Private Food Walking Tour in Reykjavik

Bite your way through Reykjavík’s old core. This private, 3-hour walking tour lines up the classics and the everyday stops, from Ingólfstorg to the harbor to a finish at Dass Reykjavik by Hallgrimskirkja. I love the mix of proper Icelandic staples, like a lamb hot dog at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, plus quick hits of local snacks from a supermarket you’d actually use at home.

One possible drawback: if you are not excited about strong flavors, the fermented shark (hakarl) is an optional but very real part of the ending.

You’ll also want to match your day to the calendar. The Kolaportið Market add-on only happens on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 5 pm, so weekdays can feel a little less market-heavy than weekend tours. And one past participant flagged an issue with guide English and inappropriate political content, so if you’re traveling with kids or you want a no-drama atmosphere, it’s worth double-checking that your guide style fits what you want.

Key Highlights

• Ingólfstorg meetup at the two stone pillars tied to the original settlement story
• Harbor shellfish soup starter to warm up before the walking really starts
• Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur lamb hot dog stop at the original stand, with a friendly warning about copycats
• Supermarket snack peek for candy and foods locals actually buy
• Kolaportið Market weekend stroll inside the Flea Market (Sat-Sun 11 am to 5 pm)
• Dass Reykjavik finish with multiple tastings plus hakarl and your choice of drink

The Real Appeal: Food Stops That Explain Reykjavik

This tour is built for travelers who want more than just a plate. It moves you through locations that make sense geographically: old center first, then the harbor area, then the supermarket and market rhythm, and finally a restaurant finish near Hallgrimskirkja. That flow helps you connect the city’s layout to the food.

I also like that the tastings cover different categories of Icelandic eating, not only sit-down meals. You get stand food (hot dog), warming comfort (shellfish soup), packaged or grab-and-go items (supermarket snacks), and then the full send at the end with fermented shark.

Finally, the “private” part matters more than it sounds. You’re not squeezed into a big crowd with an overly scripted route. In the feedback, guides like Einar, Gardar, Olaf, Ester E, and Stefan are praised for shaping the conversation to the group, which is where these tours turn from sampling to real understanding.

Timing and Walking Reality: 3 Hours That Feel Manageable

The tour runs about 3 hours, with each stop kept tight. Many of the listed moments are 10 to 25 minutes, so you get frequent resets without constantly searching for the next place. It’s also set up with a clear start and end so you’re not wandering.

If you’re worried about walking, there is at least one note that the route felt manageable for limited mobility. Still, it is a walking food tour. You’ll want comfortable shoes and a willingness to stand and eat in real-world spots, not just inside neat museum rooms.

Pickup is offered from hotels within a specified radius. If you’re outside downtown, you’ll meet the guide at the main starting point instead. That is normal for Reykjavik walking tours, and it helps keep the schedule on track.

Stop 1 at Ingólfstorg: Setting the Stage Before You Eat

You meet at Hlöllabátar at Ingólfstorg Square, specifically outside the building facing the square and the two tall stone pillars. Those pillars are a quick “origin story” marker, tied to how the first settler of Iceland and Reykjavik decided to settle. It’s a short stop, around 5 minutes, and it works as a mental warm-up.

This matters because Icelandic food has a strong sense of place. The tour starts by giving you one anchor in the city center before you jump into seafood. Instead of just eating and moving on, you’ll be able to place what you’re tasting within Reykjavik’s early geography.

Stop 2 by the Harbor: Icelandic Shellfish Soup First

Next you head down toward the harbor. The appetizer here is Icelandic shellfish soup, served as an easy way to start tasting without committing to anything too intense right away.

Warm soup is also a practical move. Even in milder weather, Reykjavik can feel cool and windy near the water. This stop helps you settle in, get salt and seafood on your palate, and keep your energy up before the tour’s signature street food.

Stop 3 at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur: The Lamb Hot Dog Moment

No Reykjavik food plan feels complete without a run at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur. Here you taste a lamb hot dog, typically 20 minutes total for the stop.

This is one of those “do it at the original” moments. The tour description even warns you about copycats, and that’s fair. This stand is part of the city’s food identity, the kind of place people point to when they want you to try something that feels distinctly Reykjavik.

A tip for this stop: treat it like a street snack, not a sit-down meal. Eat it there, then take advantage of the next walking segment while you’re still in that happy comfort-food zone.

Stop 4 in a Local Supermarket: Candy, Snacks, and Normal Life

One of the more underrated parts of this tour is the local supermarket stop. You’ll browse unique Icelandic foods, snacks, and candy for about 10 minutes.

I like this because it shows what Icelanders grab between meals, not only what tourists order. It’s also where you can spot flavors you might not see on restaurant menus, and where it gets easier to shop on your own later.

If you’re the kind of traveler who brings back food souvenirs, this is one of your best windows to notice packaging, brands, and what looks normal versus what looks purely novelty. You’ll be better prepared when you’re comparing items later.

Stop 5 Kolaportið Market: The Weekend-Only Flea Market Add-On

If you’re lucky and you book on a weekend, the tour adds a stroll through Kolaportið Market inside the Reykjavik Flea Market. This stop is about 20 minutes, and admission is included.

Here’s the key detail: Kolaportið Market is only open Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 5 pm. If you’re on a weekday, you still get the other stops, but this specific market moment won’t happen.

This is the best part for people who want atmosphere as part of the food experience. Flea-market spaces also help you see how people socialize while shopping, which makes the tastings feel more like real local life than a checklist.

