Private Food Walking Tour in Reykjavik

Reykjavik tastes better on foot. This private 3-hour food walking tour strings together the city’s key stops with real Icelandic bites, from a harbor shellfish soup to the infamous fermented shark (Hakarl) at the end. You get a local-feeling route that also teaches you why these foods show up where they do.

What I really like is the stop at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, Reykjavik’s famous hot dog counter, where you sample a lamb hot dog (and hear the easy ways locals avoid copycats). I also like the built-in contrast of the tour: classic street food, then a local supermarket run, then the weekend-only Kolaportið Flea Market for everyday snacks.

One thing to consider: the tour is about Icelandic food culture, not rare wildlife souvenirs. If you’re expecting big-ticket exotics like puffin or whale to be guaranteed, this route focuses more on what’s accessible and iconic.

Quick hits: what makes this Reykjavik food tour special

• Private group format: only your group joins, so the pacing can fit you better than big group tours
• A logical downtown route: Ingólfstorg to the harbor, then food-focused stops that don’t feel random
• Hakarl is the finish line: you end at Dass with fermented shark plus other Icelandic specialties
• Weekend option at Kolaportið: the flea-market stroll only runs Saturdays and Sundays, 11 am to 5 pm
• You get more than tastings: guides often add history and culture along the way, not just food names
• A real “locals shop too” moment: the supermarket stop helps you understand what Icelanders buy between meals

A 3-hour taste map of downtown Reykjavík

This is a private walking tour in central Reykjavik that runs about three hours. Expect an English-speaking guide, a mobile ticket, and the kind of route where you’re never too far from a bite—or a short explanation of what you’re seeing.

If you’re new to the city, this route helps you get your bearings fast. You start at Ingólfstorg, then move toward the harbor, and end near Hallgrimskirkja. That pattern matters because Reykjavik’s food scene isn’t separated into one big “food district.” It’s spread through neighborhoods you can actually walk.

You also get built-in flexibility. Some guides in the past have tailored conversations to what your group cares about, from food preferences to what to do the next day.

Ingólfstorg: why the tour starts with two stone pillars

The meeting point is outside Hlöllabátar, facing Ingólfstorg Square and the two tall stone pillars (the guide will be wearing a light blue jacket). The stop itself is short—about five minutes—and it’s free.

This first moment does a good job setting context. Those pillars represent the original settler story for Reykjavik, so before you start eating, you get a quick sense of where the city’s identity comes from. It’s a small thing, but it makes the rest of the tour feel less like a food grab-bag.

Practical tip: wait for the guide at the benches and tables with the covered ceiling at the meeting spot. If you’re relying on maps, use Google Maps—this area is easy to find, but the exact meeting corner matters.

Harbor soup first: a calm appetizer down by the water

Next, you walk toward the harbor for a first proper taste: an Icelandic shellfish soup. This stop is about 25 minutes and also free of extra ticket fees.

This appetizer is a smart warm-up. Reykjavik’s weather can swing from cold to colder fast, and hot soup is the easiest way to start. It also cues you to the Icelandic seafood tradition before you hit the heavier, more famous stuff.

If you’re watching portions, think of this as your “fuel stop.” You’ll be walking more after this, and the tour includes several tastings, so you don’t want to skip breakfast beforehand.

Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur: the lamb hot dog stop you shouldn’t miss

No Reykjavik food walk feels complete without Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur. You’ll spend about 20 minutes here sampling a lamb hot dog, with the usual caution about copycats.

This stop is popular for a reason. It’s not just food—it’s a location locals point to when they want to show off Reykjavik’s everyday street culture. And for first-time visitors, it’s an easy win: you can’t really mess up a hot dog, but you can learn a lot about local taste along the way.

From guides’ approach, you can also expect more than a transaction. Several praised guides have explained the history behind the foods and even tossed in neighborhood context as you wait and eat.

The supermarket stop: learn what Icelanders snack on

Then comes a quick but useful 10-minute detour into a local supermarket. The goal isn’t a full shopping spree; it’s a fast look at Icelandic foods, snacks, and candy you can’t easily spot on a typical menu.

This is one of the most practical parts of the tour. After you see what’s on the shelf, you can shop with confidence later—so you’re not guessing in the dark. It also helps you understand why certain flavors show up again and again in Icelandic eating.

If you’re picky, this is also the moment to pay attention. You’ll see options you can compare with what you’ve tried so far, which makes future ordering less stressful.

Kolaportið Flea Market: the weekend-only wildcard

Stop five is Kolaportið Market, inside the Reykjavik Flea Market. This is about 20 minutes, and the market admission is included—but here’s the catch: it only runs Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 5 pm.

If your tour lands on a weekend afternoon, this stop adds energy. You’ll get traditional Icelandic foods and lots of small-sample vibes that feel closer to “everyday Reykjavik” than to formal dining.

If your tour is on a weekday, you may miss this particular market segment. That’s not a problem, but it does mean you’ll spend a little less time in a looser, stall-based environment.

One helpful mindset: treat flea-market food as a sampler playground. If something looks unfamiliar—like pickled, smoked, or fermented options—ask your guide what it is and how people actually eat it.

Dass Reykjavik by Hallgrimskirkja: Hakarl plus your drink choice

You finish at Restaurant Dass near Hallgrimskirkja. Plan for about 40 minutes here, with admission included.

This is the big emotional payoff. The highlight is the unique fermented shark, known as Hakarl. It’s not everyone’s first choice, but this stop is where the tour earns its reputation. You’ll also try several Icelandic delicacies, plus a drink of your choice—either non-alcoholic or alcoholic.

