Some cities tell stories with plaques. Reykjavík tells them with myths.

On this Reykjavik folklore walking tour, you’ll move through the city’s oldest graveyards and hear why elves, trolls, and ghosts still show up in everyday talk. I also love how the guide performance can turn history into something you can picture, especially with voices and song-style storytelling you might hear from guides like Ester, Bo, Mathias, Stefan, or Dúi. One thing to keep in mind: you’re on your feet the whole time, and a few people find it a bit too much walking for their comfort.

For a small group feel, this is a fun way to get your bearings in central Reykjavík while learning the legends that shape how locals look at the city’s corners and quiet spots.

Key points to know before you go

• Old graveyards first: you start with an area tied to around the year 900.
• Stop for famous folklore: the Deacon of Dark River ghost gets center stage at Hólavallagarður.
• Tjörnin lake monster stories: you’ll hear why a local pond is treated like it has its own legend.
• Entertainment can be part of the lesson: some guides use voices and singing, not just facts.
• Mostly central, but not tourist-easy: meeting point can be a little tricky without Google Maps.
• Short but packed: about 90 minutes, with brief stops at each landmark rather than long hangs.

Getting started at Hlöllabátar in central Reykjavík

You’ll meet near Hlöllabátar at Ingólfstorgi 1. Plan to arrive 5 minutes early so you’re not rushing in cold wind while trying to find the group. This is one of those tours where being on time makes everything smoother.

You’ll get a mobile ticket and the tour runs in English. The walk ends close to where you started, but now near Austurvöllur public square, in front of the Parliament building area (Jón Sigurðsson/Austurvöllur).

No hotel pickup here. That’s normal for a walking tour, but it’s a detail worth noting so you don’t waste time trying to line up transportation. If you’re staying in the center, you should be able to walk or take a short bus ride to Ingólfstorgur.

And yes—dress for weather. The tour operates in all weather, so bring layers, and think about gloves and a hat if it’s windy. Reykjavík can change its mind fast.

Graveyards and legends: the walk begins around the year 900

Right out of the gate, the tour leans into the mythic side of Reykjavík. The first real anchor is the oldest graveyard area, tied to around the year 900. Even if you’re not big on spooky stories, this stop works because cemeteries create a natural mood: quiet, old, and real.

Skúli Magnússon Sheriff is part of this opening segment, and it sets the tone—this isn’t just folklore as fantasy. The guide uses these spaces to explain how people once tried to make sense of danger, nature, illness, and the unknown. You’ll get a sense of why “invisible inhabitants” are a serious part of Icelandic culture, not just party talk.

Time here is brief—about 10 minutes—so treat it like a guided preview. If you want the slow, soak-it-in version of cemetery history, plan to come back later on your own.

Cathedral of Christ the King: trolls and the church problem

Next you’ll pass by the Cathedral of Christ the King. This stop is short, but it’s a good example of how the tour links beliefs to places. The core idea: the trolls of Iceland really don’t like the church.

That sounds playful, but it’s doing something useful for you. It shows how folklore often gets expressed in opposition—where one belief system meets another, or where old superstitions respond to newer structures. You’ll walk through the city and start noticing how buildings can carry competing meanings.

This is also a good “reset moment” in the walk. If the previous graveyard portion felt heavy, this one brings you back to street-level storytelling and a lighter tone.

Hólavallagarður Cemetery: meeting the Deacon of Dark River

This is the main spooky stop. At Hólavallagarður—the second oldest cemetery in Reykjavík—you’ll hear about Iceland’s most famous ghost: the Deacon of Dark River.

Expect a 15-minute storytelling focus here. That’s enough time to learn the legend and understand why it stuck. The Deacon story is the kind of folklore that’s easy to remember because it’s built around a character, not just a vague feeling of mystery.

A practical note: some people wish they’d had more time here. If you’re the type who could happily linger among old graves for an extra 20 minutes, you may feel a little rushed. Still, the tour format is built for variety in a short window, so there’s a tradeoff.

Also keep an open mind. One memorable twist from a prior walk: a friendly cat wearing a funny wreath-collar apparently kept close by during the cemetery storytelling. You might not get that exact moment—but it hints at why cemetery stops can feel oddly personal, even when the legend is big.

Tjörnin pond monsters and City Hall’s map talk

Now you shift from cemeteries back to the living city. At Tjörnin, the small lake in the middle of Reykjavík, you’ll hear stories about Icelandic monsters. This is the stop where the folklore stops being only about the past. The idea is that even a normal pond can be treated like it has a resident myth.

