Top Micro-Breweries to Visit in Iceland

Icelandic Beer Culture

Beer is probably a bigger part of Icelandic culture than you know. This goes way back, as Iceland had a prohibition that started in 1915. It banned all alcohol. However, they began to loosen up over the years: wine became legal in 1922, and by 1935, most alcoholic beverages were permitted, except for strong beer (anything stronger than 2.25%). Believe it or not, the full ban on beer wasn't lifted until March 1, 1989, and now they even celebrate it as "Beer Day"!

Microbreweries in Iceland

Microbreweries might not be the top thing that pops up in your mind when you think of Iceland. Since the late 2000s, microbreweries have emerged across Iceland, pouring creativity into their offerings. Some pair their brews with gourmet food, others showcase them in lively taprooms, and many draw inspiration from Icelandic nature. From Reykjavík bars to countryside brewers, these local gems show why Iceland is quickly becoming a craft beer destination for enthusiasts— and this is just a taste of what´s out there.

Lady Brewery, Reykjavík

Lady Brewery in Reykjavik is a fantastic, female-founded and operated spot. They pour their hearts into crafting high-quality, often experimental beers that are bursting with creativity. While they don't have a traditional public taproom, their beers are making a big splash in the capital’s craft beer scene. Keep an eye out for their unique creations!

Beljandi, Breiðdalsvík

(Pronounced: BEL-yan-dee in BRAYTH-tals-veek)

In the charming Eastfjords village of Breiðdalsvík, Beljandi is a small brewery that genuinely captures the essence of its peaceful, natural surroundings. Their craft beers often taste as clean and pristine as the East itself, focusing on really balanced and easy-drinking styles. If you're exploring the Eastfjords, stopping here is a must to sip on some truly local flavors.

Segull 67, Siglufjörður

(Pronounced: SEG-ull sixty-seven in SIG-loo-fyor-dhur)

Up in the historic fishing town of Siglufjörður, you’ll discover Segull 67, set in a beautifully renovated old fish factory. It’s a fantastic blend of old-school charm and modern brewing. They whip up a great range of craft beers, from classic lagers to punchy IPAs. It’s a super cozy spot for a pint, especially if you're exploring North Iceland.

Ölverk, Hveragerði

In the geothermal town of Hveragerði, Ölverk stands out as a must-visit for craft beer lovers. This cozy brewery and pizzeria is known for using geothermal energy to fire its wood-fired pizzas, while brewing a selection of small-batch beers just meters away. Their lineup ranges from easy-drinking blondes to bold IPAs and darker, malt-forward brews, often inspired by local ingredients.

Rvk Brewing Co, Reykjavik

Right in the heart of Reykjavik, Rvk Brewing Co. is a buzzing spot, loved by locals and visitors alike. Their taproom is always lively, and they brew a vast variety of beers on-site, ranging from light lagers to rich stouts and hoppy IPAs, as well as exciting seasonal brews. It’s the perfect place to soak up the city vibe with a super fresh beer in hand.

Húsavík Öl, Húsavík

(Pronounced: HOO-sa-veek Ul in HOO-sa-veek – "öl" means beer, so it's "Húsavík Beer")

Heading up to Húsavík, you'll find Húsavík Öl. This relatively new brewery is already a fantastic addition to the town. They aim to capture the spirit of their maritime home in their brews, offering a great range of beers that appeal to everyone. It's the perfect place to kick back with a local brew after spotting some whales!

Dokkan, Ísafjörður

(Pronounced: DOK-kan in EES-a-fyor-dhur)

In Ísafjörður, the super charming capital of the Westfjords, there's Dokkan Brewery. This place is a real local treasure! They’re all about making fresh, top-notch beers in this remote and stunning part of Iceland. You can expect a warm, friendly vibe here, along with craft beers that truly embody the Westfjords, often nailing those classic styles perfectly.

Local Bars with Local Beer

Besides breweries, there are also great bars that serve a wide variety of locally brewed beers. If you’re in Reykjavík, then check some of these suggestions out. 

Ægir 101 Taproom 

(Pronounced: EYE-geer one-oh-one Taproom)

Ægir 101 Taproom is your go-to for a lively atmosphere and a fantastic selection of Icelandic craft beers. It's usually buzzing with both locals and visitors, making it a great spot to soak up the city's energy while trying out some fresh brews. Think good vibes and great beer, all under one roof!

