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

Walking through Reykjavik’s oldest neighborhoods with a guide who brings centuries-old folklore to life is genuinely one of the most enjoyable ways to understand Icelandic culture. We love how this tour blends serious history and archaeology with the playful, imaginative storytelling that Icelanders have woven into their everyday lives for generations. The guides consistently receive praise for their humor and ability to transform ordinary streets and cemeteries into windows into Iceland’s magical worldview.

What really sets this experience apart is the focus on why Icelanders believe what they believe—it’s not just spooky stories for travelers, but a genuine cultural practice that shapes how people live today. The main consideration is that this is genuinely a walking tour, meaning you’ll spend most of the 90 minutes on your feet moving through the city center. This tour works best for travelers who want to see Reykjavik beyond the obvious landmarks, who appreciate good storytelling, and who are curious about the less-touristy side of Icelandic culture.

What You’re Actually Getting for Your Money

At $55.63 per person for 90 minutes with a professional guide, this tour delivers solid value. You’re paying for someone who knows the folklore deeply enough to answer follow-up questions, who can point out architectural details you’d otherwise miss, and who has the performance skills to keep a group engaged while walking in rain or wind. The tour includes a mobile ticket (no printing necessary), and you’ll receive a professional guide plus what the tour company calls “live entertainment”—which in practice means guides with genuine charisma and storytelling ability.

What you won’t get is hotel pickup or fancy transportation. You meet in central Reykjavik and walk from there. For many travelers, this is actually a bonus—you’re not spending 20 minutes in a van just to reach the starting point. The tour operates rain or shine, which is important context for planning your clothing. Weather cancellations happen, but you’ll get rescheduled or fully refunded if conditions become genuinely unsafe.

The Itinerary: A Carefully Planned Route Through Reykjavik’s Soul

The tour doesn’t rush you through famous landmarks. Instead, it takes a methodical approach, spending meaningful time at each stop to let the stories and history sink in. Here’s what the journey actually involves:

Your Starting Point and First Encounter

You’ll meet near Ingólfstorg, the heart of downtown Reykjavik, about five minutes before your scheduled start time. Your guide will introduce themselves and begin orienting you to Iceland’s mythical creatures—elves, trolls, and ghosts—setting the tone for what’s to come. This opening is short but important, as it frames how to think about the stories you’ll hear. You’re not learning about fictional creatures; you’re learning about beings that a significant portion of Icelanders genuinely believe exist in invisible form around the city.

The Oldest Graveyard in Iceland

Your first substantial stop is Skúli Magnússon cemetery, dating back to around 900 AD. This isn’t a quick photo opportunity—you’ll spend about 10 minutes here. Walking through graves that are over a thousand years old creates a palpable sense of time passing. The guides point out the oldest stones, explain burial practices, and begin weaving in stories about how Icelanders relate to death and the supernatural. One traveler noted that “the guide explained that elves are known to shapeshift,” and during the cemetery visit, they were followed by a friendly cat the entire time—which the guide interpreted as an elf watching over the group. Whether you believe that or not, it’s the kind of moment that makes this tour memorable.

The Cathedral of Christ the King

A brief five-minute stop here serves a specific purpose: the guide explains that trolls, according to Icelandic folklore, strongly dislike churches. This isn’t random trivia—it’s a window into how Icelandic people have historically understood the relationship between Christianity and older, pre-Christian beliefs. The cathedral itself is beautiful and relatively new by Icelandic standards, but the folklore context makes it more interesting than a standard architectural tour would.

Hólavallagarður Cemetery and Iceland’s Most Famous Ghost

You’ll spend about 15 minutes at this second-oldest cemetery in Reykjavik, which is notably longer than other stops. This is where the Deacon of Dark River—Iceland’s most famous ghost—is said to haunt. Guides share the specific stories about this ghost with the kind of detail that makes folklore feel less like entertainment and more like local history. Travelers consistently mention that guides “had some great local tips” and that the stories felt “informative, lively and funny.” The balance matters here—guides aren’t trying to scare you, but to genuinely educate you about Icelandic supernatural beliefs.

Tjörnin Lake and Stories of Icelandic Monsters

The 10-minute stop at this central Reykjavik lake shifts focus to water-based creatures and monsters. You might spot swans or ducks, which adds a pleasant sensory element to the storytelling. One family noted they “walked by the water with swans and ducks” and found it a particularly beautiful part of the experience. The guides explain what creatures Icelanders believe inhabit these waters and why certain locations are considered significant in folklore.

