10 things to do in Hafnarfjörður during Verslunarmannahelgin

Verslunarmannahelgi in Hafnarfjörður

Verslunarmannahelgin is just around the corner. Many of us will be on the move. Many of us, however, choose to stay home. But what can one do here in Hafnarfjörður? Quite a lot, actually.

1. Window Shopping and Coffee

It’s lovely to stroll down Strandgata, browsing the shops on a Saturday from noon until 14. Strand49, Litla hönnunarbúðin, Kakí, and other great stores await you. Opening hours vary, but some are open until 16. It’s a perfect way to end the walk by visiting Brikk on Norðurbakki, which is open until 16 every day. If you continue along the coastal path by the harbor, you can see photographs from our local museum on display.

2. Local Festival

The final weekend of the town festival Hjarta Hafnarfjarðar at Bæjarbíó happens to fall on Verslunarmannahelgin. On Friday, Hjálmar Örn hosts party bingo. There will be a concert in the tent on both Friday and Saturday nights from 19:30. Greifarnir will play on Saturday!

Photo/Rec Media

3. Sól Restaurant

Sól is a hidden gem by the Hafnarfjörður harbor, located inside a greenhouse. Guests dine surrounded by lush, thriving greenery. A unique experience — and the food is excellent.

Photo/Sól

4. HafnarfjörðurScavenger Hunt 2025

Hafnarfjörður Scavenger Hunt has a long history and has, over the years, increased people’s interest in outdoor activities in the Hafnarfjörður uplands. The game runs until September. A total of 27 markers are placed throughout the Hafnarfjörður upland area. Everyone who submits their answers is eligible for a prize or could be named Léttfeti, Göngugarpur, or Þrautakóngur of the game.

Photo/Guðni Gíslason

5. A Visit to Hellisgerði

Hellisgerði is a public park adorned with lava formations. It’s the perfect spot to bring a blanket and have a picnic, and let children explore and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. You’ll also find an exhibition there about Kaldársel’s 100-year history. Hafnarfjörður Museum set up a photo exhibition earlier this summer in Hellisgerði, showcasing images from the KFUM/K summer camps in the area. It’s a real treat to view the photos.

6. Wood-Fired Pizza – Who Can Resist?

It’s a real treat to take your kids out for wood-fired pizza. Sydhavn offers all the popular Figo pizzas, along with a wide variety of other dishes and drinks. Yes, Sydhavn is a new spot here in Hafnarfjörður that has truly become a hit among us locals.

Photo/Sydhavn

7. Swimming Indoors If It Rains

Yes, if it’s going to rain as the forecast suggests, it’s nice to have a roof over your head. Swimming at Ásvallalaug is an adventure land for children. They run around and enjoy life while we follow along, happy to at least get some exercise. The children’s pools, hot tubs and steam rooms are now open at Ásvallalaug.
Opening hours:

Saturday 08:00 to 18:00

Sunday 08:00 to 17:00

Monday 08:00 to 17:00

8. Beggubúð – A Glimpse into the Past

Many of the events mentioned above can be combined with a visit to the exhibitions of the local museum during your walk. Have you been inside Beggubúð here in Hafnarfjörður? Beggubúð is the commercial heritage museum of the Hafnarfjörður Museum. It is an old store building constructed in 1906 and now located on the museum’s grounds. Open every day from 11:00 to 17:00.

Photo/Screen shot

9. Frisbee at Víðistaðatún

A unique outdoor gem, Víðistaðatún is surrounded by lava near Víðistaðakirkja and the Hraunbúar scout cabin. There is plenty for children to do. They can play on the rope bridge, castle, and slide. There is also a wooded area that’s fun to explore. When everyone gets hungry, you can barbecue in the grill house under a shelter right by the castle. The park also has Hafnarfjörður’s only tennis court and a six-hole frisbee golf course. Best of all, the course is free and booking in advance is not required. Brilliant.

10. Visit the Monastery

Visiting the Karmelklaustur in Hafnarfjörður is a unique experience. Daily mass is held on weekdays at 08:00 and at 08:30 on Sundays. Everyone is welcome. The nuns run a special little shop that’s a delight to explore, and the monastery itself is well worth seeing. The sisters’ garden was awarded the Tidy Honor Shield in 2020.