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Town and municipality in Iceland
Photo: Ypsilon from Finland, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Hafnarfjörður (literally, harbour fjord) is a town in Southwest Iceland with a population of 30,000. The town was built atop lava fields that erupted 12,000 years ago. Hafnarfjörður was first settled in the late 14th century, a long history as a town by Icelandic standards, although today it is considered a suburb of Reykjavík. Hafnarfjörður is the westernmost town in the contiguous urban area of the capital.
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An art gallery and venue run by the town.
Byggðasafn Hafnarfjarðar
A collection of old houses in the centre of town, some of them have simply been renovated and demonstrate their original use, others contain different exhibitions relating to the history of Hafnarfjörður.
The oldest church in town. It was consecrated in 1914.
Saint Joseph's Church
Founded in 1926, it is one of the few Roman Catholic churches located in Iceland.
Carmelite Convent
the only Catholic monastery located in Iceland.
a Protestant church built in 1913.
A small public park with lava rocks. Some people believe that elves and trolls live there.
A park well-known for its sculptures created by artists from Iceland and elsewhere.
The Old Lighthouse
A lighthouse built around 1900, sometimes considered a symbol of Hafnarfjörður itself.
Bright Days
An arts and culture festival held annually for a weekend around the beginning of June to coincide with the national celebrations of the Seamen's Day (the first Monday in June).
Víkingahátíð
Every summer Hafnarfjörður is host to a Viking festival, where people dress up in viking costumes, fight with viking weapons, etc. There is a market with craftsmen selling their viking-like wares.
Sjómannadagurinn
‘Sjómannadagurinn’ means Seaman’s Day. The day is a public holiday in Iceland and a celebration of the fishing industry.
The main swimming pool in Hafnarfjörður, just outside the centre of town. Includes an outdoor pool, several hot pots, a steam bath and a water slide.
The newest pool in Hafnarfjörður, part of a larger sports complex on the way out of town towards Keflavík.
The old, indoors swimming pool - not a typical tourist pool. Today it is frequently closed, so it may be best to call first if you're planning a visit.
FH
Founded in 1939, FH play soccer in Besta deild karla, the top tier. Their home ground Kaplakriki has a capacity of 6500. The playing season is April-Sept.
Restaurant in downtown Hafnarfjörður with seafood, pizza, and meat.
Restaurant with traditional Icelandic food, meat, and fish.
Café.
Coffee shop stocked with many books.
By plane
By bus
Strætó operates buses from North, West and South Iceland, stretching from Egilsstaðir in the east to Höfn in the south-east. The main terminal for Hafnarfjörður is Fjörður.
By car
Hafnarfjörður can be reached from Keflavík Airport by following road 41. It is about a 35-minute drive.
By boat
Several cruise liners stop in Hafnarfjörður each summer, arriving close to the city centre.
The centre of Hafnarfjörður isn't too big and it is easy to walk between the local attractions. Bus routes are available, with route 1 connecting the town with other towns in the capital area.
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Reykjavík · Regional · RKV
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