Reykjavik Folklore Walking Tour: Meet the Elves, Trolls & Ghosts of Iceland
Recommended by 94% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Reykjavik, Iceland
- 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Go beyond the tourist trail and take a deep dive into Icelands strong mythical tradition that includes sorts of elves, trolls, and 13 iterations of Santa. This guided tour of Reykjavik takes you to the oldest part of town to learn all about these creatures and their stories, with stops at the oldest graveyard in the city, an elf stone, and to the Reykjavik Pond, where aquatic monsters are believed to dwell.
- Discover a side to Reykjavik that many visitors miss
- Learn about local myths from your guide
- Check off multiple mythological landmarks in just one tour
- Ask your guide for local tips after the tour ends
What's Included
- Professional guide
- Live entertainment
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- HlöllabátarIngólfstorgi 1, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Outside Hlöllabátar, facing Ingólfstorg Square and the two tall stone pillars. Center Hotel Plaza is to your right. Benches, tables, and a covered ceiling make it a comfortable spot to wait. Our expert local guides usually wear a light blue jacket with Your Friend in Reykjavik on the back
End point
- Jón SigurðssonAusturvöllur, 43W6+V4C, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
We end up close to our starting point but now infront of the Parliament building at Austurvöllur public square.
Itinerary
Make your own way to the meeting point in central Reykjavik. With your guide and group of fellow travelers, head first for the oldest graveyard in Iceland, which dates from around the year 900.
After stops at a local playground and the Cathedral of Christ the King to learn about Icelandic elves and trolls, it’s on to Hólavallakirkjugarðurt, the second oldest cemetery in Reykjavik and favored haunt of Iceland’s most-famous ghost, the Deacon of Dark River.
Continue to the lake of Tjörnin to hear stories about Icelandic monsters and by Reykjavik City Hall on your way to Alþingishúsið to visit Icelandic guardian spirits.
Your tour finishes up at Austurvollur Square, close to where you began.
After stops at a local playground and the Cathedral of Christ the King to learn about Icelandic elves and trolls, it’s on to Hólavallakirkjugarðurt, the second oldest cemetery in Reykjavik and favored haunt of Iceland’s most-famous ghost, the Deacon of Dark River.
Continue to the lake of Tjörnin to hear stories about Icelandic monsters and by Reykjavik City Hall on your way to Alþingishúsið to visit Icelandic guardian spirits.
Your tour finishes up at Austurvollur Square, close to where you began.
1
Your Friend In Reykjavik
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Skúli Magnússon Sheriff
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Cathedral of Christ the King
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
Hólavallagarður
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
5
Tjörnin
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
6
Reykjavik City Hall
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
7
Alþingishúsið
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
8
Austurvollur Square
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Stroller accessible
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- Please be at Ingolfur Square 5 minutes before the starting time
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 999 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.7
based on 733 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
aly312, Jul 2026
A fun experience that actually helped us later in our trip without the stories and myth some of the souvenirs didn’t make
Sense. High energy great story telling. Saw neat parts of the city.
Mary_J, Jun 2026
Dui was fantastic. He told us stories, he sang us songs, he did a phenomenal job! There wasn't a place to sit at all of our stops, so hopefully you can stand and walk for the 1.5 hours.
Linda_K, Jun 2026
The information was nicely presented. The pace of the walking and story telling was unhurried and informative. We enjoyed the stories and singing. We appreciated the tip to visit the National Museum which we thoroughly enjoyed the following day.
Christina_B, Jun 2026
Our guide Hravn was a gifted storyteller and made the tour so interesting and fun. I am certain several of the stories will stay with me forever. This was one of several tours with this company and all of the guides have been great.
Jamie_L, Jun 2026
Dui was so kind and accommodating. He brought so much life to the stories. Even singing to us multiple times. His words, and songs, were beautiful and haunting. He really captured the lore of his beautiful country.
Gary_K, May 2026
Our guide was very kind, animated and a true storyteller! He was well versed in Icelandic folklore! My challenge was that he was so engaged in his storytelling that it seemed he wasn’t reading our body language. We were standing in the same spot (in the park area at the beginning of the tour) for a long time. Our group shared that we had just landed that morning and we were all exhausted. We were fidgeting bc our legs were hurting by just standing there and he could have talked while we walked. In that same area, he seemed oblivious to the construction noise intermittently going on 50 yards behind him.
