Three-Hour Icelandic Food Walk

Reykjavik: Icelandic Food Tour

★ 4.6 482 reviews

3 hours, free cancellation.

from $141 per person

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Duration: 3 hours
Group: Up to 12 people
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Meal: Meal included

Overview

This three-hour walk from Your Friend In Reykjavik takes a small group of no more than 12 people through the old city center, stopping at three handpicked local restaurants for tastings of traditional Icelandic food. Expect at least ten food items along the way, from lamb soup and an Icelandic hot dog to a small piece of fermented shark for the brave. Water is served at every stop, and the final stop includes one drink: beer, soda, coffee or tea, or a shot of Brennivin, since the minimum drinking age in Iceland is 20.

Between the food stops the guide leads short sightseeing walks through downtown, so the tour doubles as an orientation to Reykjavik. The guides are graduates of Iceland's tour guide school, and reviewers repeatedly describe them as knowledgeable and entertaining, mixing food with stories about the country's history. The guides also hand out tips on where to eat and drink for the rest of the stay.

The tour suits curious eaters who want genuine local dishes rather than a generic tasting menu. Vegetarians and people with gluten or lactose intolerance can be accommodated, though the operator notes that traditional Icelandic food leans heavily on meat, fish and dairy, so anyone stricter than that should think it through before booking.

What's Included

Included

Food tastings
Expert guide
Water

Not Included

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities

Itinerary

Meet at HlöllabátarThe tour starts at Hlöllabátar, Ingólfstorgi 1, 101 Reykjavík. Hotel pickup is not included, so travellers make their own way there.
First restaurant tastingFood tasting at a local restaurant for 1 hour.
Guided walkA 20-minute sightseeing walk through Reykjavik with the guide.
Second restaurant tastingAnother 45-minute food tasting at a partner restaurant.
Second guided walkA further 15-minute guided walk through the city center.
Final stop with drinkA 1-hour stop with food tasting and one included drink: beer, soda, coffee or tea, or a shot of Brennivin. Alcohol is limited to those aged 20 and over.
Return to HlöllabátarThe tour ends back at the starting point at Hlöllabátar.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points worth knowing before booking this walk.

Dress for weather. The listing recommends weather-appropriate clothing. This is a walking tour through the old city center with stretches outdoors between stops, so layers and a decent jacket make sense in Icelandic conditions.
Pace and fitness. The walking portions are short guided segments between restaurant stops, and reviewers describe the route as a pleasant introduction to downtown. No particular fitness level is required, just comfort being on your feet for a few hours.
Small group feel. Groups are capped at 12 people, which the operator says keeps the experience personal. One reviewer described a much smaller turnout on their walk and the better conversation that came with it, though group size varies.
The food itself. Reviewers mention lamb soup, hot dogs, a fish dish, sandwiches and sweets, and the listing promises at least ten traditional items. One reviewer noted there was plenty of food, so arriving hungry is sensible.
Fermented shark. A small piece of fermented shark is on the menu, and the listing frames it as a dare. At least one reviewer skipped it, so tasting it is clearly optional.
Dietary needs. Gluten and lactose intolerance and vegetarian diets can be accommodated, according to the listing. Note that traditional Icelandic food is built on meat, fish and dairy.

Common issues. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and gratuities are not covered, so travellers meet the group at Hlöllabátar and budget tips separately. Some feedback on the listing says pacing and coordination between stops could be tighter, so a perfectly smooth flow between restaurants is not guaranteed. The listed drinks choice at the final stop only applies to those old enough to drink in Iceland. Guides vary from tour to tour, since multiple guides run this walk.

Common Questions

Where Does The Food Tour Start?

At Hlöllabátar, Ingólfstorgi 1, 101 Reykjavík, on Ingólfstorg square in the old town. The tour also ends there.

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so travellers make their own way to the meeting point in the city center.

What Food And Drink Is Included?

At least ten traditional Icelandic food items across three restaurant stops, plus water at every stop and one drink at the final stop. The drink can be beer, soda, coffee or tea, or a shot of Brennivin, with a minimum alcohol age of 20 in Iceland. Gratuities are not included.

Can Vegetarians Or People With Allergies Join?

Yes. The operator accommodates dietary restrictions and allergies including gluten and lactose intolerance and vegetarian diets. They note, though, that traditional Icelandic food is based on meat, fish and dairy, so options have limits.

How Big Are The Groups?

The tour is limited to 12 people, which the operator says keeps it personal. One reviewer described a walk with only three participants and the good conversation that came with it, though group size varies.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, per the listing. Anything booked outside those terms should be checked on the live booking page before committing.