Hafnaberg Sea Cliffs Travel Guide

Hafnaberg is a stretch of sea cliffs in Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula with a rich geological history, nesting seabirds, and beautiful views of the North Atlantic Ocean.

The Hafnaberg sea cliffs are recognized for their unique landscapes and geological features. The cliffs exhibit intricate rock formations, sea caves, and arches stretching along the coastline of the Reykjanes peninsula.

Travelers to Hafnaberg are a popular attraction for its dramatic cliffs and panoramic ocean views. During summer in Iceland, from June to August, seabirds nest and feed in the area, making it a great location to observe the Icelandic birdlife.

You can visit this attraction during Reykjanes tours from your accommodation in Reykjavik, as it makes for a convenient day tour from Iceland's capital. Alternatively, you can also check out this destination when embarking on self-drive tours with a rental car, where you can control your adventure’s schedule and pace.

About the Hafnaberg Sea Cliffs

Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Hansueli Krapf. No edits made.

Hafnaberg is a long stretch of sea cliffs on the western side of the Reykjanes Peninsula. Iceland, as an island nation, boasts many sea cliffs like Hafnaberg around its coasts. However, what makes it unique is that it's part of the Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark.

Like the 55 sites of the Reykjanes Geopark, Hafnaberg is a prime example of Iceland's rich geological heritage and serves as a living laboratory for studying Earth's dynamic processes.

Visitors to the area can observe firsthand the erosional processes that have sculpted the cliffs into their present-day forms, including the landforms and features that characterize Iceland's rugged coastline. Whether you're a geologist, researcher, or nature lover, a fascinating journey through Iceland's geological past and present will welcome you to Hafnaberg sea cliffs.

In addition, these cliffs hold an intriguing history. In the past, people collected seabird eggs from the cliffs' nooks and crannies. They would carefully descend the cliffs with ropes to reach the nests of birds like fulmars. While this was a daring and dangerous job, it provided essential food for local communities.

Today, climbing down the cliffs is not allowed to protect the birds and their nests, but you can still appreciate the cliffs and marvel at their natural beauty from a safe distance. The tradition is still practiced in some parts of Iceland, especially in the Westman Islands, where you can even try your hand at the rock scaling art yourself!

While exploring the cliffs, please remember not to step around the edges, as they can be unstable.

Physical Features of the Hafnaberg Sea Cliffs

Photo from Regína Hrönn Ragnarsdóttir.

The cliffs of Hafnaberg are low-lying and have an estimated elevation of only 66 feet (20 meters) above sea level. Certain parts of the coastline are either lower or higher. In comparison, Latrabjarg, the most famous and highest cliff in Iceland, peaks at 1447 feet (441 meters).

The sea cliffs are composed of basalt rock layers formed by volcanic activity thousands of years ago. Over time, the relentless sea has sculpted these rocks into unique shapes and patterns, creating the rugged and dramatic appearance you see today.

Birdwatching in Hafnaberg

Besides hiking and sightseeing, birdwatching is the most popular activity at the Hafnaberg sea cliffs. During the summer months, colonies of different seabirds nest and burrow on the rocky cliffs. 

The most common birds here are fulmars, guillemots, kittiwakes, and razorbills. Occasionally, the famous Arctic puffins can also be seen playing in the area, although these birds are more reliably seen at the Dyrholaey cliffs and islands such as Lundey and Akurey, which are close to Reykjavik. It's best to spot them by embarking on special puffin tours!

You can bring binoculars to get a closer look at them. You might even spot these seabirds hunting and feeding on the water with luck on your side. Remember to be gentle and quiet while birdwatching so you don't disturb these creatures in their natural habitat.

Getting to the Hafnaberg Sea Cliffs Location

You can find the Hafnaberg sea cliffs on the Reykjanes Peninsula, located just 40 miles (65 kilometers) southwest of Reykjavik. The closest settlement in the area is the charming village of Hafnir, with roughly 100 inhabitants.

Getting to Hafnaberg is simple. If you are starting your journey from Reykjavik, you can drive for around an hour to reach these cliffs. Throughout most of the year, they can easily be reached with an affordable rental car, but if you're visiting Iceland in winter, it's best to tackle ice and snow with a larger 4x4 rental vehicle.

Roughly 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) from Hafnir village is a parking lot where you can begin the short hike to the sea cliffs. The hiking trail is marked well and allows visitors to take in the scenic views of the peninsula’s coastline. It's best to bring good windproof clothing as the coastline can be very windy.

Top Attractions in Reykjanes Peninsula Near Hafnaberg

After visiting the Hafnaberg sea cliffs, you can explore other exciting places on the Reykjanes Peninsula.

One of the closest attractions to Hafnaberg is the Bridge Between Continents. This iconic bridge marks a rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Walking and taking photos on the bridge is like being in two places simultaneously.

For history buffs, don’t miss the chance to visit the Reykjanesviti lighthouse. It’s the oldest lighthouse in Iceland and has guided ships along the coast for over a century. It's close to the stunning Gunnuhver geothermal area.

Meanwhile, if you prefer a more relaxed time, head over to the Blue Lagoon. This world-famous geothermal spa is the best place to experience a geothermal bath. The Blue Lagoon boasts soothing milky-blue waters and excellent facilities like a sauna and relaxation spaces. 

To visit the Blue Lagoon, don’t forget to book a comfort entrance package or a premium entrance package in advance.