Share this tour
Offered languages
- English
- Spanish
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's Included
Meeting and pickup
Our meeting point is by the statue of Ingólfur Arnarson on Arnarhóll, in the center of Reykjavík. The statue is easily visible from Lækjargata. Look for the Uncomfortable Iceland logo. Please arrive 5 minutes before your scheduled start time.
Itinerary
-
1Ingólfur Arnarson
Meet Iceland's most famous Viking. The story we tell about him — and the story we don't.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
Iceland became a global symbol of standing up to the banks in 2008. The myth is inspiring but the reality is much more uncomfortable.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Old Harbour
Jewish refugees turned away and state sponsored racism. The Icelanders who collaborated with the Nazis — and the government that brought them home. Whaling and fishing. Iceland's most contentious industry and one of its most complicated history.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4Cathedral of Christ the King
Faith, power and the criminalisation of desire. From the Lutheran Reformation to modern scandals. Church and state is not a simple story here.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Austurvollur Square
Iceland was a Danish colony. But the story Icelanders tell about that relationship is more complicated than victimhood.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6
Meet one of the most famous Icelanders you've never heard of. His sculptures are in the world's greatest museums. Iceland hid him in a park corner.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7Bríetarbrekka
The myth of Iceland as a paradise of equality.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Your guide to the flawless travel experience
Popular Countries
Get our app
