How long does it take to walk the literary route in Reykjavik?

The walk takes approximately 90 to 120 minutes depending on how long you spend inside the library or bookstore. The total walking distance is roughly 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) through the flat downtown area.

Where can I see the Icelandic Sagas in Reykjavik?

You can see exhibits related to the Sagas at the Culture House (Safnahúsið) on Hverfisgata. For the actual medieval manuscripts, the new 'Edda' building near the University of Iceland is the primary research and display center.

Is the Reykjavik literary walk family-friendly?

Yes, the walk is very family-friendly. It passes through the city pond area (Tjörnin) where children can see ducks and swans, and the City Library has an excellent children’s department with books in many languages.

When is the best time to do this walking route?

The best time is between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM on weekdays or Saturdays. This ensures that the City Library, Culture House, and bookstores are open for you to explore the interiors.

Can I do this walk in the winter?

Absolutely. Reykjavik's downtown is well-maintained in winter, and the literary theme is perfect for cold weather as it includes several indoor stops like the library and Mál og Menning bookstore.

Are there any entrance fees for the stops on this route?

The City Library and Mál og Menning bookstore are free to enter. Gröndalshús and the Culture House usually require a small admission fee, though they may be included in the Reykjavik City Card.

What is the 'Christmas Book Flood' mentioned in the walk?

The 'Jólabókaflóð' is a unique Icelandic tradition where the majority of books are published in the weeks leading up to Christmas. It is customary to give books as gifts on December 24th and spend the night reading.

Words of the North: A Literary Odyssey | Self-Guided Walking Tour

About This Guided Walking Tour

Reykjavik is a city where stories are etched into the very pavement. As the first non-English speaking city to be named a UNESCO City of Literature, the Icelandic capital boasts a creative heritage that stretches from the epic medieval Sagas to modern-day Nordic Noir. This self-guided walk invites you to explore the literary soul of the city at your own pace, wandering through charming downtown streets where every corner has a connection to a poet, playwright, or novelist. On this walking route, you will discover the humble homes of 19th-century polymaths and the grand institutions that preserve Iceland's most precious cultural treasures. Your journey begins at Gröndalshús, the former home of a beloved naturalist and poet, before winding through the cultural hub of the City Library. You will encounter the Culture House, where the legendary medieval manuscripts were once housed, and the National Theatre, a stage that has brought countless Icelandic stories to life. The route also includes a visit to one of the city's most iconic bookshops, a place that embodies the local passion for reading. Finally, the walk concludes at the statue of Jónas Hallgrímsson, a man whose influence on the Icelandic language cannot be overstated. This neighborhood stroll is perfect for those who want to understand why Icelanders are often called the 'people of the book.' Whether you are a fan of historical epics or contemporary thrillers, this literary odyssey offers a unique perspective on the city's history and its enduring love affair with the written word. This self-guided adventure allows you to pause for a coffee in a book-filled cafe or linger over a manuscript display, making it a flexible and enriching way to experience the capital.

Tour Highlights & Things to See

Explore Gröndalshús, the restored home of poet Benedikt Gröndal
Visit the Reykjavik City Library, a modern hub of Icelandic culture
See the National Theatre, the heart of Iceland's performing arts
Browse the shelves of the legendary Mál og Menning bookshop
Learn about Jónas Hallgrímsson, the poet who shaped the modern Icelandic language
Discover the history of the Sagas at the historic Culture House

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour.

Tour Stops & Points of Interest (6)

1

Gröndalshús Writer's Home

Welcome to the start of your literary odyssey. This charming house, painted in traditional colors, was once the home of Benedikt Gröndal, a 19th-century poet, illustrator, and naturalist. Gröndal was a true polymath; he lived here from 1888 until his death in 1907. Today, the house serves as a museum and a literary center. As you stand before this restored building, imagine the 'Old Reykjavik' that Gröndal knew—a small town on the edge of the world where intellectual life was vibrant. Gröndal was famous for his hand-illustrated book on Icelandic birds and his satirical poetry. This site represents the transition of Iceland from a rural society to a modern nation with a distinct literary identity. It’s a quiet, reflective spot that sets the tone for the stories you will encounter throughout this self-guided walk.

