BEER TOURS · REYKJAVIK
Good reykjavik beer tours fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 7 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Walk Reykjavik’s center with a local guide such as Bo, Óli, Stefán, or Chris, stopping at three bars for Icelandic craft beer and snaps. Expect a social evening, stories about Iceland’s 74-year beer ban, local tips, and tastings suited to the group.
“The beer door was so fun! Matt was such a great guide, very funny and gave great recommendations in the area! Would recommend to anyone in visiting Reykjavik!”
Join Lalli or Lella for a three-hour walk through central Reykjavik, linking Hallgrimskirkja, public art, City Hall, and Parliament with five food stops and local beer. Expect traditional dishes, generous portions, Icelandic stories, and a group capped at eight people.
“Loved Lolly and experiencing traditional Icelandic foods! He told us so much history and background of Iceland, the rest of our trip wouldn’t have been the same without this! 10/10 recommend”
Spend 150 minutes walking central Reykjavik with an English-speaking local guide such as Chris, Kristjan, Arnar, or Ástþór. Taste 10 Icelandic beers, or five schnapps and spirits, at Skúli Craft Bar, Lemmy, and Ölstofa, with stories about Vikings, Prohibition, and today’s microbreweries.
“Our guide was amazing. It was a Monday so maybe not the most busy night for a beer tour so we had him to ourselves. My friend isn’t a big beer drinker but he did a great job finding some lighter or sweeter options that she ended up really enjoying. Also, just a great price for the amount of drinks you get. They aren’t cheap anywhere in Iceland so getting to have some good drinks with great local history provided was awesome.”
Start at Dill Restaurant on Laugavegur with a guide-led supermarket visit, then sample Icelandic dishes and local craft brews at MicroBar Reykjavik. This small-group outing lasts about three hours, welcomes up to 12 people, and ends in central Reykjavik.
“A great travel experience and concept. I wish that this tour existed in 1990 when I first traveled to Iceland.”
Meet at Microbar Kópavogur at 4:30 pm for a one-hour tour of Gæðingur Brewery. Learn how water, malt, hops, and yeast become beer, then taste five 200 ml pours. Owner Árni may lead the visit, with groups capped at 14 people.
“Excellent effort from head brewery on the tour. A friendly brewery and taproom who made me most welcome. The beer was excellent with a large variety of styles and abv. Why Viator didn't tell them I was coming is beyond me.”
Spend four evening hours with an English-speaking Icelandic guide, visiting three Reykjavik bars for three beers, dinner, Viking stories, folklore, and live music. The tour begins and ends at Kaldi Bar, costs $149, and suits adults 20 and older who enjoy social nightlife.
Spend about two to two and a half hours with a private guide visiting Skúli Craft Bar, Session Craft Bar, and Ölstofa Kormáks og Skjaldar. Taste Icelandic beers or schnapps, hear the odd story of Iceland’s 74-year beer ban, and finish near Hallgrímskirkja.
“We had a private tour Arnar who took us to 3 different bars in Reykjavik. He gave us a history of beer/drinking in Iceland and picked out various beers for us to try. We were able to ask him questions about life in Iceland and he gave us great recommendations about what else to do in Iceland.”
