Reykjavik: Beer and Booze Tour

Reykjavik’s beer story has one wonderfully strange twist: beer was banned in Iceland for 74 years. This 2.5-hour walk turns that odd fact into a lively introduction to Icelandic drinking culture, with stops at three central bars and up to 10 local beers to sample.

I like the small-group feel and the useful city orientation. Guides such as Kristjan, Arnar, Astor, and Ástþór bring humor and local stories, while the generous tasting lineup gives you a practical sense of what to order later. The main drawback is that two of the bars may feel fairly ordinary, and the tour is built around drinks rather than food or grand sightseeing.

Why this Reykjavik beer tour is worth your evening

• Ten Icelandic craft beers are included, or you can choose five schnaps and spirits instead.
• The beer-ban story adds real context, from Viking brewing to the modern microbrewery revival.
• Three central bars create an easy walking route through Reykjavik’s city center.
• Skúli Craft Bar offers a chance to try unusual beer, including a possible new brew not yet widely sold.
• Guides offer practical nightlife advice, including where to eat and where to continue your evening.
• The $112 price makes more sense in Iceland, where drinks are costly and all samples are included.

Three bars, ten tastes, and a quick lesson in Iceland

This is not a late-night pub crawl built around loud music and rushed drinks. It is a guided tasting walk, with enough time at each stop to talk, compare beers, and ask questions about Iceland.

You meet your guide in Ingólfur Square, beside the two stone pillars that rise more than three meters high. The square is in front of Center Hotels Plaza at Aðalstræti 6, near the start of Austurstræti. This detail matters because Reykjavik has several statues and squares with similar names. Do not head to the statue of Ingólfur Arnarson or the statue of Jón Sigurðsson at Austurvöllur.

Your guide usually wears a light blue jacket marked Your Friend in Reykjavik. Arrive at least five minutes early. Once the group has started walking, it can be difficult for the guide to locate late arrivals.

The route begins with a short guided walk toward Ingólfur Square and continues through the central streets. You get a quick orientation without spending the night on a formal city tour. That balance works well if you have just arrived in Reykjavik and want to understand where the main bars sit before going out on your own.

Iceland’s 74-year beer ban gives the tour a point

The best part of this experience is not simply the number of glasses placed in front of you. It is the explanation of why beer has such a short modern history in Iceland.

You will hear about beer from the Viking era, the use of Iceland’s clean freshwater, and the rise of local microbreweries. Most striking is the fact that beer remained illegal for 74 years. Beer Day, celebrated on March 1, marks the end of the ban in 1989.

That background changes the way you taste the drinks. Iceland does not have the centuries-old pub culture found in parts of Britain, Belgium, or Germany. Its current craft beer scene is younger, more experimental, and closely tied to the country’s modern drinking culture.

The guide also explains Icelandic alcohol laws and habits in a relaxed way. This is one reason the tour works for people who want more than a list of bars. You leave with a better sense of why drinking in Reykjavik can feel expensive, why local beer is worth seeking out, and how alcohol fits into a night in the capital.

Stop one: Skúli Craft Bar and the strongest opening

The first main stop is Skúli Craft Bar, where you spend about an hour tasting beer and whiskey. This is the most important stop for anyone interested in Iceland’s craft brewing scene.

You can expect a flight of Icelandic beers and an explanation of what you are drinking. The exact selection can change, which is part of the appeal. You might even try a new beer from an Icelandic microbrewery that has not yet reached the wider market.

Skúli is also where the tasting feels most deliberate. You have time to ask about brewing, ingredients, styles, and local producers. If you are not a serious beer drinker, this is a useful place to tell the guide what you usually like. One participant who did not care much for beer found lighter and sweeter choices that worked well.

The inclusion of whiskey at this stop gives the experience some range, though the tour is still primarily a beer walk. If you choose the spirits option, this stop becomes especially relevant.

Stop two: Session Craft Bar keeps the pace easy

The second stop is Session Craft Bar, with about 45 minutes devoted to beer. By this point, you have the basic context, so the focus shifts toward tasting and conversation.

Session Craft Bar helps break up the route without making the night feel rushed. You can compare another set of Icelandic beers and talk with the guide about what you have liked so far. Since the group size is small, it is easier to ask questions than it would be on a large organized pub crawl.

The atmosphere may not be the main reason to book the tour. This is a practical stop for sampling and discussion rather than a destination you need to visit on its own. That is worth knowing if you expect every bar to feel special or theatrical.

Stop three: Ölstofa and the end of the official route

The final stop is Ölstofa, where you spend roughly 45 minutes. This brings the beer portion of the evening to a close and gives you another chance to taste local choices in a more relaxed setting.

Some groups may sample schnaps or spirits here, including Brennivín, Iceland’s well-known caraway spirit often called Black Death. The spirits option includes five different schnaps and spirits rather than 10 beers, so choose the format that suits your taste before booking.

The tour ends at Ölstofa or nearby Bastarður Brew Pub, depending on the arrangement for your group. The stated meeting point is also listed as the end point, so confirm the exact finish with your guide on the day. In either case, you are left in the central area, with the guide available to suggest food or another place to continue your night.

