Icelandic Folklore Walk, Reykjavík

Dive into the world of Icelandic folklore and explore Reykjavík from a fun, fascinating perspective with this 90-minute walk led by a gifted storyteller guide. As you stroll your way around the capital, you'll venture off the beaten path to discover historic sites and hidden corners steeped in myth and legend. Hear tales about tricksters and trolls, learn about Iceland's most famous ghost, and visit an "elf stone" and Reykjavík's oldest cemetery. This walk is perfect for families and those seeking a deeper understanding of Icelandic culture and history with a quirky twist.

This 90-minute stroll around Reykjavík begins when you meet your charming storyteller guide and set off across the capital. Listen as they explain why stories are so integral to Icelandic culture, and learn why the country is known as the "Land of the Sagas." During the excursion, you'll stop by lots of off-the-beaten-path sites (including some known only to locals), and learn how Reykjavík landmarks like Alþingishúsið (Parliament House), City Hall, and the Tjörnin lake are connected to ancient myths.

Visit an "elf stone" right in downtown Reykjavík, and enter the city's oldest cemetery to hear spine-tingling tales of its Viking past. Pause by Landakotskirkja to discover why trolls and churches are intertwined in Icelandic myth, and wander among the mossy headstones of the Hólavallagarður cemetery as you listen to the country's most famous ghost story (starring the legendary "Deacon of Dark River"). As you walk, you'll also learn about the connection between Tolkien and Iceland, and explore the similarities between famous Middle-earth locations and the Icelandic landscapes.