Private Icelandic Viking Age Walking Tour

Explore Reykjavik’s Viking Past on a Private Walking Tour

The Private Icelandic Viking Age Walking Tour offers a deep dive into the legendary world of the Vikings within the streets of Reykjavik. Priced at $181.74 per person, this 2.5-hour experience is designed for those curious about Viking history, culture, and mythology. The tour is private, ensuring personalized attention, and includes pickup options for added convenience. Booking in advance—typically 63 days ahead—is recommended to secure a spot, especially during peak seasons.

Led by a knowledgeable guide, the tour covers key Viking landmarks and offers insight into Iceland’s earliest settlers and their seafaring exploits. It’s suitable for all ages and fitness levels, making it an accessible way to connect with Viking heritage without straying far from the city’s modern comforts. While the tour is rich in stories and sights, it balances historical depth with a leisurely pace, perfect for those who want a focused, insightful experience.

Key Points

• Private walking tour focusing on Viking history and culture in Reykjavik
• Duration of approximately 2 hours 30 minutes with flexible pacing
• Visit key landmarks including the Settlement Museum, Parliament House, and Sun Voyager
• Expert guide shares stories about Norse mythology, Vikings’ voyages, and Icelandic sagas
• Includes admission tickets to the Settlement Exhibition
• End at Hallgrimskirkja with options to explore further or continue your Reykjavik adventure

The Starting Point: Ingólfur Square in Reykjavik

This Viking Age walking tour begins at Ingólfur Square, located at Austurstræti 4 in downtown Reykjavik. The meeting point is easily accessible via public transportation, making it convenient for visitors arriving by bus or on foot. The tour ends near Hallgrimskirkja, providing a central location for continued sightseeing or dining.

The tour is exclusive to your group, offering a personalized experience. Since service animals are permitted, it accommodates visitors with different needs. The private nature of the tour ensures a more intimate setting, allowing for questions and in-depth discussion.

Visiting the Settlement Exhibition: How the Vikings Made Their Home

The first stop is The Settlement Exhibition, which takes about 45 minutes. This site vividly shows how Vikings established the first settlements in Iceland. The exhibit displays relics and reconstructed scenes that bring Viking daily life to life. Since admission is included, visitors get a comprehensive look into the early Viking community.

The exhibition offers a mix of artifacts and multimedia displays, making it engaging and informative. This stop helps visitors understand the foundations of Viking society and their persistence in settling a new land. It sets the tone for the rest of the tour, connecting ancient history with Reykjavik’s modern origins.

Discovering the World’s First Parliament at Althingishus

Next, the Parliament House, known as Althingishus, is a brief 7-minute stop. Here, the guide explains the significance of Iceland’s Althing, the world’s oldest parliamentary institution founded around the 10th century. This site links Viking societal organization with the development of governance and law.

Standing near the historic building, visitors gain context about how Viking communities organized themselves and established early forms of democracy. The free access to this landmark makes it easy to appreciate its importance without additional costs, complementing the historical narrative presented during the tour.

Exploring Icelandic Literature at Penninn Eymundsson

A quick 10-minute visit to Penninn Eymundsson, an Icelandic bookstore, offers a chance to see where Viking stories and sagas are preserved and celebrated. The guide discusses significant books related to the Viking Era, including the Icelandic Sagas, which have shaped perceptions of Viking culture for centuries.

This stop provides an opportunity to browse and purchase Viking-themed literature or souvenirs. It also highlights Iceland’s ongoing connection to its Norse roots through literature, making it a meaningful cultural addition to the tour.

Honoring Iceland’s First Settler: Ingólfur Arnarson

The next 10-minute stop is dedicated to Ingólfur Arnarson, considered the first Viking settler of Iceland. The guide shares his story, emphasizing his significance in Icelandic history. Visitors learn about his voyage and how he established the first Nordic community in the land.

This segment personalizes Viking history by focusing on a specific figure, making the stories more tangible. It also reinforces the theme of exploration and settlement that runs throughout the tour.

Admiring Viking Seafaring Skills at Sun Voyager

The Sun Voyager, a striking sculpture, takes about 15 minutes of the tour. It symbolizes Viking boating prowess, illustrating their mastery of seafaring vessels that enabled their epic voyages. The sculpture’s design echoes Viking longships, which helped them raid and explore.

This outdoor stop offers stunning views and a tangible connection to Viking maritime success. It’s an iconic Reykjavik landmark that encapsulates the Vikings’ adventurous spirit and their influence on Icelandic identity.

Exploring Norse Mythology in the Gods District

A 10-minute walk takes visitors into Skolavörðustígur, known as the Gods District, where street names evoke Norse gods like Óðinn, Týr, and Þór. The guide discusses Norse mythology, explaining the stories behind these deities and their significance in Viking belief systems.

This area enriches understanding of Viking spirituality and religion, offering insights into their worldviews. The street names themselves serve as a living homage to the mythological universe that shaped Viking culture.

The Legend of Leif Eiriksson: Viking Explorer of North America

The tour concludes with a 10-minute visit to the Statue of Leif Eiriksson, celebrating the Viking who is believed to have discovered North America centuries before Columbus. This story highlights Viking exploration and discovery, emphasizing their navigational skills and adventurous spirit.

After this stop, the remaining time is used for walking between attractions, making the overall pace relaxed. The final location, Hallgrimskirkja, allows for easy exploration or departure, ending the tour at a central Reykjavik landmark.

Practical Details and Booking Insights

The Private Viking Age Walking Tour is designed to be flexible, with pickup offered for added convenience. Most travelers book about two months in advance, reflecting its popularity, and it is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. The tour’s reviews praise the guide, with Barõi Guömundsson and Bardi highlighted for their knowledge and engaging storytelling.

The tour is fully private, meaning only your group participates, which enhances the personalized experience. The full refund policy allows cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind.

The Sum Up: A Solid Choice for Viking Enthusiasts

This private Viking Age walking tour presents a well-rounded look at Iceland’s Viking heritage through a carefully curated set of landmarks and stories. The inclusion of admission tickets to the Settlement Exhibition adds value, and the knowledgeable guides make history accessible and engaging.

While the tour covers key Viking sites and mythology, it remains comfortable in length and pacing, making it suitable for families and casual history buffs alike. The private format ensures an intimate, tailored experience, ideal for those wanting a deeper understanding of Viking Iceland without large crowds.

If exploring Viking history, mythology, and seafaring achievements in Reykjavik interests you, this tour offers a reliable and enriching way to connect with the past in the heart of Iceland’s capital.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, including visits to key landmarks and walking time between stops.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, this tour is appropriate for all ages and fitness levels, making it a good choice for families or those with limited mobility.

What is included in the price?
The ticket price includes admission to the Settlement Exhibition and the guided walking experience. The tour is private, only your group participates.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, with a full refund.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Ingólfur Square and ends near Hallgrimskirkja in Reykjavik, both centrally located and easy to reach.