Álfhóll (Elf Hill) Kópavogur

About Álfhóll (Elf Hill) Kópavogur

This unassuming grass-covered hill in suburban Kópavogur has been officially protected since the 1930s. Multiple construction projects have been modified to preserve the hill, which locals believe is home to a thriving elf community. The hill sits in the middle of a residential area, a testament to Iceland's ongoing respect for folklore and hidden people.

History & Background

Álfhóll (Elf Hill) Kópavogur in the Capital Region has captivated visitors and locals alike throughout Iceland's history. The natural formations here were shaped over thousands of years by the forces of volcanism, glaciation, and erosion. Early settlers recognized the unique beauty of this place, and it features in various historical accounts and folklore. Iceland's natural wonders have been described by travelers since the medieval period, with some of the earliest written accounts appearing in the sagas and geographic treatises of the 12th and 13th centuries. Today, Álfhóll (Elf Hill) Kópavogur continues to draw visitors from around the world who come to witness the extraordinary landscapes that make Iceland one of the most geologically diverse places on the planet.

Did You Know?

✔Iceland's unique geology creates landscapes found nowhere else on Earth
✔The country sits on one of the most volcanically active spots on the planet
✔Iceland's natural wonders attract over 2 million visitors annually
✔Many of Iceland's natural features are protected under national park or nature reserve status

Tours Near Álfhóll (Elf Hill) Kópavogur

Best-rated Iceland experiences — book with free cancellation

Private Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon 2 Day Tour & Glacier Hike

From $7240

Book Now

Private 2-Day Glacier Lagoon, Ice Cave and Northern Lights

From $7400

Book Now

Glacier Adventure at Sólheimajökull Private Tour

From $377.1

Book Now

Why Visit

Discover the extraordinary natural beauty of Álfhóll (Elf Hill) Kópavogur, a must-see Icelandic wonder

Did You Know?

Iceland is one of the youngest landmasses on Earth, with some areas still being actively formed by volcanic eruptions

The Founding Vision of Reykjavík

The founding of Reykjavík itself is wrapped in legend. When Ingólfur Arnarson approached Iceland's shores around 874 AD, he threw his high-seat pillars overboard, vowing to settle wherever they washed ashore — a traditional Norse method of asking the gods to choose a home. The pillars drifted for three years before his slaves found them in a bay of steaming hot springs, which Ingólfur named Reykjavík — "Smoky Bay." The story of the high-seat pillars represents the blend of human determination and divine guidance that characterizes Icelandic settlement legends, and the spot where they were found is still commemorated in downtown Reykjavík.