Reykjavik Food Lovers Tour – Icelandic Traditional Food

Fermented shark is the moment you remember. This Reykjavik Food Lovers Tour strings together iconic tastings and local food stories, with a max of 12 guests and Hakarl at the final stop.

I like that it is built for walking and eating, not just looking. I also love the range, from harbour shellfish soup to the legendary 1937 lamb hot dog at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur.

One consideration: this is not a mild, safe-for-everyone menu. Expect lots of lamb and seafood, and the fermented shark is a serious test of bravery.

Key things that make this tour worth your time

• Small group size (max 12) keeps it personal and easier to ask questions
• Seven tasting stops gives you a real cross-section of Icelandic comfort food
• Weekend-only flea market at Kolaportið (11 am to 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays)
• The 1937 hot dog stop at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur is a Reykjavik tradition
• Dessert and snacks included at Taste Of Iceland, not just hot food
• Alcohol included at the end with Icelandic drink choices at Dass by Hallgrimskirkja

A small-group Reykjavik food walk, not a bus tour

Reykjavik works best on foot when the goal is taste, not sightseeing. This tour is designed as an easy downtown loop, with a friendly guide steering you from one stop to the next. The pacing matters here. You spend real time at each place, and you are not standing in line with a giant crowd.

The group limit is 12 people, which changes the vibe. You get more back-and-forth, and it is simpler to handle questions about what you are eating. I also like that the tour stays focused on food, not a broad city rundown. You get the essentials, plus the why behind the dishes.

Price and what you actually get for $152

At $152.37 per person, this is not the cheapest Reykjavik activity. But it is also not just a guided stroll. Your ticket covers all taxes and fees, plus the core value: professional guidance and tastings.

Here is what you should expect included:

• Food tasting at each stop
• Water at all stops
• Alcoholic beverages at the end (Icelandic drink of your choosing)

That last point is why the price can feel fair. At the end at Dass Reykjavik, you are not just buying one drink. You are wrapping up the tour with an Icelandic drink, and there is a good chance you will try something you would not pick on your own.

One more value point: the tour is set up so you can sample multiple signature foods in one evening. The cost of hitting each spot separately adds up fast, especially once you factor in drinks.

From Ingólfstorg to the harbor: stop by stop

The tour starts at Ingólfstorg, at Hlöllabátar (Ingólfstorgi 1, 101 Reykjavík). You will want to arrive about 5 minutes early. This is a classic “start together, move together” setup, and being late can throw off the group flow.

Stop 1: Ingólfstorg (meetup and kickoff)

This first stop is short, basically your start moment. It is a good place to orient yourself before you walk into the eating portion of the evening. Even though there is no food here, you get the sense of direction fast.

Why it works: quick start, easy meeting point, and it keeps the rest of the tour running on time.

Stop 2: Seabaron for shellfish soup near the old harbor

Next you head down toward the old Reykjavik harbor and get an appetizer-style tasting: Icelandic shellfish soup. This is a smart early pick because you learn the seafood side of the cuisine right away.

What to expect: a warm start, and a real taste of coastal Icelandic flavors.

Possible drawback: if shellfish is a deal breaker, you will want to flag that early, because the tour is built around Icelandic staples.

Stop 3: Kolaportið market for authentic flea-market food

Then comes the fun, casual market stop at Kolaportið inside the Reykjavik Flea Market. The catch is timing. The market is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 5 pm. If your tour date falls on a weekday, you may not get this exact vibe.

Why it is special: you are looking at small, traditional food culture in an easy, low-pressure way.

Practical note: this segment is 30 minutes, so it is enough time to wander and sample, but not long enough to do serious shopping.

Stop 4: Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, Reykjavik’s 1937 lamb hot dog

No Reykjavik food tour feels complete without the hot dog. This one sends you to Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, and the big detail is that it is the original from 1937.

What to expect: a classic street-food stop, usually the kind of thing you can eat while still moving with your group.

Why it matters: this is one of those foods locals treat as everyday culture, not a novelty.

Stop 5: Icelandic Street Food and lamb soup

After the hot dog, you get to the comfort-food section: Icelandic lamb soup. The tour describes it as lamb soup that feels like Iceland in a bowl. That is a great way to set expectations. This is hearty, filling food, and it is built to carry you through the end of the tour.

Timing: about 40 minutes. That is long enough to take your time and actually enjoy it.

Good for: people who want a sit-down tasting without the formality.

Stop 6: Taste Of Iceland for snacks, candy, and local delicacies

This stop is shorter, around 10 minutes, and it is more about variety. You check out unique Icelandic foods, snacks, and candy at a local delicacy store.

Why I like it: it adds sweetness and variety so the tour does not feel like a parade of only hot savory dishes.

What to watch: this is not a full shopping spree. It is a tasting and browsing moment, so come with an idea of what you want to try, or be ready to ask the guide for recommendations.

