Hafnarfjörður (Harbour-fjord)
Hafnarfjörður has long been known as the ‘Town in the Lava' - due to its location right on top of the Burfell lava formation, which dates back to an eruption 7,000 years ago. Nestled in the arc of a natural harbour, it has become a suburb of Reykjavik. In previous centuries, it gained status as a trading centre and, today, its reputation is as a centre for culture. Highlights include a sculpture garden on Vidistadir, a lighthouse and an archaeological site from pre-Lutheran times. It is also home to the Icelandic Maritime Museum, the Museum of Local History and the Museum of Postal and Telecommunications. The town also has two geothermally heated pools and the Keilier Golf Club.

Hafnarfjörður Tourist Information Office
Strandgata 6, Hafnarfjörður
Tel: 585 5555.
Website: www.hafnarfjordur.is   

Sigurjon Olafsson Museum
The idiosyncratic Sigurjon Olafsson Museum is devoted to the life's work of one artist, Sigurjon Olafsson (1908-1982), who was born and lived in Iceland. The sleek wooden floors and starched white walls are the perfect setting for his avant-garde work. Olafsson used a collage of wood, metal, plaster, stone and concrete in his work and his striking forms combined abstract styles with inspiration from the Icelandic Sagas. The museum is not one that many tourists go to or even know about but is much beloved of the locals and well worth a visit. During summer there are concerts in the museum on Tuesday evenings and there is also a cafe with lovely views over the ocean.

Laugarnestangi 70
Tel: 553 2906.
Website: www.lso.is  
Free admission.

Reykjavik Maritime Museum
Visting Iceland without learning something about its maritime tradition is like going to England and ignoring its royalty. Fishing and fish-related industries have been the mainstay of the Icelandic economy for centuries. It is only in the last two generations that the economy has become somewhat more diversified. The most interesting place to learn about the country's fishing traditions is at the Reykjavík Maritime Museum. The museum is the only one in the country to chronicle various aspects of maritime life from the 20th century to the present day. Housed in an old freezing plant by the harbour, it is the perfect location to watch the fishing vessels and whale-watching boats go about their business in Reykavík harbour.

Grandagardur 8
Tel: 517 9400.
Website: www.sjominjasafn.is  
Admission charge.

Reykjavik Park and Zoo
The Reykjavik Park and Zoo is an ideal place for a family outing. The zoo has 150 animals of 19 species, which includes both domestic and wild animals, and an aquarium. The seals feeding times are particularly popular with younger visitors, and horse-riding is another activity on offer. After viewing the animals at close quarters, the children can enjoy the rides and activities in the adjacent Family Park.

Hafrafell by Engjavegur
Tel: 575 7800.
Website: www.husdyragardur.is/in-english
Admission charge.