Hellisgerði

Hellisgerði is one of Iceland’s oldest and most distinctive public parks, located in the heart of Hafnarfjörður. The park is built directly into a natural lava field and is characterized by dramatic lava formations, rocky outcrops, and sheltered hollows that create a truly unique atmosphere. Carefully planned landscaping blends seamlessly with untouched nature.

The lava landscape shapes winding walking paths, small groves, and open clearings, making Hellisgerði a popular place for strolling, relaxation, and outdoor enjoyment. The park has long been used as a venue for cultural events, summer festivals, and outdoor performances, with an open-air stage that fits naturally into the surroundings.

Hellisgerði is also known for its diverse and unusual plant life. Several tree species that are rare in Iceland can be found here, including horse chestnut, grey poplar, European beech, and larch. During the summer months, a bonsai garden is displayed, attracting visitors with its delicate forms and careful craftsmanship.

The park has a long and meaningful history. Early ideas for cultivating the area originated within the Hafnarfjörður debate society Málfundafélagið Magni, and the first tree was planted on May 18, 1924. Hellisgerði was officially inaugurated on Midsummer’s Day in 1923 and has since played an important role in the town’s social and cultural life.

Several notable artworks and monuments can be found within the park. A statue of Bjarni Sívertsen, created by sculptor Ríkarð Jónsson, commemorates one of the pioneers of trade and industry in Hafnarfjörður. There is also a relief sculpture of Guðmundur Einarsson, regarded as a key figure in the preservation and development of Hellisgerði.

Hellisgerði is often visited in combination with a walk through central Hafnarfjörður or nearby outdoor areas such as Hvaleyrarvöllur. The park also connects naturally to the wider recreational and cultural landscape of the capital area, including Garðabær and Reykjavík.

With its distinctive blend of lava formations, vegetation, art, and local history, Hellisgerði offers a unique experience where visitors can enjoy both natural tranquility and the cultural heritage of Hafnarfjörður in a single place.