Private Walking Tour — Reykjavik
Private Combo: Reykjavik Folklore and CatWalk Tour
Follow the paw prints of Iceland's feline companions through myth, saga, and the streets of downtown Reykjavik.
The Private Combo Reykjavik Folklore and CatWalk brings together two of the city's most distinctive walking experiences into a single, unhurried private outing. Guests explore Iceland's rich tradition of hidden people, sagas, and Norse mythology before tracing the cultural history of cats from the settlement era to the present day. The walk concludes near Hallgrimskirkja Church, having covered some of the most storied ground in the Icelandic capital.
Iceland has long been described as a land of sagas, and that storytelling tradition runs through every cobblestone and corner of Reykjavik. The folklore portion of this tour brings those narratives to life, drawing on tales of the hidden people and the creatures that inhabit the Icelandic imagination. Guides with deep local knowledge share stories that connect ancient belief systems to the city you walk through today.
The CatWalk section takes a genuinely different angle on urban exploration. Rather than monuments and history books, guests follow the living presence of cats in Icelandic culture, from Norse mythology to the beloved resident cats of downtown Reykjavik. A stop at the city's only cat coffeehouse provides a pause for hot drinks, Icelandic pastry, and time spent with the resident cats in a relaxed setting.
Because this is a private tour, the pace and focus adjust naturally to the interests of your group. Whether you lean toward the folklore or the feline side of the itinerary, your guide can spend more time where curiosity leads.
Tour Highlights
Icelandic sagas and hidden people folklore told through the streets of central Reykjavik.
A visit to Reykjavik's only cat coffeehouse, with hot drinks, Icelandic pastry, and resident cats.
Exploration of the Einar Jonsson Sculpture Garden near Hallgrimskirkja, where cat-related works and roaming downtown cats may be spotted.
A walk past the Reykjavik Pond, one of the city's most recognisable natural landmarks.
Norse mythology and the role of cats throughout world history, explained by a knowledgeable local guide.
A stop at a store specialising in cat-inspired Icelandic design, offering a look at contemporary craft culture.
Fully private format throughout, with no shared groups and a flexible pace tailored to your party.
Tour Itinerary
The tour begins outside Hlöllabátar, facing Ingolfstorg Square and the two tall stone pillars. CenterHotel Plaza is to the right, and benches with a covered ceiling make it a comfortable place to gather. Guides typically wear a light blue jacket with the Your Friend in Reykjavik logo on the back.
The first portion of the walk covers Icelandic folklore, including stories of the hidden people and the creatures woven into the country's saga tradition. This section moves through central Reykjavik, connecting historic locations to the narratives that have shaped the Icelandic worldview.
The route passes the Reykjavik Pond before transitioning into the CatWalk portion of the tour. Along the way, there is an opportunity to spot Baktus, widely considered one of the most recognised cats in Iceland, as well as other downtown cats including Jonsi and Ofelia.
A visit to the city's only cat coffeehouse offers a chance to sit, relax, and enjoy hot coffee or cocoa alongside Icelandic pastry while interacting with the resident cats. This stop also provides context for the broader story of cats in Icelandic and world culture.
The tour includes a visit to a store focused on cat-related Icelandic design, followed by a discussion of the role of cats in Norse mythology. The guide draws connections between ancient beliefs and the cats encountered throughout the walk.
The final stop is the Sculpture Garden of Einar Jonsson, located beside Hallgrimskirkja Church. The garden contains works with cat-related elements, and roaming downtown cats sometimes make an appearance here to close out the experience.
What Is Included
Included
- Private professional local guide for the full 3.5 hours
- Reykjavik Folklore Walking Tour segment
- Reykjavik CatWalk segment
- Entry and time at the Reykjavik Cat Coffeehouse
- Hot coffee or hot cocoa at the cat coffeehouse
- Icelandic pastry tasting at the coffeehouse
Not Included
- Hotel pickup or drop-off
- Additional food or beverages beyond what is specified
- Purchases at the cat design store
- Gratuities for the guide
Important Information
Reserve Your Private Tour
Secure your private spot on this combined folklore and cat walking experience through central Reykjavik. Availability is limited given the private nature of each departure.
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