Hafnarfjördur

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.

 
The Viking Raven-Flóki (Hrafn-Flóki) - who coined the name "Iceland" - came to Hafnarfjörður around the year 860, but stayed only briefly. According to the medieval Book of Settlements, which is the Icelanders' most authoritative source on pioneer settlements, the first settler in Hafnarfjörður was Ásbjörn Özurarson. He is said to have been one of the settlers who was given land, or settled on property belonging to his uncle. Ásbjörn was a nephew of Ingólfur Arnarson, the Viking who founded Reykjavík. In recent years, modern Vikings have certainly been making their presence felt in Hafnarfjörður. Iceland's only Viking restaurant is located here. Traditional food is served in a lively Viking-fest atmosphere, with song and celebration. An international Viking Festival has become a regular town event, held every two or three years. Scores of local and international participants arrive with their Viking costumes and tents to demonstrate and recreate authentic, ancient Viking culture. In addition, well-known specialists come to speak on various aspects of Viking life. So without a doubt, Hafnarfjörður is truly Iceland's modern-day Viking village.