It was an entertaining way to hear a few stories, see the only “operating” Catholic Church and cemetery (where we learned quite a bit about his family members).
He obviously loves what he does and his country’s folklore!
I can recommend this tour if it’s nice out and doesn’t cost too much (booked a long time ago and I can’t remember what we paid).
Victoria_O, May 2026
The tour was full of interesting facts about the city of reiki vec and it's culture of little people and giants. If you like corky history tours you will love this tour.
Jessica_T, May 2026
Interesting to learn more about the Islandic culture and the country. Would recommend to someone who doesn't know Reykjavik very well.
Lauren_S, Apr 2026
It was VERY cold and at first, when our guide said the tour would be 1.5-2 hours, I thought, “we will never last that long,” but the time went by quickly with the stories and exploration of a cemetery, a stop by a church, etc. I’m very glad we decided to do it!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Dear Lauren, thank you so much for your wonderful review! 🌟😊
We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the stories and exploring parts of Reykjavík you might not have discovered otherwise 🏡✨ Even in the cold, it’s great to know the time flew by thanks to the storytelling and unique stops along the way ❄️📖
We’re so glad you decided to join the tour and that it turned into such a memorable experience, from the cemetery visit to the church and beyond ⛪👻
Your kind words mean a lot to us 🙏 We truly appreciate you joining us and hope to welcome you back again soon for another adventure and more fascinating stories ✨😊
With gratitude and warm regards
Steina
Your Friend In Reykjavík & Team
Carol_B, Mar 2026
Einar was a wonderful guide. Took us inside when we were freezing to give us Interesting information. It was fun Learning about Iceland traditions. He told us great stories and sang us great songs.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Dear Carol, thank you so much for your wonderful review! 🌟😊
We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed your folklore walking tour with Einar and that he made sure you stayed warm while still sharing such interesting insights ❄️📖 It’s fantastic that you enjoyed learning about Icelandic traditions, along with his great stories and songs 🎶✨
Your kind words truly mean a lot to us 🙏 We’re so happy you had a fun and memorable experience and hope to welcome you back again soon for another magical adventure in Reykjavík 🇮🇸💙
With gratitude and warm regards
Steina
Your Friend In Reykjavík & Team
Bridget_K, Mar 2026
We took our tour with Matthias and my goodness was he a wealth of knowledge, and so incredibly warm and kind. It is so clear he enjoys these tours and connecting with tourists to tell them about these stories. Incredible storyteller, attentive to all the needs of a tour group with diverse walking speeds, and offered so much more than just folklore during this walk.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Dear Bridget,
Thank you so much for your wonderful and thoughtful review! 🌟 We’re absolutely delighted to hear how much you enjoyed your tour with Mathias. His warmth, knowledge, and passion for storytelling truly make the experience special, and he’ll be so happy to hear your kind words. 😊
It’s lovely to know that you appreciated not only the folklore but also the wider stories and insights he shared along the way. Making sure everyone feels comfortable and included, no matter their walking pace, is something our guides care deeply about, and it’s great to hear that came through. 🏙️✨
We’re so glad you had such a memorable experience and hope to welcome you back for another adventure in Reykjavík soon! ❄️
With gratitude and warm regards
Steina
Your Friend In Reykjavík & Team
Lianna_T, Mar 2026
Very cool experience, lots of interesting stories and songs from the guide. A really interesting way to see Reykjavik
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Dear Lianna,
Thank you so much for your lovely review! 🌟 We’re delighted to hear that you had such a cool experience and enjoyed the interesting stories and songs from your guide. 🎶✨
It’s wonderful to know that the tour gave you a unique and engaging way to see Reykjavík, that’s exactly what we hope to create for our guests. 🏙️😊
We hope to welcome you back soon for another memorable adventure in the city! ❄️
With gratitude and warm regards
Steina
Your Friend In Reykjavík & Team
Darren_L, Feb 2026
It was very interesting. Our tour guide Bo made it fun. Also a great way to see the area.
