Reykjavik Beer & Booze Tour

Imagine wandering through Reykjavík’s lively pub scene, sampling some of the best local craft beers or spirits, all while learning about Iceland’s sometimes hilarious, often surprising alcohol history. For around $115, you get roughly 2 to 2.5 hours of guided tasting, visiting three well-chosen bars with a small group of like-minded explorers. Led by friendly guides like Óli or Kris, this tour offers an intimate peek into Iceland’s beverage culture, making it a perfect evening activity after a day of sightseeing.

One of the best things about this tour is how personalized it feels. With a small group capped at 12 people, you’ll have plenty of time to chat with your guide and fellow travelers—be it about Iceland’s quirky prohibition history or how to properly toast “Skál!” in Icelandic. Plus, the variety of drinks—including local craft beers and snaps—means you’ll likely find a new favorite.

A potential consideration is the timing: starting at 6:00 pm, it’s best suited for those who don’t need to head to bed early. Also, since hotel pickup isn’t included, you’ll need to plan your own transportation to Ingólfur Square, the tour’s meeting point. If you love beer, history, and a relaxed local vibe, this tour is a great fit—especially if you enjoy small groups and engaging guides.

Key Points

• Small-group experience ensures personalized attention and more chances to ask questions
• Diverse beverage options include Icelandic craft beers and local spirits, with unique tastings
• Informative guides share amusing and insightful stories about Iceland’s alcohol history
• Evening tour leaves daytime free for sightseeing or other adventures
• Accessible and social environment makes it ideal for solo travelers, couples, and small groups
• Culturally enriching, blending history, local customs, and fun tasting experiences

An In-Depth Look at the Reykjavik Beer & Booze Tour

The Tour Starts at Ingólfur Square, in the heart of Reykjavík. This central location makes it easy to meet your guide—likely a friendly local with a knack for storytelling. From there, the tour smoothly transitions to the first stop, Your Friend In Reykjavik, a welcoming bar where the group can gather and get to know each other. This initial mingling sets a friendly tone, making the experience feel more like a night out with friends than a formal tasting.

First Stop: Skuli Craft Bar

Your journey kicks off with a selection of Icelandic craft beers or snaps, and here you’ll get your first lesson in Iceland’s quirky alcohol history. One reviewer mentions how the guide discussed the funny history of alcohol in Iceland, including the period when beer was banned for 74 years. It’s these stories that give the tastings context, elevating a simple drink into a window on Icelandic culture. Expect about 45 minutes at this stop, enough time to sample several drinks and ask questions.

The atmosphere is laid back, with plenty of room for conversation. The guide’s narrative makes the history accessible and humorous, often peppered with local jokes and fun facts. Guests frequently mention how informative and entertaining this part is, with one reviewer noting the guide “was very informative and entertaining”. It’s a chance to learn why Iceland’s beer scene is so vibrant today, after decades of prohibition.

Second Stop: Session Craft Bar

Next, the tour visits a popular local craft beer bar, where you’ll sample four different Icelandic beers or a couple of snaps. Here, the focus is on tasting and appreciating Iceland’s craft brewing scene, which has boomed in recent years. Our guides share tips and tricks about the local beer scene, making this segment both fun and educational.

Several reviews highlight how the guide’s humor and knowledge genuinely enhanced the experience. One traveler mentioned that “we got to try 9 different beers” and even poured their own at one venue, which adds a memorable hands-on element. The relaxed vibe and lively conversation make this a highlight for many attendees.

Final Stop: Olstofa Kormaks og Skjaldar

The last bar on the tour is particularly special because it features an award-winning, unique Icelandic beer that you can’t find just anywhere. Plus, it’s the site where the long-ago beer ban (which lasted 74 years) is discussed—a fascinating piece of Iceland’s alcohol history. It’s at this point that you realize how much stories and local knowledge your guide has shared throughout the evening.

Guests frequently comment that this stop is one of the best places to sample exclusive Icelandic brews, adding a sense of exclusivity and discovery to the tour. The 45-minute visit here caps off an evening of great drinks and storytelling, leaving you with a deeper appreciation of Iceland’s resilient brewing culture.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included in the price are all the beverages—beers and spirits—and the local, professional guide who makes the experience special. The small group setting fosters interaction, and the drinks are thoughtfully selected to showcase Iceland’s growing craft scene. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan to meet at the designated starting point.

The tour operates in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately, especially if it’s chilly or rainy. Also, remember the minimum drinking age is 20—this isn’t a tour for minors.

Why Travelers Love This Experience

Many reviews praise the guides’ knowledge and friendliness. For instance, one reviewer mentioned that “Óli was very informative and entertaining,” and others appreciated how guides shared funny stories and local insights. The small group size leads to a more relaxed, engaging atmosphere, which many find more rewarding than large bus tours.

Several reviewers also highlight the value for money, noting how they tried several different drinks and learned lots of interesting facts. The combination of tasting, storytelling, and local ambiance creates an experience that feels authentic and memorable.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

A few reviews mention some bars being “empty” or “backstreet”, which might surprise travelers expecting more bustling venues. Also, since the tour starts at 6:00 pm, it’s best suited for those who want an evening activity rather than an early start.

Finally, because the tour requires a minimum of two participants to run, there’s a chance it could be canceled if you’re traveling solo or a small group. Always double-check the cancellation policy, which is fully refundable if canceled 24 hours in advance.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for beer lovers, history buffs, or curious travelers wanting an authentic taste of Iceland’s alcohol culture. It’s especially suited for those who prefer small, intimate groups and enjoy informal, engaging guides. If you’re traveling with friends, a partner, or even solo, you’ll find it easy to make new acquaintances here.

It’s also perfect if you enjoy learning fun facts and sampling local drinks in a relaxed setting. On the other hand, if you’re not interested in beer or spirits, or if you prefer a more structured, less social experience, you might want to consider other options.

The Sum Up: Is the Reykjavik Beer & Booze Tour Worth It?

If you’re in Reykjavik and want to experience a genuine aspect of Icelandic culture, this tour offers a fantastic blend of delicious drinks, local stories, and small-group camaraderie. The guides’ knowledge and friendly approach make it feel like a night out with friends—just with a little extra insight and a lot more tastings.

This experience truly shines in its value for money: you get several drinks and entertaining stories, often described as “fun,” “informative,” and “relaxing” by past travelers. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate history, local customs, and socializing over a drink.

In short, if you’re eager to explore Reykjavik’s drinking scene while learning about its past, this tour is a must-do. It’s a relaxed, friendly way to kick off an evening, making it a memorable part of your Iceland adventure.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You will need to arrange your own transportation to Ingólfur Square, where the tour begins.

What is the minimum age to join?
The minimum drinking age is 20, so this tour is only suitable for adults.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, giving ample time to enjoy the drinks and stories without feeling rushed.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the scheduled start. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

What drinks are included?
All beverages—craft beers and local spirits—are included in the price. The tour showcases a range to give you the best sense of Iceland’s alcohol offerings.

Is this tour suitable in bad weather?
Yes, it operates in all weather conditions, so dress accordingly—layers are always recommended in Iceland.

In sum, the Reykjavik Beer & Booze Tour offers a fun, relaxed way to truly get to know Iceland’s drinking culture. You’ll leave with new knowledge, new friends, and possibly a new favorite Icelandic brew. It’s a great choice for social travelers, curious minds, and anyone eager to add a flavorful chapter to their Iceland adventure.