Hafnarfjordur

Hafnarfjordur is one of Iceland's most important economic centres situated about ten kilometers south of the capital. It is the third largest town in Iceland in terms of population with about 18000 inhabitants.

Known as "The Town in the Lava," Hafnarfjörður has been a trading port longer than any other place in Iceland. In fact, the excellent natural harbour here gives the town its name, meaning "harbour fjord." Iceland's first trawler was based here nearly a century ago, and the thriving and expanding, full-service harbour remains important to town vigour, with about 1 million tonnes of goods being handled annually. Tourism activities, such as whale-watching and sea-angling voyages aboard the Húni II, are also harbour-based. And Iceland's only Viking restaurant, Fjörukráin, is located on the waterfront.

Convenient to both Keflavík International Airport and Reykjavík, Hafnarfjörður, is uniquely situated on lava flows which are also setting for town parks and recreational areas, which include campground, golf course, hiking paths, swimming pools and nature preserves. Part of the charm of this town, is its abiding respect for "Hidden People," the seldom-seen residents of the "Hidden World" who also live in the lava. In fact, local quirks in street and building patterns have resulted when mishaps indicated that unseen neighbours were annoyed. An actual map is available of the Hidden World from the Hafnarfjörður Tourist Information Centre.

Fishing, maritime industry and related services remain important in Hafnarfjörður, which over the centuries has undergone strong influence from English, German and Danish merchants. Today, Hafnarfjörður has a number of sister communities around the world. Co-operation with these and other ventures, both domestic and abroad has been made a municipal priority, as has fostering environmentally aware tourism potential. Seabird cliffs and hot springs at Krísuvík, the lakes of Ástjörn and Hvaleyrarvatn and horseback riding areas are among special outdoor attractions. 

Hafnarfjördur home