Guided 2 Hour Reykjavik Walking Tour with Historical Tales in English

Come and explore Reykjavik city centre and it's major landmarks on this easy and fun walking tour. You'll hear the story of how Reykjavik came to be, from the early settlers and farming, and how Reykjavik formed first through trade and small-scale industry. 

One such industry was a wool factory established by the father of Reykjavik, Skúli Magnúson in the 18th century.  Our tour will start from his statue, in the Fógetagarður square, named in his honour. A century later, Reykjavik was transformed into a fishing village as a few thousand fishermen moved there.

You will learn about the architecture of the city centre and visit it's oldest part, Grjótaþorp, the first residential area. The tour also visits the city's oldest house which dates back to the Danish merchants who monopolized trade for almost two centuries. 

Then there is a visit to the Volcano House, where we get an insight into Icelandic volcanoes and rock formations and learn from the interesting displays. The commentary of the guide details how the Middle Atlantic Ridge contributed to the creation of Iceland as an island.

Next, we visit the old harbour where the idyllic fish cutters give a glimpse of Iceland's coastal fishing tradition. The guide gives commentary on whaling, and whales in general and Iceland’s policies concerning protection of their territorial waters and fishing grounds. Afterwards, we'll visit a seafood restaurant, which has an interesting backstory; it came to be through an old fisherman Kjartan who started out as a fishmonger on that very harbour. 

Later, we head back to town visit Ingólfstorg square and learn about the first settlers. We visit Iceland’s most popular hot dog stand and visit Lækjartorg Square opposite to the Offices of Government, and learn about the city’s cultural life in modern times before and after the City became a popular tourist spot.

The final stop on the tour is Austrvöllur Parliamentary Square, by the Cathedral, which is tiny, and the old Parliament. The guide tells the history of the medieval Alþingi in Þingvellir which was abolished in the late 18th century but later reestablished in Reykjavik and later became the headquarters for Iceland's Parliament.

Join us for a stroll in Reykjavík and learn about this beautiful place. Check availability by choosing a date.