Elves, Trolls And Ghosts

Reykjavik Folklore Walking Tour: Meet the Elves, Trolls & Ghosts of Iceland

★ 4.8 758 reviews

1 hour 30 minutes, free cancellation.

from $52.36 per person

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Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cancellation: Free cancellation

Overview

This 1 hour 30 minute walk from Your Friend In Reykjavik takes the folklore of Iceland out of the guidebooks and into the streets where the stories are set. You meet at Ingólfstorg Square, then move through the old centre with a professional guide, with live entertainment listed among what is included.

The material is very much Icelandic rather than general Norse mythology. Reviews often note this distinction: the gods appear only as background, while the substance of the tour is local, tied to the specific places the group stands in front of. One traveller said it worked as an introduction to Reykjavik on a first day, and another mentioned the stories later explained souvenir designs that would otherwise make no sense.

It suits anyone who likes history told with a bit of theatre. Expect to be on your feet most of the time, outdoors, in whatever weather the day brings.

What's Included

Included

Professional guide
Live entertainment

Not Included

Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Itinerary

Meet at Ingólfstorg SquareMeet your guide outside Hlöllabátar, facing the square and its two tall stone pillars, near Center Hotel Plaza. The operator allows 5 minutes here for a meet and greet before the walk begins.
Skúli Magnússon SheriffA 10 minute stop at the oldest graveyard in Iceland, which the listing dates to around 900.
Cathedral of Christ the King5 minutes at the cathedral, where the guide covers the trolls of Iceland and their relationship with the church.
Hólavallagarður cemetery15 minutes at the second oldest cemetery in Reykjavik, including the story of Iceland's most famous ghost, the Deacon of Dark River.
Tjörnin lake10 minutes by the Reykjavik lake for stories about Icelandic monsters.
Reykjavik City Hall10 minutes walking past City Hall. The guide sometimes takes the group inside to the great map of Iceland to point out where trolls and other creatures are said to live.
Alþingishúsið and Austurvöllur5 minutes at the old parliament building to meet the Icelandic guardian spirits, then 5 minutes more to Austurvöllur Square, where the tour ends by the statue of Jón Sigurðsson, close to the starting point.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical things shape how this tour goes, from the weather to how much standing is involved.

Dress for weather. The tour runs in all weather conditions and the listing tells you to dress appropriately.
Standing and walking. Expect to be on your feet for the full 1.5 hours. Several reviewers noted there is not always somewhere to sit at the stops, and one found the group standing in one spot for a long stretch early on, so comfortable shoes and some stamina help.
Pace and distance. The walking itself is gentle. Reviewers describe short distances between stops with frequent breaks for stories and songs, so it is more a series of standing stops than a march.
Songs and stories. The guides sing. Reviews repeatedly mention songs woven between the stories, and several travellers described the singing and storytelling as a highlight of the walk.
Works as an intro. One traveller said this was their first tour of a trip and a good way to get oriented in the city centre. It also leaves you with context that makes other sightseeing and even souvenir shops make more sense.
Getting there. Arrive at Ingólfstorg Square at least 5 minutes before the start time. The spot has benches, tables and a covered ceiling, and it sits near public transport.

Common issues. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and gratuities are listed as excluded, so you make your own way to the square. The tour needs a minimum number of travellers to run; if that minimum is not met you are offered a different date or experience, or a full refund, and the same applies if weather forces a cancellation. One reviewer felt their guide lingered too long in one spot without reading the group's fatigue, which is worth knowing if you dislike standing still.

Common Questions

Where Does The Tour Meet?

At Ingólfstorg 1 in central Reykjavik, outside Hlöllabátar and facing Ingólfstorg Square, with Center Hotel Plaza to your right. The guide asks that you arrive 5 minutes before the start time. The tour ends at Austurvöllur Square by the Parliament building, close to where it began.

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

No. The listing states that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way to the meeting point. The square is near public transportation.

What Is Included In The Price?

A professional guide and live entertainment. Gratuities and hotel transport are not included. The itinerary lists every stop.

How Long Does The Tour Take?

An hour and a half, according to the listing.

Is It Suitable For Children And Wheelchairs?

Children can join but must be accompanied by an adult. The listing states the tour is wheelchair and pushchair accessible, allows service animals, and says most travellers can participate.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window no refund or changes are accepted, and cut-off times follow local Reykjavik time. If the operator cancels for poor weather or because the minimum number of travellers is not met, you are offered a different date, a different experience, or a full refund.