What $112 buys you in Reykjavik

The price is $112 per person, and that is not a small amount for a 2.5-hour activity. Still, Icelandic drinks are expensive, and the cost includes 10 craft beer samples or five schnaps and spirits. You are also paying for a guide, the walking route, and the cultural background that ties the tasting together.

If you bought 10 separate drinks in Reykjavik, the total could quickly approach or exceed the tour cost. The exact value depends on how generous the pours are and how much you would normally drink, but the included lineup makes the price reasonable for a dedicated beer enthusiast.

The value is better if you use the guide’s advice afterward. Ask where to eat, which bars suit your taste, and where you might find more Icelandic beer. You are not simply paying for alcohol. You are buying an early map of Reykjavik’s drinking scene.

I would not book this tour if you only want one or two drinks, dislike beer, or are mainly looking for a meal. I would consider it a good use of money if you plan to sample several local beers anyway and want someone to explain what you are ordering.

The guides make the difference

The guide is central to the experience. Kristjan has been praised for presenting Icelandic beers clearly and even providing snacks. Arnar brings humor and gets everyone involved, while Astor and Ástþór are known for an entertaining, friendly approach.

The names matter because the best moments on this tour come from conversation. You can ask about Icelandic culture, alcohol laws, Reykjavik nightlife, and local food. Several small groups have ended up staying together after the official tasting, which tells you something about the social side of the evening.

Guide quality can vary from one departure to another, as it does on any walking tour. The supplied rating is 4.9 from 52 ratings, with repeated praise for the guides’ warmth, humor, and ability to explain both beer and Icelandic culture. One caution is that not every stop will suit everyone equally. The guide can make an average bar more worthwhile, but cannot guarantee that every setting will be your favorite.

Who will enjoy this experience most

I would recommend this tour to:

• Adults who enjoy trying local beer rather than sticking to familiar brands.
• First-time visitors who want an easy introduction to Reykjavik’s center.
• Solo visitors and couples who want a social evening without planning every stop.
• People interested in Icelandic history, alcohol laws, and modern city culture.
• Anyone with a short stay or stopover who wants a useful night out.

It is less suitable for anyone under 20, since Iceland’s legal drinking age is 20 and people younger than 20 are not allowed inside the bars used for this activity. Children and infants cannot join. The experience is also not suitable for pregnant women.

The walk is casual, but you should wear layers. Reykjavik weather can change quickly, and you move between bars on foot. Bring a passport or ID card, since proof of age may be needed.

Beer or schnaps: choosing the right format

The standard choice is 10 Icelandic craft beers. This is the better option if you want to learn about Iceland’s brewing scene, compare different styles, and find a local favorite to order later.

The alternative is five schnaps and spirits. This may suit you if beer is not your thing or if you want to try Icelandic spirits such as Brennivín. You receive fewer samples, but the drinks may offer a clearer look at another part of Icelandic drinking culture.

Tell the guide early if you prefer lighter, sweeter, or less bitter drinks. The guide can help shape the tasting toward choices you are more likely to enjoy. You do not need to arrive as a beer expert.

Practical timing and booking advice

The experience lasts 2.5 hours, but starting times vary, so check the schedule before booking. It is a good first-night activity because it helps you get oriented and gives you immediate suggestions for the rest of your stay.

It can also work well on a stopover, provided you have enough time to reach central Reykjavik and return afterward. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so plan your own way to the meeting point.

The tour runs in English, and private groups are available. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible. Those terms are useful if your Iceland itinerary depends on weather or changing flight plans.

Should you book the Reykjavik Beer and Booze Tour?

Book it if you want local drinks with local context, not just a list of bars. The 10-beer tasting, the strange story of Iceland’s long beer ban, and the chance to ask a guide about food and nightlife make this a practical introduction to Reykjavik after dark.

Skip it if you want a quiet dinner, a major sightseeing tour, or a polished bar experience at every stop. Two bars may feel fairly simple, and the total price is easier to justify for people who would otherwise buy several drinks.

For most adults who like beer, spirits, and informal conversation, this is a smart first or second evening in Reykjavik. Arrive early at the correct pillars in Ingólfur Square, wear layers, bring ID, and let the guide point you toward the next stop when the official tour ends.

FAQ

How long does the Reykjavik Beer and Booze Tour last?

The tour lasts 2.5 hours.

Where do I meet the guide?

Meet the guide at Ingólfur Square in central Reykjavik, beside the two stone pillars that are more than three meters high. The square is in front of Center Hotels Plaza at Aðalstræti 6.

How many drinks are included?

You can sample 10 Icelandic craft beers, or choose five schnaps and spirits instead.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included, though you can ask the guide for suggestions about where to eat afterward.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You must make your own way to the meeting point, and there is no hotel drop-off.

What is the minimum age?

You must be at least 20 years old. Children and infants cannot join because people under 20 are not allowed inside the bars used for the tour.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The tour is conducted in English.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve the tour and pay later.