Discover how belief in Iceland’s hidden people shapes road building. From South Iceland to Snaefellsnes, officials adjust plans to respect elf folklore.
In Iceland, a land of lava fields, volcanoes, and cold fjords, even building a road can run into an unexpected obstacle. It is not just rock or weather. Sometimes work slows because of an old belief: many Icelanders think hidden people — elves, as legend has it — live inside stones and hills.
Sounds like a fairy tale? Perhaps. Yet locals treat the subject with a straight face, and that seriousness changes how things are done.
In Icelandic folklore, Huldufólk are invisible beings who live alongside humans but remain out of sight. They are said to dwell in large boulders, cliffs, and underground. The stories describe them as disliking human intrusion and as capable of retaliating against anyone who destroys their home.
Not every Icelander literally believes in elves. Still, many approach these tales with respect as part of their culture. So when someone insists that hidden people live in a particular rock, the community tends to listen.
There have been real cases where beliefs reshaped construction plans. In October 2025, authorities in South Iceland planned to build a road. On site they found a stone that locals regarded as the home of hidden people. After discussions with residents, the project was adjusted so the boulder would remain untouched.
A similar situation arose in another region, Snaefellsnes. Before breaking ground, officials carried out a special review to make sure the works would not disturb places considered special.
Iceland’s road authority does not mention hidden people on its website. But in interviews, staff say they listen when residents raise concerns. At times, mediators join the talks — consultants in folklore who help broker a compromise between tradition and modern needs.
Officials do not claim they believe in elves. They do, however, respect citizens’ views and are ready to make room for them — especially when it helps keep peace within the community. In practice, that tact often proves more effective than any manual.
Some researchers argue that such beliefs help protect nature. Boulders left alone for elf-related reasons often turn out to be distinctive natural features. So whether one believes or not, the outcome is the same: a careful attitude to the environment.
Iceland is also a small country where the bond with tradition is felt strongly. Brushing off a community’s view, even when it sounds unusual, is simply not how things are done here.
Stories about hidden people are more than bedtime tales. They form a layer of cultural memory that still shapes daily life. Engineers and planners decide most things today, but some choices still hinge on old legends — and the respect they command.
Iceland can build a bridge, a tunnel, or a fast highway. Yet if a boulder with a story stands in the way, the road may well bend a little to the side. Just in case.
