Weekend Reykjavik Food Tour with a stop at the Reykjavik Flea Market

Reykjavík’s best food stories are served in small portions, from shellfish soup by the old harbor to the lamb hot dog sold at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur since 1937. This tour turns those bites into a walking introduction to Icelandic culture, with guides such as Óli, Stefán, Ester, and Ólafur bringing plenty of local color.

I like the small maximum of 12 people, which gives you room to ask questions, and I like that all tastings and drinks are covered in the price. The route also gives you a useful first look at downtown Reykjavík. The catch is timing: Kolaportið Flea Market opens only on Saturday and Sunday, and long lines or city events can disrupt the planned stops.

• Try classic Icelandic flavors: Shellfish soup, lamb hot dogs, traditional meat soup, dried fish, sweets, and other local foods appear along the route.
• Finish with a full bowl: Icelandic Street Food serves the closing meat soup, making the tasting feel more substantial.
• See Kolaportið on market days: The flea market stop is available Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Walk a compact downtown route: Begin at Ingólfur Square and finish near Lækjargata in central Reykjavík.
• Expect an entertaining guide: Óli, Stefán, Ester, Ólafur, and other guides are praised for stories, humor, and cultural explanation.
• Plan around the schedule: The tour lasts about three hours, but delays at busy stops can make it run longer.

Why this three-hour walk works on your first day

I see this as an orientation tour with food attached, not simply a meal broken into several stops. You start at Ingólfur Square, walk through central Reykjavík, and finish near a useful downtown restaurant area. Along the way, the guide explains how climate, volcanic ground, fishing, and limited local resources shaped Icelandic eating habits.

That makes it especially useful after an overnight flight. You have a reason to keep walking instead of going straight to bed, and the mix of food and short city walks can help you get your bearings. Several guests used it on their arrival day and found it a good way to push through jet lag.

The group size matters. With no more than 12 people, you can usually hear the guide and ask about odd-looking foods without having to shout across a crowd. Óli is described as calm and friendly, Stefán as funny and engaging, and Ester as a strong storyteller with a deep grasp of Icelandic culture and food traditions. Guides vary, so the tone will not be exactly the same on every departure.

Shellfish soup beside Reykjavík’s old harbor

The first proper tasting comes near the old harbor: an Icelandic shellfish soup. This is a sensible opening bite. Seafood is central to Icelandic food culture, and the soup gives you something warm before the walk continues.

The stop lasts about 25 minutes, enough time to eat and hear why seafood matters in Iceland. It is also one of the more approachable dishes on the route. If you are cautious about fermented foods or unusual meats, this gives you a familiar starting point.

Fish allergies need advance attention. The tour has accommodated food allergies with substitutions, including a successful fish-free alternative for one participant, but you should still tell the operator when booking and remind the guide at the start. Do not assume every tasting can be replaced without notice.

Kolaportið, Reykjavík’s weekend food market

Kolaportið Flea Market is one of the most distinctive parts of the experience. Inside, the food area offers a quick look at traditional Icelandic products gathered under one roof. Expect the guide to point out items such as dried cod, frozen sheep’s head, and other foods that may be far more familiar to Icelanders than to you.

This is not a polished food hall. That is the point. You get a glimpse of the practical side of Icelandic food, including products preserved or stored for a demanding climate. Some of the foods may be sampled, while others are mainly presented and explained.

The schedule is important. Kolaportið is open only on Saturdays and Sundays, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. If your tour does not fall inside those hours, the market stop cannot work as advertised. Even on an open day, allow some flexibility. One departure missed the market because city events caused serious traffic and route problems, while another included only a quick walk through it.

If the market is a major reason you want this tour, check the departure day and time before paying. The market can also be worth revisiting after the tour if you want more time to browse.

The famous lamb hot dog at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur

No Reykjavík food walk can ignore Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, the hot dog stall that dates to 1937. The Icelandic version is usually associated with lamb, and this stop gives you one of the city’s most recognizable quick meals.

The practical problem is the line. When the stall is busy, the group may have trouble getting served within the planned 15 minutes. One tour did not include the hot dog because the queue was too long, and a promised return voucher did not arrive. That is a real weakness because the hot dog is one of the clearest selling points of the route.

Taste is personal, too. Some people will find it a fun local bite, while others may prefer a Chicago-style hot dog or a more elaborate meal. I would not book the tour solely for this one item. Think of it as a cultural stop and a chance to try a Reykjavík classic, not a guaranteed gourmet highlight.

Supermarket shelves and Icelandic sweets

The supermarket visit lasts about 10 minutes and may sound ordinary, but it adds a useful layer to the tour. You get to see Icelandic snacks, candy, and everyday food rather than only restaurant dishes prepared for visitors.

This is where the guide can explain products you might otherwise pass without understanding. It is also the easiest place to spot something to take back with you, though the tour information does not promise shopping time or specific products.

For me, this stop helps balance the more unusual foods at Kolaportið. A supermarket tells you what Icelanders buy now, while the market offers a look at traditional ingredients and preserved foods. Together, they show more than a standard restaurant crawl.

Meat soup at Icelandic Street Food

The tour ends at Icelandic Street Food on Lækjargata, near the center of downtown Reykjavík. The final tasting is a large bowl of meat soup, described as Iceland in a bowl. After several small samples, this is the stop that makes the outing feel like a meal.

