Hafnarfjörður, Iceland
Hafnarfjörður is a scenic city in Iceland known for its lava fields, Viking history, and picturesque harbor. Visitors can explore the town's folklore museum, hike through lava caves, or take a whale watching tour from the harbor.
Trip to Hafnarfjörður, Iceland
Day 1: Arrival & Exploration
Welcome to Hafnarfjörður! After arrival, you could take a little time to relax, explore the town and its surroundings. Hafnarfjörður is known for its quirky vibes, so why not check out the Viking Village, located in the town centre. The Viking Village is an authentic Viking age set, which depicts the daily life of Vikings in Iceland. For the history buffs, you can visit the Hafnarfjörður Museum, which describes the history of the fishing town, which has changed from a small village to Iceland’s third-largest municipality. You may also walk through the Hafnarfjörður harbour and admire the boats, trawlers and fishing vessels in the water.
Day 2: Hike on Mount Keilir
Mount Keilir is the signature mountain of Hafnarfjörður, and it stands prominently in the forefront of the Reykjanes Peninsula, making it a must-visit destination during your trip. Hiking on Mount Keilir is a great way to enjoy the natural scenery, stretching your legs a bit, and taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. The hike begins on the town’s outskirts, with a black gravel road leading towards the mountain, while en route, you will witness a breathtaking view of the town, Atlantic Ocean and surrounding mountains. Reaching the top of the mountain requires a little bit of scrambling, but the view from the top will be worth the effort.
Day 3: Whale & Puffin Watching Tour
Iceland is renowned for its marine life, so what better way to witness it than up close on a whale watching tour. Hafnarfjörður provides various whale watching tours, which depart from the old harbour, and one can spot dolphins, porpoises, puffins, and whales. The tours typically last three to four hours, travelling through the Faxaflói Bay, and can get a bit chilly, so be sure to dress warmly. Before and after the tour, you can have lunch or explore the nearby Alftanes peninsula, where you can visit the Bessastaðir, the official residence of the Icelandic President.
Day 4: Krysuvik Geothermal Area and Blue Lagoon
Enjoy day 4 with a short scenic drive to Krysuvik Geothermal Area, located on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The region is home to several bubbling mud pools, hot springs, and steam vents that provide an incredible contrast to the barren landscape of the Reykjanes peninsula. You can really enjoy the scenery, stretching your legs and take a walk around the geothermal area, which normally lasts about an hour. After soaking in the hot springs, you can head to the Blue Lagoon, which is located just a few miles away. The Blue Lagoon is a popular geothermal spa, known for its naturally warm and strikingly blue waters.
Day 5: Golden Circle and Thingvellir National Park
Today, prepare yourself to explore the stunning vistas of Iceland that have made the island a renowned travel destination worldwide. You will be driving the classic Golden Circle route that includes three popular tourist sites. The first stop is Thingvellir National Park, which is famous for its geological and historical significance, hosting the first-ever parliament in Iceland. Thingvellir National Park is located on the rift between two tectonic plates known as the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. After Thingvellir, you will continue to other popular destinations, Gullfoss waterfall, and the Geysir Geothermal area.
Day 6: Pingvellir National Park and Reykjavik
On day 6, you can have a leisurely day exploring the Icelandic countryside, enjoying the vastness and tranquility of this isolated island. You can head to Thingvellir National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and enjoy the view of the rift between two continental plates. You can also stroll around Europe’s second-largest glacier, the Langjökull Glacier, located near Pingvellir National Park. Later in the afternoon, you can drive to Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital city, located just 20 minutes from Hafnarfjörður. Reykjavik provides you with great restaurants, shopping centres, bars and clubs, where you can experience the Icelandic nightlife.
Day 7: Departure
It’s always sad saying goodbye to a place as gorgeous as Hafnarfjörður, but all great adventures must come to an end. You could use the morning to go souvenir shopping or indulge in some final sightseeing before catching your flight from Keflavik International Airport.
