Folklore Walk, 1.5 Hours

Reykjavik: Guided Folklore Walking Tour

★ 4.7 375 reviews

1.5 hours, free cancellation.

from $52 per person

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Duration: 1.5 hours
Cancellation: Free cancellation

Overview

This 1.5 hour walk gathers at Hlöllabátar on Ingólfstorg in central Reykjavik and follows a guide from Your Friend In Reykjavik through two of the city's oldest graveyards, the Catholic cathedral, Lake Tjornin and Austurvöllur. The route is the spine of the tour, but the real content is the storytelling. Expect elves, trolls, ghosts such as the Deacon of the dark river, Iceland's thirteen Santas, their mother the child-eating troll Grýla, an Icelandic serial killer from the lava fields, and an introduction to old runes and Icelandic magic.

The tone is entertaining rather than academic. Several reviews mention the guide singing traditional Icelandic folk songs during the walk, with one traveller calling the singing the absolute highlight and another describing the haunting songs that go with the tales. One reviewer left with a story about necropants; another was working on reciting the Lord's Prayer backwards and in Latin.

It suits anyone curious about why Icelanders tell so many stories, including Lord of the Rings fans, since the tour points out similarities between the sagas and Tolkien's world. Families with young children should note the listing's warning that some stories are scary for little ones, and that a private walk with toned-down scares can be arranged by contacting the operator.

What's Included

Included

Entertaining guide

Itinerary

Meet at HlöllabátarThe walk starts at Hlöllabátar, Ingólfstorgi 1, 101 Reykjavik. There is no pickup; travellers make their own way to the meeting point.
IngólfstorgGuided tour and sightseeing for 10 minutes at this central square.
Kirkjugarðurinn SuðurgötuGuided tour and sightseeing for 20 minutes in one of Reykjavik's oldest graveyards.
Cathedral of Christ the KingGuided tour and sightseeing for 20 minutes at the Catholic cathedral in Reykjavik.
Lake TjorninGuided tour and sightseeing for 20 minutes around the lake in the city centre.
AusturvöllurGuided tour and sightseeing for 20 minutes, with the walk finishing here rather than back at the start.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help travellers get the most from the walk.

Dress for weather. The listing's only packing note is weather-appropriate clothing. One reviewer took it in the rain and still had a good time, but a waterproof layer is a sensible call.
Pace and terrain. The whole tour is on foot around the city centre over 1.5 hours, with stops of 10 to 20 minutes each. The itinerary lists no transport between stops.
The singing. Several reviewers mention the guide singing traditional Icelandic folk songs during the tour, sometimes songs that go with the stories being told. One traveller called it the absolute highlight of the walk.
Scary stories. The listing warns that some stories may scare younger children. Travellers with little ones can contact the operator about a private walk with the scariness dialed down.
Story depth. Reviewers describe the tour as informative and engaging, with guides sharing folklore and superstition-based tales. One traveller also praised how much they learned about Iceland, its people and culture.
Where it ends. The walk finishes at Austurvöllur, not at the meeting point. Anyone planning dinner or another booking afterwards should account for the different end location in the city centre.

Common issues. There is no hotel pickup; travellers meet at Hlöllabátar by Ingólfstorg. The tour visits outdoor city sites and one reviewer did it in rain, so clothing matters. The listing itself flags that some stories can be frightening for small children, which is the main drawback for families with very young kids. Only an entertaining guide is listed as included, so anything else, food, drinks or extras, is not part of the package.

Common Questions

Where Does The Tour Meet?

At Hlöllabátar, Ingólfstorgi 1, 101 Reykjavik, on Ingólfstorg in the city centre. Pickup is not included on this tour. The walk ends at Austurvöllur, a different spot from the start.

How Long Is The Folklore Walk?

It runs for 1.5 hours. The route takes in Ingólfstorg, the graveyard at Suðurgata, the Cathedral of Christ the King, Lake Tjornin and Austurvöllur, with stops of 10 to 20 minutes each.

What Is Included In The Price?

The listing includes an entertaining guide and nothing else.

Is The Tour Suitable For Children?

One reviewer recommended it for families. The listing warns that some stories may be scary for younger children, and suggests contacting the operator about a private walk where the scary parts are toned down.

Can I Cancel If My Plans Change?

Yes. The listing allows cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What Should I Bring?

Weather-appropriate clothing is the listing's only recommendation. Reviewers have taken the tour in rainy weather, so layers and a waterproof are wise.