Many Icelanders have long believed in huldufólk—hidden people—as well as elves, trolls and other mythical beings. Popular culture and tourism often highlight these traditions; for example, Icelandair has noted that a large portion of the population accepts the existence of elves, while tales of trolls turned to stone by daylight have been used for generations to explain the country’s striking lava formations.
The coastal town of Hafnarfjörður is especially well known for its association with huldufólk. Local folklore tells of hidden folk living among the rocks and shaping the town’s character. Host Sigurbjörg Karlsdóttir leads the Hidden World Walk, guiding visitors to notable dwellings and sites while sharing stories about the town’s past, reported sightings and how residents have worked to preserve and respect these traditional beliefs. Key stops on the route include Hellisgerdi Park and Hamarinn, the latter often regarded as the residence of the hidden folk’s royal family.
Hidden World Walks typically run during the summer on Tuesdays and Fridays at 2:30 p.m., and last roughly 90 minutes to two hours. Private or special-time tours may be arranged on request.