Reykjavik: Christmas Walking Tour With Icelandic Traditions

Reykjavik’s "Christmas Walking Tour With Icelandic Traditions" promises a captivating exploration of the city’s festive spirit. For just $60.79 per person, visitors can enjoy Iceland’s unique holiday customs, from the legendary 13 Yule Lads to the enchanting Christmas Cat. With lively storytelling, enchanting decorations, and exclusive shopping discounts, this 2-hour guided tour offers a delightful way to experience the magic of an Icelandic Christmas. But what secrets of Icelandic folklore and local traditions await those who embark on this enchanting journey?

Key Points

• A 2-hour guided walking tour in Reykjavik exploring Icelandic Christmas traditions, including the 13 Santas and the Christmas Cat.
• Tour available only in December with varying times and conducted in English with wheelchair accessibility.
• Opportunity to browse unique Icelandic Christmas books, enjoy festive decorations, and receive discounts at select stores and restaurants.
• Hassle-free booking process with a reserve now and pay later option and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Engaging tour guide sharing captivating stories about Icelandic holiday folklore and customs to enhance the festive atmosphere.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Reykjavik: Christmas Walking Tour with Icelandic Traditions is a 2-hour guided tour priced at $60.79 per person.

It’s available only in December, with tour times varying. Conducted in English, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Visitors can reserve a spot without upfront payment and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

During the tour, attendees will explore Icelandic Christmas traditions and folklore, including the 13 Santas, their mother, and the Christmas Cat.

The tour also includes stops at holiday decorations, an ice skating rink, a Christmas market, and a bookstore featuring unique Icelandic Christmas books.

Booking Information

How can visitors book this tour? The operator offers a convenient reserve now and pay later option, allowing travelers to secure a spot without any upfront payment.

Plus, they provide free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, giving guests the flexibility to change their plans.

The booking process is straightforward:

• Reserve a spot with no upfront payment

• Cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the tour

• Easily manage your booking through the tour operator’s website or app

This tour’s booking policy ensures a hassle-free experience for visitors interested in exploring Reykjavik’s Christmas traditions.

Tour Highlights

This Christmas walking tour in Reykjavik offers a fascinating exploration of Icelandic holiday traditions and folklore. Guests will learn about the 13 Santas of Iceland, their mother, and the infamous Christmas Cat.

The tour visits festive decorations, an ice skating rink, and Christmas market stalls. Participants can browse unique Icelandic Christmas books at a local bookstore and receive discounts at select stores, stalls, and restaurants.

The guide shares stories and folklore, providing a family-friendly experience. Visitors admire the iconic Oslo Christmas tree and explore the charming streets of Reykjavik’s downtown.

Itinerary

The tour begins at the statue of Skúli Magnússon Sheriff at Víkurgarður (Fógetagarður), where you will meet their guide.

The guided walking tour takes visitors through downtown Reykjavik, exploring the sights and sounds of the holiday season.

• Admire the Oslo Christmas Tree at Austurvollur, a stunning centerpiece of the city’s festivities.

• Stroll along Laugavegur shopping street and Skólavörðustígur, leading to the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church.

• Discover Icelandic Christmas traditions and folklore, with family-friendly stories and insights from the knowledgeable guide.

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Icelandic Christmas Traditions and Folklore

As visitors explore the Reykjavik Christmas Walking Tour, they’ll explore the rich tapestry of Icelandic Christmas traditions and folklore.

The tour highlights the 13 Santas, known as the Yule Lads, and their mischievous mother, Grýla. Guests will learn about the dreaded Christmas Cat, which eats children who don’t receive new clothes for the holidays.

The Yule Lads, 13 Santas with a mischievous mother, Grýla, and the dreaded Christmas Cat that eats children without new clothes.

These captivating tales of Icelandic folklore are woven throughout the walking tour, providing fascinating insights into the country’s unique holiday customs.

Exploring these traditions enhances the festive atmosphere and brings the Reykjavik Christmas experience to life.

The 13 Santas of Iceland

Thirteen unique Santas, known as the Yule Lads, are a distinctive part of Icelandic Christmas folklore. These mischievous characters, each with their own name and distinct personality, visit Icelandic homes over the 13 nights leading up to Christmas.

They include:

• Stekkjastaur, who likes to harass sheep

• Giljagaur, who enjoys stealing milk

• Stúfur, the short one who steals pots

These Yule Lads, along with their mother Grýla and the fearsome Yule Cat, have been a beloved part of Icelandic yuletide traditions for centuries.

Exploring Reykjavik’s Christmas Attractions

Beyond the captivating folklore of the Yule Lads, Reykjavik’s Christmas attractions offer visitors a chance to enjoy the city’s vibrant holiday spirit. Stroll through the lively Christmas markets, where you’ll find an array of unique Icelandic crafts, hot cocoa, and festive treats. Don’t miss the chance to glide across the outdoor ice skating rink, surrounded by twinkling lights and the awe-inspiring Hallgrímskirkja church. Explore the city’s charming bookstores, which showcase an impressive selection of Icelandic Christmas-themed books, and take advantage of the special discounts at participating shops and restaurants.

| Attraction | Description |

|————|————-|

| Christmas Markets | Unique Icelandic crafts, hot cocoa, and festive treats |

| Ice Skating Rink | Outdoor rink with stunning views of Hallgrímskirkja church |

| Bookstores | Impressive selection of Icelandic Christmas-themed books |

| Discounts | Special offers at select shops and restaurants |

Practical Information for the Tour

To ensure a memorable and hassle-free Christmas walking tour in Reykjavik, visitors should dress warmly and wear comfortable walking shoes.

Dress warmly and wear comfortable walking shoes to ensure a memorable and hassle-free Christmas walking tour in Reykjavik.

The family-friendly tour is suitable for those interested in Icelandic culture and traditions. A private tour option is available in any language.

The tour highlights include:

• Exploring Icelandic Christmas traditions and folklore, including the 13 Santas and the Christmas Cat.

• Visiting holiday decorations, an ice skating rink, and Christmas market stalls.

• Stopping at a bookstore to see unique Icelandic Christmas books and receiving discounts at select stores and restaurants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Young Children?

The tour is suitable for families with young children. It features a family-friendly itinerary with stories and folklore, making it an engaging and educational experience for children to learn about Icelandic Christmas traditions.

Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks on the Tour?

Though the tour does not explicitly prohibit bringing your own snacks and drinks, it’s best to check with the tour operator first. They may have guidelines or policies regarding outside food and beverages on the tour.

Are There Any Indoor Activities During the Tour?

The tour includes an exploration of an indoor bookstore to see unique Icelandic Christmas books. Beyond that, the majority of the activities take place outdoors as the tour explores the festive sights and sounds of Reykjavik’s holiday decorations and markets.

Is the Tour Accessible for Those With Mobility Issues?

The tour is wheelchair accessible, according to the provided information. It states that the tour is "Wheelchair accessible", making it suitable for those with mobility issues who wish to explore Icelandic Christmas traditions in Reykjavik.

Can I Request a Specific Starting Time for the Tour?

Yes, you can request a specific starting time for the tour. The tour’s availability is limited to only December, so check the schedule for starting times that work best for you.

The Sum Up

The "Christmas Walking Tour With Icelandic Traditions" in Reykjavik offers a unique opportunity to take in the city’s festive spirit. Explore captivating Icelandic holiday customs, enjoy lively storytelling, and discover local markets while taking advantage of shop discounts. With its family-friendly atmosphere and wheelchair accessibility, this tour provides a delightful way to embrace the magic of an Icelandic Christmas.

You can check availability for your dates here: