Preperation
Are you planning a visit?
Here, you'll discover useful information to help you prepare as well interesting facts about the historic building Hafnarhvoll.
Where to park?
You can generally find available parking spaces on the Geirsgata side of the building, in front of Special Tours. Please note that parking fees must be paid using the Parka app.
Additionally, there are often spaces available on the Tryggvagata side and near Hafnarhús art museum. Several parking garages are in the vicinity, including a new garage under Hafnartorg and one on Mjóstræti by Vesturgata. You can find the main locations on the map below.
How should I prepare?
It is a good idea to prepare for the meeting, but since the topics are varied, the appropriate preparation will vary accordingly.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
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Prepare a list of questions so that nothing is forgotten.
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Some things can be looked up on the spot, such as Icelandic pension rights, but bring with you other necessary information.
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Examples of documents that are useful to bring include statements of private pension savings, foreign entitlements, and loan terms.
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It helps to have thought about or discussed goals with your partner.
Mortgages
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Is the intention to become debt-free, minimize payment burden, prepare for the purchase of a more expensive property, etc.?
Savings and investments
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What is our focus in terms of returns and risk?
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Is the entire amount intended for the same time horizon, or are there different timeframes?
Pension matters
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When and how would we like to be able to stop working?
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How expensive will daily life be during retirement?
Building entrance
Hafnarhvoll is located at Tryggvagata 11 in the heart of Reykjavík city center.
The building stands at the intersection of Tryggvagata and Geirsgata, with its main entrance situated on the southern side of Tryggvagata.
Above the entrance is a prominent sign reading HAFNARHVOLL. Directly opposite the building is the main entrance of the Black Pearl Hotel.
The office, located on the 4th floor, is accessible via elevator and provides facilities suitable for individuals with disabilities.
Hafnarhvoll
On the corner of Tryggvagata and Geirsgata in Reykjavík stands the imposing building Hafnarhvoll (direct translation Hill by the harbour). Designed by Hörður Bjarnason, who later became the Icelandic State Architect, it was the first building he designed after completing his studies in Dresden, Germany.
Among Hörður's other notable works are the Skálholt and Kópavogur churches, the Icelandic Teachers' College (Kennaraskólinn), and Austurbæjarbíó cinema. Additionally, he served as the chairman of the building committees for the National Theatre (Þjóðleikhúsið), National Library (Þjóðarbókhlaðan), the Customs House (Tollhúsið, also on Tryggvagata), and the Icelandic National Broadcasting Service (Ríkisútvarpið).
In an interview with Morgunblaðið in 1986, Hörður commented on Hafnarhvoll, built in 1943: "When a building is constructed at an intersection like Hafnarhvoll, it naturally lends itself to a curved form." It is noted as one of the first buildings in Iceland to feature such a curved design.
The building has hosted a variety of businesses over the years, primarily related to the fishing industry, as well as financial services, postal storage, restaurants, and publishing activities. It also housed the Icelandic Stock Exchange (Verðbréfaþing Íslands), the predecessor of today's stock exchange, along with the offices of H. Benediktsson & Co.
Currently the ground floor hosts the Lóla restaurant. Various commercial activities occupy the upper floors, with the 4th floor housing the offices of Björn, Magnús B. Brynjólfsson law firm, and KRST legal offices.
