Our Hotels
Keahotels is one of the largest hotel chains in Iceland operating ten hotels. Together the hotels provide over 800 rooms and service travelers, local and foreign, all year round.
Reykjavík — Capital
Vík — South Iceland
Akureyri — North Iceland
Siglufjörður — North Iceland
Grímsnes — South Iceland
Spine-Chilling Icelandic Folklore
Iceland is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, but beneath its scenic landscapes lie ancient tales of mystery, magic, and terror. From haunted creatures to supernatural beings, Icelandic folklore is filled with eerie stories that are perfect for sending shivers down your spine. Here are some of Iceland’s most haunting legends that will leave you spellbound.
The Devious Huldufólk (Hidden People)
In Icelandic folklore, the Huldufólk, or Hidden People, are invisible, magical beings that live in rocks and cliffs. While they may sound similar to elves, their relationship with humans can be unsettling. It is said that disturbing their homes, such as building roads or houses near their rocky dwellings, can bring disaster or bad luck. Many Icelanders still respect areas believed to be inhabited by the Huldufólk, refusing to disturb these sacred places.
There are stories of people who have gone missing after encountering the Hidden People, or worse, suffering accidents that seemingly have no natural explanation. Could it be that these elusive beings are exacting their revenge?
The Fearsome Draugr (Undead Spirits)
The Draugr, Iceland’s version of a zombie or undead spirit, is a terrifying creature from Norse mythology. Unlike typical ghosts, Draugr are physically powerful, capable of incredible strength, and have a thirst for destruction. These malevolent beings are believed to rise from their graves to haunt the living, especially those who have wronged them.
Tales tell of greedy men who become Draugr after death, attacking anyone who tries to enter their tombs or stealing treasures they once owned. Many Icelandic farmers have stories of Draugr visiting their farms, leaving behind a trail of death and misfortune.
The Ghost of the Deacon of Dark River (Djákninn á Myrká)
This famous Icelandic ghost story tells of a deacon named Djákninn, who dies tragically while trying to visit his fiancée during a stormy night. His fiancée, unaware of his death, waits for him, and one cold evening, Djákninn appears, urging her to get on his horse. As they ride through the night, she starts to notice something is wrong—Djákninn is cold, silent, and unsettling.
Eventually, she realizes that the deacon is dead, and when they pass a graveyard, he whispers ominously, “The moon fades, death rides,” revealing his true nature. She manages to escape, but to this day, the story warns of ghostly visitors with sinister intentions.
The Witch of Skagaströnd (Þórdís Spákona)
Witchcraft and sorcery were once taken very seriously in Iceland. One of the most notorious witches was Þórdís Spákona, also known as the Witch of Skagaströnd. She was a powerful sorceress and seer who lived during the 10th century. Legends say she could cast powerful spells, see into the future, and even control the weather.
One of the eeriest aspects of her legend is the belief that her ghost still haunts the region. Many visitors to Skagaströnd claim to have seen strange apparitions or felt an eerie presence when visiting places connected to Þórdís. Could it be that her spirit continues to roam Iceland’s shores, waiting for the next unsuspecting visitor?
The Lake Monster of Lagarfljót (Lagarfljótsormur)
Iceland has its very own version of the Loch Ness Monster—Lagarfljótsormur, the lake monster of Lagarfljót. According to legend, this gigantic serpent-like creature lurks in the depths of Lagarfljót, a lake in East Iceland. The creature is said to be centuries old and can grow up to terrifying lengths.
The first recorded sighting of Lagarfljótsormur dates back to 1345, and since then, many have reported seeing the giant serpent surfacing from the waters. Some say it brings bad luck, while others claim it can cause natural disasters like floods and landslides. Whether real or imagined, the thought of a massive, ancient monster lurking beneath the lake is enough to send shivers down anyone’s spine.
The Revenge of Gunnlaugur
One of Iceland’s oldest sagas, Gunnlaugs Saga Ormstungu, contains elements of tragedy and vengeance from beyond the grave. Gunnlaugur, a poet-warrior, fights for the love of a woman named Helga. When he loses his life in a duel, his rival wins her hand in marriage. However, Gunnlaugur does not rest peacefully.
The saga tells of his spirit rising from the grave to haunt those who wronged him, seeking revenge from beyond the dead. His ghost is said to have appeared in dreams, warning others of the dangers of jealousy and pride.
