Akureyri might be Iceland’s second city, but it’s certainly first when it comes to food. With a thriving local scene that blends traditional Icelandic ingredients with innovative new flavors, this small town offers some exceptional culinary experiences. We especially like the Akureyri: Food Walk and Whale Watching Tour for combining local cuisine with a wildlife adventure—imagine tasting Icelandic delicacies while spotting whales in Eyjafjörður, all with a knowledgeable guide! For a more intimate tasting experience, the Akureyri: Food Walk With 5 Tastings and Local Guide shines, offering a compact but flavorful exploration of the town’s best eateries. If you prefer a structured city tour with a focus on culture and food, the From Akureyri Port: City Walk & Local Food provides a great introduction to Akureyri’s history, people, and regional dishes. Each of these options offers a different way to enjoy Akureyri’s culinary scene, whether you want a quick bite or an all-day adventure.
Quick Overview
Our list covers three top-rated food tours in Akureyri, each with its own style and focus:
– The Akureyri: Food Walk and Whale Watching Tour combines food with wildlife spotting and cultural insights (details here).
– The Akureyri: Food Walk With 5 Tastings and Local Guide is a shorter, more focused tasting walk perfect for those short on time (details here).
– The From Akureyri Port: City Walk & Local Food is ideal for travelers arriving by cruise, wanting a comprehensive taste of the city and its stories (details here).
1. Akureyri: Food Walk and Whale Watching Tour
At number one on our list is the Akureyri: Food Walk and Whale Watching Tour. This 6-hour experience is a perfect blend of local flavors and Icelandic wildlife. You’ll start with a guided walk sampling dishes at five top restaurants, where your local guide shares stories about Akureyri’s history and culture. Then, you’ll head out on a whale watching trip in Eyjafjörður, Iceland’s longest fjord, where you might see minke whales, orcas, and porpoises, depending on the season.
What makes this tour stand out is its unique combination of culinary discovery and wildlife adventure. The food stops include iconic Icelandic dishes, giving you a real taste of local ingredients. The whale watching part is sustainable and comfortable, with expert guides aiding wildlife sightings.
Guests rave about the tour, noting the excellent guide and the balance of activities. It’s ideal for travelers who want a full day of engaging experiences, blending culture, food, and nature. The price isn’t specified here, but the value lies in the comprehensive, memorable outing.
Bottom line: This tour is perfect if you want to experience both Akureyri’s flavors and its fjord’s wildlife in one seamless adventure.
2. Akureyri: Food Walk With 5 Tastings and Local Guide
Second on our list is the Akureyri: Food Walk With 5 Tastings and Local Guide, a 3-hour journey that offers a concentrated taste of the town’s culinary scene. Led by a lively local guide, you’ll explore 4-5 restaurants and hidden spots, sampling dishes like Icelandic free-roaming lamb, fresh fish, and regional ice cream.
What makes this tour special is its personalized approach and focus on quality. The guide shares fun facts and stories about Icelandic culture, making each tasting part of a broader narrative. The stops are carefully chosen to showcase the best of Akureyri’s food scene, and portions are generous enough to satisfy your appetite.
This tour is highly rated — a perfect choice for travelers short on time but eager to indulge in authentic Icelandic cuisine. A reviewer mentions, “All five stops were delicious and bigger portions than we imagined,” highlighting its value.
Bottom line: If you want a lively, engaging, and tasty overview of Akureyri’s best bites, this tour hits the spot.
3. From Akureyri Port: City Walk & Local Food
Our third pick is the From Akureyri Port: City Walk & Local Food. This 3-hour tour is perfect for cruise passengers or anyone arriving by boat. It begins with a convenient pickup at Laufásgata 1 or the Tourist Information Centre, followed by a guided walk through the city center.
The tour combines sightseeing with tastings at a local restaurant, where you’ll sample regional foods inspired by North Iceland’s traditions. You’ll learn about Akureyri’s history and its people, making this more than just a food tour — it’s a cultural introduction.
The itinerary includes a one-hour guided city walk, a one-hour regional food tasting, and ends at Hafnarstræti. The reviews are glowing, with a 5/5 rating for the quality and insight of the experience. At $131 per person, it offers a good value if you want an immersive, well-organized introduction to the city in a short time.
Bottom line: Ideal for cruise visitors or short-stay travelers who want a balanced mix of city sights, local stories, and regional cuisine.
$131 per person
How to Choose the Best Food Tour in Akureyri
When selecting your perfect culinary experience, consider your schedule, budget, and what you most want to enjoy. If combining wildlife with food sounds appealing, the Food Walk and Whale Watching Tour offers a full day of adventure.
Short on time but eager to taste Icelandic staples? The Food Walk With 5 Tastings provides a concentrated experience. For a cruise stop or quick city overview, the City Walk & Local Food covers both sights and bites efficiently.
Booking early is recommended, especially in peak seasons, so plan ahead to secure your spot.
In summary, Akureyri offers a variety of food tours that cater to different interests and time constraints. The whale watching combo is perfect for nature lovers who also want a taste of local cuisine, while the shorter tasting walk offers a more focused culinary delight. For those arriving by cruise or with limited time, the city walk and local food provides a quick, engaging introduction.
No matter which you choose, these tours are a delicious way to get to know Akureyri beyond just its stunning landscapes. We encourage you to book early and enjoy every bite of your Icelandic adventure.