Very pleasant.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Dear Darren,
Thank you so much for your kind review! 🌟 We’re delighted to hear that your tour with Bo was both interesting and fun, and that you enjoyed seeing the area in such a pleasant way. 🏙️✨
Bo will be thrilled to hear your feedback, and we hope to welcome you back soon for another memorable adventure in Reykjavík! ❄️
With gratitude and warm regards
Steina
Your Friend In Reykjavík & Team
Megan_Z, Dec 2025
Ester was our guide, and she made this tour fun, informative, and engaging. She also had some great local tips at the end. This was a great way to get more familiar with Icelandic folklore, and get a bit more familiar with Reykjavik. Totally recommended!
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Dear Megan,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! 😊 We’re delighted that Ester made your tour fun, engaging, and informative. It’s great to hear that you enjoyed learning about Icelandic folklore and getting more familiar with Reykjavík, and that Ester’s local tips added an extra special touch 🏙️📖✨.
We would love to welcome you back for another Icelandic adventure soon! 🌍💙
With gratitude and warm regards
Steina
Your Friend In Reykjavík & Team
Gracie_J, Dec 2025
The tour was fun. The tour guide was very friendly and even had a special gift for us at the end of the tour. After the tour ended, I went to get gelato. While inside the gelato store, the door behind me (that was closed) flew open without reason and the store employee said “that’s a ghost!” I found that interesting seeing how I had just completed a ghost tour of Reykjavik.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you so much for your wonderful and fun review, Gracie! 👻✨
We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with us. We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the tour, the friendliness of your guide, and the little surprise at the end 🎁😊. And wow — that gelato shop moment sounds like the perfect spooky Reykjavík finale after a ghost tour! 👀🍦 Iceland certainly loves to keep the folklore alive.
Thank you again for your kind words and for choosing to explore Reykjavík with us. We hope to see you again soon on another adventure! 🌟❄️
With gratitude and warm regards
Steina
Your Friend In Reykjavík & Team
Ronald_H, Dec 2025
We enjoyed meeting the guide, who was both knowledgeable and entertaining, as well as visiting the various sites around Reykjavik center. The stories were informative, lively and funny. This was the first tour of our trip and our introduction to Reykjavik.
Unlike some of our other tours, our guide took many pictures which we were later sent via text message, including some group photos. We only wish they all weren't partially covered with giant "Your Friend in Reykjavik" logos in the corner, especially considering we were also given small magnets with the same design.
We'd also have liked to have spent perhaps a little more time at the cemetery, given its age, to visit some of the older graves.
We thought this good value for the price.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you so much for your thoughtful and detailed review, Ronald! 😊🙏
We’re really happy to hear that you enjoyed meeting your guide and that the tour was a great introduction to Reykjavík 🇮🇸✨ It’s wonderful to know the stories felt informative, lively, and funny, and that visiting the city center sites helped set the tone for the rest of your trip.
We truly appreciate your constructive feedback as well. Your comments about the photos and the time spent at the cemetery are noted, and we value insights like these as they help us continue to improve our experiences 📸🌿 Thank you for sharing this so openly and kindly.
We’re glad you felt the tour was good value, and we hope to welcome you again soon on another adventure in Reykjavík — there’s always more to discover! 🚶♂️🌋
With gratitude and warm regards
Steina
Your Friend In Reykjavík & Team
Giovanna_T, Dec 2025
We had such a great time learning about the Icelandic folklore and seeing the hidden parts of Reykjavik that a normal tourist wouldn’t even think twice about stopping at. Our tour guide “Po” was such a joy to be around. Thank you!
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you so much for the lovely review, Giovanna — we truly appreciate it! 🌟
We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed exploring the hidden corners of Reykjavík and diving into Icelandic folklore. It’s wonderful that Bo made the experience joyful and memorable for you. We’re grateful you chose to spend your time with us and hope to see you again soon for another adventure!
