Reykjavik Beer & Booze Tour

Reykjavík’s beer story is stranger than you might expect. On this evening walk, you visit three downtown bars, taste several Icelandic beers and snaps, and hear how beer was banned in Iceland for 74 years. Guides such as Bo, Óli, Stefán, and Chris mix local history with jokes and practical advice.

I like the small group size, capped at 12, because it gives you room to ask questions and chat with other people. I also like the useful route through central Reykjavík: you learn where to drink, how to get around, and which bars or restaurants may suit you later. The main drawback is simple: at $131.87, this is not a cheap night out, and the quality depends heavily on the guide leading your group.

Key points to know before booking

• Three central bars: Visit Skúli Craft Bar, Session Craft Bar, and Ölstofa Kormáks og Skjaldar.
• Several Icelandic tastings: Expect a range of craft beers, with snaps available as an alternative or addition.
• A memorable history lesson: The tour explains Iceland’s 74-year ban on beer and the country’s unusual relationship with alcohol.
• Useful for first-time visitors: The walking route helps you get your bearings in Reykjavík’s city center.
• Small, social groups: The maximum group size is 12, with some departures much smaller.
• Evening timing: The tour starts at 6:00 pm and lasts about two to two and a half hours.

Why Icelandic beer makes a good Reykjavík introduction

Iceland is often associated with hot springs, waterfalls, and long drives. Yet the country’s drinking culture gives you a quick, entertaining lesson in modern Iceland. Beer was banned for 74 years, and it only became legal again in 1989. That fact gives the tour a clear theme instead of turning into a simple pub crawl.

You are not just handed a drink and sent on your way. At the first two bars, the guide explains the beer and booze scene, tells stories about Icelandic drinking customs, and shares bits of local life. The history is meant to be light and funny, but it also explains why Iceland has such a young craft beer culture compared with many European countries.

I like this approach because you can enjoy the drinks even if you are not a serious beer fan. One person who joined mainly for a partner found a beer suited to a different taste and ended up enjoying it. The tastings include different styles, and guides may help you choose something beyond the most familiar lager.

The tour also gives you a ready-made social setting. You walk between bars with a small group, sit together for tastings, and usually have plenty of time to talk. Solo visitors may find this especially useful on a first evening in town. One departure even led people to meet up again later in their trip.

Meeting at Ingólfur Square at 6:00 pm

The meeting point is Hlöllabátar at Ingólfstorgi 1, in central Reykjavík. You should arrive at Ingólfur Square five minutes early. The tour does not include hotel pickup, so plan to reach the square on your own.

The starting point is near public transportation and sits in the city center, which makes it practical if you are already exploring downtown. The finish is at Ölstofa Kormáks og Skjaldar on Vegamótastígur. You do not return to the starting point, but both locations are in central Reykjavík.

Starting at 6:00 pm works well for several kinds of itineraries. You can spend the afternoon sightseeing, visit a museum or swimming pool, then begin the tour in the early evening. You also finish in time to continue your night independently, although the drinks may make a quiet dinner more appealing than a packed schedule.

The walk takes place in all weather. Reykjavík can be wet, windy, or cold even when the forecast looks manageable, so wear a waterproof outer layer and shoes that handle wet pavement. This is not a coach tour. You will walk between venues, though the supplied details do not give an exact walking distance.

Stop one: a short welcome before the first drink

The tour begins with a five-minute meet-and-greet before heading to the first bar. This is brief, but it sets the group’s pace and gives you a chance to meet the guide and other people joining the evening.

Because the group can be as large as 12, this opening matters. You get a quick introduction before settling into the first tasting, rather than trying to work out who everyone is after several drinks. The minimum departure size is two people, so a very small group is possible.

That can work in your favor. Small departures have been described as relaxed and personal, with plenty of direct conversation. The tradeoff is that a tiny group may feel less lively if you were hoping for a larger social crowd. The experience changes somewhat with the size and mix of the group.

