Iceland may be known for its dramatic volcanoes, waterfalls and rugged lava fields but the country is also home to a much more mysterious part of its cultural landscape. The Huldufólk or “hidden people.” These elusive beings, often compared to elves are deeply woven into Icelandic folklore. Many Icelanders still believe they live inside sacred rocks, lava formations and moss-covered hillside scattered across the island.
Whether you believe in them or not, the stories surrounding the Huldufólk add an enchanting layer to Iceland´s natural beauty and offer travelers a unique way to explore the country´s folklore and protected sites.
The Origin Story of the Hidden People
One of the most famous legends explaining the existence of Iceland´s Huldufólk comes from the biblical tale of Adam and Eve. According to folklore, Eve was preparing her many children for a visit from God but could not wash all of them in time. Feeling embarrassed, she hit the unwashed children away. When God arrived and asked whether all of her children were present, Eve said yes. But God, knowing she was not telling the truth, proclaimed: “What is hidden from me shall also be hidden from mankind.”
From that moment on, the hidden children became invisible to most people, only revealing themselves to a select few. Icelanders believe these invisible children grew into what we now call the Huldufólk, the hidden people who live among Iceland´s lava fields, rocks and moss-covered hillsides.
A Myth Deeply Rooted in Icelandic Folklore
This story remains one of the most enduring explanations for the origins of the Huldufólk. It reflects how Icelanders have long connected their natural landscapes with mythical beings and how these beliefs continue to shape local traditions, protected sites and cultural identity today.
Sacred Elf Rocks Across Iceland
These sacred stones, called álfasteinar, are scattered across Iceland´s lava fields, farmlands and coastal cliffs. Many Icelanders believe these rocks serve as the homes or churches of the Huldufólk and some are considered so important that they even have official street addressed. The most famous being Álfhóll in Kópavogur. Because of their cultural significance, people great care not to disturb them and stories and consequences for doing so have been passed down for generations.
Protected Stones and Real Consequences
Across Iceland, construction projects have been paused or rerouted to avoid damaging elf rocks. When a road or building site risks disturbing a formation believed to belong to the hidden people, workers may request help form a seer, someone said to communicate with elves. The purpose is to gain permission or make an agreement before moving the stone.
Folklore warns that harming an elf home can lead to:
- Sudden machinery breakdowns
- Unexplained accidents
- Illness among workers
- Persistent delays or bad luck
Hafnarfjörður – The Capital of Icelandic Elves
Just a short 10-minute drive from Reykjavík, the town of Hafnarfjörður is considered the heart of elf culture in Iceland. Built on an ancient lava field, it is believed to be one of the main residences of the Huldufólk.
Visit Hellisgerði Park – The Elf Garden
One of the town´s highlights is Hellisgerði Park, a peaceful lava rock garden filled with twisting paths, mossy stones, old trees and according to local lore, plenty of hidden people. The park is also home to the cliff Hamarinn said to be residence of the royal family of elves.
Photo by Helena Aagestad on Flickr
Discover Iceland´s Folklore on Your Own Trip
Exploring the stories of the Huldufólk is one of the most charming ways to Iceland´s culture. Whether you´re wandering through Hafnarfjörður, spotting sacred elf rocks along the roadside or learning about local myths during your journey Hafnarfjörður, spotting sacred elf rocks along the roadside or learning about local myths during your journey, these tales invite travelers to see Iceland from a more imaginative point of view.
Take a Road Trip to Hafnarfjörður With a Firefly Rental Car
Hafnarfjörður is only a short drive from Reykjavík, making it an easy and enjoyable stop on any Iceland road trip. Renting a car from Firefly Iceland gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. From visiting Hellisgerði Park, to stopping by the well-known Álfasteinn in Kópavogur. With your own rental car, you can follow Icelands folklore trail, stop wherever you like and fully immerse yourself in the stories of the hidden people.
