Hafnarfjörður

Hafnarfjörður sits just south of Reykjavík, built among 7,000-year-old lava fields that give the town its unusual, rugged character. It’s one of Iceland’s oldest trading ports and, according to local lore, home to a large community of elves and hidden folk living in the rocks.

The lava-park at Hellisgerði, the Fjörukráin Viking village and the Hafnarborg art centre anchor the town, and its summer Viking Festival draws visitors from across the country. The harbour is a good spot for seafood and whale-watching departures.