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Guide
Hafnarfjordur, Iceland 🇮🇸
#2047
,
Nomad Score:
58%
Essentials
🏙️ City | Hafnarfjordur, a charming town located near Reykjavik, is known for its vibrant culture, stunning coastal views, and unique lava rock formations. |
👥 Population | Approximately 29,000 |
💻 Internet Speed | Average of 100 Mbps |
💸 Currency & Banking | Icelandic Króna (ISK), approx. 1 EUR ≈ 150 ISK |
🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable, renowned for its purity |
🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C and F sockets |
📶 SIM Card | Providers include Síminn, Vodafone Iceland, and Nova, offering great coverage |
💳 Banking for Expats | Popular banking options include Íslandsbanki, Arion Bank, and Sparisjóðurinn. |
🛌 Accommodation | Various options including Airbnb, local guesthouses, and hotels like Hotel Hafnarfjordur. |
💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments are widely accepted everywhere. |
🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local booking platforms are ideal for short-term stays. |
🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hafnarfjordur Hostel and guesthouses like Guesthouse Vikings. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Historic Town Center for access to attractions and restaurants. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Reykjavik vicinity for co-working spaces and cafes, while still enjoying the suburban vibe of Hafnarfjordur. |
Working and Networking
🏢 Best Coworking Space | Hafnarfjörður Co-Working Space offering great amenities. |
☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Jolly provides a cozy atmosphere with good Wi-Fi for remote work. |
💼 Networking Events | Icelandic Innovation Week, held annually, provides networking opportunities. |
🥂 Social Events for Expats | Meetup gatherings through Facebook groups like Expats in Iceland. |
Transportation
🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Hreyfill app is popular for taxis in Hafnarfjordur. |
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local bike rentals available through Hafnarfjordur Cycling. |
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Berserkjahraun Beach, approximately a 5-minute drive. |
✈️ Top Regional Airline | Play Airlines operates regional services. |
✈️ Top International Airline | Icelandair and Wizz Air for international destinations. |
🛣️ Highway Access | Easy access via Route 1 to reach Reykjavik and beyond. |
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Rútulestöð (Hafnarfjordur bus station) for local and regional buses. |
🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly bus passes are available for local transportation. |
✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Hafnarfjordur to Reykjavik and other key locations. |
Health and Wellness
🏥 Best Hospital | Haukeland University Hospital in nearby Reykjavik. |
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga & Pilates Studio in Hafnarfjordur. |
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness 24 Hafnarfjordur with a variety of fitness programs. |
🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services available at Þvottahús Sól or self-service laundromat at Laundromat Café. |
Food and Drink
📱 Best Food Delivery App | App for Iceland offers food delivery from several local restaurants. |
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Fresh fish, especially plokkfiskur (fish stew), is a local favorite. |
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Kaffi Nonnahús offers excellent vegan and vegetarian options. |
🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Ísgerðin for their famous homemade ice cream. |
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Hafnarfjordur Mágasin, a local market for fresh produce and goods. |
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon and local websites like Islandshop provide varied options. |
🛒 Grocery Delivery | Iceland’s website offers grocery delivery services. |
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The town center provides several bars and pubs like Steikhúsið. |
🍻 Local Brewery | Hafnarfjörður Brewery, offering tours and tastings. |
🍷 Wine Bars | Vínberin specializes in a selection of wines and perfect pairings. |
🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food available at the Hafnarfjordur Food Festival. |
🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Thai Nam serve excellent international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Hafnarfjordur lava fields and the Hafnarfjordur town center. |
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Vidgar Museum dedicated to the history of the area. |
🏰 Historical Sites | The old town center showcases 18th-century structures. |
🕍 Religious Sites | Hafnarfjordur Church, a beautiful example of Nordic architecture. |
🎉 Annual Events | Hafnarfjordur Viking Festival celebrating the local Viking heritage. |
🎨 Cultural Districts | Art district in the town center with local craftsmanship. |
🎭 Theater Venues | Hafnarfjordur Theatre offers performances throughout the year. |
🛍️ Local Markets | Hafnarfjordur Market held weekly in summer. |
🎼 Music Scene | Live music venues like Koffein Bar open late for nightlife. |
🎨 Street Art | Local artists have contributed murals in various locations throughout the town. |
🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes available at the Nordic Culinary School. |
👩🎨 Art Galleries | Hafnarfjordur Art Gallery showcases local artists. |
🕰️ Historic Buildings | House of Culture is a key historical building to visit. |
🏴 Local Heritage | Celebrating Norse mythology and local folklore. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Close to the scenic Reykjanes Peninsula with stunning landscapes. |
🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Þingvellir National Park is about 50 km away. |
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Trails along the coast of Hafnarfjordur offer great scenic views. |
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Lava Fields provide breathtaking views of the surrounding nature. |
🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The local harbor is a key spot for birdwatching, especially puffins. |
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas near the beach for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local services like Íslandspóstur for reliable deliveries. |
🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Hafnarfjordur Electronics offers tech support and repairs. |
🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers have ping pong tables available. |
🧑🏫 Language Classes | Icelandic classes available at the local cultural center. |
📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Hafnarfjordur Library, a quiet place for reading and studying. |
🏘️ Community Centers | Hafnarfjörður Culture House hosts various community events. |
🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Places like Game On offer arcade and gaming experiences. |
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos, but gaming events take place at local venues. |
Business
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €120,000) |
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €100,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €168,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €132,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €208,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €160,000) |
💼 Corporate Tax | 20% |
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% on dividends paid. |
🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 46.24% |
🧾 VAT | 24% |
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Iceland applies CFC rules. |
🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on the assessed value. |
🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 1.5% transfer tax on property purchases. |
💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Unique residency program for digital nomads with favorable tax conditions. |