Free Tour of Reykjavík: Its History, Culture, and Legends
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Discover the history, folklore, and culture of Reykjavík on a unique tour. Explore its most iconic sites and experience Iceland’s fascinating journey from its origins to the present day.
Small, colorful, and illuminated by the Northern Lights, Reykjavík shines as the world’s northernmost capital. On this tour, we’ll explore the heart of the city while retracing, step by step, the history of Iceland.
We’ll start at the top of Arnarhóll and pass by some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Parliament, City Hall, and Harpa, where we’ll end our tour with views of the bay and Mount Esja.
How did the first settlers arrive on such a remote island? What was it like to live amid volcanoes, extreme winters, and scarce resources? How did the world’s oldest parliament come into being? And how did Iceland become one of the most prosperous countries in the world?
As we wander through the streets of Reykjavík, we’ll piece together each chapter of this story all the way to the present day. We’ll also explore Nordic folklore and mythology, art, music, cuisine, and some of the city’s hidden corners that offer a glimpse into modern-day life in Reykjavík.
A tour for those who don’t just want to see Reykjavík, but to understand Iceland. All this in a friendly atmosphere, with humor, and, of course, with the chance to learn how to pronounce Eyjafjallajökull.
Meeting point
Colina de Arnarhóll
Before you go
- Length
- About 2h
- Languages
- Spanish
- Usual start times
- 11:00, 14:00, 17:00 (Reykjavik time)
- Coming up
- 54 departures in 3 months, 4 this week
Questions about this tour
How much does this tour cost?
Nothing up front. You book for free and tip your guide at the end. Many travellers tip around €5 to €15 per person, depending on the length and quality of the tour.
How long does it take?
About 2h.
Where does it start?
The meeting point is Colina de Arnarhóll. The map on this page shows the exact spot.
What languages is it in?
Upcoming departures are in Spanish. Pick your language in the calendar to see only those.
When does it run?
54 departures are listed in the next three months, 4 of them in the next 7 days, usually at 11:00, 14:00 and 17:00. Times are local to Reykjavik.
Do I need to book?
Booking is a good idea: groups are limited and popular times fill up. Create a free Tripsora account, pick a day and time, and press Book to finish with the tour provider.
Is it accessible?
The tour provider has added accessibility information for this tour. Check the details with them when you book, and tell your guide about any needs on the day.
Accessibility information available
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Travel guide
Northern Lights Viewing Spots: Where to Look and How to Plan
Aurora viewing depends on solar activity, clear dark skies and location, so no spot is guaranteed. This guide explains how to choose viewing areas and plan a trip with realistic expectations.
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