Iceland folklore: legends in the Land of Ice and Fire

Elves in Iceland

Of all the country’s fabled creatures, Icelandic elves or huldufólk (‘hidden people’) are the most ubiquitous. These covert, human-like folk are thought to live hidden away in rocks and craggy lava fields, only revealing themselves to people when it pleases them: traditionally on Midsummer’s Night and New Year’s Eve. Icelanders tend not to agree on the origins of huldufólk folklore, though some suggest the roots lie in Christian stories.

While exploring the country’s vast open terrain, look out for álfhól – dinky wooden houses, painted in bright colors and built for Iceland elves. You might also see little doors painted onto rock faces.

While the elves are notoriously secretive creatures, there are certain areas of Iceland believed to be a haven for huldufólk. One such place is Hafnarfjördur, a little town around 20km south of Reykjavík. Book onto a ‘Hidden Worlds’ tour of the area and to be guided around some favored elfin spots with an expert guide who will share nuggets of wisdom about Iceland’s elf folklore. A top stop is leafy Hellisgerdi Park, with its picturesque álfhól.

In Reykjavík, pay a visit to the popular Elf School – here you can learn all there is to know about Iceland’s hidden people, with some insights on trolls and other magical creatures thrown in for good measure.

For trips to Iceland, Insight Guides tailor-made trips provide fully personalized itineraries planned especially for you.

Stairs between moss covered lava rocks where, according to legend, elves live, Hellisgerdi Park, Hafnarfjordur, Iceland. Photo: Photography by SC/Shutterstock

Iceland Yule Lads

The Icelandic answer to Santa Claus, the Yule Lads are 13 mischievous beings believed to visit children in the run up to Christmas. Children traditionally leave shoes on their windowsill for the Lads, who will fill them with rotten potatoes or sweet treats depending on the youngsters’ behavior.

But the most intriguing character of this folktale is the Yule Lads’ mother, Grýla. Believed to be half-troll, half-ogre, Grýla has an appetite for badly behaved children, kidnapping them and cooking them for dinner.

If you dare, you can visit her mythical home in northern Iceland. Dimmuborgir, near Lake Mývatn, translates to 'Dark Castle', a fitting name for this area of stark lava rock formations and secret caves and coves. It’s thought that Grýla, the most formidable creature in Iceland folklore, lives hidden amid the brooding landscape.

Numerous walking trails zig-zag around the site, running the gamut from 10-minute jaunts to hour-long hikes. Game of Thrones fans will also be excited to learn that part of the popular series was filmed here.

Visit Dimmuborgir and stunning Lake Mývatn as part of Insight Guides' Iceland: the Ring Road in 8 Days trip. 

Dimmuborgir, near Lake Mývatn, mythical home of the formidable Grýla. Photo: UlyssePixcel/Shutterstock   

Trolls in Iceland

After elves, trolls are the most persistent characters in Iceland folklore. Generally considered to be less elegant and intelligent than huldufólk, these frightful beings survive only in the dark, living out their days in Iceland’s most remote mountainous areas.

One of the best places to learn about trolls in Iceland is at the black-sand beach of Reynisfjara, close to the little town of Vík í Mýrdal. Look out to sea and you will see a series of basalt sea stacks soaring above the foaming waves. These mighty rock formations (named Reynisdrangar) are thought to be the bleak remains of a group of trolls. The folktale goes that the creatures were attempting to pull a ship towards the shore when day broke and the safety of darkness was shattered. Immediately the trolls were turned to stone, and they remain a series of jagged bluffs on the horizon. 

Marvel at the basalt sea stacks off Reynisfjara Beach on Insight Guides' Incredible Iceland in 12 days trip.

En route to Vík from Reykjavík, make a pitstop at the Icelandic Wonders Museum in Stokkseyri to enjoy interactive exhibits relating to Icelandic folklore.

The Reynisdrangar rock stacks offshore at Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland. Photo: Swen Stroop/Shutterstock

Northern lights folklore

Many countries have folktales that attempt to make sense of one of the world’s great natural wonders – the aurora borealis – and Iceland is no exception. The most enduring tale is that the northern lights help pregnant mothers deal with the pain of labour.

For a comprehensive view of the stories associated with the lights, head to the capital’s absorbing Aurora Reykjavík: The Northern Lights Center. Here immersive displays will chronicle northern lights legends from Iceland and beyond.

 But of course, there’s no substitute for catching the lights yourself. Book onto a tour with Superjeep, who will share legends and lore with you as you watch the bands of green and pink light swirl overhead. The experienced guides will take you out once more if you weren’t able to see the lights on your first attempt too.

Northern lights above awe-inspiring landscape in Iceland. Photo: Denis Belitsky/Shutterstock

Ready to take a trip to Iceland?

Insight Guides can organize and book wonderful tailor-made trips in Iceland for you. Simply get in touch to let us know your ideas for the trip and when you would like to travel. Local travel experts will then create a personalized itinerary especially, which you can amend until you are completely happy with every detail before booking. Browse our Iceland itineraries for more inspiration, and keep in mind that they can all be tailored to meet your specific requirements.