Excitement is in the air around Gimli as whispers of magic and whimsy fill the village. The beloved elf houses at Viking Park, once hidden away behind dense shrubs, have returned with a fresh look.
For six weeks, these charming little homes were mysteriously absent while they underwent a delightful transformation. Now, thanks to the creativity and dedication of community members, they stand proud once more—complete with Icelandic names and vibrant mossy roofs. This enchanting story blends folklore with local passion and showcases how a small village can make big changes to preserve its charm.
Back in 2017, the installment of the little village was made part of the park’s landscaping, thanks to a creative volunteer. The houses were modelled after houses in Iceland, and after quite a few years of weathering, they needed some keeping up with. The shrubs surrounding them had isolated them, and curious folks were beginning to trample through the shrubs to look for them, frightening the elves.
So, we reached out to the original creator and volunteer (who does want their name mentioned) who made them. As it turned out, she still had the right paint to give them all a new coat. She added new moss to cover each roof and Icelandic names above the doors of each house.
Fitting for Gimli, elves are very prominent in Icelandic folklore. It is said that more than 50 different types of elves live in Iceland, each differing in looks and personality. The creatures appear in many traditions and stories dating back as far as over a thousand years. It is believed that most elves live somewhat similar daily lives to those of humans.
“The elves were happy to learn that their house could be fixed and repainted,” said Dawn Harris, Viking Park gardener. “They also hoped that the houses could be relocated so there would be a closer connection among those in the community.”
Wildflowers are being reestablished around the village. This planting includes lupins, which are in the same plant family as Alaskan lupins. They were introduced to Iceland in the 1940s and now grow wild. Butterfly weed, blue-eyed grass, and three-flowered avens will also be among the garden’s plants.
The houses have now been refurbished and settled back into the park in a more open area. They can be spotted among the rocks behind the statue from a respectful distance to keep the growing wildflowers and the elves safe.