Stop 6 at Dass Reykjavik: Hakarl and Drinks Near Hallgrimskirkja

The tour ends at Dass Reykjavik, near Hallgrimskirkja church, for about 40 minutes. This is where you move from “tasting pieces” into a more restaurant-style finish, with several Icelandic delicacies.

The headline is the fermented shark (hakarl). If you’ve never tried it before, plan for a strong smell and a flavor profile that doesn’t match what you might expect from shark. The good news is that you’ll be guided through how to approach it, and you’ll also have other options at the table.

You also get a drink included. You can choose a non-alcoholic or alcoholic Icelandic drink, and the tour suggests going for a special beer or maybe Black Death, the well-known Icelandic schnaps. If you do try an alcohol pairing, stick to small sips. This stop is the finish line, not the final party.

Price and Value: Is $249.23 Fair for 3 Hours?

At $249.23 per person, this isn’t a budget snack stroll. So the value question is really about what you’re paying for.

Here’s what supports the price:

• It’s private, meaning it’s only your group.
• You get multiple tastings across very different settings, from harbor soup to a classic hot dog stand to a supermarket browsing moment.
• Two of the later stops come with admission included: Kolaportið Market (when it applies) and Dass Reykjavik.
• Pickup is available within the stated radius, which can save you time and walking logistics.

Here’s what can make it feel expensive:

• If you don’t want fermented shark, your experience may feel heavier at the end than you expected.
• If you’re traveling on a weekday, the Kolaportið add-on may not happen, so the market component depends on your travel day.

On balance, I think it’s worth it if you want a guided mix of iconic and normal Icelandic food, plus story time that helps you connect what you eat to the city. If your goal is only a couple of tastings and you plan to eat the rest on your own, you might find better value by building your own “food hits” list.

Guide Quality: The Names That Kept Showing Up in Feedback

Guide quality is the difference between eating quickly and actually enjoying the why behind the bite. In the feedback I saw, many guides are praised for storytelling and making the tour feel like a real conversation.

Names to remember from the notes:

• Einar, praised for background on food and the neighborhoods you walk through
• Gardar, praised for personable delivery and suggestions that go beyond the food
• Olaf, praised for tying Icelandic food to broader country context
• Ester E, praised for humor and keeping small groups engaged
• Stefan, praised not only for friendliness, but also for explaining how to approach the fermented shark

There is one caution too. A single negative report mentioned poor English, low engagement with kids, and inappropriate political propaganda. That’s not enough to predict your experience, but it is enough to treat expectations seriously. If you’re traveling with children or you care a lot about tone, you should message ahead and ask how the guide will handle sensitive topics and group needs.

Tips So You Enjoy Every Stop

This tour includes salty, seafood-forward, and strongly flavored options. You’ll enjoy it more if you walk in with a plan.

• Try to arrive hungry but not stuffed. You’ll be eating several items in sequence.
• If fermented shark is on your list, go in with a curiosity mindset. You do not need to love it to appreciate it.
• Bring a light layer. Near the harbor and around church areas, wind can change fast.
• If you’re a photo person, do it quickly. Some food is best eaten at the moment, and standing time can be short.
• If you have dietary restrictions, don’t assume every option will work. The tour description says you’ll have multiple tastings, so you’ll want to confirm what’s available for your needs before you book.

Who This Tour Suits Best

This is a great fit for:

• Foodies who want Icelandic specialties, not only international-friendly meals
• People doing a first Reykjavik visit who want a fast orientation through neighborhoods and food
• Adventurous eaters who are willing to try fermented shark and learn how to eat it properly
• Small groups who want a guide that can respond to their interests

It might be a tougher fit if:

• You strongly dislike seafood flavors and fermented tastes
• You prefer very mild food experiences only
• Your group needs heavy seating or long breaks, since this is built as a walk with short stops

Should You Book This Private Reykjavik Food Walk?

Book it if you want a guided, high-impact first taste of Reykjavik. The combination of harbor shellfish soup, the iconic lamb hot dog at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, supermarket snacks, and a Dass Reykjavik finish makes the price feel more defensible. You also get included admissions on the key stops, and you’re not sharing the route with strangers.

Skip it or reconsider if fermented shark feels like a hard no, or if you’re traveling midweek and you were hoping for Kolaportið Market. In that case, you might get more value by planning a lighter self-guided itinerary focused on the stops you actually want.

If you do book, choose the day intentionally. Weekend travel can add a fun flea-market vibe, and that can turn a solid food walk into a more memorable Reykjavik afternoon.

FAQ

How long is the Private Food Walking Tour in Reykjavik?

The tour runs for about 3 hours.

What is the price per person?

The price is $249.23 per person.

Is pickup offered?

Yes. Pickup is offered from hotels or accommodations within the specified radius. If you are staying outside downtown, you will meet at the tour start location.

Where do you meet for the tour?

The start point is outside Hlöllabátar at HlöllabátarIngólfstorgi 1, 101 Reykjavík. You meet facing Ingólfstorg Square and the two stone pillars.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It is a private tour/activity, so only your group participates.

What languages are the tours offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What foods are included on the route?

You’ll sample an Icelandic shellfish soup appetizer, a lamb hot dog at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, Icelandic foods and snacks from a supermarket, and tastings at Dass Reykjavik, which can include fermented shark (hakarl). You’ll also have an included drink at the end.

Does the Kolaportið Market stop happen every day?

No. The Kolaportið Market stroll is only added if you are walking with the group on Saturdays or Sundays, and it runs from 11 am to 5 pm.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience’s start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.