Will you find the Elves of Hafnarfjörður?

Hafnarfjörður is an Icelandic city considered the capital of the Elves. On this island of northern Europe, beliefs are as strong as temperatures are fresh...

Several stories and writings tell the Elves. These are sometimes bright, dark, black or directly related to the god Freyr, from the northern mythology. Like all the works of mythology or tradition, many speeches overlap, and one ends up getting a pretty precise idea of the subject. Here, the Elves of Iceland, and more precisely those of Hafnarfjödur.

Hafnarfjöður is one of these cities with unquestionable and warm charm. In addition, it is considered the capital of the Elves, by the magic that surrounds it with the approach of the parties. Why? For it is at the end of the year, it seems, that the Elves come out the most. Many people then go to their pursuit, in the idea of seeing them. In our turn to conduct the investigation and to go to the search for the Elves of Hafnarfjörður.

Identify the target of our investigation: the Elves

The Elves are associated with a very powerful folk imaginary that is far beyond Icelandic borders. These little beings are described as very beautiful, with pointed ears and a beautiful singing voice. They have a language that is their own, a language that J.R.R. Tolkien has transcribed. The Elves are intelligent and have ancestral wisdom, in addition to being immortal. Magicians, they have great powers, and control the elements of nature.

Reflecting in the area of Hafnarfjörður

Located only 10 kilometers from the Icelandic capital Reykjavík , Harnarfjöður is a pretty small town with nearly 30,000 inhabitants. Its name means “the port fjord”. It is a city that lives mainly from fishing, involving plethora of boats daily. We can therefore think that the Elves we're looking for could arrive by sea. Why not after all? This is what the Vikings did, many centuries ago. The Elves being quite clever, it is completely within their reach to the unknown... such as Buzz L’Eclair des temps anciens.

Now, let's focus on the city itself. If the Elves live there so secretly it is that they must find themselves hiding there. Together, we'll find them. To do this, let us explore the streets and buildings of this 14th century city. Rather small, the very treed town of Hafnarfjöður looks a bit like the capital Reykjavík. Its human size reminds us that the Icelanders are not numerous: 300,000 people live on the island. This does not make us fit in the investigation we are conducting.

Elves who love nature

Indeed, the fact that there are few people is a very good sign. Nature is very present here and the Elves love nature. From an ecological point of view, it is so much better. Therefore, the Elves have all the leisure to find where to hide and build their homes. Let’s not forget that they have power over nature, so we can quite imagine that they use it! The opposite would be foolish on their part, and we know them intelligent. First pit: the Elves have room to hide.

We need to refine the research sector a little more. For if we had to search the whole city, despite its small size, it would take days or even weeks! Let us not let ourselves fall, if people believe in it, it is that before them, others have seen the Elves. That’s how it works normally. They're here somewhere, maybe quietly spread on a wall that their camouflage magic. Let's get smart, and explore the surroundings more passionately. Let's start with the Viking Village.

The Viking Village, a promising track?

If they arrived on their boats, then, perhaps they tied themselves to the Nordic barbarians of the Old Time. This reconstituted village will allow us to give us an idea of the life of the Vikings, when they arrived on Icelandic lands. Not disturbed by the climate similar to that of Scandinavian countries, they are today the roots of the Icelandic genealogical tree. This is why an application was launched in 2013, specifically to verify the relationship with the person in question. Anyway, it doesn't bring us closer to the Elves. If no sign approves the presence of Elves in the Viking Village, maybe we should continue to Hellisgerði Park? This pretty little park, has a trail called “The March of the Elves” (Elf Walk). Bingo! This is a clue!

Relevering clues: Did they leave traces?

As mentioned above, the Elves finally left a trail: a trail in the park of Hellisger-ði. It is a field of lava naturally shaped and very maintained. The park is not large enough to risk losing too long. On the other hand, its size plays in our favor, we will be able to explore it in order to find the Elves. If you follow the right path, then you shouldn't do white cabbage. We pass in front of beautiful sculptures, fountains and other stone trolls... But no Elves. Would we have lied? Or don’t have eyes in front of the holes? Even if the ride is very pleasant, our investigation does not advance, and it is unthinkable to stay there. Harnarfjöður surely hides us from other secrets that we are going to discover.

Find a track and follow it... to the end!

Do not let the absence of Elves reach us, we continue on our way. There is no reason why we cannot find it. The Icelanders look like a good liver. Why would they go to believe in intelligent beings, with magical and immortal powers, if these are only stuffed? We agree, it doesn’t make any sense. Our research then continues until we begin to ask questions in the neighborhood. Nothing like a neighbor to teach us some things. There are guided tours organized by Hidden Folks Walks. We have something concrete, that's it, we're in the hard!

During this visit which lasts an hour and a half, we go to meet Iceland, seen from Hafnarfjöður. Our guide pushes us to the foot of the Hamarinn cliff, where the royal family of the Elfic people is suspected of living. He also enjoys telling old stories A kind of magical immersion in local folklore and landscapes. When all of a sudden... We see what we've been looking for since the beginning of our investigation: elves. These little beings belonging to a hidden world have finally revealed themselves to us! This is a victory for us. Now, your turn!

How to go to Harnarfjörður?

How?

Of course, you must first be smart enough to conduct an investigation properly. But we trust you. To try your luck, go to Iceland, most often – and fast – by air. Our partner Ulysses can allow you to find flights at the best prices to Reykjavík airport . Harnarfjörður is located 10 kilometres south of the capital. To get there, there are several ways:

• the bus: line 1 from Reykjavík. The ticket costs between 3,20 and 3,40 € depending on the period of the year
• taxi: 10 minutes, between 23 and 35 €, depending on your starting point
• car rented on site Route 41 from Reykjavík

When?

Iceland is a cold, basic country. Summer and winter, temperatures are very different from ours. If the month of July seems to be the best time to go there, the magic of Christmas, the search for the Elves and the relaxation at the corner of the fire are better in November or December. These are difficult months, but if you are sufficiently protected, then you will spend a wonderful stay.

What I can find out in the area

Reykjavík

Obviously, the city of Reykjavík, a gentle and human capital, is to be discovered if you are lucky to go to Iceland. The Elves also hide there, go to know. You could always have fun looking for them, between the colorful houses and the treed streets of the city. Humans should not be the only ones to keep in the warm waters of the Sundhöllin thermal pool.

Reykjavík Elf School

Also, if your elf passion is not filled, although you have conducted a very professional investigation, you can always become one. Yes, you read it well. Just four hours of learning, tea and treats, then you will receive your degree. The latter who will prove to the world that the Elves exist well! And yes, you are one, this paper attests to it. What more does sceptical need? They've been wrong since the beginning!

Christmas Village (November and December)

In November and December only, to take advantage of Christmas festivities, you can go to the Christmas Village of Harnarfjður. This event, dedicated to Christmas, is located in the city center. Every day, you will attend high animations in colour and music. You can also buy handmade souvenirs in the stands and, of course, you can taste the most stuffed Icelandic specialties!

Baleines exhibition in Rekjavík

You wanted the Elves, these little and gracious beings, it was fascinating. Now, discover them Iceland Whales through an exhibition with no less than 23 natural size models of these cetaceans. These models are surrounded by interactive stations and film screenings. It is a way to become even more aware of the danger that threatens the survival of these species. Ideal stop for families, or travellers at the end of stay. Every day, at 10:30 and 13:30, guided tours are organized.