Iceland’s rugged landscape is home to a variety of different things but there is more to the land than just rocks – some believe these are the homes and churches of Huldufólk (also known as the hidden people or elves) who have beautiful protected areas for you to visit but you cannot disturb them without there being consequences.
The history of the Huldufólk comes from a myth about Adam and Eve. God would visit the biblical couple from time to time to see how their many children were doing and one day Eve did not manage to make all of her children presentable in time so she hid them. God found out and as punishment the children were then hidden from Eve, only being able to be seen by selected people on rare occasion.
These sacred rocks are anywhere and everywhere in Iceland – some even have addresses on Álfhól in Kopavogur – others have been featured in the news after construction of roads and buildings have been halted to make sure the rocks are moved correctly by asking a seer, someone who speaks to the elves, can help make an agreement for this. Without proper care of their homes, the Huldufólk will cause accidents, illness and machinery to break.
Hafnarfjördur is the capital when it comes to elves and just a short 10-minute drive from Reykjavik. You can visit The Elf Garden in Hellisgerði Park which is a lava rock garden full of natural beauty (and of course elves) and at the base of the cliff Hamarinn which is where the royal family of elves is said to live. You can also find little homes specifically build for them around the town whilst…