Tips

Halloween in Iceland – sounds mysterious, right? Well, buckle up, because if you’re ready to embrace the thrill of ghost stories, mystical landscapes, and a dash of Icelandic folklore, there’s no better way to do it than with a camper van! Here’s how to survive – we mean, enjoy – Halloween in Iceland without losing your nerve.

Halloween in Iceland: Not Just for the Living

First things first: Iceland isn’t exactly the Halloween capital of the world. There aren’t pumpkins on every doorstep, and you won’t find vampires lurking behind every corner (we think). But Icelanders have started embracing Halloween over the years, blending costumes, trick-or-treating, and a bit of Icelandic magic. In Reykjavik, kids roam the streets as ghosts and goblins, and you’ll see shops decked out with spooky decorations.

Here’s the twist – Iceland also comes with its own cast of supernatural stars. Think trolls, elves, and hidden folk who may or may not join the festivities. So, while you’re in a camper, keep one eye on the road and the other on… well, just about anything that moves.

Misty autumn cemetery with moss-covered tombstones and glowing jack-o'-lanterns. The scene is illuminated by soft, diffused sunlight filtering through the trees with autumn leaves, creating a mysterious yet peaceful Halloween ambiance.

Spooky (Yet Convenient) Stops to Visit in Iceland on Halloween

Looking for some eerie locations that don’t require a séance to find? Here’s a list of spooky-but-accessible stops for a Halloween camper trip that’s more “oooh!” than “BOO!”

  1. Hólavallagarður Cemetery – Known as Reykjavik’s oldest and eeriest resting place, Hólavallagarður Cemetery is the perfect spot to stretch your legs and pretend you’re in a horror movie. Wander the mossy headstones, but remember: if a ghost asks for directions, it’s polite to help them find the way.
  2. Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach – This beach has it all: black sand, towering basalt columns, and a reputation for being both beautiful and… let’s say, “haunting.” Legend has it the stone formations were once trolls, frozen in the sun while they tried to pull ships to shore. Moral of the story? Trolls should wear sunscreen.
  3. Thingvellir National Park – This place is legendary, literally. Between rift valleys and towering cliffs, Thingvellir looks like it was designed for Halloween selfies. Plus, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so if you get spooked, you can always tell yourself you’re there for the “cultural experience.”
  4. Hellnar Arch and Cave – This natural arch is beautiful, but once you’re in the cave, the sound of waves crashing around you feels like you’re trapped inside a whale. Just make sure you’re not wearing any fish cologne, and you’ll be fine.
  5. Hof Turf Church – Turf churches are an Icelandic specialty, and the Hof Turf Church is a real gem. Covered in greenery, it looks like a Hobbit house that took a spooky turn. It’s also the only place where you can convincingly tell people you’ve seen “grass ghosts.”

Icelandic Legends to Get You in the Spirit

What’s Halloween without a good ghost story or two? Let these Icelandic legends add a chill to the air as you settle in for the night in your cozy camper. (Warning: ghost stories may cause you to double-lock your camper.)

  • The Deacon of Dark River (Myrká) – This story starts with a poor deacon who fell to his death on the way to visit his lover. But because true love never dies, he decided to pay her a visit from beyond the grave. Talk about a ghost with a commitment issue!
  • The Hidden People (Huldufólk) – Think elves, but with a serious sense of privacy. The hidden people are said to live in Iceland’s rocks and hillsides, watching over the land. So if you hear strange whispers near boulders, it’s probably not the wind. Or… it’s exactly the wind. Either way, respect the rocks, people!
  • The Trolls of Reynisfjara – These aren’t the cute, fluffy trolls you remember from cartoons. These guys turned to stone when they forgot about the sunrise, so if you spot them on the beach, it’s best not to tease. You don’t want to wake up to a 20-foot troll asking about the weather.

Tricks for a Cozy and Safe Halloween Camper Trip

Sure, Iceland’s spooky landscapes are half the fun, but a cozy camper and some planning will make the experience truly memorable. Here’s how to keep the magic alive:

  • Pack Warm, Ghost-Proof Layers – Icelandic October nights can get chilly, so stock up on warm clothes. Wool sweaters, extra socks, and maybe even a blanket with a ghost-repelling charm should do the trick.
  • Bring Your Own Halloween Snacks – Whether you’re into candy corn or “troll mix,” a stash of Halloween treats will keep you in the spirit. Plus, having a snack is great when you need to offer one to a wayward spirit. (Pro tip: ghosts love chocolate.)
  • Make a Spooky Road Trip Playlist – No Halloween road trip is complete without eerie tunes. Think haunting folk music or maybe a few “classic ghost stories on tape” to really set the mood. Just don’t play it too loud – the elves have sensitive ears.
  • Respect the Legends (or Risk a Visit) – Icelanders take their folklore seriously, and so should you. Don’t disturb elven rocks, and remember that every legend started somewhere. Stay on the good side of Iceland’s ghosts, trolls, and hidden folk – you never know who’s watching!

Halloween Under the Northern Lights (If You’re Lucky!)

Imagine this: you’ve spent the day exploring Iceland’s mystical landscapes, maybe even swapping ghost stories with fellow travelers, and now, as night falls on Halloween, the sky begins to put on a show of its own. You find a quiet spot, park your camper, wrap yourself in a cozy blanket, and wait in the chilly air, eyes on the heavens. Then it happens – a ribbon of green appears, slowly spreading and swirling across the night sky like a ghostly dancer.

Two people standing on top of a CampEasy camper van under the Northern Lights, with vibrant green and purple aurora illuminating the night sky in Iceland.

The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, are a Halloween treat Iceland may have saved just for you. As shades of green, purple, and even hints of red ripple above, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a world where magic is as real as folklore. There’s no better way to spend Halloween night than watching the aurora bring ancient legends to life under Iceland’s starlit sky. It’s as if the elves, trolls, and hidden folk are giving their own nod to the holiday, reminding you that the line between the natural and supernatural blurs in Iceland.

Under this ethereal light show, every ghost story you’ve heard on the road takes on a new sense of wonder. The Northern Lights add a final, unforgettable touch to your Halloween in Iceland – a touch of real magic that you can only experience here, on this one special night.