Álfaskólinn is 'elf school', where one can learn about the 'huldi' or hidden folk who live in the Icelandic landscape. These are an important element of Icelandic culture, and majority of Icelanders believe in their existence.
Elf School courses are an option for visitors, as they last half a day so can be fitted around other visitors.
There are numerous stories of Elf homes being protected, because ill luck befalls those who interfere. This has even led to roads being rerouted.
At the farm Þverdalur in the district of Sléttuhreppur a great rock called Steinshóll stands in the middle of the hayfield. It is forbidden to cut the grass around it or else a great disaster falls upon the people.
Courses run on Fridays for most of the year.
It was visited by Richard Ayoade and Jessica Hynes in their 'Travel Man' series - more clips from that to come in a future blogpost. They don't take the course entirely seriously unfortunately...
Update
Thanks to Val Vannet for sharing this image of Elf houses overlooking the Blue Lagoon.
Update - May 2020
Thanks to Judith Roberts for passing through the link to this BBC film.
Elf School courses are an option for visitors, as they last half a day so can be fitted around other visitors.
There are numerous stories of Elf homes being protected, because ill luck befalls those who interfere. This has even led to roads being rerouted.
At the farm Þverdalur in the district of Sléttuhreppur a great rock called Steinshóll stands in the middle of the hayfield. It is forbidden to cut the grass around it or else a great disaster falls upon the people.
Courses run on Fridays for most of the year.
It was visited by Richard Ayoade and Jessica Hynes in their 'Travel Man' series - more clips from that to come in a future blogpost. They don't take the course entirely seriously unfortunately...
Update
Thanks to Val Vannet for sharing this image of Elf houses overlooking the Blue Lagoon.
Update - May 2020
Thanks to Judith Roberts for passing through the link to this BBC film.
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