Reykjavik Christmas Walking Tour
2 Hours · Easy · From ISK 8.990 per person
About This Tour
Experience the festive side of Iceland’s capital on a Reykjavík Christmas Walking Tour filled with Icelandic traditions, folklore, Christmas lights and seasonal treats.
Join a local guide for an approximately 2-hour walk through downtown Reykjavík and discover what makes Christmas in Iceland so unique. Hear entertaining stories about the 13 Icelandic Yule Lads, their fearsome mother Grýla and the legendary Christmas Cat while exploring the beautifully decorated streets of the city.
This family-friendly experience operates during December and is an excellent way to discover Reykjavík during the festive season.
Discover Icelandic Christmas Traditions
Christmas in Iceland comes with traditions and characters you won’t find anywhere else.
Learn about the mischievous 13 Yule Lads, who arrive one by one before Christmas, and hear stories about their mother Grýla, the legendary troll from Icelandic folklore.
You’ll also discover the tale of the enormous Christmas Cat and learn about Icelandic Christmas food, drinks, music and customs.
Coffee, tea, soda and an Icelandic pastry are included along the way.
Explore Christmas in Downtown Reykjavík
Walk through the festive heart of Reykjavík, beginning around Ingólfstorg Square, where Christmas decorations and seasonal activities create a wonderful holiday atmosphere.
Continue towards Austurvöllur and see the famous Oslo Christmas Tree before exploring more of Reykjavík’s decorated streets.
Along the way, look out for Icelandic Yule Lads hiding around the city centre and visit a bookstore to discover Iceland’s special connection with books at Christmas.
From Laugavegur to Hallgrímskirkja
Continue along Laugavegur, Reykjavík’s main shopping street, and visit the Little Christmas Store before making your way up colourful Skólavörðustígur.
The tour finishes at the iconic Hallgrímskirkja Church, giving you a beautiful ending to your Christmas walk through Reykjavík.
You may also receive special discounts at selected Christmas shops, stalls and restaurants as part of the experience.
Tour Highlights
- Experience the festive atmosphere of Christmas in Reykjavík
- Discover Iceland’s unique Christmas traditions with a local guide
- Meet the stories behind the 13 Icelandic Yule Lads
- Hear about Grýla and the legendary Christmas Cat
- Explore Christmas decorations around Ingólfstorg Square
- See the famous Oslo Christmas Tree
- Discover Iceland’s special Christmas book tradition
- Walk along festive Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur
- Visit the Little Christmas Store
- Finish the tour at Hallgrímskirkja Church
- Sample an Icelandic pastry and enjoy a warm drink
What’s Included
- Approximately 2-hour guided Christmas walking tour
- Experienced local guide
- Icelandic Christmas stories and folklore
- Coffee, tea or soda
- Icelandic pastry
- Selected discounts at participating Christmas shops, stalls and restaurants
Quick Facts
Availability: All Year
Duration: 2 Hours
Difficulty: Easy
Pickup: No
Minimum Age: None
Price: From ISK 8.990 per person
Detailed Itinerary
Your Reykjavík Christmas Walking Tour begins at Ingólfstorg Square in the heart of downtown Reykjavík. Meet your guide outside Hlöllabátar, facing Ingólfstorg and the two tall stone pillars. Please arrive approximately 5 minutes before departure. Your guide will usually be wearing a light blue Your Friend in Reykjavík jacket. Begin by exploring the festive atmosphere around Ingólfstorg Square, with Christmas decorations, seasonal activities and market stalls. Your guide introduces you to Icelandic Christmas traditions and some of the unusual characters that make the festive season in Iceland so special. Hear entertaining stories about the 13 Icelandic Yule Lads, their fearsome troll mother Grýla, and the legendary Christmas Cat. Keep your eyes open as you walk — you may even spot some of the Yule Lads hiding around Reykjavík city centre. Continue to Austurvöllur to see the famous Oslo Christmas Tree and learn more about Reykjavík’s festive traditions. Along the way, hear about Icelandic Christmas food, drinks and even seasonal Christmas beers. Make a short visit to a bookstore and discover Icelanders’ special love of books during the Christmas season. Learn about local Christmas music and other traditions while enjoying coffee, tea, soda and an Icelandic pastry during the tour. Continue to Laugavegur, Reykjavík’s main shopping street, and visit the charming Little Christmas Store. Enjoy the decorations and festive atmosphere while your guide shares more local stories and Christmas traditions. Walk up colourful Skólavörðustígur towards the magnificent Hallgrímskirkja Church. Your approximately 2-hour Christmas walk finishes at Hallgrímskirkja, after a festive journey through Icelandic folklore, food and Christmas traditions.
Important Information
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- This is a seasonal tour operated in December
- Please arrive at the meeting point 5 minutes before departure
- The meeting point is outside Hlöllabátar at Ingólfstorg Square, facing the square and the two tall stone pillars
- Your guide will usually wear a light blue Your Friend in Reykjavík jacket
- The tour finishes by Hallgrímskirkja Church
- The tour is wheelchair accessible
- The tour is stroller/pram accessible
- Public transportation is available nearby
- Coffee, tea, soda and an Icelandic pastry are included
- Please dress warmly and according to Reykjavík’s winter weather
What to Bring
- Warm winter clothing
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Waterproof outer layers
- Hat, gloves and scarf
- Camera or phone
Cancellation Policy
- 100% cancellation fee if cancelled 1 day or less before the tour
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Reykjavík Christmas Walking Tour available?
The tour is a seasonal experience operated during December, when Reykjavík is decorated for the Christmas season.
How long is the Christmas walking tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and follows an easy walking route through downtown Reykjavík.
What Icelandic Christmas traditions will I learn about?
You’ll hear stories about the 13 Icelandic Yule Lads, Grýla and the Christmas Cat, along with Icelandic Christmas food, books, music and other festive traditions.
Are any refreshments included?
Yes. Coffee, tea or soda and an Icelandic pastry are included during the experience.
Is the tour suitable for families?
Yes. This is a family-friendly Christmas tour. The route is also wheelchair and stroller/pram accessible.