Icelandic Folklore and the Hidden People
A living belief in elves and hidden people - the folklore woven through the Icelandic landscape, where roads sometimes bend around enchanted rocks.
Updated 4 August 2026
Iceland's stark, otherworldly landscape is woven with folklore, above all the huldufolk, the hidden people or elves said to live in rocks and hills. Belief lingers in surprising ways: construction projects have been rerouted to avoid enchanted rocks, and the tales of trolls, ghosts and hidden people are part of how Icelanders read their land.
What you'll find
- The hidden people - the elves said to dwell in rocks and hills.
- Rerouted roads - the places where building bent around enchanted stones.
- Folklore museums and tours - the elf school and folklore trails, as in Hafnarfjordur.
- Trolls and sagas - the wider world of Icelandic legend in the landscape.
When to go
Year-round; the folklore is felt in the landscape in any season, and long winter nights suit the storytelling. Guided folklore walks bring the tales alive.
Things to know
It is a cultural tradition and a way of seeing the land rather than a sight to visit, so you meet it through stories, tours and the landscape. How literally belief is held is often gently ambiguous. Treat the tradition with respect rather than mockery.
Nearby
Hafnarfjordur near Reykjavik has an elf-lore trail; the whole landscape carries the legends.
What to pack for Icelandic Folklore and the Hidden People
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Broken-in walking shoes or boots - Grip and ankle support matter more than looks; never hike in brand-new boots. Find on Amazon
- Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
- Layers + a waterproof shell - Mountain weather turns fast; a packable rain jacket saves the day. Find on Amazon
- A slim anti-theft daypack - Zips that close properly; keep it in front in crowds and on transit. Find on Amazon
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