What the Eye Does Not See: Outdoor Folklore Exhibition in Hafnarfjörður

Located in Hellisgerði botanical garden in Hafnarfjörður, this outdoor exhibition explores the rich tradition of Icelandic folklore regarding elves and hidden people. Through a series of informative signs, visitors learn about local legends associated with the surrounding landscape, with QR codes providing links to mapped locations for each story.

The exhibition 'What the Eye Does Not See' is a permanent outdoor installation situated in Hellisgerði, the scenic botanical garden of Hafnarfjörður. It provides an immersive look into the deep-seated Icelandic cultural tradition of belief in hidden beings—elves and the 'hidden people' (huldufólk)—who have long been considered part of the local environment. This belief reflects a profound respect for the mysteries and living spirit of the Icelandic landscape, a sentiment that remains relevant today. The installation consists of a series of signs distributed throughout the garden, each tracing well-known stories of elves and hidden people specific to Hafnarfjörður. To enhance the experience, each sign includes a QR code that links to the corresponding location on Google Maps. This allows visitors to step directly into the world of the narratives and connect the folklore with the physical terrain of the region.

The exhibition is located in an open botanical garden and is accessible to the public. For groups, museum education and guided visits can be booked throughout the year via the museum's official booking service.