Occupied Reykjavík: WWII Secrets and Traditional Icelandic Food - Private Tour

Occupied Reykjavík: WWII Secrets and Traditional Icelandic Food – Private Tour

Discover Reykjavík as you’ve never seen it before – through the hidden lens of World War II. This private, customizable 3-hour walking tour takes you beyond the guidebooks, tracing the footsteps of British soldiers during the 1940 invasion, uncovering spy tales, and exploring the dramatic impact of foreign occupation on Icelandic life. Along the way, you’ll taste the flavors that sustained locals during the war years, from hearty lamb stew and smoked fish to adventurous bites like puffin or horse, balanced with sweet Icelandic treats.

Your journey begins with coffee and an introduction to Iceland’s wartime past before visiting historic sites including the exact landing point of British forces and the Old Town’s espionage hotspots. You’ll stand in Parliament Square where history shifted as American forces replaced the British, and sit down to sample the dishes soldiers and officers once enjoyed, while learning how food, culture, and romance were transformed under occupation.

The tour ends on a sweet note at a specialty food shop, where you can taste Icelandic candies and pick up authentic treats to take home. With its rich blend of history, culture, and cuisine, this experience brings occupied Reykjavík vividly to life – perfect for curious travelers, history lovers, and foodies alike.

– Your personal guide

– Your food courses along the way

– Drinks – Coffee at the first stop, and at "Soldiers Stop" you have the option to try Brennivin, or a local beer or a soft drink. Otherwise drinks are not included other than water. The legal drinking age in Iceland is 20.

– This tour includes plenty of walking, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

– The route is only partly wheelchair accessible (two stops require a small step to enter). If you use a wheelchair, please let me know in advance, and I will adjust the locations accordingly.

– Please inform me ahead of time of any food allergies or dietary restrictions so we can make sure you’re well taken care of.

– We go in all weather, and the wind can be very cold, so please dress accordingly, even in summer!

A 100% charge applies if canceled within 1 days of the start time.
Free cancellation up to 1000 days before the start time.

Coffee & Introduction
Coffee & Introduction

– We begin in a cozy Reykjavík café, where we meet, grab a coffee to go, and set the scene with an introduction to Iceland during WWII.
The British Landing
With traditional Icelandic treats in hand, we visit the exact spot where British forces first landed in 1940, comparing old photographs with today’s view before retracing their invasion route into the city.
The Hot Dog Stand
A stop at Reykjavík’s legendary hot dog stand, with a surprising WWII connection (yes, Churchill himself may have tasted one here!).
The Old Town & Espionage
Following the soldiers’ path through the charming old town, we stop at the former German residence to hear the dramatic story of Werner Gerlach and an spy hidden in the British Embassy.
Austurvollur – Parliament Square
Here we discuss Winston Churchill’s wartime visit, the shift from British to American occupation, and the political ripples that followed.
A Soldier’s Lunch Stop
Over a traditional Icelandic dish in a local eatery, we explore how the arrival of foreign troops reshaped Icelandic culture – changing everything from food and music to dating customs.
Dining Like an Officer
In a historic restaurant once frequented by officers, we dive into the social tensions of the era, from soldiers courting Icelandic women to the creation of the largest spy network in Iceland’s history.
Sweet Farewell
We finish in a specialty food shop where you’ll sample traditional sweets and have the chance to pick up authentic Icelandic treats to take home.