5 Best Sights in Hafnarfjörður, Reykjanes Peninsula and the South Coast (with the Golden Circle)

Tucked away from the main street in Hafnarfjörður, this local park is the perfect place to get lost. There, pathways wind between lava formations, a playground is hidden by towering spruces, and a mystical pond beckons you to stop and listen to the melodious birdsong. Hellisgerði is notoriously the home of huldufólk, or “hidden people”—if you stay long enough, maybe you'll meet one. The Hidden Worlds group stops here on its tour.

This colorful geothermal area, with raw bubbling mud pots and steam and hot little rivers emerging from the earth, is one of the gems of the Reykjanes peninsula. Located on the scenic Krýsuvík road (Route 42)—which passes volcanic sandstone cliffs, lakes with black-sand beaches, and outlandish lava formations—this stop is a must along the interesting drive. The minerals spewed from the ground at unbelievable temperatures stain the rocks in blood reds, deep blues, beige yellows, and neon greens. The nicely restored walking paths and spacious parking lot make it easily accessible for most visitors. There are also bathrooms available. 

Founded in 1983, Hafnarfjörður's first art museum holds 10 to 12 exhibitions each year, focusing not only on the work of prominent Icelandic artists but also on experimental work by up-and-coming creators. In addition, they often host artist talks and other cultural events. On one side of the ground floor is a small museum shop that sells Icelandic design souvenirs, and on the other side is Krydd, a restaurant that offers some particularly spectacular pizza.

While driving the Krýsuvíkur road (Route 42) from Hafnarfjörður to the south coast of the peninsula, you will see the mystical Kleifarvatn, the largest lake in Reykjanes and the setting of The Draining Lake, a crime novel by the famous Icelandic author Arnaldur Indriðason. Around the lake are secret caves and places where you can find complete silence.

Hafnarfjörður has three swimming pools, but Suðurbæjarlaug has a late-1980s charm and is the only one with an outdoor pool. There are indoor and outdoor changing rooms, two waterslides, a steam bath, and a nice little path that twists around the pool ideal for cooling off between dips in the numerous hot tubs.