Best Reykjavik Walking Tours in Iceland

What is the best Reykjavik walking tour in Iceland?

With many different Reykjavik walking tours to choose from, picking the right one can be confusing. Nevertheless, there are walking tours that are highly-rated like the magical 1.5-hour folklore walking tour of Reykjavik with tales of trolls, elves & hidden people. The tour is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 30 travelers and costs around 39 USD.
Another high-rated option is purchasing the 24-hour Reykjavik City Card with entry to museums, galleries & geothermal pools. It is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 60 travelers and costs around 34 USD.

Is it worth it to join a Reykjavik walking tour in Iceland?

Joining a walking tour in Reykjavik, Iceland, offers several advantages:
Local Expertise: Walking tours are typically led by knowledgeable local guides who can provide insights into Reykjavik's history, culture, and hidden gems. They can offer a deeper understanding of the city's heritage and contemporary life.
Access to Hidden Gems: Guides often take you to off-the-beaten-path locations and hidden gems that you might miss if you explore on your own. This allows you to discover unique and lesser-known aspects of Reykjavik.
Efficient Sightseeing: Walking tours are a time-efficient way to explore the city's major attractions. Guides can help you navigate through the city, ensuring you make the most of your visit in a relatively short time.
Safety and Convenience: Reykjavik's weather can be unpredictable, and walking tours provide a safe and convenient way to explore, especially during inclement weather. You can focus on the experience without worrying about logistics.
Personalized Experience: Many walking tours have small group sizes, allowing for a more personalized experience. You can ask questions, interact with the guide, and tailor the tour to your interests.
Cultural Immersion: Guided tours often include cultural elements, such as local food tastings, language lessons, or folklore stories, providing a deeper immersion into the local culture.
Value for Money: Walking tours often offer a cost-effective way to learn about the city while covering multiple attractions and activities in a single tour.

What is the cheapest Reykjavik walking tour in Iceland?

One of the cheapest Reykjavik walking tours is this guided two-hour Reykjavik walking tour with historical tales in English. For around 29 USD, you'll get to learn about Reykjavik's rich history, starting from the days of its early settlers. You'll visit important locations like the Volcano House, the Old Harbor, Laekjartorg Square, and the Austrvollur Parliamentary Square, to name a few.

What is a Reykjavik walking tour?

A Reykjavik walking tour is a guided exploration of the city of Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. These tours allow visitors to experience the city's unique culture, history, cuisine, and architecture by walking through its streets, visiting famous landmarks, and learning about the local way of life.

How much does a walking tour in Reykjavik cost?

The cost of a Reykjavik walking tour can vary depending on factors like the tour's duration, inclusions, and exclusivity.
One of the cheaper tours available is this magical 1.5-hour folklore walking tour of Reykjavik which only costs around 36 USD and has a rating of 4.7 stars out of 5.
While one of the pricier tours is the Reykjavik Food Walk which costs around 115 USD but includes food and drink samples from 6 different locations around the city. The tour has a rating of 5 stars out of 5 from 16 reviewers.

How long do walking tours in Reykjavik typically last?

The duration of a walking tour in Reykjavik can vary, but most tours last between 2 to 3 hours. Some specialized tours or private tours might be longer, depending on the itinerary and the group's interests.

What can I expect to see on a Reykjavik walking tour?

During a Reykjavik walking tour, you can expect to see some of the city's most famous landmarks, such as Hallgrimskirkja church, Harpa Concert Hall, the Sun Voyager sculpture, and the Old Harbor. The tour may also take you to a local bar or restaurant to get a taste of Icelandic cuisine.

Are private walking tours available in Reykjavik?

Yes, you can book this two-hour private walking tour in Reykjavik for around 31 USD, which takes you to the city's landmarks. These tours can be customized according to your interests and preferences and may provide a more personal experience with your guide.

What should I wear on a Reykjavik walking tour?

Reykjavik's weather can be unpredictable, so it's essential to dress in layers and wear comfortable, waterproof shoes. Bring a warm jacket, hat, and gloves. Remember to check the weather forecast before your tour and dress accordingly.

Are Reykjavik walking tours suitable for children?

Most walking tours in Reykjavik are suitable for children, but it is important to consider the length of the tour before booking.

What language are the walking tours conducted in?

Most walking tours in Reykjavik are conducted in English. However, private walking tours are more flexible and have more languages to choose from, such as this private three-hour city walk of Reykjavik with Icelandic delicacies, which is conducted in English, Spanish, German, French or Portuguese and costs around 311 USD.

Are guided walking tours available year-round in Reykjavik?

Yes, guided walking tours in Reykjavik are generally available year-round. However, weather conditions or specific events or holidays may occasionally affect the availability of some tours.

Are walking tours in Reykjavik suitable for all ages and fitness levels?

Many walking tours are designed to be accessible to all ages and fitness levels, but it's a good idea to check with the tour operator for specific requirements.

Do I need to bring local currency (Icelandic Krona) for walking tour payments, or can I use credit cards?

Credit cards are widely accepted in Iceland, including for tour payments. However, it's a good idea to have some local currency on hand for small purchases or tips.

Are there discounts available for students, seniors, or children on walking tours?

Some tour operators may offer discounts for students, seniors, or children. It's advisable to check with the specific tour provider for any available discounts.

Are there age restrictions for certain walking tours, such as pub crawls or nightlife tours?

Yes, some walking tours with a focus on nightlife or alcohol consumption may have age restrictions, typically requiring participants to be 18 or 21 years old. Verify the age requirements for specific tours.

When was Reykjavik founded?

Reykjavik was founded as a settlement by Iceland's first permanent settler, Ingolfur Arnarson, in the year 874 AD. For centuries it remained a simple farmland with just a few houses.
Urban development began around the turn of the 19th century and quickly became Iceland's commercial and cultural hub. Now two thirds of Iceland's population live in the capital region.

Why is Reykjavik named that?

The name Reykjavik directly translates to "Smoky Bay" and was named so by Iceland's first permanent settler, Ingolfur Arnarson, because of the steam rising up from the geothermal area in Laugardalur valley.
It should be noted that the word "reykur" in Old Norse refers to both smoke and steam, so a more accurate translation of Reykjavik could be "Steamy Bay" or "Bay of Steam".