Reykjavik Christmas Walking Tour: Experience Icelandic Christmas Traditions in the Capital
4.9
9 Ratings
Reykjavík
Immerse yourself in Icelandic Christmas traditions on a festive walking tour through the streets of Reykjavik. Discover the 13 Santas, the Troll Grýla, and the Christmas Cat while sampling delicious Christmassy treats.
Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Fógetagarðurinn - The statue of Skúli the sheriff, the father of Reykjavik.
    The beautiful blue Christmas tree by the square.
  • Ingólfur Square - First, we admire the Ice skating rink, holiday decorations, and Christmas market stalls at Ingólfur Square.
  • Austurvollur Square - A visit to the beautiful traditional Oslo Christmas tree. Talking about the tradition of trees and decorations in Icelandic homes.
  • Penninn Eymundsson - Books are a big part of the Christmas traditions of Iceland and a visit to a book store is in order. Here you will some unique Icelandic Christmas books.
  • Lækjartorg A - The ferocious Christmas cat is a big part of Icelandic Christmas folklore. We will explore a bit of Icelandic folklore here.
  • Litla Jolabudin - The little Christmas store is open year-round and it’s in order to take a look at some Icelandic Christmas ornaments. Maybe you will find some Christmas gifts of your own here.
  • 12 Tonar - Icelandic Christmas music borrows a lot from various country’s and a visit to our most beloved downtown Music store is in order.
  • Hallgrimskirkja - We end up by the beautiful Hallgrímskirkja church to talk about the role Christianity and Norse Mythology has in Christmas
What's Included
  • Expert fun-loving guide
What's Not Included
  • Tips
Additional Information

Celebrate this festive season with Your Friend in Reykjavik on a walking expedition around the brightly lit and holiday-celebrative lanes of Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital.

In unison, we will delve into the Christmas customs of Iceland, unraveling the mystery of Iceland’s thirteen Santas, their terrifying mother - the child-eating Troll Grýla, and the dreaded Christmas Cat.

This tour appeals to all age groups and vividly encapsulates the Icelandic Yuletide traditions through thrilling narratives and folktales. Additionally, we will get to know about Iceland’s traditional festive foods and beverages, and we might even get to try a few during our journey. We begin our Christmas-themed exploration at Fógetagarðurinn, which takes us through the heart of downtown Reykjavik.

Location
Fógetagarðurinn
Aðalstræti
We meet up by the statue of Skúli the sheriff at Fógetagarðurinn in the center of Reykjavik. The Square is in front of Hotel Reykjavik Centrum, Aðalstræti 16.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(9 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
937raenaf
Jan 12, 2024
A fantastic time - This tour was my absolute favorite! She took us everywhere downtown and explained all the traditions, folklore, history, etc. We even got a present at the end. And she let us try some famous Icelandic cuisine. Highly highly recommend!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marymunoz7989
Jan 8, 2024
A lovely way to learn about Icelandic Christmas traditions - My husband and I visited Iceland for the first time and began our holiday with a Your Friend in Reykjavik tour. Our guide, Stefan, was hilarious and informative as we embarked on our Christmas traditions walk, covering off everything from elves to Eurovision, Grỳla to Game of Thrones. (And the fact that Die Hard *is* a Christmas movie!) It was a great way to get our bearings in the city as well as learning of all the fabulously endearing Icelandic Christmas traditions (several of which we'd like to import back to Scotland). It was clear how proud Stefan is of his city. We stopped at several sites along the way, with the storytelling and general chatter flowing easily. We even stopped to feed the ducks! A lovely start to our holiday - I only wish I could give more than 5 stars!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fairchesterl
Dec 24, 2023
Reykjavik Holiday Hot Spots - Lovely walking tour of the city’s holiday hot spots! Our tour guide Bo was very knowledgeable with great stories past and present. Highly recommend
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Paula_e
Dec 23, 2023
Musical version of the Christmas tour - For music lovers like our family, (four 20 somethings and 2 parents 50 somthing), this was a fun tour. Einar gave us a musical version, which was entertaining. Singing around the Christmas tree in the town square (not hubby's favorite), hearing a hymn written by his grandmother in the state church (lovely), local candy tasting (not to be missed), and drinks and cookies in the record shop (delicious) with more Icelandic Christmas music,(very enjoyable and we will be looking up the artists). He also sent us pictures taken at the Christmas Cat, record shop and at the Hallgrímskirkja church following the tour. It was easy to find the meeting point. I'm not sure this is a great tour for little ones, but our young adult group found it entertaining.
Review provided by Viator
Lisa_j
Dec 20, 2023
Unique introduction to Iceland - Barti did a nice job sharing the folklore and history of Christmas and the Yule lads. This made so much of what we saw in gift shops amd around town make sense. He was personable and very sweet! He was in the Christmas spirit with his Christmas sweater and Santa hat! My teenage kids (13, 19, 21) really enjoyed our walk through town, stopping at a few places to shop, and hot cocoa at a local hangout.
Review provided by Viator
Pamelakirby08
Dec 10, 2023
This was an interesting... - This was an interesting walking tour as we learned so much about their Christmas traditions. We had two additional guides in training which was nice as we were able to talk with three guides and were able to learn to much more about the country.
Review provided by Viator
The_d
Dec 20, 2022
Great early afternoon with Stefan! - Thank you Stefan for a great early afternoon walk learning about Christmas traditions in Iceland! Very chill, and lots of information. The spots chosen were perfect, especially the shop were we drank hot chocolate!
Review provided by Viator
Juliad_uk
Dec 14, 2022
Get into the Christmas spirit in Reykjavik - The Christmas Walking Tour is a great way to find out about Icelandic Christmas traditions, get familiar with the layout of the city, and do a little Christmas shopping. I did the tour on my first full day in Reykjavik and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brian_g
Dec 30, 2022
Nice tour - Went to Iceland for Christmas. The tour gave a sense of the city of Reykjavik and Icelandic Christmas traditions (the black cat, 13 trolls, fermented shark/rays, etc). The tour guide was friendly and knowledgable. The tour takes you to the national Christmas tree, a large cathedral. and a couple of shops. The guide mixed in some general information about the history of Iceland to supplement the Christmas customs. The tea/coffee/hot chocolate break was well-timed to get out of the cold. It was also a good way to get acquainted with downtown.
Review provided by Viator