Icelandic Classics, 6+ Tastings

Reykjavik: Food Tour with 6+ Tastings of Icelandic Classics

★ 4.8 23 reviews

3 hours, free cancellation.

from $149 per person

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Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Meal: Meal included

Overview

This three-hour walk from Secret Food Tours starts beside the Leif Eriksson Monument on Skólavörðustígur, a short stroll from Hallgrímskirkja Church, and works its way through downtown Reykjavik with more than six tastings along the route. It opens with a kleina, a traditional Icelandic donut, then follows Rainbow Street and Laugavegur through the city's colourful downtown, sampling jams, chocolates and dried fish along the way. The tour is run in English, and no pickup or dropoff is included.

The savoury centrepieces come midway. There is the hot dog Icelanders are famously devoted to, followed by a bowl of traditional seafood soup at a spot the operator describes as one of the city's most cherished. A Viking platter of smoked lamb and lamb soup follows, and the tour closes on a sweet note with Icelandic Marriage Cake. One tasting is kept secret until the day itself.

It suits first-time visitors who want an orientation to the city alongside the food. Reviews describe guides who share information about Icelandic culture and food, and hand out tips for the rest of the trip. One reviewer called it the best way to learn about Icelandic culture in half a day, and another recommends doing it early in a stay so the recommendations can be put to use.

What's Included

Included

Traditional Kleina (Icelandic Donut)
Icelandic Hot Dog
Traditional Seafood Soup
A Taste of Iceland: Local Jams, Chocolates & Treats
Viking Platter: Smoked Lamb, Lamb Soup & More
Icelandic Marriage Cake
Delicious Secret Dish
Water / Non-alcoholic beverages available

Not Included

Transportation to the meeting point or pickup and dropoff
Gratuities for the guide, highly appreciated

Itinerary

Meet at the monumentThe group gathers at the Leif Eriksson Monument, Skólavörðustígur 45, 101 Reykjavik, near Hallgrímskirkja Church. There is no pickup or dropoff.
Kleina near the churchThe tour opens with a warm kleina, a traditional Icelandic donut.
Rainbow Street and LaugavegurThe walk continues down these central streets with tastings of local jams, chocolates and dried fish.
Icelandic hot dogA stop for the country's famous hot dog, a favourite the listing says spans everyone from fishermen to presidents.
Seafood soupA bowl of traditional Icelandic seafood soup at one of the city's most cherished spots.
Viking platterA hearty platter of smoked lamb and lamb soup.
Dessert and Secret DishIcelandic Marriage Cake closes the sweet side, and a Secret Dish is revealed only on the day.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of the walk.

Getting there. Transport to the meeting point is not included, so plan your own way to Skólavörðustígur 45.
Pace and walking. The tour covers downtown on foot over three hours, with stops built in for eating and stories. One reviewer mentioned a group ranging widely in age that was accommodated throughout, and another described a guide who was flexible in how things could work for everyone.
Food and drink. All the tastings are included, from the kleina to the Marriage Cake, plus water or other non-alcoholic beverages. Gratuities for the guide are not included but are appreciated.
Dietary needs. The listing asks travellers to contact the operator in advance about any dietary requirement so the tour can cater to it. Do this before the day rather than at the meeting point.
Timing your stay. One reviewer recommends taking this tour early in a trip, because guides share suggestions for hikes, spas and road-trip stops you can use afterwards. Several others mention leaving with recommendations for the rest of their visit.
Guide and language. Tours run in English.

Common issues. There is no hotel pickup or dropoff, and transport to the meeting point is your own responsibility. Gratuities are extra and left to your discretion. The Secret Dish is not announced in advance, so anyone with a strong aversion should raise it with the operator along with any other dietary requirement before the day.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

More than six tastings are included: a kleina donut, an Icelandic hot dog, seafood soup, samples of local jams, chocolates and treats, a Viking platter with smoked lamb and lamb soup, Icelandic Marriage Cake, and a Secret Dish. Water and non-alcoholic beverages are available. Gratuities for the guide are not included.

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

No. The listing states that transportation to the meeting point, pickup and dropoff are not included. The group meets at the Leif Eriksson Monument, Skólavörðustígur 45, 101 Reykjavik.

How Long Does The Tour Last?

Three hours, according to the listing. The whole time is spent walking and eating through downtown Reykjavik, so wear comfortable shoes.

Can Dietary Requirements Be Catered For?

Yes, but the listing asks you to contact the operator in advance of the tour with any dietary requirement. Reviewers have mentioned the food walk catering to everyone in their group.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Inside that window, the listing does not state different terms.

When Should I Take This Tour During My Trip?

One reviewer suggests early in your stay, since guides share recommendations for the rest of a visit, including hikes, spas and road-trip stops. That leaves time to use those tips before you head home.