The elves of Hafnarfjordur: enchanted spots and elf-homes
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An introduction to Icelandic elf-believe now and then – and a walk where elf-homes and enchanted spots in downtown Hafnarfjordur are visited.
Language spoken: English
(also available in Icelandic and German for groups)
Keywords: Nature, history, folklore, supernatural beings, elf-believe now and then, city-planning, anthropology and archeology. Duration: about 2 hours - 2,5 hours. Cost: Free donations. We will start in Pallett (coffee-shop) where we will sit down and have an introduction into elf-believe (about 30 minutes). Then we wi
ll start walking in downtown Hafnarfjordur. The walk is about 1- 2 hrs. depending on how many places (elf-homes and enchanted spots) you would like to see. What we will do: We will visit elf-rocks and enchanted places to discover their history and their effects on urban planning, culture and daily-life of locals for hundreds of years. Furthermore you will sense the connection between people and nature in the midst of the town. You will get to known the town Hafnarfjörður a bit (its history - and places to visit) while opening the door to the veiled world of elves. Please notice:
1) The walk is outside. We will walk through grass, but mainly on concrete. Dress according to weather, wear good shoes and be prepared to stay outside hiking for at least 90 minutes.
2) The guide is a folklorist. Unfortunately she doesn't see the hidden beings with her own eyes – although she can spot the clues :)
3) Bus nr. 1 goes to Hafnarfjörður. The drive takes about 25-30 minutes in a bus - 10-15 minutes in a car. Pallett coffeeshop is in 6 minutes walk from Fjordur Mall in Hafnarfjörður – where bus nr. 1 stops in downtown Hafnarfjörður. Pallett coffeeshop is close to Fjörukráin – The Viking Village. The address is: Strandgata 75, 220 Hafnarfjordur.
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Hello! I'm Bryndis, I'm a folklorist. I have been guiding journalists and others interested in the subject for about two years. I would like to invite you to join a trip if you are interested in how the elf-believe in Iceland has affected the town of Hafnarfjörður and (some of) it's people. I'm making an experiment: trying to find out how many people would be interested in such a walk and talk. I would like to invite anyone interested and I'm not charging anything but accepting donations. The walk is based on a photo-project by me and Svala Ragnars photographer. You can see some of our pictures here: https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2015/mar/25/iceland-elf-rocky-homes-hidden-people-svala-ragners
"I can say personally and unequivocally that a tour of Hafnarfjörður with Bryndis is an experience to be treasured and not forgotten. Her knowledge and experience make her a uniquely skilled guide to the fascinating aspect of Icelandic life"
– William Ecenbarger, journalist at The Reader’s Digest. "Bryndís tells a fascinating story of the history and meaning behind Iceland's enchanted landscape of elf rocks. From houses that step back respectfully away from knobbly 'elf churches', to roads that split in two to honour sacred rocky outcrops, her tour sheds light on the country's rich folklore traditions and the mysterious ways of the 'hidden people'.”
– Oliver Wainwright, journalist at the The Guardian.
--> If you are interested in making a group yourself and have the walk at another time or day – feel free to e-mail me: [email protected].
