Reykjavik: Food Walking Tour with Shark Tasting & Flea Market

Summary

Local flavors, laughter at the flea market, warm soup by the harbor and that shark

You’ll wander Reykjavik’s old center tasting shellfish soup by the harbor, lamb hot dogs at a famous stand, and even brave fermented shark at Dass restaurant—all guided by a local who shares stories as you go. Expect laughter in the flea market if it’s open and end your walk with an Icelandic drink (alcoholic or not) near Hallgrimskirkja.

What’s the experience like?

Someone hands me a steaming bowl of shellfish soup down by Reykjavik harbor. The wind’s sharp but the soup’s got this buttery smell that cuts right through it. Our guide, Sigrún, waves us closer to the water and starts telling stories about fishermen—her uncle used to work these docks, apparently. I try not to spill anything on my gloves. It’s early but already there’s this low hum from the boats and gulls overhead. Didn’t expect to start a Reykjavik food tour with my nose running from both cold and pepper.

We snake through old streets—someone points out graffiti I would’ve missed—and then we’re suddenly at the hot dog stand everyone talks about. The line moves fast; Sigrún orders in Icelandic (I try to repeat it, she laughs). The lamb hot dog is… different? Smoky, with crunchy onions and this sweet brown sauce I still can’t name. There’s a guy behind us who says he eats here every Friday after work. Feels like half of Reykjavik passes by in five minutes.

Inside the supermarket, we poke at licorice candies and weirdly bright yogurt drinks. Sigrún grabs something called Skyr—she says it’s technically cheese but nobody treats it like cheese here. If you catch this day trip around the weekend, you get swept into the flea market too—smells like wool sweaters and dried fish in there. Some old man tries to sell me dried cod skin for “snacking.” I pass.

The last stop is Dass near Hallgrimskirkja church—a cozy spot with wooden tables and dim lights. We sit together for little plates of smoked lamb, rye bread so dense it almost squeaks when you chew it, and then… fermented shark. The smell hits first (like cleaning fluid?) but everyone cheers each other on anyway. I manage a bite—sharp, salty, weirdly soft—and chase it with a sip of Black Death schnapps that burns all the way down. Sigrún raises her glass: “Now you’re Icelandic.” Not sure about that but I do feel changed somehow. Still think about that table sometimes when I smell cold air or rye bread.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Reykjavik food walk and tasting

• Meet at old Reykjavik city center
• Start with Icelandic shellfish soup
• Sample lamb hot dog at stand
• Visit local supermarket for snacks
• Stroll Reykjavik Flea Market (weekends)
• Try delicacies and fermented shark
• Celebrate with Icelandic drink

Top questions

How long does the Reykjavik food walking tour last?

The tour usually lasts around 3-4 hours depending on group pace and stops.

Is fermented shark included on this Reykjavik food tour?

Yes, you’ll have the chance to try fermented shark (hakarl) at Dass restaurant near Hallgrimskirkja church.

Does the tour include drinks?

You’ll get an Icelandic drink of your choice (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) at the final stop.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?

Yes, dietary restrictions and allergies are accommodated—just let your guide know in advance.

Is hotel pickup included for this food walking tour?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet in central Reykjavik by two stone pillars marking the original settlement site.

What foods will I try on this Reykjavik walking tour?

You’ll taste shellfish soup, lamb hot dogs, local snacks from supermarkets or markets, smoked lamb, rye bread, Skyr yogurt-cheese, and fermented shark.

When is Reykjavik Flea Market open during the tour?

The flea market is only open Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 5 pm; tours during those times include a visit inside.

Is this Reykjavik food tour suitable for kids or families?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels and infants/children can ride in prams or strollers.

What’s included

Your day includes plenty of local tastings—from shellfish soup by the harbor to famous lamb hot dogs—plus snacks from shops or markets if they’re open. You’ll finish at Dass restaurant near Hallgrimskirkja church where you can try traditional delicacies (including fermented shark) alongside an Icelandic drink of your choosing before saying goodbye in central Reykjavik.