For those interested in delving deeper into Icelandic folklore, the Private Reykjavik Folklore Walking Tour offers an immersive experience. Guided by local experts, participants explore the city’s hidden tales, from encounters with elves and trolls to the legends of the Deacon of the Dark River. This tour provides a unique opportunity to connect with the mystical side of Reykjavik’s history.

You’ll be introduced to our nation’s fascinating folklore, getting the chance to hear many interesting sagas involving the ‘Elves of Iceland’ (known in Iceland as ‘the hidden people’) and other creatures, like the trolls whose existence is shrouded in mystery.

We will also tell you about ghosts, like the Deacon of the Dark River, monsters unique to Iceland, and the entertaining tale of the 13 Icelandic Santas or Yulelads, their wicked mother Grýla, and the monstrous Christmas Cat.

The Private Reykjavik Folklore tour is a customized experience, and we tailor it to your needs and preferences, including flexible start and finish times. If you prefer, we can ramp up all-things-scary, giving you the creepiest possible private tour of Reykjavik, or turn our focus to tales suitable for a younger audience!

This tour is the private version of our Reykjavik Folklore Walking Tour. It’s great if you prefer a smaller, intimate tour, and rest assured, we will always customize the tour for your group.

Iceland’s winters are long and dark, so storytelling has been our primary source of entertainment for generations. Storytelling is woven into the fabric of our culture. This passion for stories might explain why Icelanders love books and have the highest literacy rate in the world (it’s said that 1 in 10 Icelanders write a book in their lifetime).

J.R.R. Tolkien was heavily influenced by Norse mythology and the Icelandic Sagas when he wrote The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit so we will explain some of the fun similarities between Middle Earth and Iceland!

Join us for a tour of Reykjavik quite unlike any other in the city!

And if you want to continue exploring aspects of Iceland’s culture, why not join us for our Reykjavik Food Lovers Tour, where you’ll try many of the country’s most famous dishes!