Icelandic Beer, Spirits & Brewery Tours

Iceland has a lively drinks scene that surprises many visitors — not least because beer was illegal here until 1989. Today Reykjavík has a thriving craft-beer culture, working distilleries, and its own signature spirit. Here’s what to know, and how to taste it.

A surprising bit of history

Beer was banned in Iceland until 1 March 1989 — a prohibition that lasted decades after wine and spirits were legal again. That date is still marked as “Beer Day” (Bjórdagurinn). In the years since, Iceland has more than made up for lost time, with craft breweries opening across the country.

Icelandic craft beer

Reykjavík’s microbreweries and beer bars are at the heart of the scene, pouring everything from crisp lagers to bold stouts, often using Icelandic water and local ingredients. A guided craft-beer walking tour is the easiest way in, with a guide to lead the tastings and the stories.

Brennivín, Iceland’s signature spirit

Brennivín is the national spirit: a clear, caraway-flavoured schnapps nicknamed “Black Death” (Svarti dauði). It’s traditionally drunk as a chilled shot, famously alongside fermented shark (hákarl) — see what to eat in Iceland.

Distilleries

Iceland’s young distilling scene produces whisky, gin, and other spirits, often using local botanicals and barley. A distillery tour pairs a look behind the scenes with a guided tasting — a relaxed, indoor experience that works in any weather.

How to taste the scene

• Want the broad picture? A craft-beer and spirits walking tour.
• Into whisky or gin? A distillery tour with a tasting.
• Prefer it private? Small-group and private versions are available.

Frequently asked questions

Was beer really illegal in Iceland? Yes — beer was prohibited until 1 March 1989, long after other alcohol was legal again. The anniversary is now celebrated as “Beer Day.”

What is brennivín? Iceland’s signature spirit: a clear, caraway-flavoured schnapps nicknamed “Black Death,” usually served as a chilled shot and traditionally paired with fermented shark.

Can you tour a distillery in Iceland? Yes — Reykjavík-area distilleries offer guided tours with tastings of Icelandic whisky, gin, and other spirits, making for an easy all-weather activity.

Find craft-beer walks and distillery tours on our food & drink tours page, or start with the best food & drink tours in Iceland.