Reykjavik Beer & Booze Tour

The Reykjavik Beer & Booze Tour offers an engaging way to explore Iceland’s alcohol history and culture in just about 2 to 2.5 hours. Priced at $115.12 per person, this tour is ideal for beer enthusiasts and curious travelers eager to taste a variety of Icelandic craft beers and spirits. With a rating of 5.0 based on 149 reviews and 96% recommending it, this experience consistently earns high praise. The tour departs from Ingólfur Square at 6:00 pm, making it a perfect evening activity that leaves the daytime free for other pursuits. Its small group size ensures personalized attention, which many reviews highlight as a major plus.

While it focuses mainly on beer, the tour also features local spirits and snaps for those interested. It’s a walking pub crawl through Reykjavik’s lively bar scene with an informative guide leading the way. A key strength lies in the diversity of tastings, from award-winning beers to unique Icelandic spirits. The only consideration is that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so travelers should plan to meet at the designated starting point.

Key Points

• Short and sweet: A 2 to 2.5-hour tour perfect for evening plans.
• Small group size: Ensures personalized attention and more engagement.
• Diverse tastings: Enjoy craft beers and local spirits, including award-winning options.
• Educational and fun: Learn about Iceland’s alcohol history, from Vikings to modern craft brewing.
• Popular and well-rated: With a perfect 5-star rating from nearly 150 reviews.
• Convenient timing: An evening tour that allows for daytime sightseeing or other activities.

Reykjavik Beer & Booze Tour Start Point and Schedule

This tour begins at Ingólfur Square and ends at Ölstofa, a well-known bar in central Reykjavik. The start time is 6:00 pm, and it operates in all weather conditions, so travelers should dress appropriately. The group size is capped at 12, fostering an intimate atmosphere and ample opportunity to ask questions.

The tour kicks off with a meet and greet at your Friend In Reykjavik, moving swiftly to the first bar, Skuli Craft Bar, where the sampling begins. The 45-minute stop offers a selection of Icelandic craft beers or snaps and an amusing discussion about alcohol’s history in Iceland. The guide then takes guests to Session Craft Bar for a 50-minute session featuring four different Icelandic beers or spirits, with plenty of tips and funny stories about Iceland’s booze scene.

The final stop, Olstofa Kormaks og Skjaldar, highlights a unique, award-winning Icelandic beer while discussing the history of beer in Iceland, including the 74-year ban that once kept beer out of the country. This bar provides an opportunity to sample something truly exclusive that can’t be found elsewhere in Iceland.

What Makes the Reykjavik Beer & Booze Tour Special

The small group format is a major advantage, allowing for more conversation, questions, and tailored recommendations. The expert local guides are frequently praised for their knowledge, humor, and engaging storytelling. Several reviews mention guides like Bo, Svenbjorn, Óli, Matt, Kris, and Arnar, all of whom contribute to a friendly, relaxed vibe.

The tour stands out by covering not just the tastings, but also the history and culture behind Icelandic alcohol. Guests learn about the Viking origins of beer, the prohibition era, and the modern craft beer revolution. The sampling of an award-winning beer and rare Icelandic spirits adds an exclusive element. Several reviews highlight the diverse beer options, including a pina colada beer and local snaps, which are rare in other Reykjavik tours.

The Stops: Bars and Tastings in Reykjavik

Stop 1: Your Friend In Reykjavik is a casual meet-up spot where guests gather and prepare for the tour. It’s a relaxed introduction to the night ahead.

Stop 2: Skuli Craft Bar offers a welcoming atmosphere with a focus on Icelandic craft beers and funny alcohol history. The 45-minute duration is enough time to chat, learn, and taste.

Stop 3: Session Craft Bar provides a more in-depth tasting experience with four different beers or snaps. The guide shares tips and stories about the Icelandic booze industry, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.

Stop 4: Olstofa Kormaks og Skjaldar features a special, award-winning Icelandic beer. Here, guests discuss the history of beer, including the famous 74-year prohibition. This stop offers a taste of something unique that represents Iceland’s brewing revival.

The Beverages and Tasting Experience at Each Stop

The tour includes a variety of beverages—from craft beers to local spirits and snaps—all carefully selected to showcase Iceland’s brewing and distilling culture. Several reviews praise the quality and variety of the drinks, with favorites like the pina colada beer and exclusive, award-winning brews.

Guests are encouraged to ask questions and immerse themselves in stories about each beverage’s history and production. The informative guidance ensures that the tasting isn’t just about drinking but about understanding Iceland’s alcohol scene.

Guide Personalities and Their Impact

Reviews highlight guides like Bo, Svenbjorn, Oli, Matt, Kris, and Arnar as knowledgeable, entertaining, and friendly. Many mention the guides’ ability to mix humor with historical facts, making the tour informative yet relaxed.

The personalization of the experience allows guides to tailor suggestions to guest preferences, whether they prefer more beer or spirits. Several reviews mention guides’ storytelling skills, which enhance the overall enjoyment and learning.

Tour Logistics: Meeting Point, Duration, and Group Size

The tour departs from Ingólfur Square at 6:00 pm, with guests advised to arrive 5 minutes early. The walk between bars keeps the experience lively and allows for casual socializing. The maximum group size of 12 makes for a cozy, engaging environment.

Since the tour operates in all weather conditions, travelers should dress accordingly. The small group setting and local guidance ensure that even those unfamiliar with Reykjavik can feel welcome and included.

Who Will Enjoy the Reykjavik Beer & Booze Tour?

This tour is perfect for beer lovers wanting a fun, educational evening in Reykjavik. It’s also great for those interested in Icelandic history and local culture. The small group format and interactive guide make it suitable for solo travelers, couples, or small groups seeking an authentic experience.

Visitors who appreciate diverse drink options, friendly atmosphere, and insider stories will find this tour particularly rewarding. It also offers value for money with multiple tastings and in-depth insights packed into just a few hours.

Final Thoughts on the Reykjavik Beer & Booze Tour

The Reykjavik Beer & Booze Tour delivers a delightful blend of drinking, learning, and socializing. Its small group size and expert guides ensure a personalized, memorable experience. The focus on Icelandic brewing history, unique beers, and spirits offers a rich cultural insight alongside the tastings.

While the tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, its central meeting point is easy to find. The evening schedule makes it a convenient option to kick off a night out or relax after a day of sightseeing. This tour suits adventurous drinkers eager to sample Iceland’s best beverages and learn about their origins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers?
Yes, since the tour features samples of both beers and spirits, but guests can opt for non-alcoholic options if preferred. However, the focus is on alcoholic beverages, so expect tastings throughout.

Are there age restrictions?
Yes, the minimum drinking age is 20 years. Guests under this age cannot participate.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start are not refundable.

Is the tour accessible in bad weather?
Yes, the tour operates in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately for rain, cold, or wind, depending on the day.

What should I bring?
Guests should arrive on time at the meeting point. No specific items are required, but dressing warmly for the Icelandic evening climate is recommended.

Does the tour include transportation?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Participants meet directly at Ingólfur Square and walk between the bars.

This Reykjavik Beer & Booze Tour offers a well-organized, friendly way to explore Iceland’s local alcohol scene, perfect for those wanting a relaxed, engaging evening filled with tastings, stories, and new friends.