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

The Weekend Reykjavik Food Tour with a stop at the Reykjavik Flea Market offers an engaging way to explore Iceland’s culinary traditions in just about 3 hours. For $136.42 per person, travelers enjoy a concentrated tasting experience led by a professional guide in the city’s lively center. The tour begins at Ingolfur Square, where a mobile ticket system simplifies the start, and ends in the heart of Reykjavik at Icelandic Street Food. While it’s compact, this tour provides all tastings included, meaning you can pack light and focus on trying local flavors. The group size limits to 12 participants, ensuring plenty of attention from the guide and a relaxed pace.

This tour is ideal for those who want an authentic taste of Iceland without extensive walking or a full-day commitment. Based on glowing reviews, it’s especially praised for its knowledgeable guides and variety of delicious foods. Keep in mind, the hot dog stand stop is a highlight, but the tour may miss the hot dog if the line is long. Still, the overall experience combines culinary highlights with cultural insights, making it a compelling introduction to Reykjavik.

Key Points

• 3-hour food experience exploring Reykjavik’s top culinary spots
• Includes all tastings at multiple locations, from markets to street stalls
• Starts at Ingolfur Square and ends at Icelandic Street Food
• Small group size (max 12) allows for personalized attention
• Stops include the Reykjavik Flea Market, hot dog stand, and seafood sampling
• Tour is recommended by 95% of past participants and rated 5.0 from 37 reviews

Discover Reykjavik’s Culinary Heart at Ingolfur Square

The tour kicks off at Ingolfur Square, a central meeting point easily accessible by public transportation. Here, the small group gathers, setting a friendly tone for the next three hours. This starting location is convenient and ensures a smooth beginning to the experience, with no need for hotel pickup or drop-off. The guide introduces the day’s itinerary and shares a brief overview of Reykjavik’s food scene, preparing everyone for the tasty journey ahead.

The limited group size allows for a more personalized experience and easy interaction with the guide, who is known for being friendly and knowledgeable. This initial meet-up sets the stage for a relaxed, informative walk through the city.

Sampling Icelandic Shellfish Soup at Reykjavik Harbor

The first tasting takes place near the old Reykjavik harbor, where you’ll find a fresh Icelandic shellfish soup. This dish offers a vivid introduction to Iceland’s renowned seafood, emphasizing the country’s connection to the ocean. The guide explains how seafood plays a vital part in Icelandic cuisine and shares insights into local fishing traditions.

Expect a generous appetizer that showcases Iceland’s maritime flavors. The harbor setting adds a scenic backdrop, offering a glimpse of Reykjavik’s historical port area. Since seafood is a staple, this stop is a genuine taste of Icelandic culinary identity.

Exploring the Reykjavik Flea Market at Kolaportið

Next, the tour moves to Kolaportið, Reykjavik’s authentic small food market inside the Flea Market. This stop is only open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 5 pm, so timing is key. Inside, the guide guides visitors through various traditional Icelandic foods, such as sour whale, dried fish, and local candies.

The Flea Market’s lively atmosphere gives a glimpse into local life and the variety of Icelandic snacks. While the market may be bustling, the guide offers insights into each product’s origin and significance. Notably, the stop lasts about 30 minutes, providing enough time to browse and taste, but the actual experience depends on market hours.

The Iconic Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur Hot Dog Stand

A must-visit stop is the Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, Reykjavik’s famous hot dog stand from 1937. This is where the tour’s most iconic tasting occurs—a traditional Icelandic lamb hot dog. The guide emphasizes this stand’s historic significance and its reputation among locals and visitors alike.

While the tour aims to include the hot dog, long lines can sometimes impact this stop. The hot dog is celebrated for its distinctive flavor, and tasting it is considered a culinary highlight. The guide shares stories about the stand’s history, enhancing the experience beyond just the food.

Exploring Icelandic Snacks at a Local Supermarket

Next, the tour takes a quick stop at a local supermarket, where the focus is on Icelandic foods, snacks, and candies. This allows for a sampling of unique local treats that might not be found elsewhere. Visitors have the chance to browse Icelandic chips, candies, and traditional ingredients, gaining a broader understanding of everyday Icelandic food culture.

