Elves, Trolls and Stories
Easy Walk in Ísafjörður
Are you interested in history and how people lived in the past centuries?
Do you like listening to legends and stories?
Do you like to learn about Icelandic trolls, elves, ghosts and other other beings around us?
As part of our cruise we booked the Elves and Trolls Walk. Helga's guide Daniel picked us up at the pier on time and we had an interesting and very informative walk through Isafjördur. He took a lot of time, spoke German very well and the children (8+12 years) really enjoyed it! Thank you for that! We would book a tour again at any time when we are there. (2023)
Helga is the best! Even though she has only lived in Iceland since 1997, she has totally accepted this country as her own, and she is very knowledgeable in the local culture of Isafjordur. Dressed in her traditional garb of the 1800s, she tells the story of how people worked and lived life in this town back in 1873, which we found very interesting. We also opted for the additional nature walk, tasting tour, and church tour and were definitely not disappointed. (2022)
Helga, dressed in the traditional garb of a 19th century fisherwoman, took 11 of us on a delightful and informative tour of the town of Isafjordur, pointing out the history and uses of its buildings. She also shared with us some of the foods of the past times that remain popular today: dried, salted fish, aquavit, chocolate and licorice. What a delightful person Helga is: jolly and patient with our children. I highly recommend her! (2022)
We had booked a 2-hour walk with Helga. She was dressed in the national costume at the turn of the century to the meeting point. On this walk we learned a lot about the trolls, ghosts and fairies, but also about the development of the place, which she reported with great passion. Also for children certainly an interesting kind of educational walk. We would always book with Helga again. (2019)
Helga appeared over punctually and dressed in the national costume at the turn of the century to the meeting point. On this walk we learned a lot about the trolls, ghosts and fairies, but also about the development of the place, which she reported with great passion. Also for children certainly an interesting kind of educational walk. We would always book with Helga again. (2019)
It was a very interesting walk we had with Lisa. She told us light and funny stories about elves and trolls, just as if she had just experienced that. We also learned a lot about history. We can highly recommend that walk!
I cannot say enough positive things about our Isafjordur walk with Helga Hausner last June. Ms. Helga promptly responded to all communication to help us book our custom tour well in advance. She was warm and personable and made us feel at home for our walk. It's clear she really enjoys what she does and is extremely knowledgeable about the history of Isafjordur. (2018)
Helga led a Wonderful tour of Ísafjörður -- fun and knowledgeable. A great way to see this special town and environs. She is a great tour guide...a very nice addition to our week in Iceland. (2019)
The small town of Ísafjörður is unique in Iceland. Its unusually well-preserved city centre dates from the 19th century and still reflects its charming history that remains alive in the legends and stories. Ísafjörður is known today for its cultural and artistic diversity.
Our guide meets you, dressed as a fishworker from the 19th Century, and takes you on a walk through the city.
You will get an insight into the history and learn about the people and their living conditions, their beliefs and their culture, which is reflected in the legends. You might experience a slight shudder when told of ghosts and be fascinated about our mystical creatures like elves and trolls. You will also visit the places the stories are told about.
On the way she shares her lunch box with you. Our walk ends at the church.
Our walk ends with a visit to our church with it´s famous big wall picture. Only my company is allowed to open the church to its customers. It is a great feeling to look at 746 ceramic birds mounted on the wall behind the altar. Each bird is unique because made by the people living here.
The walk goes only through the place without gradients.
Price for one: 12.900 ISK; children 12 to 16 pay 1/2 price
(minimum 2 people, but if only ONE want to go 22.000 ISK)
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Extension: Out into nature
The walk after Ísafjörður Walk takes us into the beautiful nature on the mountain slopes with a beautiful view over the fjord and the adjacent valleys. Depending on your interest, you will get an insight into the Icelandic vegetation, see the plants in their natural environment, learn how the Westfjords were formed and hear legends and stories.
Price Elves, Trolls and Stories Walk (2 hrs) + 1 hrs extension: 19.500 ISK
Extension: Tasting of traditional foods
Here a tasting is integrated in the Ísafjörður Walk. You will have the opportunity to taste the following dishes: fermented shark, Brennivín (Islandic brandy), Icelandic flatbread with smoked lamb and typical Icelandic sweets. You will also receive information about the history and preparation of these dishes.
Price Elves, Trolls and Stories Walk (2 hrs)+ tasting 20 min: 16.700 ISK
You can also book all extensions together with the Ísafjörður Walk.
Daily in summer at 10:00, 14:00 and 17:00 (On cruise ship days change start times)
in winter at 14:00
Meeting point: Tourist-Information-Center (or at the port)
Elevation: up to 12 m (with extension up to 80 m)
Duration: 2 hours (with extension up to 3,5 hours)
Group size: 2-10 people
