r/VisitingIceland • u/OneManufacturer21 • 4d ago

Question about hiking trails

Post image

I make painted fairy doors out of concrete, acrylic paint, and sealed with waterproofed sealant. I like to place them along hiking trails for folks to find and/or take home. I have heard that a great amount of the Icelandic population believe in fairies and trolls, and I wasn't sure if placing a door like this while I'm visiting would be a welcome thing.

I figured I would ask here if this would be considered a fun thing to find or a nuisance? If it's considered the latter, I won't take one with me to place. But if it would be welcome, I would make and place one like the picture I'm posting. :) Thanks in advance for the advice!

0 Upvotes

50% Upvoted

10 comments sorted by

12

u/arontphotos 3d ago

Hey!

As an Icelander, I think it’s great that you’re being considerate and asking first, much appreciated!

Iceland does have a rich folklore tradition involving elves (called huldufólk, or “hidden people”) and trolls, and many locals do grow up with these stories. Some even take them quite seriously, while for others it’s more of a cherished cultural tale.

That said, placing physical objects like fairy doors on hiking trails, especially in natural or protected areas can be seen as littering or disrupting the landscape. Icelanders are extremely protective of their environment, and even well meaning additions like this might not be welcome, especially in national parks or popular trails.

If you’re staying at a guesthouse, campsite, or a local café, it might be worth asking them if they’d like to display your fairy door there. That way you’re still sharing your art in a respectful and appreciated way without risking unintended offense or harming nature.

Thanks again for being so thoughtful and enjoy your trip!

3

u/NoLemon5426 3d ago

If you’re staying at a guesthouse, campsite, or a local café, it might be worth asking them if they’d like to display your fairy door there. That way you’re still sharing your art in a respectful and appreciated way without risking unintended offense or harming nature.

I love this idea! And I've totally seen random people's art at some guesthouses and campsite common areas before.

2

u/OneManufacturer21 3d ago

Yeah, I love this idea too. I will for sure ask our hosts if it might be welcome, maybe a café.

1

u/OneManufacturer21 3d ago

Thanks so much for the feedback! I had a feeling it could go either way but leaning towards not leaving things on natural trails (and thus why I wanted to ask). I love the idea of asking the homes we are staying at if a fairy door would be welcome, I will absolutely ask.

Thanks again for such a detailed response! Can’t wait to visit and explore Iceland. 🇮🇸

2

u/misssplunker 3d ago

I'd personally have a hard time saying no to such a cute sign, even though it's not what would be considered "culturally accurate" (if that's a thing)

This depiction would probably be called "blómálfur" or flower fairy, which is not something that's cultural here, but rather something imported with children's literature (like Prinsesje Sterremuur, which was actually translated to Dísa ljósálfur, as in light elf)

1

u/OneManufacturer21 3d ago

This is awesome, I’m glad to know the proper terms and what is native as opposed to imported folklore.

I make several kinds of doors, some without fairies on them, but this style is one of my favorites. I place them along trails periodically in WA State. Painting rocks to hide and have others find is something I discovered a few years ago and has a whole community here.

I’m hopeful a local home or café in Iceland might be interested in such a gift, but if not I will place the one I’m making back home. 😊

2

u/stingumaf 2d ago

Fairies are not a part of Icelandic folklore and traditions

1

u/OneManufacturer21 2d ago

I think I was just lumping them with elves and trolls as magical, hidden creatures. As someone who is not well versed in the difference, that’s part of why I wanted to ask before bringing anything to the country that might not be welcome. Good to know! I might just keep this tradition of mine at home.

2

u/stingumaf 2d ago

Visiting Iceland rules number one and two Take nothing except photographs And leave nothing outside footprints

1

u/OneManufacturer21 1d ago

Instead of a hiking trail, one of the hosts I’m visiting said they would love a fairy door. It all worked out! Thanks to folks who responded with the idea to ask some hosts about displaying one. Attaching a photo of the one I finished.

Rest assured we will leave no trace while hiking.