
Reykjavik Folklore Walking Tour: Meet the Elves, Trolls & Ghosts of Iceland
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 756 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Reykjavik Folklore Walking Tour: Meet the Elves, Trolls & Ghosts of Iceland worth booking?
Reykjavik Folklore Walking Tour: Meet the Elves, Trolls & Ghosts of Iceland is a 1.5-hour experience in Reykjavik, Iceland, from $53 per person. It scores 85 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 756 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 85 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (756)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- $53 per person
Visit the Elves and trolls of Iceland on this entertaining walk through the oldest part of Reykjavik. If you want to experience an exciting and different side of Iceland join us and visit an elfstone in the Reykjavik city center and walk through two of the oldest cemeteries in Reykjavik for a truly haunted walk. We will tell you about famous Ghosts like the Deacon of Dark River, the unique Icelandic monsters, the 13 Santas or the Icelandic Yulelads / Jólasveinar, and their mother the child eating troll called Grýla . You will also get an introduction into Icelandic magic (how to wake the undead). In the long winter nights in Iceland, storytelling has been our the primary entertainment and around 1 in 10 Icelanders writes a book in his lifetime so it's obvious... we love to tell stories and you sure won't be disappointed by joining our walk and hearing a couple.
What you get
About this experience
Visit the Elves and trolls of Iceland on this entertaining walk through the oldest part of Reykjavik. If you want to experience an exciting and different side of Iceland join us and visit an elfstone in the Reykjavik city center and walk through two of the oldest cemeteries in Reykjavik for a truly haunted walk. We will tell you about famous Ghosts like the Deacon of Dark River, the unique Icelandic monsters, the 13 Santas or the Icelandic Yulelads / Jólasveinar, and their mother the child eating troll called Grýla . You will also get an introduction into Icelandic magic (how to wake the undead). In the long winter nights in Iceland, storytelling has been our the primary entertainment and around 1 in 10 Icelanders writes a book in his lifetime so it's obvious... we love to tell stories and you sure won't be disappointed by joining our walk and hearing a couple.
What's included
Included
- Professional guide
- Live entertainment
Not included
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
What you'll see and do
Your Friend In Reykjavik
Meet and greet and start our journey with the Mythical Creatures of Iceland.
5 minutes here
Our first stop is the oldest graveyard in Iceland which dates back from around 900.
10 minutes here
The Trolls of Iceland really don't like the Church
5 minutes here
At the 2nd oldest cemetery in Reykjavik, we visit the most famous ghost of Iceland. The Deacon of Dark River.
15 minutes here
By the Reykjavik lake we hear stories about Icelandic monsters
10 minutes here
Reykjavik City Hall
We walk by the Reykjavik City Hall and sometimes we even visit the great map of Iceland discussing locations of Trolls and other creatures.
10 minutes here
Here we visit the Icelandic Guardian spirits
5 minutes here
Austurvollur Square
Our final destination of the Icelandic Mythical Walk.
5 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Reykjavik
Outside Hlöllabátar, facing Ingólfstorg Square and the two tall stone pillars. Center Hotel Plaza is to your right. Benches, tables, and a covered ceiling make it a comfortable spot to wait. Our expert local guides usually wear a light blue jacket with Your Friend in Reykjavik on the back
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
We end up close to our starting point but now infront of the Parliament building at Austurvöllur public square.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Your Friend In Reykjavik
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Please be at Ingolfur Square 5 minutes before the starting time
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 754 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
754 verified traveler reviews for Reykjavik Folklore Walking Tour: Meet the Elves, Trolls & Ghosts of Iceland. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Highly recommend
Dui (our tour guide) was very descriptive, animated, had a great voice signing the nursery rhymes and songs. Knowledgeable about history and lores. Great tour
via Viator
It was a very interesting...
It was a very interesting telling of folklore of Iceland. It is a nice walk through Reykjavik and a good way to see some beautiful houses and a creepy cemetery.
via Viator
A good tour of Reykjavik
Stefan was a delight and a great folklore storyteller. He was able to predict the church bells with comedic timing, had treats for the cats of Reyjkavick, and shared Icelandic lore and customs. He walked at a good pace- he's tall but didn't let anyone fall behind.
via Tripadvisor
Fun, engaging, and whimsical tour! Plus cats!
My wife and I did this tour with Stefan and it was fantastic! We only had one full day in Reykjavík and this was a perfect way to see around the city and learn about Iceland’s unique flare. Stefan made this tour very enjoyable- from sharing how to do old magic to singing some Icelandic lullabies, he was so entertaining and kept us engaged the whole time. Bonus was that he kept at treats with him and introduced us to some of the famous cats of downtown Reykjavík! I had this tour specifically with Stefan recommended to me by my brother who came last year, and I will be recommending it to anyone I know who comes in the future
via Tripadvisor
Unique and entertaining!
Fascinating lore nestled among the beautiful scenery of Reykjavik! Our guide, Dui, was a delight, mixing history and humor. The tour moved at a nice pace without ever feeling rushed.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 265
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Your Friend In Reykjavik, who run 17 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 56.2.
See everything Your Friend In Reykjavik runsWhy this scores 85
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Reykjavik Folklore Walking Tour: Meet the Elves, Trolls & Ghosts of Iceland: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Reykjavik.
How much does Reykjavik Folklore Walking Tour: Meet the Elves, Trolls & Ghosts of Iceland cost?
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Prices start at $53 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Reykjavik usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Reykjavik Folklore Walking Tour: Meet the Elves, Trolls & Ghosts of Iceland take?
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Plan for about 1.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Reykjavik is not rushed.
Is Reykjavik Folklore Walking Tour: Meet the Elves, Trolls & Ghosts of Iceland worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 85 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 756 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Reykjavik, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Reykjavik Folklore Walking Tour: Meet the Elves, Trolls & Ghosts of Iceland?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Reykjavik Folklore Walking Tour: Meet the Elves, Trolls & Ghosts of Iceland suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Reykjavik Folklore Walking Tour: Meet the Elves, Trolls & Ghosts of Iceland?
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Around 265 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Reykjavik can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Reykjavik and add a light layer if any part of the 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Reykjavik Folklore Walking Tour: Meet the Elves, Trolls & Ghosts of Iceland start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Reykjavik within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Reykjavik?
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On Outty we rank every Reykjavik experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Reykjavik Food Walk - Local Foodie Adventure in Iceland, Silfra Snorkeling Between Continents Photos Included- Self Drive, Small-Group Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon with Ticket & Kerid Crater. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Reykjavik?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Reykjavik?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Reykjavik Folklore Walking Tour: Meet the Elves, Trolls & Ghosts of Iceland?
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Included: Professional guide; and Live entertainment. Not included: Gratuities; and Hotel pickup and drop-off. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Reykjavik Folklore Walking Tour: Meet the Elves, Trolls & Ghosts of Iceland?
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Outside Hlöllabátar, facing Ingólfstorg Square and the two tall stone pillars. Center Hotel Plaza is to your right. Benches, tables, and a covered ceiling make it a comfortable spot to wait. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Reykjavik Folklore Walking Tour: Meet the Elves, Trolls & Ghosts of Iceland offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Reykjavik Folklore Walking Tour: Meet the Elves, Trolls & Ghosts of Iceland?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Reykjavik Folklore Walking Tour: Meet the Elves, Trolls & Ghosts of Iceland wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Reykjavik Folklore Walking Tour: Meet the Elves, Trolls & Ghosts of Iceland if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Reykjavik Folklore Walking Tour: Meet the Elves, Trolls & Ghosts of Iceland?
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Across 756 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
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