Reykjavik: Beer and Booze Tour

The Reykjavik Beer and Booze Tour provides an engaging introduction to Iceland’s thriving craft beer and spirits scene. Over 2.5 hours, participants can sample up to 10 unique Icelandic brews or 5 local schnapps and liquors while exploring iconic bars and learning about the country’s rich drinking culture. With knowledgeable guides and a small group size, this highly-rated tour offers an intimate glimpse into Reykjavik’s vibrant beverage landscape. What remains to be discovered about this unique experience?

Key Points

• The Reykjavik Beer and Booze Tour is a 2.5-hour guided experience that provides 10 craft beer samples or 5 snaps and spirits for €99 per person.
• The tour visits iconic craft beer bars in Reykjavik, including Skúli Craft Bar, Session Craft Bar, and Ölstofa, offering insights into Icelandic beer history and culture.
• The tour starts at Ingólfur Square, and the guide can be identified by a light blue jacket with ‘Your Friend in Reykjavik’.
• The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or individuals under the legal drinking age of 20 years, and a valid passport or ID card is required.
• The tour has an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on 48 reviews, with positive feedback on the knowledgeable and friendly guides, as well as the variety of drinks and local history.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Reykjavik Beer and Booze Tour offers an immersive experience for beer and spirit enthusiasts, priced at €99.00 per person.

The 2.5-hour tour includes 10 craft beer samples or 5 snaps and spirits. Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve their spot without upfront payment.

The tour starts at Ingólfur Square and visits iconic craft bars like Skúli Craft Bar, Session Craft Bar, and Ölstofa, where you will learn about Icelandic beer history and drinking culture.

Small group sizes provide a more intimate experience.

Itinerary and Locations

Starting at Ingólfur Square near the two stone pillars, the tour begins with a guided introduction (approximately 10 minutes) before proceeding to the first stop, Skúli Craft Bar.

Here, participants enjoy beer and whiskey tastings for an hour. The group then moves to Session Craft Bar for 45 minutes of beer sampling.

The final stop is Ölstofa, also for 45 minutes of beer tastings. The tour concludes at either Ölstofa or Bastarður Brew Pub, with itineraries subject to change.

The tour highlights include:

• Sampling 10 unique Icelandic craft beers or 5 different schnaps and spirits

• Visiting iconic craft brew bars not found elsewhere

• Learning about Icelandic beer history from Vikings to microbreweries

• Discovering the unique drinking culture and past beer ban in Iceland

• Experiencing a small group size for a more intimate experience

Experience and Highlights

Participants on the Reykjavik Beer and Booze Tour can sample 10 unique Icelandic craft beers or 5 different schnaps and spirits, seeing the city’s vibrant drinking culture.

They’ll visit iconic craft brew bars not found elsewhere and learn about Icelandic beer history from Vikings to microbreweries.

The tour also delves into the unique drinking culture and past beer ban in Iceland.

With small group sizes, the experience offers a more intimate setting to discover the country’s distinctive beverage offerings.

Highlights include positive feedback on the guides’ knowledge and the variety of drinks sampled.

Meeting Point and Important Information

Ingólfur Square, near two stone pillars, serves as the meeting point for the Reykjavik Beer and Booze Tour. Guests are advised to arrive at least 5 minutes early to ensure a timely departure.

The guide can be identified by a light blue jacket with ‘Your Friend in Reykjavik’ printed on it. Participants must bring a valid passport or ID card, as the legal drinking age in Iceland is 20 years.

This tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or individuals under the legal age. Key details to remember for a seamless experience.

• Meeting point: Ingólfur Square, near two stone pillars

• Guide identification: Light blue jacket with ‘Your Friend in Reykjavik’

• Arrive at least 5 minutes early

• Bring passport or ID card

• Legal drinking age in Iceland: 20 years

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Customer Feedback and Reviews

The Reykjavik Beer and Booze Tour has garnered an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on 48 reviews. Guests have praised the knowledgeable and friendly guides, as well as the variety of drinks and local history shared. While some bars received mixed reviews, the overall experience was reported as enjoyable. However, the tour is not suitable for pregnant women or individuals under the legal drinking age of 20 in Iceland.

| Positive Feedback | Negative Feedback |

| — | — |

| Knowledgeable and friendly guides | Some bars received mixed reviews |

| Variety of drinks and local history | Not suitable for pregnant women or minors |

| Overall enjoyable experience | |

Icelandic Beer History and Culture

Though beer was banned in Iceland for over 70 years, the country has a rich history of beer production dating back to the Viking era. Icelandic brewing traditions date back centuries, with evidence of beer-making found in archaeological excavations.

