If you like your Reykjavik with a side of spooky myths, this is for you. This 90-minute walk threads real old-city locations with Icelandic legends, from elves and trolls to a famous ghost tied to the oldest graveyards.

I especially like that you get story stops at places you can actually picture later, like Hólavallagarður and the pond at Tjörnin. I also like the energy from live storytelling, including guides who bring the myths to life with voices or song.

One caution: it is mostly on your feet, so if you have mobility limits, plan your footwear and pace carefully.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Oldest Reykjavík streets and graveyard history set the tone fast
• Hólavallagarður and the Deacon of Dark River are the big ghost stop
• Tjörnin pond monster stories bring city wildlife into the myth talk
• City Hall and a map of Iceland add a fun, visual layer to creature lore
• Live entertainment with voices or song depends on the guide, but it is part of the package
• Finishes near the center of town so you can keep exploring right after

Meeting at Ingólfstorgur, then walking straight into the myths

This is a central Reykjavik walk that starts at Ingólfstorgi, right by Hlöllabátar. You do not need hotel pickup. You do need to show up a bit early, and it helps to have Google Maps handy if you are arriving on foot or by bus.

Right away, the tour frames the experience as a myth walk, not a dry history lecture. Expect a meet-and-greet, then your guide pulls you into Icelandic folklore through the places you walk past, starting with the city’s oldest layers.

If it is your first night in town, I think this format works well. You get “where am I?” and “what is the story here?” in one go, and then your next stops make more sense.

The oldest graveyard stop, around the year 900

One of the strongest parts is where the walking story begins: the oldest graveyard in Iceland, dating back to around the year 900. Even if you do not normally care about cemeteries, this stop works because it is tied to belief and local culture, not just dates.

The guide uses the cemetery setting to explain how people in Iceland have long understood the invisible world, including spirits and supernatural forces. The result is that the place feels less like a landmark and more like a living cultural memory.

A practical note. Cemeteries are often the quiet, windy parts of the walk. Bring a hat if the weather is doing its thing, because you will be standing around long enough to feel it.

Cathedral of Christ the King, trolls and the church vibe

Next comes a quick stop at the Cathedral of Christ the King. The myth angle here is simple and fun: trolls of Iceland do not like the church. It is not a lecture. It is more like a “listen for the folklore meaning behind the building” moment.

This is also where the tour’s tone starts balancing wonder with humor. Icelandic myths can be dark, but the best guides keep it playful. If you prefer spooky without gloom, this kind of framing usually lands well.

Hólavallagarður cemetery and the Deacon of Dark River ghost

Then you hit the headline stop: Hólavallagarður, the second oldest cemetery in Reykjavík and a favorite haunt for Iceland’s most famous ghost, the Deacon of Dark River. This is the point where the walk feels like real folklore.

Why this works for you: cemetery stories stick to the setting. You are not just hearing about a ghost in theory. You are standing in the place where the story belongs, and your guide can point out the cultural details that make the legend feel local rather than imported.

This stop also tends to be the most memorable for groups, because it is long enough to slow down. If you only have one myth-related location you want to really take in, make sure you pay attention here and do not let it become a quick photo pit stop.

Tjörnin pond, swans, and monster talk

After the graveyard, the walk shifts to the water at Tjörnin. This is where you hear stories about Icelandic monsters, including the chance to spot a “water monster” in the pond area. Even if you do not see anything beyond ducks and swans, it still feels fun because you are using the surroundings as part of the story.

I like this stop because it breaks the mood. It gives your brain a change of scenery after cemeteries and church talk. It also keeps the myths connected to everyday Reykjavík life, since the lake is a real, lived-in part of the city.

If you are traveling in colder months, this is another spot where you will feel the weather. Stand close to your group, listen first, and then take photos once you understand what your guide is pointing at.

Reykjavik City Hall and the map that connects the lore

The tour passes Reykjavik City Hall, and sometimes you even visit a place where there is a map of Iceland used to talk about troll locations and other creature lore. This is one of those “small, practical” touches that make the myths feel organized instead of random.

It also gives you something concrete to take with you after the walk. Even if you forget the exact name of a tale later, you remember that Icelandic folklore has geography and patterns.

From a value standpoint, this is a nice bonus because it adds a visual and interpretive layer without stretching the tour time.

