The War Tour: Reykjavik’s WWII Secrets (Private Tour)
Uncover Reykjavík’s fascinating WWII history on this private and fully customizable walking tour. Discover how Allied occupation shaped Iceland, explore hidden stories, and walk in the footsteps of soldiers and locals. Your pace, your interests - your tour.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Austurvollur - Parliament Square - outside Hotel Borg
- We can start the tour anywhere in central Reykjavik but if you aren't sure then we will meet in Austurvollur. That's the main square with the parliament building on it. We meet outside Hotel Borg.
The Old Harbour
We go to the place the British landed, and see photos taken from that exact place at that point in history. Then we follow in their footsteps, taking the route they took as they invaded Reykjavik.
Old Town
Following the troop's route we go through the very picturesque old town, and up to the German residence telling the story of the Werner Gerlach and a spy in the British Embassy!
Tjornin
Heading back down through parliament square we talk about Winston Churchills visit and then the Americans coming to take over from the British.
Laekjargata
The arrival of foreign troops brought a massive cultural shift to Iceland - transforming everything from food and music to relationships. We’ll explore the tensions around Icelandic women dating soldiers, and uncover the story of the largest spy ring ever set up to monitor the Icelandic people.
Ending Point
Return to Austurvollur
Want to personalize this tour?
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/71762/dfd41deb-51ab-4a10-8a48-50e10d661ec1.png)
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Private guided walking tour in Reykjavík
Expert local, in costume guide specializing in WWII history
Personalized itinerary tailored to your interests
Historic photos and engaging storytelling
Food, drinks, and personal expenses
Entry to optional sites (e.g. museums)
Transport to/from meeting point
Tour Important Information
Entry Fees
This is a walking tour of public spaces - no paid museum or attraction tickets are included.
Food and Drinks
Meals, snacks, and beverages are not included. But I’m happy to recommend some excellent local spots along the way or afterward.
Transportation
This is a walking tour within central Reykjavík. No vehicle transport is provided - but the city is compact and easy to explore on foot.
Hotel Pickup or Drop-off
We’ll meet at Austurvöllur square to begin, and finish back there too. I can help with directions if needed!
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
About Tour Guide Lucky B.
With over 12 years of guiding experience (the last 6 right here in magical Iceland), I bring a deep love for this country’s wild landscapes, rich history, and unforgettable adventures. Whether you want to explore Reykjavik's quiet corners, chase waterfalls off the beaten path, or follow your curiosity deep into the Highlands (when the season allows!), I’m here to create a tour that’s uniquely yours.
I’ve guided everything from WWII history walks to whale and puffin tours, and I’ve travelled every side road I could find - collecting stories, fun facts, and local gems to share along the way. Whatever your interests, I’ll help bring Iceland alive in a way that’s personal, thoughtful, and always a little fun (I am known for my excellent puns, after all!).
In my downtime, you’ll find me hiking, exploring in my 4x4, visiting museums (I’m a bit of a history buff), or just soaking in life here in Reykjavik, my home for the past six years.
I’m excited to meet you, learn what you love, and build an unforgettable Icelandic adventure together.
Let’s go exploring!
Reviews
Jeffrey H.
“World War 2 On A Platter”
We scheduled a combined World War 2 and Food Tour with Luck B. Lucky us! This was a great tour. We thoroughly enjoyed learning about the British Invasion and occupation of Iceland during World War 2 and the American “invitation” to take over from the British. Lucky knows her history and our tour was jam packed with interesting stories and facts that captivated us and held our interest for the entirety of the tour. Although WW2 is her special area of interest we also asked her to put together a food tour to combine with our history tour. One member of our group has several food allergies that Lucky was able to accommodate. In fact she even provided a vegan cake for our friend to eat while we sampled some excellent Icelandic pastries. Lucky is engaging and fun and the information provided good insight into some little known events during WW2 that continue to impact Icelandic culture today. Lucky comes complete with British uniform and we especially enjoyed walking in the steps of the invasion force. We highly recommend Lucky and this tour if you are Looking for something a bit out of the ordinary.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/71762/dfd41deb-51ab-4a10-8a48-50e10d661ec1.png)
Lucky B.
Thank you so much! I had the loveliest day with you all, it was a real treat to spend time with you, and wonderful to hear your war stories in return to mine. I hope the rest of your time here is wonderful, enjoy your cruise and say hello to the whales for me in Ísafjörður :) All the best Lucky
$249/ per group
More tours by Lucky B.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/18572/349fa314-7f14-4be2-ba49-639859f20cb2.jpg)
Golden Circle & Secret Stops - Private Tour from Reykjavik
Discover Iceland’s Golden Circle on a warm, private day tour from Reykjavik! Visit Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, the erupting geysers at Geysir, and the colorful Kerið crater. Enjoy local stories, secret stops, and the option to relax at Laugarvatn Spa. With flexible timing, comfy transport, and your friendly local guide, this unforgettable journey is all about you.
Golden Circle & Secret Stops - Private Tour from Reykjavik
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/18592/88bfb8aa-464b-4cb5-b65e-42cc769d527f.jpg)
WWII Reykjavík & the Fjord of the Arctic Convoys - Private Tour
Walk in the footsteps of soldiers through Reykjavík’s WWII history - then drive to a quiet fjord where Arctic convoys once prepared for the “Worst Journey in the World.” This private tour blends city sights, wartime stories, coastal ruins, and a visit to the excellent War and Peace Museum. Customised to your interests, this full-day journey reveals the hidden side of Iceland’s role in the Second World War.
WWII Reykjavík & the Fjord of the Arctic Convoys - Private Tour
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/18554/662598b2-8b1e-4032-9af6-0c1e9623a225.jpg)
Custom Reykjavík: A Private Walking Tour with a Local
Reykjavík may be small, but its story is mighty - and this private tour is tailored to your interests. We’ll see the landmarks, of course, but also hidden corners, street art, and secret gardens most visitors miss. Whether you’re curious about Viking history, wartime tales, or local life today, I’ll shape the walk around what excites you most. It’s your Reykjavík - let’s explore it together.
Custom Reykjavík: A Private Walking Tour with a Local
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/18559/13bd24bb-bb83-4f1c-99b7-7d9cb880815a.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/18557/02e65458-b53c-4818-91e7-171a906e4419.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/18557/e6573e55-5ceb-46a5-8563-74a8a570ebae.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/18557/d8415775-cfb4-4008-b0b1-2172157b5e21.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/18557/f93b6a76-77ad-45d9-8a0a-4ac5db93b121.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/18557/3d82dd1e-47d4-4904-a2f6-769cd38ec9a8.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/18557/6d41a8d0-e1a8-4b73-89f2-b1ee3d4b9f41.jpg)