Reykjavik City Hall and the Great Map

About 10 minutes here gives you time to see the impressive map of Iceland displayed inside City Hall (if the guide chooses to take you inside on that day—this can vary). On this map, guides discuss the locations where various trolls and creatures are believed to live throughout Iceland. It’s a clever way to connect the city-center folklore you’ve been learning about to the broader Icelandic landscape. Some guides are particularly animated about this stop, using it as an opportunity to discuss Iceland’s geography and geology alongside its mythology.

Alþingishúsið and Guardian Spirits

A five-minute stop at this historic building introduces you to the concept of Iceland’s guardian spirits—protective beings associated with different regions of the country. This is genuinely interesting cultural knowledge that most travelers never encounter.

Austurvöllur Square and the Finish

You’ll end near the Parliament building at Austurvöllur Square, close to where you started. The tour doesn’t end with a dramatic finale, but rather with guides often sharing additional local recommendations and answering final questions. Several reviewers mentioned that guides provided “great local tips at the end” and recommendations for where to grab food or drinks afterward.

The Guides Make or Break the Experience

Reading through dozens of reviews, one pattern is absolutely clear: the quality of your guide determines whether this tour is merely good or genuinely memorable. The company employs guides with names like Mathias, Stefán, Bo, Magnus, and Dúi, and nearly every positive review mentions the guide by name and describes their specific strengths.

One traveler wrote: “Mathias was hilarious. We really enjoyed the mix of stories and folklore while learning about locations in Reykjavik and Iceland overall.” Another said: “Dúi is an amazing guide with a great singing voice! He told colorful tales of Icelandic folklore and wove so much culture and history into the tales.” Some guides apparently incorporate actual singing into their storytelling, which adds an unexpected cultural dimension.

The best guides balance several things: they’re knowledgeable enough to answer questions, funny enough to keep energy up during a 90-minute walk, theatrical enough to make stories engaging, and humble enough to acknowledge that folklore is a living cultural practice rather than just entertainment. One reviewer perfectly captured this: “His knowledge and passion for the magical and mysterious sides of Reykjavík really make the stories come alive.”

That said, not every guide hits this balance perfectly. One traveler noted that their guide was “all over the place with information, less folklore and more personal narrative with some random history sprinkled in,” and the tour “went a lot longer than expected.” This is worth noting—guide quality genuinely varies, and you might occasionally get someone who’s less focused or engaging than the majority.

Physical Demands and Practical Considerations

This is a walking tour, and that matters. You’ll be on your feet for the entire 90 minutes, moving through Reykjavik’s streets and visiting multiple locations. Several travelers specifically mentioned this: “You will spend time on your feet with this tour” and “could be somewhat too much walking for some folks.”

The terrain isn’t extreme—you’re walking through a city, not hiking—but if you have mobility issues or tire easily, you should know what you’re signing up for. Comfortable shoes are essential, and weather-appropriate clothing is critical. The tour operates in all weather conditions, which is both a strength (you won’t get canceled for light rain) and something to prepare for. Icelandic weather can be unpredictable, so layers are your friend.

The meeting point is accessible by public transportation, and the tour stays in central Reykjavik throughout. One traveler noted that “the location was hard to find without Google map,” so arrive a few minutes early and use the coordinates provided (Ingólfstorgi 1, 101 Reykjavík) if you’re not familiar with the area.

Group Size and the Personal Touch

Tours can technically have up to 999 travelers, but in practice, groups are much smaller. One couple noted they were “the only two who had booked the tour so we basically had our own personal tour,” which allowed them to “chat one on one and ask several questions.” This is the exception rather than the rule, but it illustrates how group size can vary significantly. Smaller groups generally allow for more interaction and personalized attention from the guide.

Standout Moments from Real Travelers

What makes this tour resonate with people isn’t just the information—it’s the moments that blur the line between storytelling and experience. One family described a particularly magical experience: “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.”

Another traveler appreciated the guide’s effort to capture memories: “Unlike some of our other tours, our guide took many pictures which we were later sent via text message, including some group photos.” (Though one reviewer did note wishing the watermarks weren’t so prominent.)

The experience often becomes the perfect introduction to Reykjavik for first-time visitors. Multiple travelers mentioned booking this as their first activity in Iceland, and it provided an excellent foundation for understanding the city and its culture before exploring other attractions.

The Value Proposition

At roughly $55 per person for 90 minutes with a knowledgeable, entertaining guide in a city where tourism can be expensive, this tour offers reasonable value. You’re not getting a luxury experience or exclusive access, but you are getting genuine insight into how Icelanders think about their landscape and culture. Compare this to a standard city walking tour at similar price points, and you’re paying for something more specific and culturally meaningful than just architectural history.

