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36 km
About 35 min
Car 1–4 · Van 5–7
Free cancellation 24 h
Capital area · from KEF
About Hafnarfjörður and the drive
Hafnarfjörður is the first capital-area town you reach on the way from Keflavík towards Reykjavík, which makes it the nearest part of the capital area to the airport. It is a working harbour town with its own centre, its own character and a long trading history, and it is built in and around the Búrfellshraun lava field, so you will see moss-covered rock poking up between gardens and along the streets. Local tradition says the lava is home to hidden people, the elves of Icelandic folklore.
The drive is short and simple: Route 41 crosses the open lava fields of the Reykjanes peninsula, passes the aluminium smelter at Straumsvík and then enters Hafnarfjörður. You are at your hotel or guesthouse sooner than you would be in central Reykjavík, which is welcome after a long flight.
Staying here suits people who want a quieter base with easy access to the airport. The harbour front and the main street, Strandgata, have cafés and restaurants, and in December the town puts up a Christmas village in the centre. Hafnarfjörður is also the gateway to Route 42 south towards Kleifarvatn lake and the geothermal area at Krýsuvík, a good half-day outing.
Seasons and roads
Route 42 to Kleifarvatn and Krýsuvík is a smaller road than the main airport route and can be icy or difficult in winter, so ask us about conditions if you want to add that detour.
