Reykjavik Walking Tour with Viking History and City Landmarks
by Your Friend In Reykjavik
Choose from 1 available option
How do you want to book?
✓Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.€92Overview
This walking tour of Reykjavik lasts about two hours and is led by a guide who combines historical facts with entertaining stories. The tour is designed for small groups of up to 12 people, allowing for a more personalized experience. It begins at Ingólfur Square, where guests meet the guide by two tall stone pillars in the city center. The route includes stops at the oldest house in Reykjavik, where visitors can see a preserved example of early city architecture. The tour also visits the Settlement Exhibition, a museum beneath the city showing the remains of a Viking longhouse along with narrated stories of Iceland’s early history. Other stops include Austurvöllur Square, a central public space surrounded by cafes and historic buildings, and Reykjavik City Hall, where visitors learn about the city’s governance and civic heritage. Participants walk by Lake Tjörnin, a small urban lake with waterfowl and scenic paths. The tour continues to the Parliament House (Alþingi), tracing the origins of the world’s oldest parliament building. Guests also visit Reykjavik’s oldest cemetery to see historic gravestones and reflect on the past. The Old Harbour area is included, with its waterfront views, shops, and eateries. The Harpa Concert Hall, known for its distinctive glass facade and lighting display, is another highlight. The bustling main shopping street, Laugavegur, is next, followed by a stop at Arnarholl Hill, which offers panoramic views of the city skyline. The final stop is Hallgrímskirkja Church, where the guide shares stories about the landmark’s architecture and history. Food, drinks, hotel transfers, and gratuities are not included. The tour operates in all weather conditions, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Guests are advised to arrive at Ingólfur Square 5 minutes before the tour start time.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Ingólfur Square
The meeting point is Ingólfur Square in central Reykjavik, marked by two stone pillars over 3 meters tall. This square sits in front of Center Hotels Plaza on Aðalstræti 6, at the start of Austurstræti street. Guides usually wear light blue jackets with "Your Friend in Reykjavik" on the back for easy identification.
10 min
Oldest House in Reykjavik
This is the city's oldest surviving house, showing traditional architecture and a weathered facade that reflects Reykjavik’s early days. Inside, the building offers a sense of history through its preserved interiors, connecting visitors to the lives of past residents.
10 min
The Settlement Exhibition
Located beneath the city streets, this exhibition displays the remains of a Viking longhouse that have been carefully preserved. The guide provides historical context about Iceland’s Viking Age and the early settlement of Reykjavik.
5 min
Austurvollur Square
Austurvöllur is a central urban square surrounded by cafes and historic buildings. It serves as a gathering place for locals and visitors to relax, enjoy coffee, and observe daily city life in Reykjavik.
10 min
Reykjavik City Hall
This building houses the city’s council and features elegant architecture representing Reykjavik’s civic leadership. Visitors can explore public spaces and learn about the city’s governance and democratic traditions.
5 min
Lake Tjornin
A small urban lake in Reykjavik known for its scenic paths, waterfowl, and surrounding flora. Visitors can walk along the shore, watch birds like ducks and seagulls, and enjoy a quiet spot amid the city.
15 min
Parliament House (Althingishus)
Iceland’s Parliament building dates back to the Viking Age, established in 930 AD. The structure symbolizes the country’s democratic heritage, and visitors see the chambers where laws are debated and passed.
10 min
Oldest Graveyard in Reykjavik
This historic cemetery contains weathered headstones and peaceful grounds that tell stories of Reykjavik’s past residents and heritage.
10 min
Old Harbour
The Old Harbour area features cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and boats. It is a lively waterfront zone with shops, eateries, and maritime history.
10 min
Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre
Harpa is known for its distinctive glass facade that resembles crystal structures. The building hosts various events and features an illuminated display that changes colors and patterns.
10 min
Laugavegur
Reykjavik’s main shopping street, lined with shops, cafes, and local businesses. It is a central area where visitors can observe everyday urban life.
5 min
Arnarholl Statue
A hill overlooking downtown Reykjavik with views of city rooftops, Hallgrímskirkja Church, and mountains. It is a popular spot to observe the city landscape.
Hallgrímskirkja Church
The tallest building in Reykjavik, known for its unique architecture. The guide shares stories about this landmark’s history and significance during the visit.
10 min
Meeting point
Meeting Point: Outside Hlöllabátar (Austurstræti 1), facing Ingólfstorg Square and the two tall stone pillars. CenterHotel Plaza is to your right. Benches, tables, and a covered ceiling make it a comfortable spot to wait.
End point
We usually end up at either Hallgrimskirkja Church or the statue garden of master sculptor Einar Jonsson which is right next door.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.