With gratitude and warm regards
Steina
Your Friend In Reykjavík & Team
Isabella_B, Nov 2025
A fun way to learn about the trolls, elves, and ghosts of Iceland! Our guide Bo was very knowledgeable and took us on a great trip through the city.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you so much for your lovely review, Isabella! 🌟👻🧝♂️
We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed learning about Iceland’s trolls, elves, and ghosts with Bo. His knowledge and passion for the magical and mysterious sides of Reykjavík really make the stories come alive, and it sounds like you had a fantastic journey through the city. 🏙️✨
We hope to see you again soon on another adventure! 😄
With gratitude and warm regards
Steina
Your Friend In Reykjavík & Team
Sara_M, Nov 2025
We had the most amazing guide from Iceland who took us on a great walk to see a rock where elves hide, and we heard so many spooky stories, learned about the culture, saw beautiful homes and buildings and a Catholic Church and then walked through a scary cemetery where our own special cat with a funny wreath collar followed us the entire time til we left the cemetery, the cat was so friendly. Our guide explained that elves are known to shapeshift and the cat was seeing us through the cemetery to listen to our storytelling. Our guide also took us near his family crypt.. Our kids were fascinated. We also walked by the water with swans and ducks. We ended in the city center with hot chocolate and donuts to end the night ice skating. Loved, loved, loved this tour!
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience, Sara! 🏰🦄😺
We’re delighted to hear that your family enjoyed the magical mix of elves, spooky stories, beautiful architecture, and even a special cemetery cat 🐾✨. From swans by the water to hot chocolate and donuts at the end of your night, it sounds like a truly enchanting adventure through Reykjavik! Your kids’ fascination and excitement really make us smile. 🍫🍩❄️
We hope to see you all again soon for another memorable Reykjavik adventure! 🌟
With gratitude and warm regards
Steina
Your Friend In Reykjavík & Team
Heather_K, Nov 2025
Interesting ! Icelands stories are very interesting but based or gore ! Atmospheric tour with enthusiastic guide 😀
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you so much for your review, Heather! 😄🗺️
We’re thrilled you enjoyed the atmospheric Icelandic stories—even the gory ones! 🩸🏰 Our guides love sharing the fascinating (and sometimes spooky) tales that bring Reykjavik to life.
We hope to see you again soon for another adventure! 🌟
With gratitude and warm regards
Steina
Your Friend In Reykjavík & Team
pao_h, Nov 2025
Really fun walking tour, could be somewhat too much walking for some folks. Beware.
The location was hard to find without Google map tho, i wandered a bit
Andrea_H, Nov 2025
Interesting walk through parts of Reykjavik we wouldn’t have seen if it weren’t for the tour. Our guide Steingrimur was knowledgeable, friendly, and shared folklore stories through song.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you, Andrea! ✨
What a magical experience — wandering through hidden parts of Reykjavík that most visitors might miss, guided by Steingrímur’s knowledge, friendliness, and storytelling through song 🎶📖. That truly sounds like a journey through history, culture, and imagination all at once!
We’re so glad you enjoyed the mix of folklore, local insight, and those special musical moments 🎵🌟.
With gratitude and warm regards
Steina
Your Friend In Reykjavík & Team
Samantha_B, Nov 2025
I thought this tour had some good moments, and some moments that were really off topic (and a bit awkward). The tour guide was all over the place with information, less folklore and more personal narrative with some random history sprinkled in. The tour went a lot longer than expected, and was overall an experience I sadly would not recommend.
Lisa_d, Oct 2025
This folklore walking tour was such a fun and unique way to experience Reykjavik. Instead of just seeing the city’s landmarks, we got to hear the stories behind them: tales of elves, trolls, ghosts, and Icelandic superstition that brought the streets to life in a totally unexpected way.
Our guide was an incredible storyteller, blending history with humor and just the right amount of mystery. We learned about hidden elf houses, haunted buildings, and legendary creatures said to roam the lava fields. Whether you believe in the Huldufólk or not, the stories were fascinating and gave a whole new depth to Icelandic culture.
I loved that this wasn’t a typical “facts and dates” tour. It felt intimate, imaginative, and full of personality. We walked through downtown Reykjavik, past places I had already seen, but now with a richer understanding of how folklore still shapes Icelandic life today.