Stop two: Skúli Craft Bar and the story of the ban

Skúli Craft Bar is the first full stop, with about 45 minutes set aside for Icelandic craft beers or a snaps. This is where the evening’s main theme begins: the unusual history of alcohol in Iceland.

The guide discusses the beer ban and the way Iceland’s drinking culture developed after beer returned. You may also hear explanations of local customs, toasting, and the difference between everyday drinking and the drinks made for special occasions. One guide, Sveinbjörn, taught the group how to toast in Iceland and added bits of Icelandic language and humor.

This is a strong first stop because you have enough time to taste without being rushed. It also gives the guide space to learn what you like. If you are unsure about beer, say so early. The guides have sometimes suggested particular flavors to people who did not think of themselves as beer drinkers.

The exact samples can vary. The tour promises Icelandic beverages, not one fixed menu printed in advance. That is useful if you enjoy variety, but less useful if you want to know the precise beers before paying.

Stop three: Session Craft Bar and a broader tasting

Session Craft Bar is the second major stop, lasting about 50 minutes. Here, the planned tasting includes four different Icelandic beers, though snaps may be offered instead or alongside the beer selection.

This is likely the most substantial tasting stop. You can compare styles and talk through what you are drinking, rather than simply moving from one pint to the next. At some departures, you may receive a choice from several beers or even pour your own selection. That hands-on detail adds a bit of fun to the evening.

The guide also shares tips, tricks, and stories about Reykjavík’s craft beer and booze scene. This is the part of the tour most likely to help you plan the rest of your stay. You can ask where to go for another beer, which restaurants are worth considering, and how the downtown nightlife fits together.

The tone is social and informal. Guides including Bo, Óli, Matthias, and Chris have been singled out for humor, warmth, and good local suggestions. Those qualities matter here because nearly an hour in one bar can feel either generous or slow, depending on how well the guide keeps the conversation moving.

A word of caution: this is an alcohol-focused experience, not a food tour. Some departures have included small snacks or pairings, but food is not listed as a standard inclusion. Do not arrive expecting dinner.

Stop four: Ölstofa Kormáks og Skjaldar and a final specialty beer

The final stop is Ölstofa Kormáks og Skjaldar, where you spend about 45 minutes sampling a unique award-winning Icelandic beer and discussing its background. The bar is presented as a place to try something you cannot find everywhere else.

This gives the evening a proper finish. You have already tasted several beers, learned the broad history, and seen how different bars shape Reykjavík’s drinking scene. The last stop narrows the focus to one distinctive beer and the story behind it.

It also explains why the advertised duration reaches two to two and a half hours. Three bars, several tastings, and walking time require an unhurried pace. You are not racing through a checklist of venues.

The end point is useful if you want to continue in the central area. You are free to make your own plans afterward, but keep in mind that the tour includes alcoholic beverages throughout the evening. Pace yourself, drink water when you can, and do not treat every sample as a full-size drink unless the guide explains otherwise.

What the $131.87 price really covers

At $131.87 per person, this is an expensive bar crawl if you measure value only by the amount of alcohol. The price includes the beverages, a local and professional guide, and the work of organizing tastings at three venues. It also buys a structured introduction to Reykjavík’s downtown drinking scene.

I would consider the price more reasonable if you are visiting for a short stay, want an easy first-night activity, or value history and conversation as much as the drinks. A solo visitor may also find the cost worthwhile because the tour creates an instant social group and removes the hassle of choosing bars alone.

The value is weaker if you already know Reykjavík’s bars, prefer to order exactly what you want, or do not drink much. You could visit bars independently for less money, though you would lose the guide’s route, stories, tasting structure, and recommendations.

The tour’s 96 percent recommendation rate and 4.9 rating from 166 reviews suggest that the experience usually lands well. Still, the occasional poor assessment points to a real concern: one person found the guide disengaged and the bars too quiet. That is worth taking seriously. A good guide can turn a simple tasting into a memorable evening, while a weak one can make three stops feel like three ordinary bar visits.

