Iceland has a surprisingly rich and varied culinary history. From piping hot bowls of lamb soup to fresh seafood — you name it, Iceland has it. Join our knowledgeable local guides for an authentic taste of Icelandic cuisine and discover just how delicious Icelandic food can be!
Scandinavian cuisine is very trendy these days. In fact, a number of Nordic restaurants are considered among the Top 10 restaurants in the world. Iceland’s top restaurants aren’t quite that well-known (yet!) -- but rest assured Iceland’s culinary traditions are rich and varied.
The country is home to a surprising selection of delicacies, especially when you consider Iceland’s small size and difficult weather conditions. Here are the dishes you just have to try during your time in Iceland:
We offer a growing selection of fabulous food tours. Each tour will show you a different side of Icelandic cuisine.
Omnom Chocolate Factory Tour – This mouth-watering Reykjavik tour brings you to a small artisan chocolate factory. You’ll meet two of Iceland’s finest chocolatiers and learn about the chocolate-making process! You’ll also get to try some of the finest chocolate in the entire country! This half-day chocolate tour is ideal for foodies, families and chocolate lovers.
Reykjavik Food Tour – If you're a foodie or simply love food, then our Reykjavik Food Tour is an absolute must. Our knowledgeable local guides will give you an authentic taste of Icelandic cuisine. They’ll introduce you to quaint, family-run establishments and some of Reykjavik's best fine-dining restaurants. The tour focuses on what Icelanders eat today, forgoing eye-catching delicacies like fermented shark and lamb's head for simple, well-cooked meals. Try piping hot lamb soup, velvety homemade ice cream, a delicious selection of Icelandic cheese and an Icelandic hot dog.
Beer permeates through Icelandic culture and it's mentioned in many the Viking sagas despite the difficulty of growing barley in Iceland's extreme conditions. However, this all changed in 1915, when 60% of the country voted for a total ban on beer, wine, and spirits. The ban on wine was reversed in 1922 and the ban on spirits was lifted in 1935 – but beer remained banned in Iceland until 1989! The government argued that access to beer would tempt young and less-educated people into irresponsible drinking.
This led to Iceland developing a vibrant underground brewing industry. Beer was eventually relegalized in 1989 and the industry has been rapidly expanding ever since. Since that day, beer and beermaking in Iceland have become more and more popular, allowing beer to regain its rightful place as one of Iceland’s favorite beverages.
Each March 1, Icelanders celebrate the day that beer was relegalized. Locals usually imbibe a few different concoctions, including ales, craft beers, and traditional lagers, making it a wonderful time to be in the country. If you're planning to visit on the first of March, then visiting a brewery or a traditional Icelandic pub during this cheerful festival is an absolute must!
The legal drinking age in Iceland is 20. In general, it’s a good idea to bring along your passport to show proof of your age in most establishments. Some bars and clubs have a minimum age requirement of 22-25, so it’s a good idea to check in with where you’d like to visit prior to visiting.
Iceland has very strict drinking and driving laws. The legal limit is currently 0.05, although there are plans to reduce this to 0.02 in the near future. In comparison, both the United States and Britain stand at 0.08. We obviously recommend that you don't consume any alcohol before you drive because even a small amount might put you over the limit. The fines for drunk driving are also very high, with the minimum being set at 70,000 ISK. Don’t do it.
The burgeoning Icelandic brewing industry has gone from strength to strength over recent years, offering a variety of white-crowned wonders that are perfect for every occasion. Here are some of the most popular beers on tap and bottled that you’ll find in Iceland.
Iceland has a fascinating drinking culture that extends well beyond beer – here are some of the more weird and wonderful Icelandic drinks...
What better way to experience Iceland than on an exciting beer tour, which combines frothy glasses of joy with plenty of different exciting activities.
Jet Boat Adventure & Beer Tasting – This exciting jet boat tour combines an exhilarating jet boat ride on the Hvita River with a beer-tasting session hosted by a local guide. You’ll discover all about Iceland’s unique relationship with beer and go on an adrenaline-pumping ride down a glacial river – what could be better?
Icelandic Beer Tasting & River Rafting – Build up your thirst with a thrilling rafting adventure on the Hvita River and then quench it with a beer-tasting session at our base camp in Drumbo. If you want to see the extreme side of Icelandic culture, then this is your tour!
Reykjavik Cocktail Tour – Discover some of Reykjavik's trendiest nightclubs and trendiest bars, meet like-minded travelers and have a mug-full of fun. Sign up if you’re looking to taste Iceland's vibrant capital at its best!
Golden Circle & Local Food Tour – See Iceland’s legendary Golden Circle, taste some traditional Icelandic delicacies and enjoy some refreshing Icelandic drinks on this amazing day tour. If you’re a foodie, then dig into this tasteful tour!
Our food tours occur throughout the year. Simply book f a slot and come with an empty stomach. We’ll sort out the rest!
We currently only run food tours in Iceland’s culinary capital, Reykjavik. If you’re looking for something further afield, why not check out our beer tasting and brewery tours?
We should be able to adapt the tour to your culinary needs. Please contact our team to inform us of your requirements.
No. Simply bring yourself, an open mind and an empty stomach. Our Reykjavik food tasting tour may require some walking, so please dress according to the season.
Alcohol is strictly regulated in Iceland, meaning that you can’t purchase it in grocery stores or supermarkets. Instead, you have to buy it from government-owned outlets called "Ríkið" (The State), which are also known as ATVR. They’re not open as late as the shops in many other countries, meaning that you may have to plan ahead. Generally, they’re open from
You need to be of at least the age of 20 to drink in Iceland – this law is strictly enforced throughout the country and no exceptions will be made.
Yes, we recommend that you bring identification, a valid passport is best, especially if you are on the younger side (20-30).
Yes, younger people can go on our brewery tours. However, they won’t be allowed to taste the beer unless they are 20 or older.