Hafnir is home to the remains of the oldest settlement on the Reykjanes Peninsula, dating back to the 9th century. At the same time, until around 1900, Hafnir was a densely populated settlement with extensive fishing carried out from large boats. The town’s development began with significant coastal fishing. Its history therefore spans early settlement traces and a fishing industry that was still part of life in Hafnir around 1900.

Coastal Fishing and Historic Sites

Kirkjuvogur was a manor farm in Hafnir and an affiliated church site of the Grindavík parish. Kirkjuvogur is also the only black wooden church on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Hafnir is also home to an anchor from the ghost ship Jamestown, which ran aground in 1881. These places and objects point to different aspects of history: a manor farm and church site, a distinctive style of architecture, and a shipwreck.

South of Kalmanstjörn in Hafnir are the remains of an earlier settlement dating from centuries past. The site was once a farm and manor. There was once a church at Kalmanstjörn; remains of its cemetery are probably still visible. The area’s history can therefore also be explored through the different functions its sites once served.

Birdlife at the Harbor and in the Surrounding Area

Barnacle geese can be observed near Hafnir harbor from late September to mid-April. The harbor also has bird images and information about local birds. Great skuas and Arctic skuas nest in the lava rock and short grass around Hafnir. Two different clues can help with observation: the season for barnacle geese is clearly defined, while skuas are associated with lava rock and short grass habitats.

Ósar, Hafnaberg, and Other Points of Interest

Ósar is a sea bay formed by subsidence in the area around Hafnir and is important for birdlife and marine biology. Ósar is a short walk from Route 44. Check local conditions before setting out.

South of Hafnir lies Hafnaberg, a geological site in the Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark. The parking area by the road is 4 km from Hafnir; from there, a marked trail leads to the cliffs. Conditions at the cliffs can change, so check them before setting out. Ósar and Hafnaberg offer different points of interest: a sea bay important for birdlife and marine biology, or cliffs with Geopark status.

Junkaragerði is also a point of interest in the area: the settlement is in Höfn, north of Hafnaberg. Another sight can be seen while driving the road between the Reykjanes power plant and Hafnir: the planets on Reykjanes.

Discover more destinations: Gardur, Njardvik, Grindavík, Kálfatjörn, Reykjanesbær, Sandgerði, Vogar.

Return to the main travel overview: Suðurnes.