Reykjavik has a serious beer side. This 2.5-hour walk through three Reykjavik bars pairs Icelandic craft beer tastings with stories about how beer culture survived bans and came back strong. I love the straightforward payoff: 10 included tastings that point you to what’s worth ordering on your own. One thing to consider: there’s no food included, so you’ll want a snack plan before or after.

You start in the center, meet your guide at Ingólfur Square by the two tall stone pillars, and then walk at an easy pace. I also like the way the tour keeps the group tight—chatting with your guide about Icelandic drinking culture feels normal, not forced.

Key Things I’d Not Skip

• 10 craft beer samples (or 5 snaps/spirits) included in the price
• Small groups that make it easy to ask questions and keep the pace relaxed
• Three bar stops in Reykjavik that help you learn the city center fast
• Skúli Craft bar includes beer plus a whiskey tasting option
• A final stop that often turns memorable (many people get excited about beers like Black Death)
• All drinks are included, which matters because alcohol prices in Iceland can bite

Price and Drinks: What $112 Actually Gets You

At $112 per person for about 2.5 hours, this tour is basically a paid ticket to three things: guided city orientation, Icelandic beer history, and a set amount of alcohol tasting. The best value here is that you’re not buying each drink separately. In Reykjavik, that changes the math fast.

You’ll get either 10 Icelandic craft beer samples or 5 schnaps/spirits samples. The structure matters. You’re not stuck with one heavy pour all night—you usually get flights sized for comparison, so you can figure out what styles you like before you pay for anything on your own later.

The other value piece: your guide’s job isn’t just pouring beer. It’s explaining why Iceland’s beer scene looks the way it does—how locals use the country’s freshwater, how the culture moved from old stories into today’s microbreweries, and the long period when beer was banned. That context makes your tasting more fun, because you’re not drinking blind.

The Meeting Point: Ingólfur Square (Not the Statues)

This tour starts downtown, and the directions matter because Reykjavik street names can be tricky. Your guide meets you at Ingólfur Square, at the two stone pillars that are over 3 meters high. The square sits in front of Center Hotels Plaza on Aðalstræti, and it’s near the beginning of Austurstræti.

Do not aim for the statue at Austurvöllur. People often head to the wrong landmarks—Ingólfur Arnarsson and Jon Sigurdsson are famous, but they’re not the start of this tour. If you’re even a little unsure, use Google Maps.

Show up at least 5 minutes early. Once the group starts moving, it’s hard for your guide to re-find late arrivals in a city center that’s busy even when it’s quiet.

The Two-Part Start: Quick Orientation, Then the Tastings

Your first active moment is a short guided stop at Ingólfur Square—about 10 minutes. Think of this as the tour’s warm-up. You get oriented in the city center before you step into bars, so the rest of the night feels like one plan, not random wandering.

This is also where you’ll feel the difference between a walk with a guide and a DIY crawl. Your guide can point out what you’re about to notice—what kind of bars you’re entering, how the tasting schedule works, and what to look for when you’re ordering later.

Then you shift into bar time.

Stop 1: Skúli Craft Bar and the Beer-Plus-Whiskey Moment

The first main tasting stop is Skúli Craft bar, where you’ll spend about 1 hour. This is the place built for variety: plan for beer tasting, plus a whiskey tasting component.

Why that matters: Icelandic drinks don’t all follow the same rules as what you might expect from home. Pairing beer with whiskey tasting gives you a quick way to understand how locals think about flavor—smoke, sweetness, malt, and warmth can all show up in different forms depending on the pour.

You’ll also get one of the most “Iceland-specific” experiences of the evening here. The tour is designed to highlight beers you can find locally in Iceland, including craft labels many visitors can’t easily replicate elsewhere.

Drawback to keep in mind: if you’re not a whiskey person, you might wish the tasting leaned even harder into beer variety. Still, you’re not forced to drink everything at once—you can pace yourself.

Stop 2: Session Craft Bar for a Focused Beer Flight

Next is Session Craft Bar for about 45 minutes of beer tasting. This stop is shorter by design. The goal is to keep you moving through the city while giving you enough time to compare tastes across places.

I like this setup for practical reasons. It keeps you from getting bored halfway through. It also helps you avoid the common beer-tour problem where the last bar ends up being the one you remember, and the middle ones blur together.

