Iceland, the land of fire and ice, is more than just sweeping lava fields, glacial rivers, and volcanic peaks. The landscapes are alive with stories and for centuries, Icelanders have explained unusual rock formations, remote valleys, and geothermal springs through folklore. When you travel through the highlands with Sleipnir, you won't only see nature, you will pass through areas where the trolls, elves, and the hidden people (Huldufólk) reside. 

Trolls in the stones

An old folklore tells tales of the trolls, creatures of immense size and strength who roam the mountains after dark. The myth says that the trolls cannot survive in sunlight and if they are caught in it by dawn, they turn to stone. Many of the odd-shaped cliffs and boulders you see scattered across the highlands are said to be unlucky trolls frozen in time. 

The Hidden People

The hidden people, called Huldufólk in Icelandic, are a huge part of Icelandic folklore. They are very mysterious, elf-like beings who live inside the lava rocks and rolling hills. They guard their homes fiercely and therefore the locals sometimes hesitate before moving boulders or disturbing certain landscapes, fearing the displeasure of their unseen neighbors. Travelers often hear stories of farmers who have had a series of misfortunes after ignoring these warnings. So when you are up in the highlands, where moss-covered stones stretch to the horizon, you can try and imagine where the Huldufólk could possibly be hiding out. 

Read also: Fun facts about Iceland!

Hot springs & talking cows 

Many geothermal springs and curious rock formations in the Highlands are wrapped in folklore about elves and spirits. Locals say some hot springs are blessed with supernatural power, if you bathe with respect you may gain good health and fortune. But mistreat the waters, and you risk a curse that could follow you for life. The elves and Huldufólk carry great respect for the hot springs, as should you.

One of the most enchanting traditions tells of Midsummer’s Eve, the summer solstice. On this night, the veil between worlds is said to grow thin. Elves step out from their rocky homes to dance by rivers and across open fields, cows are said to speak with human voices, and anyone bold enough to roll in the morning dew might gain luck that lasts forever. Wekk worth a try, isn't it? 

The myths of the mountains

What makes Icelandic folklore so captivating is the way it ties the stories to the land itself. A mountain isn’t just a mountain if it’s said to hide a frozen troll, and a lava field isn’t just hardened rock with moss if it might be the home to the hidden people. As Sleipnir’s glacier trucks roll through the highlands of Iceland, every part of the drive can reveal landscapes steeped in local myth and folklore. Hearing these tales along the journey adds an extra layer of wonder as well, turning raw nature into living stories where imagination and reality meet.

Read also: What does Sleipnir mean?

Next time you journey into the Highlands, keep an eye on the stones and shadows around you, you never know who is lurking around…