: For water inlet, see: fjord.

Hafnarfjörður is a port town located on the south-west coast of Iceland, about 10 km south of Reykjavík. It is the third most populous town in Iceland, after Reykjavík and Kópavogur, with a population of 23,674 (December 2006).

As the third largest city, Hafnarfjörður has established local industry and a variety of urban activies, with annual festival events.

Activities

---

The town is the site of an annual Viking festival, where Viking culture enthusiasts from around the world display reconstructions of Viking garb, handcraft, sword-fighting, etc.

Tourists with a New Age mindset enjoy a guided tour of the habitats of elves and other hidden people in the town area.

Hafnarfjörður is now arguably considered to be the rock n' roll capital of Iceland (a title that once belonged to Keflavík). Popular Icelandic bands such as Botnleðja, HAM, Sign, Úlpa, Lada Sport and Jakobínarína all trace their origins to the town of Hafnarfjörður.

Hafnarfjörður is the home town of the famous Icelandic pop singer Björgvin Halldórsson and the actor Stefán Karl Stefánsson. Also the hometown of Patrick Karl & Guðmundur Karl the Icelandic abstract artists.

Local industry

---

Just two kilometers outside of Hafnarfjörður is an aluminium smelter, run by Alcan. Alcan has applied for an extension for the smelter, which will make it the fourth largest smelter in Europe. The local governing body has sold Alcan land for the extension, Alcan has received permission for the extension from the government and a deal has been struck for selling energy to the smelter, even though the neighbouring area is the only place around Hafnarfjörður with available domestic building area for Hafnarfjörður.

Local elections were held in May 2006, and the people of Hafnarfjörður voted on the future of the extension for the smelter in 2006.

The smelter was originally built in 1969, and it has improved its cleaning process since then, especially regarding fluoride. The effect that the extension will have on the environment and the local residents is, though, a huge concern for the people of Hafnarfjörður.

History

---

Hafnarfjörður takes its name (meaning harbour fjord) from the area's excellent natural harbour. The town is first named in the medieval "Book of Settlements", and the earliest reports of voyages to Hafnarfjörður date from the end of the 14th century. Englishmen began trading in Hafnarfjörður in the 15th century, but German merchants followed in their wake and eventually drove the English out. After that, Hanseatic traders prevailed in town until 1602, based at Hvaleyri. At this point, the Danish monarchy established a Danish trade monopoly in Iceland which lasted until late in the 18th century. During this period, Hafnarfjörður was the nation's busiest trade centre.

In 1793, Bjarni Sívertsen settled here and became influential in local business and international trade, setting up a major commercial fishing operation. His enterprise and initiative signalled the start of impressive commerce in the town. Ever since, he has been called "the father of Hafnarfjörður" and nicknamed "Sir Bjarni." Around 1870, dramatic changes took place in Icelandic fishing. Residents followed the growing...