Uncomfortable Iceland — Alternative History Tour
- 2h 30m
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- 2 languages
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
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.
Inclusions
What's included
- Gratuities
Itinerary
Meet Iceland's most famous Viking. The story we tell about him — and the story we don't.
Iceland became a global symbol of standing up to the banks in 2008. The myth is inspiring but the reality is much more uncomfortable.
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.
Faith, power and the criminalisation of desire. From the Lutheran Reformation to modern scandals. Church and state is not a simple story here.
Iceland was a Danish colony. But the story Icelanders tell about that relationship is more complicated than victimhood.
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.
The myth of Iceland as a paradise of equality.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Know before you go
- Meeting point
- 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.
- Pickup
- Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Group size
- Up to 20 travellers
- Operated by
- Uncomfortable Iceland
- 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
How it compares in Reykjavik
- Its from-price is 90% below the median of the 1582 experiences we list in Reykjavik.
- It is shorter than most of them.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About Reykjavik
Reykjavik is the northernmost capital of any nation, a colourful, compact city of art and music that opens onto Iceland's volcanic landscapes.
The landmark Hallgrímskirkja church, its tower inspired by basalt columns, rises above streets of brightly painted houses. Down by the harbour, the glass-fronted Harpa concert hall shimmers on the water, and the Sun Voyager sculpture faces the sea toward Mount Esja. Laugavegur, the main shopping street, is lined with design shops, cafés and bars.
Top-ranked sights in Reykjavik: Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss, Harpa.
Special offers in Reykjavik
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
