Viator Rating : 5 (702 reviews)
Dyvarcity Score : 4.7/10 (Poor Experience)
Reykjavik
Reykjavik Folklore Walk: Elves, Trolls & Ghost Stories!
90
Overview
Reykjavik Folklore Walking Tour: Meet the Elves, Trolls & Ghosts of Iceland on a captivating journey through the heart of Reykjavik. This walking tour is perfect for anyone who wants to discover the magical side of Iceland and hear fascinating stories about elves, trolls, ghosts, and other mythical creatures.
Guests will begin their adventure at Mythical Iceland Welcome and explore the oldest part of Reykjavik, visiting an elfstone right in the city center. They'll walk through two of the city's oldest cemeteries, perfect for experiencing a truly haunted walk. The tour guide will share tales of famous ghosts like the Deacon of Dark River, unique Icelandic monsters, the 13 Santas (Icelandic Yule Lads/Jólasveinar), and their child-eating mother, Grýla. Guests also get an introduction to Icelandic magic and learn how to wake the undead.
This unique experience includes a professional guide and live entertainment. Please note that gratuities and hotel pickup/drop-off are not included. Key stops include Mythical Iceland Welcome, the Oldest Graveyard in Iceland, an Elf Habitat, Troll Church Territory, the 2nd Oldest Cemetery in Reykjavik, Reykjavik Lake, Reykjavik City Hall, the Guardian Spirits Location, and the end of the Mythical Walk. It's a spooky and fun way to learn about Icelandic folklore. 
Experience DNA Fingerprint
Scores are shown on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 = lowest score, 10 = highest score.
What People Love
Mobility (8 - Easy / Accessible) : Comfortable for most people
Pacing (8 - Balanced) : Smooth and comfortable timing
Guide Quality (9 - Exceptional) : Engaging and memorable
Guide Reliability (10 - Dependable) : On time with strong follow-through
What to Watch Out For
Instagram Factor (7 - Scenic) : Some good photo moments
Highlights
Uncover Reykjavik's Hidden Folklore: Explore the oldest part of Reykjavik and discover the city's mythical side.
Meet Iceland's Elves and Trolls: Visit an elfstone and learn about the legends of trolls and other creatures.
Experience a Haunted Walk: Walk through two of Reykjavik's oldest cemeteries.
Hear Spooky Ghost Stories: Listen to tales of famous Icelandic ghosts and monsters.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers love the engaging storytelling and the guide's knowledge.
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Many appreciate the tour's spooky and fun atmosphere.
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Visitors enjoy learning about Icelandic folklore and mythical creatures.
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The walk through the cemeteries is a highlight for many.
Some found the tour a bit too scary for very young children.
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A few wished for more visual aids to accompany the stories.
The Journey
Starting Point - Mythical Iceland Welcome
Begin your immersive exploration into the heart of Icelandic folklore. This is where the veil between the mundane and the magical thins, setting the stage for encounters with elves, trolls, and the hidden people ('huldufólk') that have shaped Icelandic culture for centuries. Prepare to delve into captivating tales and immerse yourself in the myths that permeate Iceland's landscape.
Oldest Graveyard in Iceland
Step back in time at Iceland's oldest graveyard, dating back to around 900 AD. Here, amidst weathered stones and ancient earth, history whispers secrets of the island's earliest inhabitants and their beliefs. Reflect on the passage of time and the enduring connection between the living and the departed in this serene and historically significant location.
Elf Habitat
Venture into the realm of the 'huldufólk,' or hidden people, at a location believed to be inhabited by elves. Feel the mystical energy of this place as you hear tales of these elusive beings, deeply woven into the fabric of Icelandic folklore. Explore the traditions and beliefs surrounding elves, and understand their significance in the Icelandic worldview.
Troll Church Territory
Discover the fascinating lore surrounding Iceland's trolls and their aversion to churches. Learn about the myths and legends that explain this animosity, and explore the cultural significance of trolls in Icelandic storytelling. Understand how these monstrous figures represent the untamed forces of nature and the enduring power of folklore.
2nd Oldest Cemetery in Reykjavik
Visit the 2nd oldest cemetery in Reykjavik and encounter the spectral legend of the Deacon of Dark River, Iceland's most famous ghost. Hear the chilling tale of his tragic love and untimely demise, and feel the eerie presence that lingers within these grounds. Explore the history and mysteries surrounding this iconic figure of Icelandic folklore.
Reykjavik Lake
Stroll along the serene shores of Reykjavik Lake and listen to captivating stories of Icelandic monsters. Discover the diverse array of creatures that lurk in the depths of Iceland's folklore, from the mischievous water nixies to the fearsome lake serpents. Uncover the cultural significance of these mythical beasts and their enduring presence in Icelandic imagination.
Reykjavik City Hall
Walk past Reykjavik City Hall, a modern architectural gem, and sometimes step inside to view the impressive large map of Iceland. Examine the map to pinpoint locations associated with trolls and other mythical creatures. Gain a unique perspective on how these creatures are woven into the geographic and cultural landscape of Iceland.
Guardian Spirits Location
Encounter the revered Icelandic guardian spirits, powerful entities that protect the island and its people. Learn about the different guardian spirits – the dragon, the eagle, the bull, and the giant – and their symbolic roles in Icelandic culture. Feel a connection to the land as you discover the ancient beliefs surrounding these protective forces.
End of the Mythical Walk
Conclude your enchanting Mythical Walk, carrying with you the captivating tales and mystical experiences of Iceland's folklore. Reflect on the encounters with elves, trolls, ghosts, and guardian spirits, and appreciate the enduring power of myths and legends in shaping Iceland's cultural identity. Depart with a deeper understanding of this magical land and its captivating stories.
Know Before You Go
This Reykjavik Folklore Walking Tour includes a professional guide and live entertainment to enhance the storytelling experience. Please be aware that gratuities are not included in the tour price. Hotel pickup and drop-off services are also not provided. The meeting point for the tour is at Mythical Iceland Welcome.
Hot Tip
Many reviewers suggest wearing comfortable shoes, as the tour involves a fair amount of walking. Also, be prepared for potentially spooky stories, especially during the cemetery visits!
Review Summary
People finds this tour highly engaging with frequent praise for entertaining storytelling about elves, trolls, ghosts, and Icelandic folklore by knowledgeable local guides. Travelers appreciate the fun atmosphere, central route through historic sites like cemeteries and Tjörnin pond, and value for a short 90-minute walk, though some note it involves uneven terrain in old Reykjavik not ideal for all mobility levels.[1][2][5]
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