Private Reykjavik Beer & Booze Tour

Explore Reykjavik’s Top Bars with a Private Guide

The Private Reykjavik Beer & Booze Tour offers a personalized experience for those interested in Iceland’s lively drinking scene. Priced at $172.48 per person and lasting approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, this tour is perfect for individuals or small groups seeking a relaxed yet insightful taste of Reykjavik’s best bars. Starting at Ingólfur Square, the tour takes you to three carefully selected venues known for their Icelandic craft beers and schnapps. A private guide leads the way, sharing entertaining stories about the history of alcohol in Iceland and offering tips for sampling local drinks.

What sets this tour apart is the all-inclusive approach, meaning beverages are included, and the experience is tailored entirely to your group. It’s an excellent choice for those eager to discover local beer styles without the hassle of research or navigating Reykjavik’s bar scene alone. While hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, the central meeting point is convenient, and the tour operates rain or shine, making it a flexible option regardless of weather.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience for your group only
• Inclusive of all drinks, including craft beers and schnapps
• Visits to three top Reykjavik bars, each offering unique tastings
• Entertaining guide provides insights into Icelandic alcohol history and funny stories
• Duration of about 2 to 2.5 hours, ideal for a relaxed activity
• Most bookings are made 17 days in advance, so plan accordingly

Starting at Ingólfur Square in Reykjavik

The tour begins at Ingólfur Square, located at Austurstræti 4, 101 Reykjavík. This central spot makes it easy to meet your guide, who is dedicated to creating a personalized experience. From here, the group heads straight to the first bar, setting the tone for a fun, relaxed exploration of Reykjavik’s vibrant drinking scene. The meet-up time is flexible, but arriving 5 minutes early ensures you won’t miss the start.

Visiting the Bar “Your Friend In Reykjavik”

The first stop is “Your Friend In Reykjavik”, where the guide greets the group and leads you into the local bar scene. This initial meet-and-greet sets a friendly tone for the evening, with no admission fee required. The focus here is on socializing and getting comfortable before the tasting portion begins. The guide offers brief introductions to Icelandic alcohol culture, making this a smooth start to the tour.

Sampling Icelandic Craft Beers at Skuli Craft Bar

The second stop takes you to Skuli Craft Bar, where the group samples a selection of Icelandic craft beers or schnapps. This venue is notable for its focus on homegrown Icelandic brews and spirits. The guide discusses the humorous history of alcohol in Iceland, providing context that enhances the tasting experience. Visitors can expect approximately 45 minutes at this venue, enough time to enjoy the drinks and hear engaging stories about Iceland’s drinking traditions.

Tasting and Learning at Session Craft Bar

Next, the tour moves to Session Craft Bar, where four different Icelandic beers or schnapps are sampled. This venue is well-regarded for its quality and variety of craft drinks. As the group enjoys the tastings, the guide shares tips, tricks, and amusing stories about Iceland’s craft alcohol scene. With about 50 minutes allocated here, this stop allows for a relaxed pace and plenty of opportunity for questions and discussion.

Unique Beer Experience at Olstofa Kormaks og Skjaldar

The final stop is Olstofa Kormaks og Skjaldar, a bar distinguished by its award-winning Icelandic beer. Here, the focus is on sampling a unique, locally brewed beer that has earned international recognition. The guide discusses the history of beer in Iceland—notably, the 74-year ban on beer—and highlights why this particular brew is special. This venue is considered one of the best places to try a rare Icelandic beer you won’t find elsewhere, making this a highlight of the tour. Expect 45 minutes at this stop.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour includes a knowledgeable local guide, professional guiding, and all beverages—craft beers and schnapps are covered in the price. This all-in-one setup ensures a hassle-free experience, with no need to worry about additional costs during the tour. However, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so planning your transportation to the meeting point is necessary.

Meeting and Ending Points

The tour starts at Ingólfur Square in Reykjavik and concludes near Hallgrímskirkja at Hallgrímstorg 1. This central location allows easy access via public transportation or walking. The self-guided nature of the tour ensures that only your group participates, providing a more intimate and engaging experience.

Practical Aspects and Booking Details

This private tour is designed for most travelers aged 20 and above, with flexibility to operate in any weather condition. The average booking window of 17 days means early planning is recommended to secure your preferred date. The tour can be canceled free of charge up to 24 hours in advance, offering peace of mind in case of schedule changes or weather concerns.

Guide Style and Guest Experience

Based on described experiences, the guide is knowledgeable, personable, and entertaining. One review highlights a guide named Arnar, who provides great historical insights and personalized recommendations for other activities in Iceland. Guests appreciate the storytelling style, making the tour both informative and fun, perfect for those interested in learning about Icelandic culture while sampling drinks.

Why This Tour Stands Out

The Private Reykjavik Beer & Booze Tour appeals to those who want an intimate, guided experience with all drinks included. The carefully selected stops highlight local craft beers and unique Icelandic spirits, with a special focus on the history of beer in Iceland. The private aspect allows for a more relaxed pace and personalized interaction, making it ideal for small groups or couples.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most

This tour is perfect for beer enthusiasts, history buffs with a taste for spirits, or groups looking for a fun, relaxed activity. It’s suitable for most travelers over the age of 20 who want to discover local flavors without the complexity of navigating Reykjavik’s bar scene alone. It’s less suited for those with limited mobility or those seeking a more extensive brewery tour, as the focus is on sampling and storytelling rather than brewery visits.

Final Thoughts on the Reykjavik Beer & Booze Tour

The Private Reykjavik Beer & Booze Tour offers a personalized, hassle-free way to sample some of Iceland’s best local drinks. Its private setting, combined with entertaining guides and inclusive tastings, makes it a great value for small groups wanting a relaxed, educational experience. While it doesn’t include transportation or a lengthy brewery visit, the convenience of central meeting points and local insights ensure a memorable evening.

This tour’s high ratings and positive reviews speak to its quality, especially regarding guide expertise and the enjoyable atmosphere. It’s an appealing choice for travelers eager to combine cultural learning with craft beer tasting in Reykjavik.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers?
Since the tour is focused on sampling alcohol, it is intended for those of legal drinking age (20+). Non-drinkers may want to consider alternatives, as the experience is designed around beverage tastings.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, with each stop providing enough time for tasting and conversation.

Are drinks included in the price?
Yes, all beverages—including Icelandic craft beers and schnapps—are included in the tour price.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time, with a full refund.

Where do I meet the guide?
The tour begins at Ingólfur Square in Reykjavik, at Austurstræti 4. It’s a central location, accessible via public transportation.