Why this matters for you: it helps you see Reykjavík as a place where folklore is tied to real geography. You’re not just collecting ghost tales—you’re learning how locals “place” those tales on the map.

Then the route goes by Reykjavik City Hall. Sometimes the guide discusses locations of trolls and other creatures using a large map of Iceland. Even if you’ve visited Iceland before, this kind of map talk makes it easier to connect legends to regions and travel themes. Think of it as storytelling with spatial context.

This part is about 10 minutes, so it’s not a lecture. It’s more like a mental boost: you’ll walk away with a sense of where mythical creatures might show up if you were driving around the island.

Alþingishúsið guardian spirits to the Austurvollur finish

The last stretch moves toward Alþingishúsið (the Alþing building). Here, you’ll visit Icelandic guardian spirits—short, but thematically important. It’s the bridge between older myths and the idea that Icelandic belief systems still haunt (and protect) places.

Finally you end at Austurvollur Square, close to the Parliament building area, near where many people are starting their evening anyway. This finish works well because you can roll into hot chocolate, dinner, or an after-walk museum visit without feeling stranded.

If you’re doing this tour as your first event in Reykjavík, this ending is especially handy. You’ll leave knowing where the historic center “feels” like it belongs, and you’ll likely spot places again later with new meanings.

Price and value: does $55.63 make sense for 90 minutes?

At $55.63 per person for about 1 hour 30 minutes, the value depends on what you want from a city walk.

This isn’t a ticket for a museum with fixed exhibits. You’re paying for a professional guide, live performance elements, and a story route through multiple iconic and older landmarks. The key value is attention: the guide takes folklore seriously and presents it in a way that feels like it belongs in the streets.

Here’s what makes it feel worth it for many people:

• You cover several major story locations in one go (old cemeteries, church area, lake, city center institutions).
• The guide style can add entertainment. In past walks, guides like Ester have offered local tips at the end, while guides like Steingrímur have shared stories through song, and others have used character-style voices for elves and trolls.
• The route is centered. You’re not paying for a long transport day. You’re paying for time, pacing, and storytelling in a walkable area.

The “value watch” item: the stops are short. If you want deep cemetery time or want long conversations, you may feel like the pace is fast. If you prefer a sampling of ideas and then going back later on your own, this price feels more fair.

Who should book this (and who might prefer a slower format)?

This tour is a great fit if you:

• want a first-night Reykjavík orientation that feels fun, not stiff
• enjoy folklore that explains how people think about places
• like guides who add personality—some use voices, humor, or song-style storytelling
• want an easy, central walk that still gives you something different from standard landmark photos

It may be less ideal if you:

• have low walking tolerance (the “on your feet” factor comes up)
• want long, quiet time at the oldest graves
• are sensitive to how personal topics are handled

One important consideration based on a reported issue: one guest noted feeling ridiculed for their Christian faith during a past outing. That’s not part of the tour description you should assume will happen every time, but if your faith or identity is something you expect to be handled respectfully and carefully, it’s worth being mindful. When you arrive, you can set the tone by choosing a guide style that matches your comfort level and asking questions if needed.

Should you book the Elves, Trolls & Ghosts tour?

I’d book it if you want Reykjavík to feel like more than storefronts and churches. This walk gives you a story map of the city: old cemeteries for atmosphere, a church stop for folklore conflict, Tjörnin for the monster angle, and guardian spirits near the Alþing building for a satisfying myth finish.

Skip it only if you’re expecting a long cemetery deep-dive or a sit-down, museum-style experience. The format is quick stops and strong storytelling. If that’s your vibe, this is one of the best ways to get oriented while learning why the myths still matter.

If you go, do two smart things:

• Wear proper walking shoes and bring a layer for wind.
• Do a quick scan of the meeting point on Google Maps beforehand, since the exact spot at Ingólfstorgur can take a minute to spot on arrival.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik Folklore Walking Tour?

It runs for about 1 hour 30 minutes.

Where is the meeting point and where does the tour end?

You meet at Hlöllabátar, Ingólfstorgi 1, 101 Reykjavík. The tour ends near Jón Sigurðsson, Austurvöllur by the Parliament building area.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

What is included in the tour price?

The ticket includes a professional guide and live entertainment.

Is hotel pickup or drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

The tour operates in all weather conditions, and it’s suggested that you dress appropriately. If conditions become too poor, the experience may be canceled and you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

Can children join the tour?

Yes, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there a group size limit?

The experience lists a maximum size of 999 travelers.