The planned visit lasts about 45 minutes, so you have time to sit, eat, and ask final questions. It is a comfortable finish after walking between stops, and the tour includes beverages plus an Icelandic alcoholic drink.

The amount of food is worth considering. Several people found the overall tasting filling, especially with the soup at the end. One person felt the portions were not quite enough to count as lunch, describing the soup and other samples as small. I would avoid eating a full lunch before the tour, but I would not count on it as a large dinner for every appetite.

What you will actually taste

The exact selection can change with restaurant conditions and availability, but the planned food experience includes:

• Icelandic shellfish soup near the harbor
• A lamb hot dog from Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur
• Traditional foods and products at Kolaportið
• Icelandic snacks and candy from a supermarket
• A bowl of meat soup at Icelandic Street Food
• An Icelandic alcoholic drink
• Other tastings that may include dried fish, shark, whale meat, rye bread ice cream, or similar local specialties

The unusual items are part of the appeal, but they are not guaranteed in every departure. One route included shark and whale meat, while another participant specifically noted missing rye bread ice cream after being placed on a different food tour. If you are choosing this because of one particular dish, ask the operator to confirm what is planned.

Shark can be a shock, and not everyone likes it. Whale meat was described as having a steak-like flavor. The point is not to enjoy every bite. It is to understand what Icelandic food culture includes and decide for yourself.

Is $151.38 a fair price?

At $151.38 per person, this is not a cheap way to eat in Reykjavík. You are paying for more than the food itself: a professional English-speaking guide, several tastings, beverages, an alcoholic drink, taxes, and about three hours of walking and explanation.

The value is strongest if you want context. Buying soup, a hot dog, candy, and a restaurant meal on your own could cost less or more depending on what you choose, but it would not give you the same sequence or background. You also avoid guessing which foods are genuinely local and which are simply marketed to visitors.

The price feels less convincing if you want a full lunch, a long shopping session, or guaranteed access to every advertised stop. Portions vary, the hot dog can be lost to the queue, and the flea market is tied to its weekend opening hours. I would book it for the guided introduction, not as a bargain meal.

Walking, weather, and group conditions

The route is not described as strenuous, but it includes some uphill walking and stairs in restaurants. Most people can take part, yet stairs may be inconvenient if you have mobility concerns. Ask about the route before booking if that could affect your day.

Reykjavík weather can shift quickly, and the tour runs in all conditions. Wear waterproof outer layers and shoes that can handle wet pavement. You will spend time outdoors between food stops, even though the tastings happen indoors or at food counters.

The meeting point is at Hlöllabátar in Ingólfstorg, and you should arrive at Ingólfur Square five minutes early. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. The tour ends at Icelandic Street Food, Lækjargata 8, so you finish in central Reykjavík rather than returning to your hotel.

Public transportation is nearby, but the central meeting point is easy to pair with other downtown plans. Do not schedule a tight activity immediately afterward. City festivals, marathons, and other events have caused route changes and late starts, and one tour ran longer than expected.

Who will enjoy this food tour most

I would choose this tour if you want a first taste of Iceland without spending your first day planning restaurants. It suits curious eaters, families with adult supervision for children, couples, and small groups who like food stories as much as food itself.

It is also a good fit for people who want to try dishes they might not order alone. The guide gives you a setting for shark, dried cod, unusual meats, and traditional soup, while the smaller group makes it easier to ask what you are eating.

You may want a different plan if you are a strict vegetarian, have several serious allergies, dislike walking in poor weather, or need a guaranteed market visit. Substitutions have worked well for some dietary needs, but the tour centers on Icelandic food, including seafood and meat. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Booking advice for the flea market and hot dog

Before booking, check three things: your tour day, the market opening hours, and whether the foods most important to you are confirmed. The flea market operates only Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and a long hot dog line can change the experience.

I would also contact the operator about allergies and tell the guide again at the meeting point. If you want the tour as your first activity in Reykjavík, leave the rest of the day open enough to absorb a late start or a longer finish.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund, and the tour requires a minimum number of participants. If the operator cancels for that reason, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a lively introduction to Reykjavík built around local food, short walks, and stories. The strongest parts are the small group, the old harbor soup, the market setting, and the final bowl of meat soup. Guides such as Óli, Stefán, Ester, and Ólafur have made the experience warm, funny, and informative.

Skip it if you need a guaranteed flea market visit, a large lunch, or a carefully controlled menu. The hot dog stop can fail when the queue is long, and special events can disrupt the route. For most first-time visitors who arrive curious and hungry, though, the tour offers a practical way to get oriented and start tasting Iceland before the rest of the trip begins.

FAQ

How long does the Reykjavík food tour last?

The tour lasts approximately three hours, though delays at busy stops or city events can make it run longer.

Where does the tour begin?

It begins at Hlöllabátar, Ingólfstorgi 1, in Ingólfur Square, Reykjavík. You should arrive five minutes before the scheduled start.

Where does the tour end?

The tour ends at Icelandic Street Food, Lækjargata 8, in central Reykjavík.

Is the flea market open every day?

No. Kolaportið Flea Market is open Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The market stop depends on the tour schedule and local conditions.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Food tastings, beverages, and an Icelandic alcoholic drink are included, along with taxes, fees, and the professional guide.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You meet the group in central Reykjavík and finish downtown.

What happens if I need to cancel?

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