Operated by: Your Friend in Reykjavik

Reykjavík: Craft Beer & Icelandic Spirits Walking Tour

Explore Reykjavík's bar scene on a 2.5-hour walking tour with a fun local guide. Visit three bars, sample nine Icelandic craft beers or choose gin, vodka, or Brennivín, and discover the fascinating — and bizarre — history of alcohol in Iceland.

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Starts From: Reykjavik
Pickup: No pickup
Minimum age: 20+
Difficulty: Very easy
Season: All year
Passengers: Min 1
Travel method: Walking

About this experience

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Beer was banned in Iceland for 74 years. Today, Reykjavík has a thriving craft beer and spirits scene — and this 2.5-hour walking tour is the most entertaining way to explore it. Led by an expert local guide, you'll visit three bars in the Reykjavík city centre and taste your way through some of the country's best drinks.

At the start of the tour, choose your path: sample nine unique Icelandic craft beers, or opt for a selection of Icelandic gin, vodka, or variations of the national spirit, Brennivín. Wine is also available to order at each venue for those who prefer it.

Along the way, your guide shares the strange and colourful history of alcohol in Iceland — from prohibition to the modern microbrew explosion — plus insider tips on where to eat, drink, and have fun during your stay. It's equal parts cultural education and genuine good craic.

All drinks are included in the tour price, making this one of the most straightforward ways to experience Reykjavík's nightlife without the guesswork of navigating bar prices on your own.

Highlights

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Visit three bars in Reykjavík city centre
Choose from nine Icelandic craft beers or spirits including Brennivín, gin, and vodka
Learn the bizarre 74-year history of alcohol prohibition in Iceland
Get insider tips on where to eat, drink, and save money in Reykjavík
Expert, entertaining local guide throughout
All drinks included in the tour price

Experience details

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The tour begins outside Hlöllabátar sandwich shop at Ingólfstorg Square in central Reykjavík. Please arrive a few minutes before the scheduled start time.

Over 2 hours and 30 minutes, your local guide leads the group on a short walking route between three bars in the city centre. The walks between venues are brief, but Iceland's weather calls for warm layers regardless of the season.

Bar visits: Three carefully chosen Reykjavík bars, each offering a distinct atmosphere
Drinks: Nine craft beer samples or a selection of Icelandic spirits — gin, vodka, or Brennivín; wine available to order at each stop
Stories: The fascinating and often absurd history of alcohol legislation in Iceland
Local knowledge: Practical tips on the best places to eat, drink, and explore during your time in Iceland

This is a walking tour suitable for adults aged 20 years and over. The tour may be rescheduled if the minimum group size is not reached.

Why choose this tour

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This tour is run by Your Friend in Reykjavik, a local operator whose guides bring genuine enthusiasm and deep knowledge of Iceland's drink culture to every outing. Rather than a generic pub crawl, this is a structured tasting experience with real cultural context.

All drinks are pre-included — no surprise bar tabs
Flexible options for beer lovers and spirits enthusiasts alike
Ideal for first-time visitors looking to get oriented in the city centre
Small-group format with a knowledgeable, entertaining guide
Afternoon and evening availability suits most itineraries

What’s included

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All drinks included in the tour price. Tips and insider knowledge on the Reykjavík bar scene. Experienced local guide.

Pickup point

Pickup or meeting details are confirmed during booking.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to drink beer, or are there other options?↓

Beer is not mandatory. At the start of the tour you can choose to sample Icelandic gin, vodka, or Brennivín instead. Wine can also be ordered at each bar, though it will not be Icelandic in origin.

What is Brennivín?↓

Brennivín is Iceland's traditional distilled spirit, sometimes called Black Death. It is made from fermented grain and flavoured with caraway. The tour includes tastings and comparisons of Brennivín alongside other Icelandic spirits.

Where does the tour start?↓

The tour meets outside Hlöllabátar sandwich shop at Ingólfstorg Square, Austurstræti 1, central Reykjavík. Look for the two tall stone pillars facing the square. Arrive a few minutes before the scheduled start time.

Is there a minimum age for this tour?↓

Yes. This tour is open to adults aged 20 years and over, as confirmed by the operator's pricing category. Valid ID may be required at venues.

How much walking is involved?↓

The walks between the three bars are short. The route stays within central Reykjavík, so no significant fitness level is required. Warm, comfortable clothing is recommended as you will be outside between venues.

Why is Iceland's beer history so unusual?↓

Iceland maintained a prohibition on beer for 74 years — longer than almost any other country. Your guide explains the political and cultural reasons behind the ban, and how Iceland's craft beer scene has grown rapidly since beer was finally legalised in 1989.