The guide points out interesting products and shares background stories, making this stop both educational and tasty. The 10-minute duration keeps the pace lively, and it offers a casual chance to ask questions about Icelandic groceries.

Hearty Meat Soup at Icelandic Street Food

The tour concludes at Icelandic Street Food, a well-loved local eatery. Here, everyone is served a big bowl of meat soup, a traditional dish affectionately called “Iceland in a bowl.” This warm dish features tender meat, vegetables, and broth, offering a satisfying end to the tasting journey.

The 45-minute stop allows plenty of time to relax, savor the soup, and reflect on the city’s culinary diversity. The guide discusses the flavors and ingredients, tying together the tour’s themes of Icelandic food and culture. The cozy setting provides an authentic atmosphere for this final tasting.

Included Beverages and Cultural Insights

Throughout the tour, all taxes, fees, and handling charges are covered. Participants enjoy beverages and alcoholic drinks included in the experience, with a special Icelandic drink served at the end to toast the trip. This addition enhances the tasting experience and offers a genuine taste of Icelandic hospitality.

The guide’s commentary enriches the journey, sharing stories about Iceland’s history and culture tied to each food stop. This makes the tour both informative and engaging, ideal for those interested in more than just eating.

Logistics, Accessibility, and Group Size

This tour departs from Austurstræti 3 and finishes at Lækjargata 8, both centrally located in Reykjavik. The maximum group size of 12 ensures a personalized experience, and the small group setting is a key feature praised in reviews.

Participants should be prepared for all weather conditions, as the tour operates rain or shine. The walk involves some uphill sections and stairs but remains manageable for most travelers. Children are welcome when accompanied by an adult.

Flexibility and Cancellation Policy

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind. If canceled in time, a full refund is available. Changes within 24 hours are not accepted, so planning ahead is advisable. The group size limit also helps guarantee a calm, unrushed experience.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour

This food-focused exploration suits travelers seeking a delicious introduction to Iceland, especially those interested in local ingredients, traditional dishes, and cultural stories. It’s perfect for first-time visitors looking to explore Reykjavik through its flavors and history without a lengthy commitment or strenuous activity.

The small group setting and knowledgeable guides ensure an engaging experience, and the all-inclusive tastings add convenience. However, those who dislike seafood or are sensitive to weather should plan accordingly, given the outdoor stops and seafood tasting.

Reykjavik’s Flavors and Culture in 3 Hours

The Weekend Reykjavik Food Tour offers a well-rounded taste of Icelandic cuisine, from seafood soup to local snacks and the iconic hot dog. The stops at Kolaportið and Icelandic Street Food provide a glimpse into local life and culinary traditions, making it an excellent choice for food lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.

The tour’s professional guides consistently receive praise for their friendliness and knowledge, making each stop informative and enjoyable. The inclusion of alcoholic beverages and a warm meat soup at the end rounds out the experience, providing both sustenance and storytelling.

While the hot dog stand can sometimes be busy, the overall experience remains highly rated for its authenticity, variety, and friendly pace. This tour represents a great value for those wanting a taste of Reykjavik in a manageable, fun format.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Reykjavik Food Tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, covering multiple food stops and cultural insights.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Austurstræti 3 and concludes at Lækjargata 8, both centrally located in Reykjavik.

What food is included in the tour?
All tastings are included, such as shellfish soup, Icelandic candies, hot dogs, snacks from a local supermarket, and meat soup.

Are beverages included?
Yes, both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages are part of the experience, ending with a traditional Icelandic drink.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children are welcome when accompanied by an adult, but consider the pace and the stops involving stairs or seafood.

What if I want to cancel?
Full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Less than 24 hours’ notice results in no refund.

Can I participate in bad weather?
Yes, the tour operates in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately for rain or shine.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The information does not specify accessibility details; expect some stairs and uneven surfaces.

How many people are in each group?
Maximum 12 travelers ensure a personalized experience with close interaction with the guide.

What makes this tour stand out?
The all-inclusive tastings, small group size, and stops at iconic local markets, food stalls, and famous hot dog stand make this a great introduction to Reykjavik’s food scene.