The guide matters more than the bar list

The most consistent strength is the people leading the tours. Bo, also known as Sveinbjörn, has been praised for his humor, stories, and clear explanations. Óli has guided several enjoyable departures, with a friendly style and a strong grasp of the beers. Stefán has been noted for combining beer knowledge, restaurant tips, Icelandic history, and lively storytelling.

Other named guides include Chris, Matthias, Arnar, Helgi, Kris, Matt, and Arnar. Their styles may differ, but the best guides do more than describe each beer. They notice the group, explain unfamiliar flavors, answer questions, and keep the walking sections interesting.

You should not assume you can select a particular guide unless the booking process specifically allows it. The guide assigned to your departure will shape the evening, and that is one reason the experience cannot be judged by the bar names alone.

The supplied comments include one three-star experience in which the guide gave little information unless asked. If you want the history side, be proactive. Ask about the beer ban, Icelandic drinking habits, local bars, and the beers in your glass. A curious group will usually get more from the format than a group that waits quietly.

Who will enjoy this most

I think this tour suits you best if you are visiting Reykjavík for the first time and want a fast introduction to the center. It is also a good match for solo visitors, couples, and small friend groups who want an organized night rather than a self-guided search for bars.

Beer fans will appreciate the range of Icelandic samples and the chance to compare several styles. History fans get a memorable subject in the 74-year ban. People who are less interested in beer can still enjoy the stories, local recommendations, and social setting, though you should tell the guide about your preferences.

The tour is less suitable for anyone avoiding alcohol, anyone who wants a full meal, or anyone who dislikes walking between venues. The minimum drinking age is 20, and the experience includes alcoholic beverages.

Most people can participate, but the tour operates in all weather. Reykjavík’s conditions can change quickly, so your clothing matters. A warm waterproof layer will make the walk much more comfortable.

Booking, timing, and cancellation details

Confirmation is provided when you book. The tour requires at least two people to operate, and if that minimum is not reached, the company may cancel and offer a different date or experience, or provide a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the 6:00 pm start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted. The cutoff follows Reykjavík local time.

The tour is offered in English and uses a mobile ticket. It is usually booked about 57 days ahead, so booking early makes sense if your dates are fixed, especially during a busy visit.

Should you book the Reykjavík Beer & Booze Tour?

Book it if you want more than a list of bars. The best parts are the Icelandic beer history, the unusual story of the long beer ban, the small-group setting, and the practical advice you can use for the rest of your stay.

I would especially recommend it for a first evening in Reykjavík, a solo visit, or a group that enjoys meeting people while trying local drinks. The $131.87 cost is high, but the included tastings and guide-led route can justify it if you value structure and local context.

Skip it if you are a light drinker, already know Reykjavík’s nightlife, or want a lower-cost evening built around your own choices. Also keep your expectations realistic: the guide makes a major difference, and the exact drinks may change. For the right person, though, this is a fun way to get your bearings, learn why Icelandic beer has such an odd story, and begin the night with several good leads for the days ahead.

FAQ

Where does the Reykjavík Beer & Booze Tour start?

The tour starts at Hlöllabátar, Ingólfstorgi 1, 101 Reykjavík, near Ingólfur Square.

What time does the tour begin?

The start time is 6:00 pm. You should arrive at Ingólfur Square five minutes before departure.

Where does the tour end?

The tour ends at Ölstofa Kormáks og Skjaldar on Vegamótastígur in central Reykjavík.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately two to two and a half hours.

How many bars do you visit?

The planned route visits three bars: Skúli Craft Bar, Session Craft Bar, and Ölstofa Kormáks og Skjaldar.

What drinks are included?

Beverages and alcoholic beverages are included. The tastings feature Icelandic craft beers, and snaps may be available as an alternative or addition.

What is the minimum drinking age?

The minimum drinking age for this tour is 20.

How many people can join the tour?

The tour requires at least two people to operate and has a maximum group size of 12.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations and changes made less than 24 hours before the tour are not refunded or accepted.