Alþingishúsið guardian spirits, then the walk ends at Austurvollur

Next is Alþingishúsið, where you visit the Icelandic guardian spirits. Again, this is not about worship or belief. It is about how ideas and stories shape what people notice in the built environment.

Finally, the tour ends around Austurvollur Square near where you started, but now you are closer to the Parliament area. That matters because you are not dropped off in a random parking lot. You are finished right where you can keep moving on foot, grab food, or look for a warm place to reset.

Guides make or break it, and this one varies by style

This tour is built around a professional guide, plus live entertainment. In practice, that means the storytelling style changes with the person leading you.

Based on past experiences with different guides, you might encounter someone like Ester, Bo, Mathias, Stefán, Magnus, Dúi, or Páll. Some guides lean into animated character voices, others use humor and singing, and some keep the tone more atmospheric and spooky.

What stays consistent is that the most praised tours tend to be the ones with clear voices, strong timing, and local tips at the end. If you are the type who remembers stories more than facts, pick a guide slot that fits your vibe, and arrive ready to listen.

One downside to know: not every guide lands the balance perfectly. A few people felt some moments were less folklore-focused or the pace ran long. If you want only myth talk and nothing else, choose this tour with the expectation that your guide may connect legends to local culture and history along the way.

How much walking you should plan for

The tour is about 1 hour 30 minutes and covers several stops across central areas. Reviews and descriptions point out that it is on your feet, and that matters if you are packing the rest of the day with other activities.

So I suggest you pair this with lighter plans before or after. Do it early in your trip, or do it on a day when you have time to slow down afterward.

Also, the tour runs in weather, and you should dress for it. Iceland weather can change fast, and the guide will still expect you to show up and walk.

Price and what you get for $55.63

At about $55.63 per person, this is not a budget-only stroll, but it also is not an all-day museum price. You are paying for live guidance, the structure of multiple story stops, and access to the kind of local context you would struggle to build alone in 90 minutes.

Value comes from three things:

• You get story locations that are spread out, including graveyards, pond area, and city landmarks.
• The guide provides the connective tissue between myths and place.
• Stops are short but intentional, so you keep momentum.

If you plan to spend time in Reykjavík anyway, this ticket usually makes sense because it turns ordinary downtown walking into a themed route. If you hate walking, or if you only want verified history and nothing myth-based, you might feel the cost more sharply.

Who should book the elves, trolls, and ghosts walk

I think this tour is ideal if you want a first taste of Reykjavik that goes beyond shopping streets and photo spots. It is also a strong choice if you like folklore, atmosphere, and humor.

It can work well for families too, since children are allowed as long as they are accompanied by an adult. If you are traveling with kids who enjoy spooky stories, the cemetery and ghost stop are usually the highlight.

It is also a good match for solo travelers who want a guided route and built-in conversation. The tour is offered in English, and it is near public transportation, so it is easy to fit into a normal day plan.

Quick tips so you get the best experience

• Wear comfortable shoes. You will be stopping and walking more than you expect.
• Arrive about 5 minutes early at Ingólfstorgur to find the group.
• Keep your camera ready, but listen first, especially at the cemetery stops.
• If you are sensitive to darker stories, tell your guide gently at the start so the pacing can feel right for you.
• If it is rainy, dress for it. The tour operates in all weather conditions, so you will still be outside.

Should you book this folklore walking tour?

Book it if you want a fun orientation to Reykjavík that mixes real places with myths and storytelling. The cemetery stops, the Deacon of Dark River connection, and the Tjörnin monster stories create a memorable route that feels distinctly Icelandic instead of generic.

Skip it or think twice if you dislike walking, or if you only want straightforward history with zero folklore. This is meant to be spooky and playful, not strictly factual.

If you are unsure, I’d treat it as an easy first booking. It is short, it is centrally located, and even when guides differ, the structure gives you a solid introduction to Reykjavík’s myth world.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik folklore walking tour?

It runs for about 1 hour 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts at Hlöllabátar at Ingólfstorgi 1 in 101 Reykjavík. It ends at Austurvöllur Square, close to where you began, near the Parliament building.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What is included in the ticket price?

You get a professional guide and live entertainment.

What is not included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Do I need a paper ticket?

You receive a mobile ticket.

Is the tour wheelchair-friendly or limited by walking?

The tour is mostly walking with multiple stops on foot. Most travelers can participate, but it is best to plan for time on your feet.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

It operates in all weather conditions, and you should dress appropriately. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Are children allowed?

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.