If you want a practical steer, this tour explicitly recommends pairing the experience with a beer or Black Death, the Icelandic snaps. Even if you skip alcohol, the point is the same: it’s a themed finish that makes the earlier stops feel connected.

A note on “how to eat Hakarl”: at least one guide has taught guests how to handle it so it felt like a more comfortable, planned tasting rather than a dare. If Hakarl feels intimidating, tell your guide ahead of time. They can help you with what to expect and how to approach the portion.

Price and value: what you’re paying for at $249.23 per person

At $249.23 per person for an approximately three-hour private tour, the value depends on two things: your group size and your appetite for Icelandic food culture.

Here’s what you’re really buying:

• A private format (only your group participates), which is easier to enjoy and often easier to customize
• Multiple targeted tastings across recognizable stops, including a market and a dedicated restaurant ending
• Included admissions for Kolaportið Market and Restaurant Dass, plus food tastings throughout the route
• Time-saving route planning in central Reykjavik, so you don’t waste the first day wandering

When this feels like a great deal is when you’re actively interested in trying foods you wouldn’t order on your own. Guides who are strong with history and culture also add value because you leave understanding the “why,” not just the “what.”

When it can feel less worth it is if your expectations are aimed at rare wildlife foods rather than Icelandic classics. The route is built around what’s available in Reykjavik and what shows Icelandic identity through eating—so puffin or whale are not the reliable centerpiece here.

Also, because this is private and priced per person, compare it to what you’d spend on a self-guided day. If you’ll likely pay for multiple meals plus timed stops, this tour can land closer to “worth it” than it looks at first glance.

Who this tour is best for (and who should think twice)

This is a strong match if you’re:

• A food-first traveler who wants a guided tasting route
• Adventurous but still wants a plan and an order-of-operations
• Visiting for a short time and want a concentrated Reykjavik food snapshot
• The type who likes learning how neighborhoods shape what people eat

It also works well for people who want a manageable pace. One review noted the walk felt doable even with limited walking ability, which matters in a city where weather can be an issue.

Think twice if you have very specific dietary needs you want fully accommodated, because the tour structure is built around Icelandic tastings at set places. You can still ask questions, but this tour is not described as a specialized dietary program.

And one more reality check: there’s at least one negative review tied to guide behavior, including offensive political propaganda and poor engagement. That doesn’t mean this will happen to you, but it’s a reason to be ready to communicate. If your group has sensitivities, ask how the guide plans to keep the focus on food and local culture.

How to get the most out of your Reykjavik food walk

If you want this tour to feel fun and not like forced sampling, go in with a couple of simple choices:

• Eat lightly before you start so you can enjoy tastings without feeling stuffed
• Bring water, and wear layers—Reykjavik walking can be windy even when the sun appears
• If Hakarl is your biggest concern, tell your guide early so they can guide your approach

Also, pay attention to how your guide connects the food to the city. In past experiences, guides like Einar, Gardar, Ester E, Olaf, Bo, Stefan, Magnus, and Robyn have been praised for explaining Icelandic context alongside the food. That’s the difference between tasting and actually understanding Reykjavik eating habits.

Finally, use the last stop as a chance to ask for next-day ideas. Some guides have shared museum and culture recommendations in addition to food talk, which helps you turn one meal-focused day into a whole-trip win.

Should you book this private Reykjavik food tour?

Book it if you want a guided, walkable Reykjavik food route that hits the classics: shellfish soup by the harbor, the famous lamb hot dog at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, a local supermarket peek, a weekend Kolaportið market moment, and an ending at Dass with Hakarl.

Skip or reconsider if you’re chasing a wildlife-heavy checklist or if your idea of a food tour is mainly high-end restaurant dining instead of market and tasting counters. Also, if political topics would genuinely upset your group, be clear at the start that you want the tour to stay focused on food and culture.

If you’re on the fence, I’d think of this as your “first Reykjavik day” plan: it helps you learn what to buy, what to order, and how the city tastes. And when you end with Hakarl and a drink near Hallgrimskirkja, you’ll have a story worth retelling.

FAQ

How long is the private food walking tour?

The tour lasts about 3 hours.

Where do we meet for the Reykjavik tour?

You meet outside Hlöllabátar, facing Ingólfstorg Square and the two tall stone pillars (Vegamótastígur and Ingólfstorg area). The guide wears a light blue jacket.

Is pickup offered?

Yes. Pickup is offered from hotels/accommodations within the specified radius. If you’re staying outside the downtown area, you’re asked to meet at the starting point.

Is the tour private?

Yes. It’s private, so only your group participates.

What language is the tour in?

The tour is offered in English.

What will we eat during the tour?

You’ll sample Icelandic foods at multiple stops, including an Icelandic shellfish soup appetizer, a lamb hot dog at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, foods/specialties from a local supermarket, traditional foods at Kolaportið (when open), and several Icelandic delicacies at Dass Reykjavik, including fermented shark (Hakarl). The tour also includes a drink at the end.

When does the Kolaportið flea market stop happen?

The Kolaportið Market stroll is only included if the day is Saturday or Sunday. The Reykjavik Flea Market is open 11 am to 5 pm.

Is admission included for the market and final restaurant?

Yes. Admission is included for Kolaportið Market and for Dass Reykjavik. The first stops list free admission ticket.

What drink options do you get at the end?

At Dass Reykjavik, you can choose a non-alcoholic or alcoholic Icelandic drink. The tour recommends beer or Black Death snaps.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience start time, the amount paid is not refunded.