2

Reykjavik City Library (Grófin)

Just a short walk away is the Reykjavik City Library, known as Grófin. In a country that publishes more books per capita than almost anywhere else on earth, the library is much more than a place to borrow books—it is a vital community hub. Inside, you’ll find a vast collection of Icelandic literature and international works, as well as the Reykjavik Museum of Photography on the upper floors. The library frequently hosts literary events, readings, and workshops, reflecting the city’s status as a UNESCO City of Literature. It’s a great place to observe the local 'reading culture' in action. Take a moment to appreciate how this modern institution continues the ancient Icelandic tradition of storytelling, making knowledge and art accessible to every citizen and visitor alike.

3

The Culture House (Safnahúsið)

Standing before you is one of Iceland’s most beautiful buildings, the Culture House. Built in 1909 to house the National Library and National Archives, it was for decades the sanctuary for Iceland's most prized possessions: the medieval Saga manuscripts. These vellum skins contain the stories of the Viking age, preserved through centuries of hardship. While many manuscripts are now kept at the Árni Magnússon Institute, the Culture House remains a primary venue for exhibitions that link Iceland’s past with its present. The architecture itself is a tribute to the nation's burgeoning pride at the turn of the 20th century. Look up at the intricate details of the facade, which symbolize the wealth of knowledge contained within these walls. It is a cornerstone of the literary history you are exploring today.

4

National Theatre of Iceland

Adjacent to the Culture House is the National Theatre, designed by the renowned state architect Guðjón Samúelsson and opened in 1950. The building's exterior is intended to resemble the basalt columns found in Icelandic nature, such as at Reynisfjara beach. This theatre has been the premier stage for Icelandic playwrights, including the Nobel laureate Halldór Laxness, whose works were often adapted for this very stage. Literature in Iceland isn't just found on the page; it is a living, breathing performance. The theatre played a crucial role in the 20th century in establishing an Icelandic-language dramatic tradition. Even if you don't catch a show today, the building stands as a monument to the power of the spoken word and the dramatization of the Icelandic experience.

5

Mál og Menning Bookshop

You are now at Mál og Menning, arguably Reykjavik’s most famous bookstore. Founded in 1940 as a political book club and publishing house, it has evolved into a multi-story literary landmark. This is the perfect place to experience the 'Jólabókaflóð' or 'Christmas Book Flood' spirit—the Icelandic tradition of gifting books on Christmas Eve. Browse the extensive collection of Icelandic Sagas, modern crime fiction, and poetry. The shop often doubles as a cafe and a live music venue, embodying the Icelandic idea that literature, coffee, and music are inseparable. It’s a wonderful spot to pick up a translation of a local author like Arnaldur Indriðason or Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir to take a piece of Icelandic culture home with you.

6

Statue of Jónas Hallgrímsson

Our literary journey concludes here at the statue of Jónas Hallgrímsson, overlooking the city pond, Tjörnin. Jónas was a 19th-century poet, naturalist, and one of the founders of the journal Fjölnir. He is often credited with saving the Icelandic language from Danish influence by creating new Icelandic words for scientific and modern concepts. His poetry, deeply inspired by the Icelandic landscape, remains some of the most beloved in the country. His birthday, November 16th, is celebrated annually as Icelandic Language Day. Standing here by the water, you can appreciate the legacy of a man who ensured that the 'Words of the North' would continue to thrive for generations to come. This concludes your self-guided walk through the literary heart of Reykjavik.

Start Free on iPhone

Start your private guided tour now

Explore “Words of the North: A Literary Odyssey” with your very own Private Tour Guide with Zigway. Start free on iPhone, skip the large group and the fixed routes, and hear the city come alive as you go.

Start free on iPhone

Your Private Tour Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

The 'Words of the North' self-guided walk is the best option for literature enthusiasts. It covers key sites like the UNESCO City of Literature landmarks, Gröndalshús, and the iconic Mál og Menning bookstore over a 90-120 minute route.