Private Hafnarfjordur Walking Tour – History, Culture & Hidden Elves

Begin in the town square, and learn about Hafnarfjörður’s seafaring history.

Viking music and immersive historical surroundings that leave no one untouched. The operation is thriving, with high hotel occupancy, reflecting the unique character of both the village and Fjörukráin. Every detail has been crafted with care, making the place an experience at every step. The hotel is expanding and is set to become a four-star hotel in the near future.
Hotel Viking and Fjörukráin are located at Víkingastræti 1–3 and are defining landmarks of the town. The service is personal, as this is a family-run business, and Fjörukráin has been operating since May 10, 1990. It is nationally known for its Viking feasts, and in 2024 the Viking Village ranked 7th among the most searched tourist attractions in the capital area, according to data from the Greater Reykjavik Marketing Office.
A short chat with one of the sisters, Birna Rut or Unnur Viðarsdóttir, followed by Viking music to close the visit. The singer knows everything.

A hidden gem in the heart of Hafnarfjörður, located at Suðurgata 9. Run by Anthony Bacigalupo from California and his wife Ýr Kára. Hafnarfjörður thrives as a hub of culture and art—a community that encourages creativity, fun, and individual initiative.
The couple goes all out with both Christmas and Halloween decorations and opens their garden to visitors, collecting voluntary donations for the Mothers’ Support Committee. A short conversation with Anthony Bacigalupo.

The beautifully illuminated heart (one of three) stands at the beginning of Strandgata, next to a historic and charming house. Walk along Strandgata, past the heart—a popular photo spot—towards Hafnarborg.
Festive decorations surround Hafnarborg, including large illuminated swans and angel wings, both popular for photos. Each year, something new is added to the Christmas decorations in the Christmas Town—the wings are one of this year’s new additions.

A look through the window of Hafnarborg, the town’s cultural and art center founded in 1983. Its founders, Sverrir Magnússon, a pharmacist, and his wife Ingibjörg Sigurjónsdóttir, laid the foundation with their donation of artworks and books in 1983. On June 1, 1983—Hafnarfjörður’s 75th anniversary as a town—they gifted the municipality the building at Strandgata 34 along with an extensive art collection.
The house was originally designed by architect Guðjón Samúelsson for pharmacist Sören Kampmann, who lived and ran a pharmacy there from 1921. Sverrir Magnússon took over in 1947 and operated Hafnarfjörður Pharmacy until 1984.
The current ground-floor exhibition is Kahalii by artist Arngunnur Ýr, focusing on her personal experience of settlement in Hawaii—a colorful and beautiful exhibition visible through the window. Upstairs is Landnám by Pétur Thomsen, addressing the Anthropocene and the ongoing sixth mass extinction through new photographic works exploring human impact on Earth.
The building also houses a beautiful hall used for town council meetings. Hafnarborg is open daily except Tuesdays, and admission is free.

The Christmas Village in Hafnarfjörður is a Christmas market open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from mid-November each year. It is full of life and festive energy. The 19 beautifully decorated Christmas houses are now nationally known as a marketplace for gifts, delicacies, crafts, and design. Visitors can also enjoy food on-site and treats to take home.
Brikk bakery occupies one of the houses this weekend. Chef Þórarinn Þórarinsson offers tastings and friendly conversation. Located in house number 7.

Grýla, from Icelandic folklore, warmly welcomes visitors to the Christmas Village on Advent weekends, sometimes accompanied by one of her sons. The Hafnarfjörður Grýla is rather kind and gentle. She meets the storyteller on the bridge in the Christmas Village.

Kjötkompaní is among the businesses acting as hosts, offering exciting tastings and soup. Likely hosted by Jón Örn, the owner. Located in house number 19.

The Heart Ice Rink operates in conjunction with the Christmas Village and follows its opening hours. It has become a tradition for visitors to skate in the heart of Hafnarfjörður throughout Advent, regardless of weather.
After skating, it’s ideal to visit a café or a museum. Hafnarfjörður Library is next to the rink, and across the street is Bæjarbíó, the town’s cultural cinema and performance venue, led by Páll Eyjólfsson. JóliHólm is currently the main stage production during Advent, alongside a wide range of concerts year-round. A short chat with Páll Eyjólfsson.

A look through the window of Beggubúð. The Hafnarfjörður Local Heritage Museum actively participates in the Advent atmosphere and is perfectly located in the Christmas Town. As usual, the windows of Beggubúð—located in the courtyard behind Pakkhúsið—are decorated with Christmas lights and historic objects, offering passersby a cozy sense of nostalgia.
The museum consists of seven buildings with varied exhibitions, from the town’s history to toy exhibitions and rotating themed displays. Admission is free, with something for the whole family.

A true Christmas wonderland emerges in Hellisgerði, the beautiful and historic park in central Hafnarfjörður. A large red Christmas heart greets visitors at the entrance from Reykjavíkurvegur, followed by a magical world of lights and festive charm.
Light strings and illuminated figures delight both eye and spirit. Many people walk through the park as part of their Christmas Town stroll, while families enjoy picnics with hot chocolate and cookies. Children climb lava formations, explore small caves, and skate on the pond at the bottom of the park.
Some visitors go on fairy adventures, searching for elves and hidden folk, as legend says many live here. A short chat with Silja Gunnarsdóttir from alfar.is, who offers guided storytelling walks in Hellisgerði.