Bastard Brew & Food

Bastard Brew & Food is a super cool spot in Reykjavik that blends a lively pub atmosphere with some seriously good food and, of course, excellent beer. They often have their own brews on tap alongside other craft selections. It's a great choice if you're feeling a bit peckish and want to pair your pint with a tasty meal in a fun, energetic setting.

Bjórgarðurinn

(Pronounced: BYOR-gar-dhur-inn - means "The Beer Garden")

If you're looking for a spacious, relaxed spot to enjoy a beer, head to Bjórgarðurinn. It's a spacious area with an open feel, perfect for groups or simply relaxing. They've got a vast selection of beers on tap, both Icelandic and international, so you're bound to find something new and exciting to try. It's like a proper beer hall, Icelandic style!

Micro Bar

Micro Bar is smaller and cozier, making it perfect for a more intimate beer-tasting experience. These folks are passionate about their brews, and they often have a fantastic, rotating selection of Icelandic and international craft beers. If you want to dive deep into serious beer tasting and chat with knowledgeable bartenders, this is your spot.

Skúli Craft Bar

(Pronounced: SKOO-lee Craft Bar)

Skúli Craft Bar is another gem in Reykjavik's beer scene, renowned for its sleek design and emphasis on high-quality craft beer. They have a fantastic tap list, always featuring a great mix of local Icelandic beers and interesting international options. It’s a stylish and relaxed place to unwind, perfect for enjoying a few local beers.

Icelandic Craft Bar

Well, the name pretty much says it all. The Icelandic Craft Bar is dedicated to showcasing the best of Iceland's booming craft beer scene. You can expect a diverse range of local brews on tap, making it an excellent one-stop shop if you want to sample as many different Icelandic beers as possible without trekking all over the country. It’s a true celebration of local brewing!

Purchasing Alcohol in Iceland

Many tourists are surprised when they figure out the alcohol laws in Iceland. Firstly, the legal drinking age is 20 years, which is a couple of years more than in most other European countries. Secondly, alcohol can only be purchased in The Vínbúðin (Pronounced: (VEE-n-boo-dhin). This is the official, state-run liquor store. You won't find anything stronger than 2.25% alcohol content in regular supermarkets – those are basically just "light pilsners" and don't quite hit the spot if you're looking for a real beer! The Vínbúðin stores are located in most larger towns, but their hours can be somewhat limited, often closing by 6 PM on weekdays and earlier on Saturdays. They are usually closed on Sundays and public holidays. So, definitely plan ahead!

Of course, you can buy and enjoy alcoholic beverages at bars, pubs, and restaurants all over Iceland. Just be prepared for the prices - drinks out can be quite a bit more expensive than buying from the Vínbúðin. This is why "pre-gaming" (having drinks at home before going out) is quite common among Icelanders! Also, be prepared to show your ID; they’re strict about checking those. 

Photos above: 1 - Segull 67, 2 - Gæðingur Brugghús/ Microbar, 3 - Húsavík Öl.

Beer in Iceland

So what have we learned? Breweries in Iceland have boomed in the last few decades, with microbreweries popping up all over the country. If you want to enjoy a craft beer in the city, out by the geothermal areas, or in the north, Iceland has got you covered. Just remember your ID - Cheers! 

Beers in Iceland FAQ

Does Iceland Have Breweries?

For a country with a relatively small population, Iceland has a surprisingly vibrant and growing number of breweries. You can read more about some of them in this article. 

What Is the Most Famous Icelandic beer?

If we're talking "most famous" in terms of widespread recognition and availability, that would probably be Gull (pronounced: GUTL). It's a pale lager brewed by Ölgerðin Egill Skallagrímsson, one of Iceland's largest breweries.

Why Was Beer Outlawed in Iceland?

There were several reasons, but it primarily stemmed from political and cultural factors. Some argued that beer was seen as more "dangerous" or that it would lead to greater intemperance than spirits, potentially because it was cheaper and easier to consume in larger quantities.

How Do You Ask for Beer in Iceland?

Keeping it conversational and simple is key! Here are a few ways:

"Einn bjór, takk." (Pronounced: EYN BYOR, TAHK) - This means "One beer, please." It's polite and gets the job done.

"Má ég fá bjór?" (Pronounced: MOW YEG FOW BYOR?) - This means "May I have a beer?" A little more formal, but perfectly fine.

What Is the Drinking Age in Iceland?

The legal drinking age in Iceland is 20 years old. Keep that in mind when you're planning your trip and heading to bars or the Vínbúðin! They're very strict about it.