The town of Hafnarfjörður is uniquely built on and around lava rocks that flowed from Mt. Búrfell approximately 7,300 years ago. As the lava reached the sea, it created fascinating and picturesque formations, with the town’s residents constructing their homes amidst these dramatic rock structures. Home to Iceland’s third-largest community, Hafnarfjörður is Iceland’s third-largest community resides here which has a population of just over 33.000 people and is also reputed to be the dwelling place of elves, believed to inhabit various locations in and around the town.

Hafnarfjörður’s harbour is a bustling fishing port with two quays that accommodate cruise ships. The harbour is well sheltered and boasts a wide, clear entrance with depths up to 10 meters.

Enjoy the cozy hangouts and the family-run restaurants that serve various tasty dishes. Take a stroll along the beautiful harbour. For history enthusiasts, visit the Hafnarfjörður Museum for a journey through the town’s rich heritage, and enjoy contemporary art at Hafnarborg Art Museum. See the fascinating view at Hamarinn cliff. Have a round of golf at Keilir golf course, surrounded by lava and views of Snæfellsjökull glacier. Take the children to Víðistaðatún playground and spot elves in Hellisgerði Lava Garden. Finally, have a soak in one of the three fantastic thermal pools to choose from.

As the lava flowed into the sea, it formed strange and picturesque shapes, and the people of the downtown’s people have placed their homes among these dramatic rock formations.

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 close to the town centre.
Hellisgerði is an enchanting and enchanted garden tucked away on a quiet street near the town center.
With intriguing lava formations blanketed in moss, it's easy to imagine where the elves make their homes.
The first plantings were in 1924 and since then, several unusual tree types have also been planted in the garden.
The garden is named for small caves seen in the torturous lava in the central part of the garden.
You could try to spot one of the hidden people at Hellisgerði Park or take a guided Hidden World Walk.

Víðistaðatún
From Hellisgerði it’s an easy stroll to Víðistaðatún Park.
Víðistaðatún sculpture park is one of Hafnarfjörður‘s green recreational areas.
It 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.

Mt.
Helgafell
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 called the town's mountain.
Within easy reach of the town is the ‘sacred mount’ of Helgafell – a 340 m peak that is easily climbed via the northeast ridge.

Krýsuvík Geothermal Area
Not too far from the center 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-colored hills.
Krýsuvík is an area of geothermal activity and outstanding natural beauty, and there are spectacular bird cliffs just south of here at Krýsuvíkurbjerg.

Horse rental
The popular horse rental Íshestar is also located in Hafnarfjörður.
A trip on horseback in Icelandic surroundings is an unforgettable experience.

The Cultural Scene
Hafnarfjörður is known for its creative arts and cultural scene.
If what you seek is interesting museums and history, charming art galleries, old fascinating architecture or a great variety of festivals and events, Hafnarfjörður has what you’re looking for.
You can find many interesting museums in the town’s centre.
There you can spend your day gathering information about the history of Hafnarfjörður at The Hafnarfjörður Museum, visiting the centre of the cultural activities in Hafnarborg museum, see a theatre show in The Gabler’s Theather or even see a concert in the popular local concert venue, Bæjarbíó.