When I was planning my trip to Iceland, I wanted to make sure I added a few things in that weren’t on the normal tourist checklist. Don’t get me wrong, I was still dead set on seeing the iconic Golden Circle and relaxing in the Blue Lagoon, but I like to find little hidden gems too. So I had a little research and decided to go for Viator’s Olgerdin Brewery Tour in Reykjavik.
This was mainly because of the awesome brewery tour I did in Amsterdam – the Heineken Experience. I figured brewery tours would be my new thing and decided to check this one out. Now I should tell you, this was nothing like the Heineken Experience in Amsterdam. At the Heineken brewery it was a full-on tour walking round, their were horses and a simulator ride and games and karaoke, it was basically a mini theme park in a brewery.
The Olgerdin brewery was awesome for an entirely different reason. Sure you get to see the brewery during the 2 hour experience but for most of the ‘tour’ you’re actually sat in a room with a bar sampling all of the beers this brewery produces.
If you think that sounds dull, you’re wrong.
The host for the evening – Anna when I went – talks you through the history of alcohol in Iceland and it’s actually super interesting. Anna was hilarious, who knew talking about prohibition would be so fun? I also got to taste SO. MANY. BEERS. Like seriously, their aim is obvs to get you pissed so that you enjoy yourself and it really does work. I had the best time.
Not only do you taste a range of beers, but you also get a shot of Brennivin AKA ‘Black Death’, as well as a concoction called ‘beer substitute’ that Icelandic people used to drink when beer was banned. It’s basically alcohol-free beer with a shitload of vodka chucked in. Told you, they get you wasted.
The actual tour part of the brewery was alright but nothing special, although the micro-brewery was cool. We just donned hairnets and wandered around with Anna for 20 minutes before going back to the bar and having some more drinks. YES MORE DRINKS.
But seriously, this doesn’t sound like much but I had a really good time. Even though I was travelling alone, everyone on the tour was my new best friend (that may be the drinks talking). I met a cool couple from the UK and a whole stag do from the States (who insisted I feature a photo of them on the blog – see below…).
It’s an early evening tour so is an ideal opportunity for cool AF pre-drinks before heading for a night out in Reykjavik. The Viator tour was actually run by Grayline so they pick you up from your hotel and drop you back after which I thought was ideal for a solo traveller.
If you fancy yourself a good laugh with Anna & co and a ton of beers then check out the tour on Viator. It’s just over 30 quid so not too bad for a unusual travel experience in Reykjavik, ay? I’m definitely hooked on brewery tours now though, can’t wait to do more of them!
Do you go on brewery tours when you’re travelling somewhere new? Tell me your recommendations in the comments below or tweet me @HeelsInBackpack!
Total blogger transparency: I accepted this brewery tour free of charge from Viator but all thoughts and opinions are my own. I wouldn’t play you like that shorty.
Great description of the brewery tour
I went on the tour, with the other Anna as the host
It was pretty much the same, hilarious and very boozy
I’m still feeling the effects today, and checking my pictures to fill in the gaps.
Cheers!
Chris
Ah I’m glad you liked it too! Definitely an underrated tour in Reykjavik IMO.