The free cancellation policy (up to 24 hours in advance) removes risk from booking. If you decide the timing doesn’t work or weather genuinely looks unsafe, you can get your money back. The company also reschedules or refunds if minimum group size isn’t met or if weather becomes genuinely problematic.

Who This Tour Is Actually For

This experience works best for travelers who are curious about Icelandic culture beyond the typical Golden Circle and waterfalls. If you want to understand how Icelanders actually think—including their genuine belief in hidden people and supernatural forces—this tour delivers that perspective better than most tourist activities.

It’s excellent for first-time visitors to Reykjavik who want to orient themselves to the city while learning something substantive. It’s also good for people who’ve already done the major sightseeing and want a different angle on the capital. Families with older children (who can handle a 90-minute walk and appreciate storytelling) often enjoy it, though very young children might get restless.

The tour is less ideal if you’re looking for a high-energy, action-packed experience or if you have mobility limitations that make extended walking difficult. It’s also worth noting that one traveler felt the guide’s tone didn’t align with their Christian faith, so if you’re sensitive to how religion is discussed, you might want to ask the tour operator about the specific guide’s approach beforehand.

Booking Logistics and What to Know

The tour is offered daily in English, and you’ll receive a mobile ticket (no printing required). You need to be at the meeting point about five minutes early. The experience is weather-dependent but generally operates regardless of rain. If conditions become genuinely unsafe, you’ll be offered a reschedule or refund.

Most people book this about 43 days in advance, but availability and last-minute openings do happen. The 4.5-star rating across 702 reviews suggests this is a consistently solid experience, even if not every single tour is perfect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to book hotel pickup, or do I get to the meeting point myself?
A: Hotel pickup is not included. You’ll make your own way to Ingólfstorgi 1 in central Reykjavik, where the tour begins. The location is accessible by public transportation and is in the heart of downtown.

Q: What happens if the weather is really bad?
A: The tour operates in all weather conditions, including rain. However, if conditions become genuinely unsafe, the tour will be canceled and you’ll be offered either a reschedule or a full refund. You should dress appropriately for Icelandic weather with layers and waterproof clothing.

Q: How long is the actual walking, and is it difficult?
A: You’ll be on your feet for the entire 90 minutes, moving through Reykjavik’s city center. The terrain is flat and urban (not hiking), but several travelers specifically noted it involves “quite a bit of walking.” Comfortable shoes are essential. It’s not strenuous, but it does require reasonable mobility.

Q: Can I cancel if I change my mind?
A: Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour starts for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, you won’t get your money back. Changes made less than 24 hours in advance are also not accepted.

Q: Will the guide take photos, and will I get copies?
A: This varies by guide. Some guides take photos and send them to participants via text message, while others don’t. It’s worth asking your guide at the beginning of the tour if this is important to you.

Q: Is this tour appropriate for young children?
A: Children must be accompanied by an adult. The tour involves 90 minutes of walking and storytelling, which works well for older children but might be challenging for very young ones. Families with children have enjoyed it, but consider your child’s ability to walk and listen for an extended period.

Q: How large are the groups typically?
A: Groups vary. Some tours have just two people, while others might have 15-20 or more. The theoretical maximum is 999, but practical group sizes are much smaller. Smaller groups tend to allow for more personal interaction with the guide.

Q: What if I don’t believe in elves and trolls?
A: The tour doesn’t require belief—it focuses on the folklore itself and how Icelandic culture has developed around these beliefs. You’ll learn about why these stories matter to Icelanders and how they influence everyday decisions, regardless of your personal beliefs.

Q: Does the price include anything besides the guide?
A: The price includes a professional guide and “live entertainment” (the guide’s storytelling and performance). It does not include hotel pickup, food, drinks, or entrance fees to any buildings (though some buildings like City Hall can be viewed from outside or entered for free).

Q: How far in advance should I book?
A: Most people book about 43 days ahead, but the tour operates daily. Last-minute bookings are possible depending on availability. Given the free cancellation policy, booking in advance carries no real risk.

Q: Are service animals allowed?
A: Yes, service animals are allowed on the tour.

This tour succeeds because it treats Icelandic folklore not as quaint tourist entertainment but as a genuine cultural practice that shapes how people actually live. For travelers who want to understand Reykjavik beyond the obvious sights, who appreciate good storytelling, and who are willing to spend 90 minutes on their feet, this is one of the most rewarding ways to spend $55 in the capital. The guides are the real variable—some are truly exceptional, while others are merely competent—but the consistent 4.5-star rating across 702 reviews suggests you’re far more likely to get a genuinely engaging experience than a mediocre one. Book this as your first activity in Reykjavik, and you’ll start your trip with a deeper understanding of Icelandic culture than most visitors ever achieve.