Highly recommended for anyone looking to see Reykjavik through a different lens. A perfect mix of history, mythology, and storytelling—whimsical, spooky, and unforgettable.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you so much for your glowing review, Lisa! 🌟 We’re thrilled to hear that the folklore walking tour brought Reykjavík to life in such a magical and memorable way. 🧝♂️🧌 From hidden elf houses to haunted buildings, it sounds like you truly immersed yourself in the enchanting stories that make Icelandic culture so unique.
We love that the tour offered a fresh, whimsical perspective on the city, and we can’t wait to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure in Reykjavík soon! 🇮🇸✨
With gratitude and warm regards,
Steina
Your Friend in Reykjavík & Team
Jennifer_c, Oct 2025
This was so fun and cute. This tour was the first thing we had booked in Iceland. It was nice to walk around and get your bearings while listening to stories. Highly recommend
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words, Jennifer! 😄 We’re thrilled that your first Icelandic adventure started with our tour and that you enjoyed walking around Reykjavík while hearing the stories that bring the city to life. 🇮🇸
We look forward to welcoming you again soon for another fun and memorable adventure! ✨
With gratitude and warm regards,
Steina
Your Friend in Reykjavík & Team
Beth_B, Oct 2025
Excellent tour! It was the perfect introduction to Reykjavik, between the sites on the walk and the history included. Mathias was a fabulous storyteller and guide. Highly recommended.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you so much, Beth, for your wonderful review!
We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed your tour with Mathias and found it to be the perfect introduction to Reykjavík 🇮🇸✨
He’ll be so happy to know you appreciated his storytelling and insights.
We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to see you again on another adventure soon! 🌟
With gratitude and warm regards
Steina
Your Friend In Reykjavík
Karen_K, Oct 2025
I really enjoyed the guide and his stories and legends about ghosts, elves and trolls (and about rocks!!!!) The tour was the perfect length, and I would love to have continued this in a pub, hearing yet more stories!!!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Dear Karen,
Thank you for your amazing review!
We’re absolutely delighted to hear you enjoyed the tour and our guide's captivating tales about ghosts, elves, trolls, and those iconic rocks! 👻🧝♂️🪨 Sharing Iceland’s rich legends and folklore is a true passion of ours, and we think you would love our cozy pub storytelling experience:
The Icelandic Storyteller Experience.
We can’t wait to welcome you back for more enchanting stories and perhaps a drink or two next time! Cheers to more adventures together! 🍻🇮🇸
With gratitude and warm regards
Steina
Your Friend In Reykjavík
Nick_C, Sep 2025
Mathias was great! My husband and I were the only two who had booked the tour so we basically had our own personal tour. This was great and allowed us to get to chat one on one and ask several questions. He told many interesting stories about Icelandic folklore and was very animated and funny the whole time. 10/10 experience - would highly recommend!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Dear Nick,
Thank you so much for your fantastic review!
We’re thrilled to hear you had such a fun and personal experience with Mathias 🇮🇸✨
He’ll be delighted to know you enjoyed his stories and sense of humor — he truly loves bringing Icelandic folklore to life!
It sounds like a wonderful one-on-one tour, and we really appreciate your 10/10 recommendation.
Hope to see you again on your next visit to Reykjavík! 🌟
With gratitude and warm regards
Steina
Your Friend In Reykjavík
Megan_K, Sep 2025
I just got access to wifi today. My friend and I are on my 2nd Viator tour since arriving in Iceland. Our gude for the Golden Circle said local northern lights tours are being cancelled due to the weather. I tried to cancel, but was told no refund. I do not expect that from Viator. We are following our guide's advice. Weather is weather. Please advise.
Carolyn_M, Sep 2025
The guide was amazing. Stefan was so enthusiastic and knowledgeable. His troll and elf voices really took it to the next leve. A great way to see a different part of the city while you're in town.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Dear Carolyn,
Thank you so much for your lovely review!
We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed your tour with Stefán — his enthusiasm and storytelling voices really do bring the trolls and elves to life! 🧝♂️✨
We’re so glad you had fun exploring a different side of Reykjavík with us and hope to see you again for more magical tales soon. 🇮🇸
With gratitude and warm regards
Steina
Your Friend In Reykjavík
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