Hafnarfjörður is a beautiful, vibrant town in southwestern Iceland and provides cruise passengers with an alternative take on the nation’s capital. Just ten minute drive from the bright lights of Reykjavík – visitors to Hafnarfjörður are likely to experience the best of both towns. Hafnarfjörður itself features beautiful old houses, a bustling harbour, galleries, theatres, shopping mall, as well as the Viking village, where visitors are whisked away to meet Thor, the god of thunder. Set in a lava field, the town is surrounded by a strange lunar landscape that is reputedly home to elves and other hidden people. A riding tour into the lava landscape is an experience of its own. Hafnarfjörður is home to a lava golf course, pleasant walking routes, a highly active geothermal area and some spectacular cliffs teeming with bird life. The famous Blue Lagoon is only 20 minutes away. The Golden Circle begins at Hafnarfjörður.
Top attractions include:
- The Golden Circle – A full day of beautiful scenery featuring Thingvellir, the ancient Parliament of Iceland, Laugarvatn with warm water bustling out of the ground, the world famous Geysir, Gullfoss, the golden waterfall and Hveragerdi where inhabitants are living on top of a hot tub.
- The Blue Lagoon and the Geothermel area at Krysuvik – Enjoy the spectacular colors, smell and beauty of the geothermal area at Kysuvik, a 15 minute bus ride from city centre http://www.hafnarfjordur.is/english/. At the journeys end, take a bath in the famous Blue Lagoon. http://www.bluelagoon.com/
- Harbour and the city – Beautiful old houses, a bustling harbour, galleries, theatres, monuments, outdoor art and culture.
- Viking village – A hotel and restaurant complex with handicrafts, exhibitions and shows, including their famous ‘Viking kidnappings’, where visitors are whisked away to meet Thor, the god of thunder.
- Horseback riding – Ishestar offers an adventure on the famous Icelandic Horse. http://ishestar.is/index.asp?lang=UK&clear=yes
- Elves, the hidden world – Hafnarfjörður is famous for having one of Iceland’s largest settlements of elves, dwarves and other mystical beings.
- Golf in the lava. www.keilir.is – 18 hole premium golf course in the lava field and the Hvaleyri cape. Play golf in the Midnight Sun.
- Galleries – Gallery Hafnarborg is famous for art and music.
- Outdoor art park – A variety of sculptures are located at Vidistadatun and at the Marina.
- Theatre – Theater Hafnarfjörður boosts a variety of interesting plays.
- Art festival – Hafnarfjörður boasts a months art and pleasure festival in June each year.
- Hellisgerdi – Park – Hellisgerdi, Hafnarfjörður’s Nature Park.
- Bonsai garden – The world’s northernmost bonsai garden is located in Hellisgerdi, Hafnarfjörður’s Nature Park.
- Walking routes – Pleasant walking paths in the city and into the outskirt.
Hafnarfjörður tourist website is: http://www.hafnarfjordur.is/english
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