capital-region · Iceland
Hafnarborg — Arts Centre of Hafnarfjörður
About Hafnarborg — Arts Centre of Hafnarfjörður
Hafnarborg is the main cultural centre and art museum of Hafnarfjörður, the third-largest city in Iceland and famous as 'the town of elves'. The elegant neoclassical building houses a permanent collection of Icelandic art and hosts major temporary exhibitions. The building was originally built as a private home by the merchant Sverrir Gunnarsson and donated to the town in 1983. The centre also hosts concerts, lectures and cultural events.
History & Background
Hafnarfjörður is one of Iceland's oldest trading ports, with commerce recorded from the 14th century. The town was the main import-export hub for Iceland in the 15th–16th centuries, when English and German merchants dominated Icelandic trade. The lava field Hellisgerði in the town centre is regarded by local tradition as home to a large community of elves — a belief so strong that the municipality employs an 'elf specialist' for infrastructure projects.
Did You Know?
- Third largest city in Iceland, population c. 30,000
- Famous as 'the elf town' of Iceland
- Hafnarborg building donated by merchant Sverrir Gunnarsson 1983
- Active programme of exhibitions and concerts
- Annual Viking Festival in June is the largest in the world
Tours Near Hafnarborg — Arts Centre of Hafnarfjörður
Best-rated Iceland experiences — book with free cancellation
Why Visit
Hafnarborg is the main cultural centre and art museum of Hafnarfjörður, the third-largest city in Iceland and famous as 'the town of elves'.
Did You Know?
The municipality of Hafnarfjörður publishes an official 'elf map' showing the locations of known elf settlements in the lava field — it is available at the tourist office and is entirely serious.
The Elf Town's Unlikely Museum
In the most folklore-rich town in Iceland, where city planners literally reroute roads around elf rocks, Hafnarborg provides art, music and culture to the community that lives between the visible and the invisible world.
Stories & Legends
Icelandic sagas and folklore from this area
Hidden Gems Nearby
Hellisgerði Elf Park
The lava field park Hellisgerði in the centre of town is where most of the elf activity is supposedly concentrated — walk through the twisted lava with the map and it becomes surprisingly easy to see why people believe this.
The Harbour Front Sculpture Walk
Hafnarborg manages an outdoor sculpture programme along the harbour front — there are over a dozen significant works along the short harbour walk, almost all of them unknown to tourists.
Practical Information
Best Time
June for Viking Festival atmosphere
Duration
1 hour
Access
Strandgata 34, Hafnarfjörður — 15 km south of Reykjavík
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Hafnarfjörður from Reykjavík?
About 15 km south — roughly 15 minutes by car or 45 minutes by bus.
Is there really an elf map?
Yes — the Hafnarfjörður tourist office distributes a serious map showing the reputed locations of elf settlements in the Hellisgerði lava field.
