a lava field close to Bláfjöll, the Blue Mountains, in southwest Iceland. These beautiful and natural wonders are created by flowing lava under the earth after a volcanic eruption. Journeys in its depths reveal a wealth of knowledge about Icelandic history, geology and folklore.

 

Bird life in Hafnarfjörður
A duck

With its sea cliffs, tranquil wind-protected lakes, and treeless mudflats, Hafnarfjörður attracts an abundance of birdlife. For many years, the town has been an immensely popular location for bird watching

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Aurora basecamp
Aurora Basecamp
Aurora Basecamp is a beautiful facility designed to give you a good Northern Lights Experience. There are three domes on site. Two of them are lounges and one contains a small educational exhibition.

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