Legend Map

A large stone in Reyðarfjörður said to be inhabited by elves. In the 1960s, a road was rerouted to avoid disturbing it — even though it cost more. Many Icelanders believe disturbing an elf stone can cause misfortune.

Möðrudalur is one of the most remote farms in Iceland. Tales say a ghost haunts the church there, especially on dark winter nights. The church was built by Jón A. Stefánsson in memory of his wife.

Hellissandur on the Snæfellsnes peninsula is known for hidden people stories. Many residents have reported seeing people vanish into rocks and hills. Snæfellsjökull glacier is said to be one of the main entrances to the hidden world.

Möðruvellir monastery in Hörgárdalur was one of the largest monasteries in medieval Iceland. Stories of ghosts and invisible men are common. Möðruvallabók, one of Iceland's most important manuscripts, is believed to have been written here.

Deildartunguhver in Reykholtsdalur is the highest-flow hot spring in Europe. Legends say spirits in the spring can grab those who disrespect it.

Hvammstangi is known as the "seal capital" of Iceland. Ghost stories from the old Catholic period are said to live on there. Some say the ghost of an old priest haunts the church in winter.

Elf sites can be found throughout Reykjavík, despite it being the largest city. An elf stone at Klepp was preserved despite new construction. Some believe elves watch over the city at night.

A folk tale about a golden calf buried in the ground in South Iceland. The story says a farmer buried it to avoid taxes and never returned. Many have searched but none have found it.

Drangey island in Skagafjörður is said to be trolls that turned to stone in the sun. The story says the trolls were herding cows across the fjord when dawn caught them and turned them to stone. They still stand there.

Hvalfjörður ("whale fjord") gets its name from a story about a whale that lived in the fjord — but some tales say it was actually a giantess. She is said to have guarded the area and driven farmers away.

Kleifarvatn on the Reykjanes peninsula is said to be home to a Nix — a water creature that drags people and animals into the deep. The story says the Nix appears as a beautiful horse that invites people to ride it.

Grettislaug on Reykjaströnd in Skagafjörður is named after Grettir the Strong. The saga says he swam ashore from Drangey island and warmed himself in the pool afterwards. Grettir is also famous for defeating the ghost Glámur.

Viðey island in Kollafjörður is said to be home to hidden people. Some say the church on the island was built on an elf stone. The island is now protected and home to the "Áfangar" sculpture by Richard Serra.

A folk tale from Vatnsnes tells of a seal-woman whose skin a man stole and forced her to be his wife. After many years she found her skin, became a seal again, and returned to the sea with a heavy heart.

Reynisdrangar — three basalt sea stacks off Reynisfjara. The story says three trolls were dragging a three-masted ship ashore when dawn caught them and turned them to stone. They still stand there in the surf.

Another ghost story from Möðruvellir tells of an invisible man who followed farmers home in the evening. Whoever heard him had to turn around and bid him leave in God's name — otherwise he would have grabbed them.