Additional info
Reykjavik Walking Tour with Viking History and City Landmarks
by Your Friend In Reykjavik
Choose from 1 available option
How do you want to book?
✓Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.€92Overview
This walking tour of Reykjavik lasts about two hours and is led by a guide who combines historical facts with entertaining stories. The tour is designed for small groups of up to 12 people, allowing for a more personalized experience. It begins at Ingólfur Square, where guests meet the guide by two tall stone pillars in the city center. The route includes stops at the oldest house in Reykjavik, where visitors can see a preserved example of early city architecture. The tour also visits the Settlement Exhibition, a museum beneath the city showing the remains of a Viking longhouse along with narrated stories of Iceland’s early history. Other stops include Austurvöllur Square, a central public space surrounded by cafes and historic buildings, and Reykjavik City Hall, where visitors learn about the city’s governance and civic heritage. Participants walk by Lake Tjörnin, a small urban lake with waterfowl and scenic paths. The tour continues to the Parliament House (Alþingi), tracing the origins of the world’s oldest parliament building. Guests also visit Reykjavik’s oldest cemetery to see historic gravestones and reflect on the past. The Old Harbour area is included, with its waterfront views, shops, and eateries. The Harpa Concert Hall, known for its distinctive glass facade and lighting display, is another highlight. The bustling main shopping street, Laugavegur, is next, followed by a stop at Arnarholl Hill, which offers panoramic views of the city skyline. The final stop is Hallgrímskirkja Church, where the guide shares stories about the landmark’s architecture and history. Food, drinks, hotel transfers, and gratuities are not included. The tour operates in all weather conditions, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Guests are advised to arrive at Ingólfur Square 5 minutes before the tour start time.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Ingólfur Square
The meeting point is Ingólfur Square in central Reykjavik, marked by two stone pillars over 3 meters tall. This square sits in front of Center Hotels Plaza on Aðalstræti 6, at the start of Austurstræti street. Guides usually wear light blue jackets with "Your Friend in Reykjavik" on the back for easy identification.
10 min
Oldest House in Reykjavik
This is the city's oldest surviving house, showing traditional architecture and a weathered facade that reflects Reykjavik’s early days. Inside, the building offers a sense of history through its preserved interiors, connecting visitors to the lives of past residents.
10 min
The Settlement Exhibition
Located beneath the city streets, this exhibition displays the remains of a Viking longhouse that have been carefully preserved. The guide provides historical context about Iceland’s Viking Age and the early settlement of Reykjavik.
5 min
Austurvollur Square
Austurvöllur is a central urban square surrounded by cafes and historic buildings. It serves as a gathering place for locals and visitors to relax, enjoy coffee, and observe daily city life in Reykjavik.
10 min
Reykjavik City Hall
This building houses the city’s council and features elegant architecture representing Reykjavik’s civic leadership. Visitors can explore public spaces and learn about the city’s governance and democratic traditions.
5 min
Lake Tjornin
A small urban lake in Reykjavik known for its scenic paths, waterfowl, and surrounding flora. Visitors can walk along the shore, watch birds like ducks and seagulls, and enjoy a quiet spot amid the city.
15 min
Parliament House (Althingishus)
Iceland’s Parliament building dates back to the Viking Age, established in 930 AD. The structure symbolizes the country’s democratic heritage, and visitors see the chambers where laws are debated and passed.
10 min
Oldest Graveyard in Reykjavik
This historic cemetery contains weathered headstones and peaceful grounds that tell stories of Reykjavik’s past residents and heritage.
10 min
Old Harbour
The Old Harbour area features cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and boats. It is a lively waterfront zone with shops, eateries, and maritime history.
10 min
Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre
Harpa is known for its distinctive glass facade that resembles crystal structures. The building hosts various events and features an illuminated display that changes colors and patterns.
10 min
Laugavegur
Reykjavik’s main shopping street, lined with shops, cafes, and local businesses. It is a central area where visitors can observe everyday urban life.
5 min
Arnarholl Statue
A hill overlooking downtown Reykjavik with views of city rooftops, Hallgrímskirkja Church, and mountains. It is a popular spot to observe the city landscape.
Hallgrímskirkja Church
The tallest building in Reykjavik, known for its unique architecture. The guide shares stories about this landmark’s history and significance during the visit.
10 min
Meeting point
Meeting Point: Outside Hlöllabátar (Austurstræti 1), facing Ingólfstorg Square and the two tall stone pillars. CenterHotel Plaza is to your right. Benches, tables, and a covered ceiling make it a comfortable spot to wait.
End point
We usually end up at either Hallgrimskirkja Church or the statue garden of master sculptor Einar Jonsson which is right next door.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.