Stop 7: Dass Reykjavik by Hallgrimskirkja, including Hakarl and an Icelandic drink

You end at Dass Reykjavik near Hallgrimskirkja church. This is your big finish, about 45 minutes, and it is where you try several Icelandic delicacies, including the famous fermented shark (Hakarl).

The tour also ends with a drink, and your choices are Icelandic soft drink, alcoholic options, or other Icelandic drink options picked for the group. The tour recommends a special beer or maybe Black Death for Icelandic snaps, but not every group report matches that exact offer. Either way, the point is that you get a proper Icelandic send-off with your tastings.

Why this stop is memorable: you get a “made in Iceland” finale that most people never try on their own.

One reality check: Hakarl is intense because it is a fermented product. If you are even mildly unsure, you can still learn about it and decide at your own pace.

The food lineup: what you are really tasting, and why it makes sense

This tour has a clear logic. It moves from coastal flavors into classic street food, then ends with the most iconic fermented item.

You are likely to taste:

• Icelandic shellfish soup (early appetizer-style)
• Traditional market foods at Kolaportið (weekends only, 11 am to 5 pm)
• A lamb hot dog at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, the original since 1937
• Icelandic lamb soup
• Snacks and candy at Taste Of Iceland
• Multiple delicacies at Dass, including Hakarl

The biggest strength is that you are not stuck with one type of food. You get seafood, lamb, market bites, and sweets. That mix is why people describe the experience as a full Icelandic food memory, not just a meal.

Guides also seem to shape the experience in a big way. In the standout accounts, guides like Einar and Paul bring warm storytelling, with Paul described as a retired fisherman. Other guides, like Bo, are praised for connecting dishes to family stories and how food ties into Icelandic life. You also see names like Magnus and Óli mentioned for being funny and for providing enough context to help the foods click.

Drinks at the end: the Hakarl moment and your Icelandic pour

The drink portion is built to make the end of the tour feel like a celebration. At Dass, you choose a drink, and the tour offers the chance to try an Icelandic beer or snaps. The recommendation includes Black Death snaps, which is a very Icelandic brand to look for if you want the dramatic finish.

A practical tip: if you are also trying Hakarl, pace yourself. Many people remember the food most clearly when they are not rushed by alcohol. If you want to stay sharp, choose a lighter drink or even a non-alcohol option.

Weather, walking pace, and how to show up

This tour operates in all weather conditions. That is not a marketing line, it is the real deal in Iceland. Bring the layers and the outerwear you would use for an evening walk. If rain or wind hits, you will still be moving from stop to stop.

The walking is downtown and manageable. People often mention a good walking pace and clear transitions between venues. Still, you are outside parts of the time, so dress like weather can change quickly.

Also, come hungry. The tastings are described as generous in many accounts, and several people recommend bringing a real appetite. On the flip side, some people say portions are smaller than they expected, so you are not stuffed to the point you cannot enjoy dinner afterward. Either way, you will likely leave satisfied, not frantic.

Who this tour fits best (and who might want a different plan)

This is a great match if:

• You want an easy way to try a wide range of traditional Icelandic foods without planning each stop
• You like small-group experiences, with space to ask questions
• You want a guide who ties food to Icelandic life, not just a list of dishes

It might be less ideal if:

• You want only obscure, off-the-path restaurants. Some people feel the selections lean more mainstream than they hoped.
• You absolutely will not try seafood or anything fermented. The Hakarl stop is part of the identity of this tour.

It suits first-timers to Iceland who want the highlights fast, and it also works for repeat visitors who want a focused evening centered on food and culture.

Should you book this Reykjavik Food Lovers Tour?

If you want a practical Reykjavik night with lots of tasting and a guide who adds context, I think this is a strong choice. The value comes from the combination of multiple tastings, water, a guided route, and the included drink at the end. And the small group size makes the whole thing feel friendlier than a factory-style food crawl.

I would book it if you can handle lamb, seafood, and the idea that Hakarl is part of the experience. If that fermented shark is a hard no, or if you want a purely “only hidden places” tour, you might consider a different food approach.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik Food Lovers Tour?

The tour lasts about 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $152.37 per person.

What is included in the price?

It includes all taxes, fees and handling charges, water at all stops, food tasting, a professional guide, and alcoholic beverages at the end.

Are alcohol and Icelandic drinks included?

Yes. The tour ends with an Icelandic drink of your choosing, and alcohol is included as part of the experience.

What is the group size limit?

The maximum group size is 12 travelers.

Where does the tour start?

You meet at Hlöllabátar, Ingólfstorgi 1, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

Yes, it operates in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately.

Is the Kolaportið stop only on weekends?

Yes. The Reykjavik Flea Market and Kolaportið are open Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 5 pm.

Can kids join the tour?

Children must be accompanied by an adult, and most travelers can participate.

Can I get a refund if I cancel?

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