The sheltered fishing Port of Hafnarfjordur, is built in a lava field located in the south-west of Iceland, just a 10 minute drive from the capital city Reykjavik. Hafnarfjordur is Iceland’s third-largest town, with just over 25,000 residents and opportunities for whale watching and horse-back riding. The port is capable of accommodating three berth cruise ships and this year is anticipating an increase in business.
The Port of Hafnarfjordur is expecting 13 calls this year of which five will be turnarounds. This is a massive increase in comparison to previous years and in addition to this, the port will receive its largest ever visitor, 93,000gt MSC Poesia with a length of 300m and draught of 7.6m. Furthermore, Compagnie du Ponant’s new cruise ship, Le Boreal is expected to make a visit.
For passengers of the visiting cruise ships there are numerous activities, including three tours in the surrounding area. The most popular of three is the Golden Circle, which includes a visit to Thingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss. The geothermal area of Krysuvik is located just 20 mins away, as well as the world renowned Blue Lagoon Spa.
In addition to this, every summer, hordes of Norsemen invade the town for the annual Viking Festival. The colourful Viking festival involves Viking enthusiasts from all around the world gathering in the town to enjoy the various activities and events for all the family to enjoy.
In response to the potential summer rush, the Port of Hafnarfjordur has implemented a new website which provides up-to-date information ideal for all the summer visitors.
To view the new Port of Hafnarfjordur website and learn more visit www.portofhafnarfjordur.is
As far as “preserving the environment” is concerned, what about some ferries? To catch a ferry now people have to drive halfway round Iceland, which is not very eco-friendly, nor very attractive for tourists. And they only run in summer anyway, and only go to Danemark.
If you want more tourists to come you have to let people come with their car, for a reasonable price. So not only “cruise ships”, these are expensive, but normal ferries, with a regular all-year-round timetable and serving several European ports. Hafnarfjordur would be a nice port for that because it is not far from Reykjavik and a very nice place on its own.
When you are traveling with your family ferries can be cheaper than planes. You don’t have to drag all the luggage you just leave it in your car. You can take all the toys the kids want to bring along. And as more and more people become eco-conscious they avoid destinations which can only be reached by plane.
It would work both ways of course, Icelandic families could enjoy vacations in Spain, Britain, Danemark or France (or other destinations too), traveling with their car. These countries have many nice and cheap camp sites, so families traveling on a budget could choose this option. The problem with camp sites is that mostly you need a car to get there and once you are there if you don’t have car you are stuck to the immediate surroundings and cannot go exploring and visiting the region. And rentals are expensive, if you are on a budget it is better to go with your own car.
Last but not least, ferries are nice. Being on a ferry is already part of the holiday, whereas being on a plane is mostly just transport.
This is another noble endeavor. Hitting the target bullseye. Building up trust and confidence and clarifying the tarnished image of Iceland. Financially gratifying. Welcome all the friends, guest, investors and all with open arms while at the same preserving the environment.
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