Today, the rise of microbreweries has sparked a renaissance in the Icelandic beer scene:

• Vikings brewed beer from locally-sourced grains and hops

• Beer was considered a sacred beverage, essential for religious and social rituals

• The beer ban was lifted in 1989, fueling the growth of craft breweries

• Unique local ingredients like Icelandic moss and Birch bark add distinct flavors

• Beer is now integral to Icelandic culture, with festivals and beer trails showcasing the nation’s brewing pride.

Craft Beer Trends in Reykjavik

As Reykjavik’s beer scene has blossomed in recent decades, the city has emerged as a hub for innovative craft brewing.

Small microbreweries have sprung up, experimenting with unique Icelandic ingredients and brewing techniques. From robust stouts to crisp lagers, the variety of craft beers available reflects Iceland’s thriving drinking culture.

Icelandic microbreweries experiment with unique local ingredients, crafting an array of robust stouts and crisp lagers that reflect the nation’s thriving drinking culture.

Many local bars now showcase these artisanal offerings, providing visitors a chance to sample the creative spirit of Reykjavik’s brewers.

The city’s craft beer renaissance showcases how Iceland’s age-old love of beer has adapted to modern tastes and trends.

Best Bars and Breweries to Visit

Reykjavik’s thriving craft beer scene offers visitors an array of exceptional bars and breweries to explore.

From the iconic Skúli Craft Bar to the cozy Ölstofa, each hotel provides a unique glimpse into Iceland’s rich beer history and vibrant drinking culture.

Highlights include:

• Sampling 10 distinct Icelandic craft beers at Skúli Craft Bar, while learning about the country’s transition from a beer ban to a booming microbrewery scene.

• Discovering Session Craft Bar’s extensive selection of local and international brews in a relaxed setting.

• Experiencing the traditional charm of Ölstofa, a beloved neighborhood watering hole.

• Exploring Bastarður Brew Pub’s innovative beer offerings and modern ambiance.

• Immersing oneself in the lively atmosphere and unique drinking traditions that make Reykjavik’s beer scene truly exceptional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Alcohol on the Tour?

No, bringing your own alcohol is not allowed on the tour. The tour provides a set number of craft beer samples or spirits tastings included in the ticket price. Outside alcohol is not permitted during the guided experience.

Are Any Gluten-Free or Non-Alcoholic Options Available?

The tour offers some gluten-free beer options, but there are no non-alcoholic beverages included. Guests with dietary restrictions should notify the tour operator in advance to ensure their needs are accommodated.

How Long Is the Walking Distance Between Tour Stops?

The walking distance between tour stops varies, but it’s generally a short walk. The tour includes 3 stops over a 2.5-hour period, so the distances are manageable for most participants.

Can I Purchase Additional Drink Samples During the Tour?

Yes, participants can purchase additional drink samples during the tour. The tour includes a set number of samples, but visitors are welcome to buy more at their own expense during the scheduled stops.

What if I Have Dietary Restrictions or Allergies?

Participants with dietary restrictions or allergies should notify the tour operator in advance. The company will accommodate them to the best of their ability, providing alternative drinks or arranging for a modified experience.

The Sum Up

The Reykjavik Beer and Booze Tour provides an immersive experience for craft beer and spirits enthusiasts. With visits to iconic local bars, tastings of 10 Icelandic craft beers or 5 schnaps and spirits, and knowledgeable guides, the tour offers an engaging way to explore Iceland’s distinctive drinking culture. Highly rated by satisfied guests, this tour is a must-do for anyone interested in discovering Reykjavik’s vibrant beer and spirits scene.

You can check availability for your dates here: