Reykjavik: Beer and Booze Tour

Reykjavik’s beer culture is a shortcut to the city’s soul. This 150-minute night pairs a laid-back bar walk with tastings and quick orientation in the center, so you leave knowing where you are and what to order next. I especially love the small-group feel, and the way guides like Chris and Kristjan bring the stories to life while you sample 10 craft beers (or 5 spirits).

One thing to think about first: this is an alcohol-focused tour. If you’re under 20, or if you’d rather not spend time inside bars, it may not be your best fit.

You’ll meet at Hlöllabátar and spend the evening hopping between distinct stops, starting with a short guided orientation and ending with drop-off options so you can keep the night going.

Key things I’d circle before you book

• 10 craft beer samples or 5 schnaps and spirits included, so you know the budget up front
• Small groups that actually let you talk, not just clink and move on
• A 10-minute orientation at Ingólfstorg that makes the rest of Reykjavik feel easier
• Skúli Craft bar time for both beer and whiskey tasting, not just one style
• Different bar vibes at Lemmy and Ölstofa, so the night doesn’t blend together
• Fun, local-guide energy you’ll feel from the first minute, with guides like Arnar, Ástþór, and Asthor in the rotation

Starting at Hlöllabátar, then hopping into Reykjavik’s bar culture

This tour is built for a simple goal: get you comfortable in Reykjavik fast, then feed that comfort with a smart tasting plan. You start in a very central spot, outside Hlöllabátar the Sandwich Shop, facing Ingólfstorg Square and the two tall stone pillars. CenterHotel Plaza sits to your right, which helps you line up the scene quickly.

Your guide will usually wear a light blue jacket with Your Friend in Reykjavik on the back. That matters, because Iceland evenings can start dark and breezy, and you do not want to spend your first 10 minutes wandering.

If you like your nights to have structure but still feel relaxed, this hits the sweet spot. You’re not stuck on a bus, and you’re not doing the kind of rush that turns tasting into a chore.

Finding your guide and using the meeting-point map trick

I like that the meeting point is specific enough that you can get it right even if it’s your first time in town. Outside Hlöllabátar, you’re basically anchored by landmarks: Ingólfstorg Square, the two stone pillars, and the nearby hotel on the right.

A practical move: when you arrive, scan for the light blue jacket. It beats doing the mental game of, Are we the group here or there?

Some people do report meeting-point mix-ups, so it’s smart to double-check before you start drinking. Once you’re on the correct group, the evening tends to flow smoothly.

Ingólfstorg in 10 minutes, the quickest orientation in the center

The tour begins with a brief guided stop at Ingólfstorg. This is only about 10 minutes, but it sets you up for the rest of the night because you understand what you’re looking at.

Why it matters: Reykjavik is compact, but it’s still easy to miss the city’s “why.” A quick orientation helps you connect the dots between streets, landmarks, and the kind of local culture you’ll hear about during tastings. You also get moving right away, which helps when the weather shifts.

Think of this as your mental warm-up. By the time you reach the first proper tasting bar, you’re not just following steps, you’re paying attention.

Skúli Craft bar for beer and whiskey tasting, the big anchor stop

Skúli Craft bar is the first major tasting block, with about an hour set aside for beer and whiskey tasting. This is a good layout if you want variety early, because you’re not stuck with only one type of drink.

What I like about this stop is that it usually feels like more than a checklist bar. The tasting format gives you a chance to learn what you like, rather than forcing you to commit to one beer style right away.

Also, the pace tends to be conversation-friendly. Guides such as Chris have been described as funny and engaging while keeping the group involved. That matters because the best part of a tasting tour is the “why” behind the pour, not just the taste itself.

Possible drawback: if you’re someone who wants only beer, the whiskey element might slow your beer focus for part of the hour. Still, it’s integrated into the plan, so you get time to sample enough beer options either way.

Lemmy: 45 minutes of beer sampling and a change of vibe

After Skúli, you move on to Lemmy for about 45 minutes of beer tasting. This is where the tour avoids the sameness problem that happens on longer pub crawls.

A different bar means different atmosphere, and that helps you notice the differences between the beers you’re trying. It also gives your legs a change of scenery during the walk, which is no small thing in Iceland when the cold can creep in.

If you’re not a hardcore beer person, this stop is where your guide’s matching skills can help. Some guides are good at steering people toward lighter or sweeter options, so you still feel included even if your taste runs more toward easy drinking.

Ölstofa: another tasting block and a strong finish

Next is Ölstofa, again around 45 minutes with beer sampling. By the time you reach this stage, you’re usually warmed up, both from the drinks and from getting used to the group energy.

What I like about ending up at another distinct bar is that you get closure with variety. You can compare what you liked earlier to what’s offered here, which makes your last tastings feel more purposeful.

In reviews, people also mention standout pours at this kind of stage, including styles like Black Death. You might encounter something like that depending on the specific selection for your night, but the main point is that the tour does not treat the end as filler.

Drop-off after Ölstofa means you can keep the night going without being forced into one last official venue. You get two drop-off locations listed: Bastarður Brew Pub and Ölstofa.

Why the Icelandic beer story hits (even if you just came for tastings)

This tour doesn’t just hand you drinks. It gives you context for why beer is such a big deal in a country where freshwater and climate shape everything.

You’ll hear how Icelanders have a short but proud brewing story, and how they’ve had to use their freshwater wisely. You’ll also get the long sweep of beer culture, from Viking-era references to the resurgence of microbreweries today.

One detail that really sticks: beer was banned in Iceland for 74 years. That kind of rule shapes culture. It helps explain why drinking laws and drinking traditions feel so specific here, and why the modern craft scene feels both stubborn and proud.

I also like that guides keep this story practical. It’s not just dates on a timeline. It’s tied back to what you’re tasting and how people talk about beer in everyday life.

Value check: $128 for 10 tastings, plus the local-guided part you cannot DIY

Let’s talk money, Iceland-style. Alcohol is rarely cheap, even in regular bars. The tour price is $128 per person, and the big value lever is that all drinks are included.

So instead of paying separate bar tabs, you’re paying for a fixed tasting structure. You also get 150 minutes of guided time, including that short city orientation and multiple stops, which is harder to replicate if you’re trying to build an itinerary on your own.

You get two main tasting paths, depending on what’s offered for your group: 10 Icelandic craft beers or 5 schnaps and spirits. Either way, you’re not just sampling one beer and hoping for the best. You’re comparing multiple options in a guided setting.

Price consideration for some people: if you only want one or two drinks total, this might feel like more alcohol than you intended. On the flip side, if you want a serious sampling session without surprise costs, this is a strong deal.

Small groups mean better conversation, not just more chances to clink

A repeated theme is that the groups are small. That changes the whole tone of the night because the guide can talk with you instead of performing at you.

People have described evenings where it was just two guests and the guide. That is ideal if you want to ask questions about where to eat next, how Reykjavik nightlife works, or what to order if you’re still figuring out your taste.

And because the guide is with you while you sample, you can ask follow-ups right away. It’s much easier than trying to track down the perfect beer later with a dead-end Google search.

Practical tips so you enjoy the walk and the bars

This is an outdoor-to-indoor flow, so dress like Iceland is part of the itinerary. Wear layers. Even if you start mild, the air can bite during breaks between bars.

Also, bring your passport or ID card. The tour is strict about age rules: you must be 20 or older. The legal age to purchase alcohol in Iceland is 20, so the tour only allows people who meet that.

A key note for planning: pregnant women are listed as not suitable for this tour. That’s not me being dramatic. It’s about the alcohol-centered environment and the bar setting.

If you’re a light drinker, you can still enjoy the night. Ask for guidance early on what tends to be lighter or sweeter. Guides are used to matching tastes, and the tasting format is flexible enough to keep you from feeling stuck.

Who this tour suits best, and who should skip it

This is best for you if:

• You want an easy way to get oriented in central Reykjavik
• You like craft beer culture and want a guided set of tastings
• You want local storytelling tied to what’s in the glass
• You value a small-group vibe where you can talk

It may not be best if:

• You cannot or do not want to drink alcohol, because the tour is built around included tastings
• You are under 20, since the tour does not allow people younger than the legal purchasing age
• Bar environments are not your thing, since you spend real time inside multiple venues

Should you book the Reykjavik Beer and Booze Tour?

If your ideal Reykjavik evening includes a guided walk, multiple Icelandic pours, and real local context, I’d book it. The price feels fair because drinks are included, and the tasting variety is built into a structured 150 minutes.

I’d skip it if you’re looking for a mostly food-based experience, because food is not included. I’d also hesitate if you want low-key sightseeing only, since this tour leans into alcohol and bar time rather than museums and views.

For most people 20 and older who want the craft beer side of Reykjavik without planning every step, this is one of the cleanest ways to start your night.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik Beer and Booze Tour?

The tour duration is 150 minutes.

What drinks are included?

You get 10 Icelandic craft beer samples, or you can do 5 different schnaps and spirits samples (depending on the tasting format for your group).

Where does the tour meet?

You meet outside Hlöllabátar the Sandwich Shop, facing Ingólfstorg Square and the two tall stone pillars. CenterHotel Plaza is to your right.

Is hotel pickup included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is food included in the price?

Food is not included.

What age is allowed on the tour?

The tour only allows people who are 20 or older.

What should I bring?

Bring a passport or ID card.

Is the tour in English?

Yes, the live tour guide speaks English.

Can I book a private group?

Yes, a private group is available.

FAQ

What’s the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.