Reykjavik: Cat Walking Tour & Cat Coffeehouse Pastry Stop

Summary

Cat stories, city legends & coffee breaks with Reykjavik’s feline residents

You’ll stroll from Ingólfur Square through Reykjavik’s lively streets with a local guide sharing quirky cat legends and real-life feline encounters. Pause by the pond, sip coffee at the Cat Coffeehouse while petting resident cats and tasting Icelandic pastry, then finish among sculptures near Hallgrímskirkja. Expect laughter, local stories, and maybe even your own favorite Reykjavik cat memory.

What’s the experience like?

We were already laughing about the “cat gods” before we’d even left Ingólfur Square. Our guide—Björg, I think?—had this way of telling old Icelandic cat tales like she was letting you in on a family secret. We started under those two stone pillars, right where Reykjavik began, and she asked us if we knew how cats first arrived in Iceland. (I didn’t.) The air was sharp but not freezing, and someone’s scarf kept blowing into their face—felt like the cats would’ve had more sense than us with this wind.

Walking through downtown Reykjavik, it was funny how many people nodded or smiled when they saw our little group. Maybe it was obvious we were on a cat walking tour—one woman even stopped to tell us about Baktus, her favorite local cat who apparently “owns” half the street. We paused by the pond and watched the birds squabble over crumbs; Björg asked if we thought any of them had ever outsmarted a cat. I could smell coffee from somewhere nearby, mixing with that cold, slightly salty air you only get by the sea.

I didn’t expect to actually meet so many cats along the way—Jonsi lounged in a shop window like he was expecting applause. There was this moment at the Cat Coffeehouse where I tried to order in Icelandic (Li laughed at my accent), and then one of the cats just plopped onto my lap while I was still fumbling for words. The pastry was sweet but not too much—kind of nutty?—and honestly I barely tasted it because I was busy petting Ofelia, who seemed to have no patience for small talk.

The last bit up toward Hallgrímskirkja felt quieter; maybe it was just me getting lost in all those stories about cats sneaking into Icelandic folklore. At Einar Jonsson’s sculpture garden, Björg pointed out how even some statues looked like they were waiting for a cat to curl up beside them. I still think about that walk whenever I see a cat sunning itself in some unexpected place—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Reykjavik cat walking tour highlights

• Meet at Ingólfur Square pillars
• Learn about Icelandic cats origin
• Admire Reykjavik pond and birdlife
• Pass by Hallgrímskirkja Church
• Visit Reykjavik Cat Coffeehouse
• Enjoy hot drink and Icelandic pastry
• Pet cats at coffeehouse
• Final stop at Einar Jonsson Sculpture Garden

Top questions

How long is the Reykjavik Cat Walking Tour?

The tour lasts around 2 hours from start to finish.

Where does the Reykjavik Cat Walking Tour start?

The tour begins at Ingólfur Square by the two stone pillars in downtown Reykjavik.

Is there food or drink included on this tour?

Yes, you get coffee or hot cocoa and an Icelandic pastry at the Cat Coffeehouse.

Are there real cats on this walking tour?

Yes, you’ll meet several local cats along the route and at the Cat Coffeehouse.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with strollers?

Yes, it’s suitable for all ages and accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.

Does the tour visit Hallgrímskirkja?

You’ll pass by Hallgrímskirkja on your way to Einar Jonsson’s sculpture garden.

Can people with cat allergies join?

This tour isn’t recommended for people with cat allergies due to close contact with cats.

What’s included

Your walk includes guided commentary through central Reykjavik, stops to meet famous local cats along familiar streets, entry to the Cat Coffeehouse for coffee or hot cocoa plus an Icelandic pastry—all wrapped up near Hallgrímskirkja at Einar Jonsson’s sculpture garden before heading off on your own again.