Iceland’s rich cultural heritage is as much a draw for travellers as its breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders. Across the country, and in Reykjavik especially, you’ll encounter an array of museums, heritage sites and other culturally-focused activities that will help you explore how events in the country’s history shaped a nation and what it means to be Icelandic today.

Covering topics as varied as art, folklore, food, history, music and religion, we offer a wide range of guided walks, themed tours and tickets to some of the capital region’s most fascinating attractions. They showcase Iceland’s heritage as well as explore how factors such as the country’s landscape and weather influenced traditions and everyday life in the past.

Why not take a look at this guide which features some of our Iceland cultural tours and activities and set about satisfying your curiosity by adding this extra dimension to your itinerary.

Take a themed walk to explore a facet of Icelandic culture

Sometimes the quirkiest aspects of a nation’s culture can lead to the most memorable moments of a trip. That’s likely to be the case if you join the Reykjavik Cat-Walk, which celebrates all things feline. You’ll learn about how cats fit in to the history of Iceland and enjoy meeting some of the capital’s most celebrated feline residents.

Self-guided walks are also a popular option; one of the best reasons to stroll around central Reykjavik is to admire the many sculptures that dominate city squares and street art murals that adorn alleyways and end walls. Architecture too is a satisfying topic; you won’t want to pass up the chance to get a close-up look at Hallgrimskirkja and Harpa Concert Hall, two of the most iconic buildings in the entire city, or in fact Iceland as a whole. Rest your legs in between by using the Hop On, Hop Off bus to get around. ![max-s-U4Ho7Gq 4W4-unsplash]

Immerse yourself in Icelandic traditions

Many Icelandic traditions can be fun for visitors to participate in, particularly seasonal ones at Christmas and New Year. During Advent, sign up for our Reykjavik Christmas walk. Accompanied by an entertaining guide, you’ll learn about the tradition of the Yule Lads and the Christmas cat as well as be offered the opportunity to taste unique foods such as hákarl (fermented shark) and seasonal libations like malt ale.

On New Year’s Eve, we’ll arrange the transport so that you can join Icelanders as they congregate around the bonfire and watch the fireworks display; sales are used to help fund the work of ICE-SAR rescue teams. Our New Year’s Traditions and Mystery Tour fleshes out other seasonal traditions and in old Reykjavik cemetery, explores the relationship Icelanders have with their ancestors.

In Reykjavik, cultural activities are often associated with important dates on the calendar, so if your visit coincides with a national holiday then you’re likely to find that there are many special events scheduled. These are the ideal way to immerse yourself in the traditions and customs of Icelanders.

For instance, Icelandic National Day falls on June 17th and is characterised by parades and other activities that bring the community together. In Reykjavik, the anniversary of the founding of the city is celebrated as Reykjavik Culture Night in August. Reykjavik’s Pride takes place during the same month. There’s even an annual Fishermen’s Day, commemorating Icelanders’ deep-seated connection to the ocean.

Get to know Iceland’s huldufólk

Huldufólk, Iceland’s hidden people, live in parallel to the country’s human residents. That’s what some believe – or at least aren’t prepared to deny. Whether you think that elves, trolls and other such creatures are real, learning about them on an Icelandic Mythical Walk is certainly an entertaining way to spend a few hours.

If you plan to travel around the country, such as on a tour of the south coast, you’ll no doubt listen to many stories of petrified trolls and rocks that double as elven homes. For instance, Reynisdrangar sea stacks near Vik and many rocky sites on the Snæfellsnes peninsula lead a double life if you’re prepared to believe local folklore tales.

Iceland’s history and heritage

Norse settlers first came to Iceland in the 9th century and are partly responsible for the Iceland you experience today. More than a thousand years ago, Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði – a lawmaker at the Alþing – was responsible for encouraging Icelanders to become Christians and ditch their pagan gods.

Turn your trip into an Iceland history tour as you learn about this and other pivotal events at the Saga Museum close to the Old Harbour. This period of the country’s history, and those that followed, is also the subject of exhibits in the National Museum of Iceland. Lifestyles and common practices in the more recent past are relived within a series of historic buildings that comprise Arbær Open Air Museum.

The easiest way to visit these and other museums in Reykjavik showcasing Iceland’s history and heritage is to purchase a ticket for the Hop On, Hop Off bus which connects major attractions in the Reykjavik area. Tickets are valid for either 24 or 48 hours and take the legwork out of getting around the city.

Food and drink

You can learn a great deal about a place through its food, and Reykjavik is no exception. Of all the cultural experiences in Iceland, this is probably the easiest to incorporate into your itinerary, especially as the capital has so many cafés and restaurants serving up authentic Icelandic cuisine. However, it’s even more fun to join a food tour as you can learn about the significance of the ingredients and dishes as you sample them. For example, you might choose to join the Reykjavik Food Lovers Tour celebrating everything there is to know about traditional Icelandic food as it calls in to a selection of Reykjavik eateries.

Alternatively, on the Reykjavik Food Walk, you can expect to taste some of the capital’s most iconic dishes. While that means challenging foodstuffs siuch as ram’s testicles, hákarl and roasted sheep’s head are off the menu, you will get to try skyr (a kind of Icelandic yoghurt), the famous Icelandic hot dog and other favourites such as cheese, ice cream, lamb soup and seafood.

For a time, beer drinking was illegal in Iceland, but we’re pleased to report that it is possible once more to both brew and sample it. On the Reykjavik Beer and Booze Tour, you’ll find out why such legislation was necessary and why it was repealed as you enjoy locally brewed craft beer. Participants also have the opportunity to try Brennivin, the Icelandic version of schnapps and our national drink.

The tradition of soaking in hot tubs and lagoons

Of all the Reykjavik cultural activities – except perhaps the beer – the chance to join Icelanders as they relax at a geothermal lagoon is probably the most welcome. This is where the locals come to socialise and unwind after work and at weekends. Some are definitely tourist favourites, but at many it’s unusual not to hear Icelandic voices nearby as you float in the warm water.

There are a number of geothermal lagoons in and around Reykjavik, each with their own personality. Upscale, resort-like spas such as Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon are always popular, while new openings such as Laugarás Lagoon are eagerly awaited. In addition, the breathtaking views over Hvalfjörður from the waterfront pools at Hvammsvik Hot Springs are a delight for anyone digging the rustic chic vibe.

Why are guided cultural tours important for visitors?

There’s no better way to learn about a country’s way of life and traditions than by cultural immersion. It’s hard to do that independently as you’ll benefit from having a knowledgeable guide with you to explain not only what you’re seeing but how it fits in with the bigger picture. It’s worth the investment both in terms of enjoyment and furthering your education.

From the Viking era to the present day, Iceland’s history and heritage makes for a fascinating subject and is a significant part of its unique appeal for visitors. In Reykjavik, Iceland cultural tours bring this to life via innovative visitor attractions, carefully curated museum collections and entertaining guides who love nothing more than sharing what they’re passionate about.

Fortunately, no matter what aspect of Icelandic culture you’re keen to explore, it’s not hard to find an activity, attraction or tour that enables you to find out more. Reykjavik Excursions’ diverse range of tours for the culturally curious will help provide valuable context for why Icelanders are as they are, shaped by their 1150 year-long settled history and the dramatic landscapes that surround them. Work them into your holiday itinerary and let enchanting Iceland work its magic.