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Reykjavik Driving Tour
Elves & Nature Reykjavik Driving Tour
Where Icelandic folklore meets breathtaking natural scenery across the Greater Reykjavik area.
The Elves & Nature Reykjavik Driving Tour takes you through five carefully selected landmarks that reveal the geological, historical, and mythological layers of Iceland's capital region. Over five hours, a knowledgeable guide leads you from a coastal lighthouse to a lava park steeped in legend.
Iceland's folklore is not a distant curiosity but a living tradition woven into the daily lives of its people. On this tour, each stop bridges the tangible and the intangible, connecting ancient Viking heritage with the supernatural beliefs that Icelanders have carried for centuries.
The route spans Reykjavik, Kópavogur, Garðabær, and Hafnarfjörður, giving visitors a broader sense of the capital region beyond the city centre. The driving format keeps the pace comfortable while covering ground that would take far longer on foot.
Tour Highlights
Grótta Lighthouse offers sweeping coastal views and a tranquil start to the journey beside the North Atlantic shore.
Kvernárfoss waterfall in Elliðarárdalur valley is a secluded cascade set among walking paths and rich birdlife.
Kópavogskirkja sits atop Borgarholt hill, presenting striking architecture and panoramic views over the Kópavogur area.
Hofstaðir Settlement Farm in Garðabær preserves the physical remains of a Viking-age farmstead occupied roughly a thousand years ago.
Hellisgerði Lava Park in Hafnarfjörður is considered Iceland's foremost elf habitat, with moss-covered lava formations said to shelter hidden folk.
The guided driving format connects multiple municipalities in a single outing, offering a regional perspective rarely achieved on a standard city tour.
Tour Itinerary
1
Grótta Lighthouse
The tour opens at Grótta, a lighthouse set on a small tidal peninsula at the western edge of Reykjavik. The location provides unobstructed sea views and a calm atmosphere that sets a reflective tone for the journey ahead.
2
Kvernárfoss in Elliðarárdalur
Tucked within the green Elliðarárdalur valley, this waterfall is one of Reykjavik's lesser-known natural features. Surrounding trails attract local walkers and a variety of bird species throughout the year.
3
Kópavogskirkja
Perched on Borgarholt hill, this church is a recognisable landmark in the Kópavogur skyline. Its hilltop position affords clear views across the neighbouring suburbs and toward the mountains beyond.
4
Hofstaðir Settlement Farm
This archaeological site in Garðabær documents early Norse settlement in Iceland with preserved structural remains from the Viking age. Guides provide context on how the original inhabitants built and sustained life in this landscape.
5
Hellisgerði Lava Park, Hafnarfjörður
The tour concludes in Hafnarfjörður, a town widely associated with Iceland's hidden people tradition. Hellisgerði park contains rugged lava formations draped in moss where, according to local belief, elves and hidden folk reside.
What Is Included
Included
Professional English-speaking guide
Private or small-group vehicle transport
Guided commentary at all five stops
Folklore and historical storytelling throughout
Not Included
Hotel pickup and drop-off unless specified
Personal travel insurance
Meals and beverages
Gratuities for the guide
Important Information
This is an outdoor driving tour. Weather in Iceland can change rapidly; dressing in warm, waterproof layers is strongly recommended regardless of season.
Duration
Approximately 5 hours, including time at each stop for exploration and guided commentary.
What to Bring
Wear layered, waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear suitable for uneven terrain. A camera and a refillable water bottle are advisable.
Cancellation
Cancellation terms are outlined during the booking process. Review the policy carefully before confirming your reservation.
Accessibility
Some stops involve light walking on natural or uneven ground. Guests with mobility concerns are encouraged to contact the operator prior to booking.
Age Range
This tour is suitable for all ages. The easy difficulty level and driving format make it accessible for families and older travellers alike.
Reserve Your Spot
Secure your place on this five-hour journey through Reykjavik's natural landmarks, Viking heritage, and folklore-rich lava landscapes.
Yes. The easy difficulty level, vehicle-based format, and folklore storytelling make it engaging for younger travellers. No strenuous physical activity is required.
What happens if the weather is bad?▼
The tour operates in most weather conditions typical of Reykjavik. Iceland's climate is variable, so guests should dress in waterproof, layered clothing regardless of the forecast. The operator will advise if conditions require any changes.
How much walking is involved?▼
Most of the tour is conducted from a vehicle, with short walks at each stop. The terrain varies from paved paths to natural lava and valley trails, but none of the walks are lengthy or technically demanding.
Where exactly does Hellisgerði Lava Park sit and why is it associated with elves?▼
Hellisgerði is located in Hafnarfjörður, a town south of Reykjavik. Local tradition holds that the town's complex lava formations are inhabited by hidden folk and elves, a belief reflected in the town's unofficial title of Iceland's Elf Capital.
Is Hofstaðir Settlement Farm an active archaeological site?▼
Hofstaðir is a preserved archaeological site in Garðabær where remains of a Viking-age farmstead have been documented. Visitors can observe the remnants while the guide provides historical context about early Norse settlers in Iceland.
Do I need prior knowledge of Icelandic history or folklore to enjoy the tour?▼
No prior knowledge is needed. The guide introduces all relevant historical and folklore content during the tour, making it equally accessible for first-time visitors and those already familiar with Iceland.
This tour operates across the Greater Reykjavik metropolitan area in southwest Iceland, covering four distinct municipalities: Reykjavik, Kópavogur, Garðabær, and Hafnarfjörður. Key geographic features visited include the Grótta tidal peninsula on the North Atlantic coast, the Elliðarárdalur river valley within Reykjavik's city limits, the hilltop church district of Borgarholt in Kópavogur, the archaeological lowlands of Garðabær, and the volcanic lava field landscape of Hafnarfjörður. The region sits within Iceland's Southwest constituency, approximately 40 kilometres from Keflavik International Airport, making it highly accessible for arriving or departing travellers. Hafnarfjörður, the tour's final stop, is internationally recognised in folklore research circles as Iceland's primary elf and hidden people settlement zone.
Guided Cultural and Nature Driving Tour | Greater Reykjavik Area | Southwest Iceland | Folklore, Viking Archaeology, Coastal and Lava Landscapes | Easy Difficulty | 5 Hours | All Ages
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