Day 1: historic centre and elf legends
Start the itinerary on foot in central Hafnarfjörður, passing colourful timber houses and the still-active fishing harbour. In the morning, visit Hellisgerði park, with its moss-covered lava formations, and take the chance to look for the supposed dwelling spots of the hidden people, marked on many local tourist maps. In the afternoon, explore the small shops and cafes downtown, a pleasant contrast to the busier pace of Reykjavik. Round off the day with dinner by the harbour, where several restaurants serve freshly landed fish, a good introduction to Icelandic cuisine before the longer excursions of the following days.
Day 2: volcanic landscapes of the Reykjanes peninsula
Spend the second day exploring the Reykjanes peninsula, easily reached from Hafnarfjörður. The region is marked by recent lava fields, geothermal areas with steaming vents, and landscapes that look almost lunar, quite different from the rest of Iceland. It is also a good opportunity to visit natural hot water spots, making the most of the island's characteristic geothermal heat, and to get a close look at volcanic formations that have been active in recent years. Bring sturdy footwear and enough water, since many of the trails through the lava fields are far from any shops or facilities.
Day 3: a day trip to Reykjavik
On the third day, take advantage of the short distance to Reykjavik to see the Icelandic capital, with its Hallgrímskirkja church, modern harbour and museums dedicated to the island's history and culture. Returning to Hafnarfjörður in the evening lets you escape the tourist bustle of the capital's centre and enjoy a quieter dinner by the Hafnarfjörður harbour. If time allows, it is worth setting aside a final morning to revisit at a slower pace any corner of town left unexplored on previous days, without rushing on to the next stop on the itinerary or worrying about checking off every last sight.
Where to stay for this itinerary
For an itinerary that combines walking through the centre with car trips to the Reykjanes peninsula and Reykjavik, it is worth staying somewhere central. Hótel Hellisgerði https://travelguest.net/en/hotels/hotel-hellisgerdi-en and Hotel Grand Canal https://travelguest.net/en/hotels/hotel-grand-canal-en offer a convenient location for exploring the town on foot, while Vibrant Iceland Hostel https://travelguest.net/en/hotels/vibrant-iceland-hostel-en is a practical alternative for travellers on a tighter budget.
Practical tips for this itinerary
For this itinerary, renting a car is recommended from the second day onward, since the Reykjanes peninsula and the trip to Reykjavik are more comfortable with your own transport, although organised tours are also available for those who would rather not drive. It is worth checking weather conditions before each outing, since the weather in Iceland can change quickly, even in summer. Always pack extra layers of clothing and suitable footwear for walking on uneven terrain, such as lava fields, which is essential for enjoying the region's natural landscapes safely.
With three well-planned days, it is possible to see the essentials of Hafnarfjörður and the Reykjanes peninsula without missing out on a trip to Reykjavik, all from the same base.