Here’s how to make it work for you: as you taste, pay attention to what each bar emphasizes—lighter, sweeter options can be easier to enjoy if you’re not a big hops-forward drinker. If your guide is actively involved, ask for the “lighter path” early so you don’t spend the night fighting tastes that don’t fit you.

Stop 3: Ölstofa for the Payoff Stop

Your final tasting stop is Ölstofa, also around 45 minutes. This is where the atmosphere often turns the most lively, because it’s late enough for people to loosen up but early enough that the group still feels engaged.

One beer that shows up in the tour experience is Black Death. If it’s on the pour list that night, it’s worth trying at least one glass so you can say you had an Iceland classic-style beer as part of the tasting arc.

You’ll likely leave this stop with the clearest sense of what you want next—either another round of something you loved or a switch to something lighter. And because your guide has walked you through the history and styles, you can usually order with confidence instead of guessing.

Walking Comfort and Timing: Dress Like You Mean It

This is a walking tour in Iceland. That sounds obvious, but it’s worth saying plainly: wear layers. Even when Reykjavik weather is calm, you’re moving between indoor spaces and outdoor steps.

Bring your passport or ID card. Alcohol purchases and tastings are restricted by Iceland’s legal age rules. The tour only allows people who are 20 or older, because Icelandic bar laws prevent serving people under 20 inside.

Also note the practical vibe: your pace is social, not sprinting. Still, 2.5 hours includes travel time and time seated in bars. If you’re sensitive to alcohol or have a low tolerance, you’ll want to plan your pace—take sips, not gulps.

Who This Tour Is For (and Who Should Skip It)

This tour is ideal if you want three things at once:

• A fun way to learn Reykjavik’s city center
• A guided intro to Icelandic craft beer and local drinking culture
• A low-effort way to try multiple styles without buying bottles blindly

It’s especially good for people who like local context. You’ll get explanations that connect Iceland’s past—Vikings through modern microbreweries—with today’s beer scene, including the story of the 74-year beer ban.

It may not fit if:

• You’re under 20 (the tour is strictly 20+)
• You’re sensitive to alcohol and really want a non-drinking activity
• You’re pregnant; the tour lists it as not suitable for pregnant women

Value Check: Should You Order Food or Keep It Empty?

Because food isn’t included, don’t treat this like a dinner tour. Plan to eat before you meet your guide or plan a solid meal afterward.

The good news is that the tour includes enough tastings to keep the experience satisfying even if you’re not ordering food at every bar. But Icelandic alcohol can be strong, and mixing tastings with an empty stomach can turn “fun buzz” into “regret.” A quick snack earlier is the move.

If you want to turn this into a perfect night, ask your guide where to eat after the tour or where to go next. That’s part of the value you’re paying for: a guide who knows which places match the mood you want.

Final Drop-Off Options: Where the Night Can Continue

The tour ends back at the meeting point, with two possible drop-off locations: Ölstofa and Bastarður Brew Pub. That means you can keep walking into your next plan without trekking across the city.

If you’re thinking of continuing your night, it helps that you’ll already know the neighborhood. You’ll have a clearer sense of where you are and how to get back.

Should You Book This Reykjavik Beer and Booze Tour?

Book it if you want a guided, beer-focused night that also gives you Reykjavik orientation. The included tastings make it good value, and the tour format prevents the usual pub-crawl chaos. You’re tasting Icelandic craft beer in a structured way, then leaving with ideas you can actually order later.

Skip it if you want a food-heavy experience, or if you’re not comfortable with a bar-centered, alcohol-based tour. And if you’re going, come prepared: bring your ID, wear layers, and plan a snack so the tastings stay fun.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik Beer and Booze Tour?

The tour lasts about 2.5 hours, with starting times available based on your booking date.

How many drinks are included?

You’ll receive either 10 Icelandic craft beer samples or 5 different schnaps and spirits samples, based on the tour option.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included in the tour price.

Where do I meet the guide?

Meet at Ingólfur Square in central Reykjavik by the two stone pillars. The guides typically wear a light blue jacket with Your Friend in Reykjavik on the back.

Where does the tour visit?

You’ll stop at multiple bars, including Skúli Craft bar, Session Craft Bar, and Ölstofa.

What’s the minimum age?

You must be 20 years or older. The tour does not allow people under 20.

What should I bring?

Bring a passport or ID card.

Is the tour suitable for pregnant women?

No, it is listed as not suitable for pregnant women.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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