About this experience
Have your perception of Iceland turned upside down. A history walk through Reykjavík led by a local historian and experienced storyteller that picks apart the national myth.
Highlights
- A genuinely different kind of history tour that tells you what others leave out.
- The only tour that challenges Iceland's national identity.
- No prior knowledge of Icelandic history needed just curiosity and an open mind.
- Led by a local professional historian and experienced guide.
- From slavery to Nazi collaboration, state sponsored racism to financial scandal.
What's included
- A 2,5 hour guided history walk through central Reykjavík
- Expert guidance from a local professional historian and experienced storyteller
- Eight stops covering key moments and sites in Icelandic history
- Insights into the myths, half-truths and deliberate silences behind Iceland's official national story
- Coverage of topics ranging from Viking age slavery to Nazi collaboration, state sponsored racism to financial scandal
- Small group experience for a personal and engaging atmosphere
- Tour available in English and Spanish on request
- All historical context and background provided — no prior knowledge required
How to use
- Show Mobile Ticket
- At Redemption Counter
What to expect
Iceland has a great story. Brave settlers, honest politics, a beacon of equality, innocent people living with dramatic nature. Every other tour in Reykjavík will be happy to tell you that story.
This is not that tour.
Uncomfortable Iceland is a history walk through central Reykjavík for those who want to understand the real history behind Iceland's carefully curated national identity. Led by a local professional historian and experienced storyteller, this walk systematically picks apart the myths, half-truths and deliberate silences that make up the official version of Icelandic history.
No prior knowledge of Icelandic history is required. You just need to be curious and open to having your assumptions challenged. Your guide will lead you through the context of each story before revealing how and why it has been distorted, suppressed or simply never told.
What we cover:
We start at Arnarhóll in the city center in front of the statue of Iceland´s most famous viking, Ingólfur Arnarson. There we will discover the parts of Iceland´s origin story that are much less discussed. Then we will find our way through the center of Iceland discovering uncomfortable truths through Iceland´s history that have either been distorted or not much known outside Iceland.
Viking settlers who owned slaves and the Celtic heritage Iceland quietly forgot. Massacres celebrated as patriotism for centuries. Women executed for desire, Jewish refugees turned away and state sponsored racism. The Icelanders who collaborated with the Nazis — and the government that brought them home. The financial collapse and the myth of the recovery, a fishing system that made a handful of families extraordinarily wealthy. The statues that got moved, the monuments never built and the stories never told.
If you are looking for something that challenges how you think about Iceland — you believe history is complicated, politics is messy and national myths deserve questioning — this tour is for you. Get ready to have your perception of Iceland completely turned upside down.
Terms & conditions
Dress according to the weather — layers comfortable walking shoes and a waterproof jacket are recommended.