Trolls, elves, yule lads, and giants all play a part in the mythical world of Iceland. These stories are connected to the land through ancient folklore tales of Jón Árnason and classic children’s books by Icelandic author Herdís Egilsdóttir. If you’re traveling to Iceland with children, or you yourself are a child at heart – a visit to the Skessuhellir or Giantess Cave in the Reykjanes Peninsula dips into the magical realm.
Egilsdóttir has been writing books about a friendly four hundred years old giant, 16 feet tall with eyes the size of footballs since 1959. The story goes that the giant hadn’t spoken to a soul in so long, she forgot her name. One day upon the discovery of shoe belonging to a six year old named Sigga, a friendship blossomed and then the acceptance into the community at large, along with the adoration of Icelandic readers hearts. You can find her not far from Keflavík International Airport, beside a beautiful harbor.
This is a wonderful spot to look for waterfowl, including puffins and razorbills…and even whales such as orca and minke.
Just follow the gigantic footsteps if you have any doubt of where to go, only a few feet away from the road.
You must stop for a photo op, a face in hole cut out makes for a silly memory.
In 2008 a group of artists called Norðanbál created a 150 sq.m cave with an enormous folksy giant inside!
She sits on a chair in the kitchen with her big buck teeth sticking out as a most prominent feature!
Popular with local families, the giant’s gentle heart persuades children to give up their pacifiers and hang them on a tree.
Good to know:
+Opening hours are 10-5, but there is a window which you can peer into and see the giant at any time.
+This is a free activity