Description
Summary
Description
Celebrate the arrival of a New Year in Reykjavik by booking this magical guided excursion. Those who want to learn more about Icelandic folklore and experience New Year's Eve in the capital should book this walking tour now.
Your tour starts at 10:00 PM at an agreed meeting point in the city center of Reykjavik. You'll meet your expert English-speaking guide and set off on your walk.
Reykjavik, Iceland's capital, is a compact city known for its unique natural beauty and urban life. Surrounded by mountains and the sea, it offers easy access to outdoor adventures while maintaining a lively cultural scene.
Landmarks like Hallgrimskirkja Church and the Harpa Concert Hall are must-visits, showcasing modern and traditional Icelandic design. Reykjavik is also famous for its geothermal pools and vibrant nightlife.
With plenty of museums, local shops, and restaurants serving Icelandic cuisine, the city provides a well-rounded experience for travelers interested in nature, history, and culture.
Your guide is a local storyteller, so they will tell you more about Icelandic New Year traditions as you walk. Icelandic New Year traditions are a mix of community celebrations, folklore, and fireworks.
The evening starts with family dinners, often featuring traditional lamb or fish dishes. Many watch "Aramotaskaup," a satirical TV show reviewing the year's events, before heading outdoors for the festivities.
Bonfires are a significant tradition, symbolizing the burning away of the old year and welcoming the new. Fireworks light up the sky throughout the night, with locals enthusiastically participating in the display.
People gather to toast the New Year as midnight approaches, often with champagne. The celebrations typically continue with parties lasting into the early hours.
Icelandic New Year folklore is steeped in tales of the supernatural and mystical events believed to occur on this special night. One popular belief is that cows gain the ability to speak, though overhearing them is said to bring bad luck.
Another tradition involves the elves, who are thought to move houses on New Year's Eve. People would leave offerings to appease them and ensure good fortune.
Trolls and other hidden people are also featured in stories, as it's said that the boundary between the human and spirit worlds becomes thinner.
You'll enjoy a New Year's toast with a traditional Icelandic drink and then head to a great spot to watch the spectacular fireworks display at midnight. Your guide will also give you sparklers to enjoy.
At the end of the tour, you can continue the celebrations in the capital or head back to your accommodation.
Celebrate New Year's Eve in Reykjavik, learn more about Icelandic folklore, and watch the fireworks on this walking tour of Reykjavik. Check availability now by choosing a date.
