Hafnarfjordur, one of Iceland’s most charming coastal towns, is often referred to as the “Town in the Lava.” Built on ancient lava fields, surrounded by ocean views, and filled with Viking culture, folklore, nature trails, and a vibrant harbor community, Hafnarfjordur is a destination that blends modern living with Iceland’s timeless magic. Located just 10 minutes from Reykjavik, the town is perfectly positioned for travellers who want peaceful surroundings while staying close to major attractions.
Known for its lava formations, elf folklore, bustling festivals, and outdoor adventure opportunities, Hafnarfjordur is a highlight for anyone exploring southwest Iceland. Whether you’re here for a vacation, a self-drive road trip, a family holiday, or a cultural escape, the town offers beauty, comfort, and unforgettable Icelandic experiences..
Read More
Hafnarfjordur is Iceland’s third-largest town and sits between rugged volcanic landscapes and the Atlantic coastline. Its unique geography is shaped by the Ögmundarhraun lava field, creating natural parks, cliffs, and formations that make walking through the town feel like a journey through geological history. The town is also home to a strong Viking tradition—celebrated through events, restaurants, and themed shops.
The town has a welcoming atmosphere, with cafés, restaurants, a scenic marina, walking trails, and a variety of local craft stores. Despite being close to Reykjavik , Hafnarfjordur maintains its identity through cultural heritage, community spirit, and natural beauty.
Hafnarfjordur is built directly on lava, and you can easily explore trails that wind through moss-covered lava formations, craggy cliffs, and natural pathways formed thousands of years ago. Hellisgerði Park is one of the most famous lava gardens and is believed by locals to be home to hidden elves.
The town’s harbor area is a scenic place for an evening walk, a morning coffee, or a seafood lunch. Fishing boats, sailing vessels, and colourful houses line the waterfront, creating a peaceful coastal atmosphere.
Hafnarfjordur is known for its Viking heritage, and every year it hosts the famous Viking Festival—an immersive event with markets, costumes, reenactments, food, workshops, and battles. Even outside festival season, Viking-themed restaurants and shops give visitors a cultural experience.
The town has excellent geothermal pools where locals relax year-round. Sudurbaejarlaug is a popular swimming complex with hot tubs, steam rooms, saunas, and heated pools. It’s a perfect place to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
Hafnarfjordur is one of Iceland’s most famous spots for elf legends. Guided tours take visitors through parks and lava formations believed to be homes of the hidden people (huldufólk). These tours offer a fascinating look at Icelandic folklore and mythology.
The Hafnarfjordur Museum showcases the town’s history, fishing heritage, and cultural traditions. Other local galleries and community centres host events, art shows, and live performances throughout the year.
Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall are all easily accessible from Hafnarfjordur, making it a convenient base for the famous Golden Circle route.
Hafnarfjordur sits at the gateway to the Reykjanes Peninsula, known for geothermal landscapes, craters, cliffs, hot springs, and the Blue Lagoon.
Just a short drive away, Iceland’s capital offers museums, nightlife, restaurants, art, and cultural attractions.
Waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss , Skogafoss , black-sand beaches such as Reynisfjara, and glaciers are doable on a full-day tour from Hafnarfjordur.
The town offers a variety of accommodation options, from boutique hotels and guesthouses to budget stays and luxury apartments. Many offer sea views, mountain scenery, or proximity to lava fields.
The town’s restaurants offer fresh seafood, local Icelandic dishes, bakeries, coffee houses, and international cuisine. Harbor-side dining is especially popular with travellers looking to enjoy scenic views while eating.
Hafnarfjordur is ideal for travellers who want a balance of relaxation, culture, and nature. It provides beautiful landscapes, rich history, gentle adventure activities, and easy access to Iceland’s top travel routes—all while offering a peaceful environment away from the busier areas of Reykjavik.
Read Less
Hafnarfjordur is known for its Viking culture, lava fields, folklore, and coastal beauty. It’s also popular for festivals and lava-park walking trails.
Yes, it’s only 10 minutes away by car, making it convenient for sightseeing and day tours.
Yes, the town has boutique hotels, apartments, guesthouses, and budget stays suitable for all types of travellers.
Yes, during winter months the town offers good visibility, especially in darker areas near the lava fields.
Absolutely. It offers parks, pools, nature walks, cultural events, and safe neighbourhoods perfect for family vacations.
Whether you're drawn by Viking culture, lava landscapes, coastal beauty, or Icelandic folklore, Hafnarfjordur delivers an unforgettable travel experience. Its peaceful surroundings, rich heritage, scenic views, and strategic location make it a perfect destination for holidays, family trips, self-drive tours, or romantic getaways. For travellers seeking authentic Iceland charm with easy access to major attractions, Hafnarfjordur is one of the country’s most rewarding places to explore.
See what makes our ICELAND trips special with testimonies from our lovely customers.
A truly amazing experience! With Iceland Packages, I reserved an Iceland trip package for my honeymoon, and it well above all my expectations. Everything about the experience was beautiful, from the breath-taking scenery to the flawless setups. Strongly advise anyone organizing a romantic gateway to use their services.
A Memorable Iceland Journey! I had the most amazing holiday ever with my family. All the must-see locations and activities were included in the thoughtfully designed tour package. The local guides were immensely informative, and the accommodations were excellent. I'm eager to make another reservation with them.
A Fantastic Trip to Iceland! I am so grateful to Iceland Packages for planning the ideal trip for me. Everything was handled perfectly from the time I landed until I left. I was able to take my time discovering Iceland's hidden treasures because I could alter my schedule to suit my needs. Absolutely once in a lifetime!".
Easy Reservations and Top-Notch Support! It was really easy to book my flights and vacation package to Iceland. Their customer service team was really helpful throughout the entire process. The trip itself was excellent; every aspect had been carefully thought out. Strongly advised for hassle-free trip preparation!.
The best deals straight to your inbox
