Leikskóli in Hafnarfjörður: how to apply and what to expect

Hafnarfjörður runs on the same Vala system as Reykjavík, with its own age target, deadline, and free-hours block.

The facts

Youngest age: Target 15 months in August each year; 12 months for approved priority cases
How to register: Online via Vala
When lists open: Deadline 1 March for that year's autumn start; places go to the oldest children first
Typical wait: Not published
Monthly cost: 31,161 kr./month attendance fee for an average 8-hour day, plus 13,147 kr./month for meals (breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack; fee schedule from 1 January 2026) — 44,308 kr./month in total.
Free hours: First 6 hours/day (30 hours/week) free of the attendance fee, since 1 January 2026
Official page: hafnarfjordur.is/thjonusta/skolar-og-born/leikskolar/
Last checked: 17 September 2026

How to register

Apply through Vala

Submit your application before 1 March of the year you want your child to start.

Wait your turn

Places are allocated to the oldest children on the list first.

Confirm your offer

Offers are typically for a fall start, following the March deadline.

Check the current meal fee before budgeting

Hafnarfjörður's fee schedule from 1 January 2026 lists the monthly meal fees — 2,674 kr. for breakfast, 7,799 kr. for lunch and 2,674 kr. for the afternoon snack (13,147 kr. in all). Fees are revised, so check the current schedule before budgeting.

How this compares to other municipalities

Hafnarfjörður's free-hours threshold — 30 hours a week — is lower than Reykjavík's 36, so a family working full-time is more likely to pay for hours beyond it.

Reykjavík →Kópavogur →

Official sources

Vagga is a planning tool, not a government authority. Always confirm details on the official Icelandic sources below.

Frequently asked questions

What age can my child start preschool in Hafnarfjörður?expand_more

The target is 15 months in August each year; approved priority cases can start from 12 months.

How do I apply?expand_more

Through Vala, with a deadline of 1 March for that year's autumn start.

How much does it cost?expand_more

31,161 kr./month attendance for an average 8-hour day, plus 13,147 kr./month for meals (fee schedule from 1 January 2026) — 44,308 kr./month in total.

Are any hours free?expand_more

Yes — the first 6 hours a day (30 hours a week) have been free of the attendance fee since 1 January 2026.

Plan the whole gap, not just the waitlist

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