Reykjavik · REYKJAVIK VIKING AND FOLKLORE TOURS
The sagas were written down here and a fair share of the country still hedges its bets about the elves. The 15 below cover the settlement sites, the ghost walks and the folklore evenings, priced and timed.
Walk central Reykjavik with a local English-speaking guide in a group of up to 12. Hear Viking tales, folklore, city history, and local tips while visiting Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa, the Old Harbour, Tjörnin, Parliament, and more. Guides may include Einar, Bo, Ester, Óli, or Magnús.
“The guide was prompt and every inch the Viking. Very informative and walked at an easy pace with frequent stops.”
Walk central Reykjavík with guides such as Mathias, Bo, Stefán, and Dúi, hearing lively tales of elves, trolls, ghosts, monsters, and guardian spirits. The 90-minute route visits old cemeteries, Christ the King Cathedral, Tjörnin pond, City Hall, and Parliament Square.
“Mathias was hilarious. We really enjoyed the mix of stories and folklore while learning about locations in Reykjavik and Iceland overall. A motto of our group for the trip is definitely put a rock on it. Would definitely suggest this thrip to anyone wanting a fun alternative to a history walk but also still learn about Reykjavik.”
Travel from Reykjavik in a minibus for a full day along Iceland’s South Coast. Your guide, possibly Martin, Roger, Mona, or another EastWest driver-guide, leads you to Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Vik, Reynisfjara, and Sólheimajökull, with Wi-Fi and pickup included.
“Except for the drizzly weather the tour was absolutely perfect with a wonderful guide. I have nothing more to say but they want a hundred characters minimum.”
Spend about 2.5 hours walking downhill through central Reykjavik with local storyteller Lalli. Hear Viking sagas, Norse myths, political tales, and quirky Icelandic facts while visiting Hallgrimskirkja, Tjörnin Pond, City Hall, and Parliament. A classic Icelandic hot dog is included.
“A fabulous and fascinating introduction to the city. Great information and itinerary, Highly recommend!!”
Walk central Reykjavik with a local guide from Your Friend In Reykjavik. You’ll see Harpa, the harbor, Parliament, Tjornin, Laugavegur, and Hallgrimskirkja, while hearing Icelandic history, mythology, language tips, food advice, and local stories. Tours run in English, German, French, or Spanish.
“Esther was very informative and provided a really interesting tour. We were only on the tour with two other people which was really nice. Of course you will spend a lot of time outside so keep that in mind and wear more layers than you anticipate needing. We finished the tour in the concert hall which is a nice place to get a mulled wine or hot chocolate to warm up.”
Walk central Reykjavik with guides such as Einar, Stefan, Magnus, or Beau, hearing tales of elves, trolls, ghosts, Grýla, the 13 Yule Lads, sea monsters, and Icelandic magic. The route visits old graveyards, the Catholic Cathedral, an Elfstone, Lake Tjörnin, and Austurvöllur.
“Bo did a great job of telling us all the stories. Truth or fiction, it's up to you to decide. I definitely know now that we can't rule it out...”
Ride gentle Icelandic horses at Laxnes Horse Farm, with gear provided and no experience needed, then join Gray Line for Thingvellir, Geysir, Strokkur, and Gullfoss. Pickup from Reykjavik hotels and designated points is included. Guide Roman is praised for adding humor and useful Icelandic context.
“The horse ride was the highlight of the tour! This lived up to all of my expectations. It was cold but they give you an extra layer and it was totally worth it, just dress warm. They were all so nice and gave us coffee and pastries after the ride. We Read more”
Ride the Icelandic horse at its liveliest on a 3-hour Viking Tour from Íshestar Stables near Hafnarfjörður. Strong intermediate riders can try walk, trot, tölt, and canter across lava fields and open countryside. Guides speak English, Icelandic, and German, with pickup from Reykjavík available.
“It was absolutely wonderful to get to experience Icelandic scenery with a group of very experienced horseriders. Canter and tölt were no issue and the whole ride was super pleasant and casual due to this. Absolutely fantastic.”
At Reykjavik’s old harbour, you’ll follow Iceland’s saga heroes through about 20 lifelike scenes, including Leif Eiriksson, Snorri Sturlusson, and Ingolfur Arnarson. An audio guide explains each display, while Viking clothing, armour, and weapons give families a playful way to connect with Iceland’s past.
“Great origin/making of story of the museum. Fantastic staff especially the guy in the gift shop. Interesting exhibit with 30-minute guided audio tour. Outstanding figures with crazy realistic eyes. Worth it and not too busy in the middle of a beautiful October Monday.”
Travel from Reykjavik into West Iceland with an English-speaking guide, stopping at Glanni, Hraunfossar, Barnafoss, Reykholt, and a friendly horse farm. The highlight is a 90-minute soak in Husafell Canyon Baths, with three hot pools, a cold plunge, and a waterfall in a quiet canyon.
“Everything was great - the wind acted up again, but then we had wind most of the days I was in Iceland.”
At Reykjavik’s Saga Museum, you follow a 35-minute audio-guided route through 20 lifelike scenes from Iceland’s settlement, sagas, civil war, and Reformation. Hear the story in seven languages, then try on Viking clothing and handle replica weapons in the costume area.
“We received a warm welcome. the museum was thoroughly enjoyable and very informative. The figures were very life-like.”
At The Settlement Center, use a mobile ticket and self-guided audio headset to explore two exhibitions: Iceland’s first settlers upstairs, then Egill Skalla-Grimson’s dramatic saga below. Plan about an hour, with daily opening hours from 10 AM to 9 PM during the listed season.
“There are two parts to the tour, with an upstairs and downstairs. There’s a very helpful person at the beginning to give you your headphones and an iPod mini that has the tour in many languages. The upper floor with a history of Iceland was interesting but a little difficult to follow. The tour below with the saga was much more dramatic and entertaining. This is a nice stop if you were visiting the country for the first time.”
Walk privately through central Reykjavik with a guide who brings Icelandic elves, trolls, ghosts, zombies, and guardian spirits to life. Visit an old graveyard, an elf stone, Lake Tjornin, Parliament, and more. The pace suits slower groups, and pickup may be available near downtown hotels.
“Fun to hear the local tales - good way to get history and stories from the country. Enjoy the mini sagas.”
Spend about 11 hours touring Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss before riding an Icelandic horse through countryside and lava fields. The bus has Wi-Fi, USB charging, and audio guides in 10 languages. Horse riding suits beginners, though the Golden Circle portion is partly self-guided.
“We got told to go to the wrong bus stop, my family and I arrived early and when i didn’t see the bus on the board like all the other tours i contacted the activity provider. no answer. after half an hour i call the company and they say that the bus Read more”
You’ll spend about 3.5 hours walking from Ingólfstorg to Hallgrimskirkja with a private English-speaking guide. Expect Reykjavik history, Icelandic zombies, trolls, aquatic monsters, magic, Viking tales, and practical food tips. Guides such as Stefán, Hrafyn, Einar, and Laufey bring different personal styles.
“Ths was a great overview of reykjavik smattered with some stories to add a little sark. Our tour guide even sang some traditiibal icelandic lullabies for us!”
Pick a road out, a boat or a hot spring.
