Reykjavik: Funky History Walking Tour & Icelandic Lunch

Summary

Reykjavik history walk with viking tales sculpture gardens & local food

You’ll walk Reykjavik’s streets with a local guide who doesn’t hold back on quirky stories or Viking legends. Expect to explore sculpture gardens, hear honest takes on Icelandic life, and share an Icelandic lunch with your group. By the end, you’ll feel less like a tourist—and maybe even want to try pronouncing those names yourself.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect to laugh so much on a history tour. Reykjavik feels quiet at first, but then our guide—Ásta, who wore this bright red scarf—started telling us about Leif Ericsson’s family right by Hallgrímskirkja. The wind was sharp that morning and I kept fiddling with my gloves, but Ásta’s stories had everyone grinning (even the couple from Spain who barely spoke English). She pointed out how the church looks like basalt columns—now I can’t unsee it.

We wandered through Einar Jónsson’s sculpture garden next. There’s this odd silence in there, just footsteps crunching on gravel and the occasional seagull overhead. Ásta told us about Vikings and Norse mythology while we stared at these wild bronze figures—I tried to remember a few names but honestly, they’re all tongue-twisters. She made us guess which statue was Loki (I got it wrong). It smelled faintly of wet stone and grass after last night’s rain.

After that, we strolled past Tjörnin Pond, geese honking and kids throwing bread. The Þingholt neighborhood surprised me—colorful houses, laundry flapping in the cold sun. Ásta explained how Icelanders went from being one of Europe’s poorest countries to…well, not rich exactly, but definitely better off. She didn’t sugarcoat anything; I liked that honesty. Lunch was simple but filling—some kind of lamb stew with rye bread—and I still think about the warmth of that bowl against my hands as we sat together swapping stories about where we’re from.

We finished inside City Hall, looking at maps and talking politics (which sounds dry but somehow wasn’t). I left knowing more than just facts—I felt like I’d actually met Reykjavik for a few hours. If you like your history tours with real people and some weird jokes thrown in, this one sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Reykjavik's history and landmarks

• Marvel at Hallgrímskirkja landmark
• Learn about Leif Ericsson and family
• Visit Einar Jónson's sculpture garden
• Hear stories about Vikings and Norse mythology
• Stroll through residential area on Christianity
• Walk Þingholt neighborhood's economic history
• Stroll past Tjörnin Pond
• Learn about Iceland's political history
• Look inside City Hall

Top questions

Is lunch included in the Reykjavik funky history walking tour?

Yes, an Icelandic lunch is included in the price of the tour.

How long does the Reykjavik walking tour last?

The exact duration isn’t specified but covers several city center sites comfortably on foot.

Are guides certified locals?

Yes, all guides are certified and know Reykjavik’s history well.

Is this walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

What landmarks do we visit on this day trip in Reykjavik?

You’ll see Hallgrímskirkja church, Einar Jónsson’s sculpture garden, Tjörnin Pond, Þingholt neighborhood, and City Hall.

Is there a maximum group size for this Reykjavik tour?

The group size is capped at 15 people per booking for a more personal experience.

Can infants or small children join the tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the walk.

Are service animals allowed on this walking tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed throughout the route.

What’s included

Your experience includes a relaxed city-center walk led by a certified local guide who shares stories along each stop. You’ll visit Hallgrímskirkja church, Einar Jónsson’s sculpture garden, stroll through Þingholt neighborhood and past Tjörnin Pond before heading into City Hall—all with an Icelandic lunch shared among your small group before finishing up downtown.