Iceland review - 2007, Blaðsíða 91

Pure energy 89
Many visitors’ only encounter with Hafnarfjördur is from the Fly Bus
between the airport and Reykjavík. But this picturesque town has plenty to
offer tourists: nature, art, culture, sports, Viking folklore and of course the
huldufólk – the elves and trolls roaming about in the nooks and crannies of
the surrounding lava fields. Life here centers around the harbor and spreads
out to the surrounding countryside.
vikings and elves
For those who like to raise a sword while swilling beer from a ram’s horn, head
to Fjörukráin where the staff are decked out in Viking garb and traditional
Viking food is served. If you are on your best behavior, perhaps you too might
be able to invade and pillage like the Vikings of old.
It’s not every day that you can go on a walk in search of elves and
trolls. Hafnarfjördur boasts Iceland’s largest population of “hidden people”,
according to town folklore. Where do all these hidden people live? Local
clairvoyant Erla Stefánsdóttir has produced a map to take along on a walking
tour. Don’t expect to spot any of the 20 different types of dwarves, four types
of gnomes and the countless elves along the walk, though. Stefánsdóttir
says that the hidden people can only been seen by those with second sight.
outdoor adventure
It’s been said that you’ve never really experienced Iceland unless you’ve seen
the country on horseback. For those looking for adventure, head to Íshestar,
Iceland’s largest horse-riding center.
Have you ever golfed at night? For that matter, have you ever walked
a golf course that runs through the middle of a lava field? (It gives new
meaning to the term “out of bounds”.) At Keilir Golf Club, the front nine winds
through lava and the back nine along the ocean.
While Hafnarfjördur is laid back and stress-free, it’s still important to
get away from the town and into the vast wilderness that is Iceland. Less
than 30 minutes from Hafnarfjördur is the Krýsuvík area, where you can see
the forces of nature at work. There are bubbling hot springs, colorful rock
formations and ancient farmsteads.
art and culture
Hafnarfjördur has a population of roughly 23,000, yet it is a hotbed of culture
and art. At the centre of the town’s cultural life is Hafnarborg – the Institute of
Culture and Fine Arts – an artistic venue on par with any found in Reykjavík.
Hafnarfjördur Museum also has an exhibition center, featuring displays on
the British occupation during the Second World War, a toy exhibition, and
the history of the town. Entry to all museums and galleries in Hafnarfjördur
is free.
Art in Hafnarfjördur is not confined to galleries: 20 sculptures are on
display at the Vídistadatún sculpture park, and various other works grace
public spaces in the town.
Festivals
Bright Days is an annual arts festival held for ten days in the beginning of
June, hosting a wide range of musical, cultural and artistic events to suit all
tastes. Also on the festival front are the unforgettable Viking Festival (in
June too), Midsummer Night, celebrated in Hellisgerdi park with live music,
performances and other festivities. In winter, Hafnarfjördur is home to the
annual Christmas market, fashioned after the well-loved German model.
The market became an instant hit from its inception, and has become an
inexorable part of the pre-Christmas season for many residents of the
greater Reykjavík area.
and last but not least …
For a bird’s eye view of Hafnarfjördur, walk up to Hamarinn (the cliff), a
small hilltop rising above the center of town. This is a favorite spot of many
because atop it you can see almost into forever. It’s the perfect panorama of
Hafnarfjördur, the town by the harbor.
Tourist Information at the Service Center in the Town Hall,
Strandgata 6, 220 Hafnarfjördur. Opening hours: Mon to Fri 8:00-17:00
June, July, August also open on weekends 10:00-15:00
Tel. +354.585.5500 / info@hafnarfjordur.is / hafnarfjordur.is
liFe in the lava
the town of hafnarfjördur