If you love dessert, this tour is for you. The Icelandic Sweet Tooth Tour turns downtown Reykjavik into a tasting route, with a guide who keeps the sugar coming and the facts flowing. I like it for the variety (pastries, chocolate, ice cream, and even some salty surprises like dried fish) and for the way you learn what you’re eating, not just where you’re eating it.

You’ll also notice the tour leans into Iceland’s signature flavor—licorice—so if you hate it, plan on having other options ready and ask the guide early. The pacing is easy, but you will be walking and stopping at multiple shops, so it’s not the quietest option if you want a mostly sit-down experience.

Key things that make this tour worth your time

• Small group (max 12), so you get real attention and quick questions answered
• Downtown Reykjavik focus, starting at Ingólfur Square and moving along the main streets
• Multiple sweet categories, from kleina-style pastries to chocolate bars and ice cream
• Licorice culture explained, including why Icelandic licorice is sweet and mild
• Guide-led insider picks, so you leave with places you’ll actually want to return to

Why Icelandic sweets taste like a whole different country

Iceland’s sweet scene isn’t just sugar. It’s sugar with reasons—local ingredients, old recipes, and flavors that feel familiar but not copy-pasted. On this tour, that shows up fast through the kinds of treats you try and the stories your guide shares about how they’re made and why Icelanders keep buying them.

A key example is licorice. On paper, it sounds intense, but Icelandic licorice is sweet and mild, not the harsh, medicine-like style some people expect. You’ll likely see it paired with chocolate, too—think combinations like Þristur (licorice and chocolate) and chocolate bars such as Draumur. If licorice is your thing, you’ll probably have your mouth mapping new flavor territory by the end.

Another reason the sweets feel local is that Iceland bakes with a mindset that treats pastries as everyday comfort. You’re not eating in a museum. You’re stepping into regular shops where locals grab something for coffee, work breaks, or a quick treat after errands.

Ingólfur Square start: easy orientation in the heart of Reykjavik

The tour begins at Ingólfur Square, in the middle of downtown Reykjavik, by the two tall stone pillars (over 3 meters high). It’s a smart starting point because you’re already in the area where street life and shops make sense, and you won’t waste energy hunting for the meeting spot.

This is also where the tour’s “small-group” approach matters. With a maximum of 12 people, you’re not stuck in a loud line. You can hear the guide, ask questions, and actually move at a comfortable walking rhythm.

Your guide is with Your Friend in Reykjavik and is usually easy to spot in a light blue jacket with the company name on the back. I found that small detail surprisingly helpful on arrival, because downtown Reykjavik has plenty of people and plenty of tours.

Early on, you get a brief guided sightseeing segment, including time along Laugavegur, the main shopping street. That means you’re not just doing food stops—you’re also getting the basic city orientation that helps later when you’re choosing where to go next.

Stop 1: Baka Baka and the bakery mood-setting moment

The first real tasting stop is Baka Baka, where you typically start with classic Icelandic pastries. Expect sampling things like kleina, a deep-fried doughnut-like pastry that feels more celebratory than the average bakery treat. Your guide should also connect the pastry to Icelandic food culture and how bakers approach these sweets.

In practice, Baka Baka is a big “get your bearings” moment. You arrive hungry for sugar, then the guide gives you a quick lens for tasting. That matters because Icelandic sweets can be subtle in one bite and then surprising in the next.

On some runs, you might also encounter standouts like Danish pastry styles (one guide experience highlighted how good the Danish pastry was), plus excellent cocoa. If you’re the type who needs a warm drink with your dessert, this is a strong stop.

Possible drawback: if you’re very sensitive to rich, fried sweets, kleina-style items can feel heavy fast. The upside is you’re not stuck with only one type—you’ll keep moving through other flavors afterward.

Stop 2: Laugavegur walking time without the fatigue

After Baka Baka, you’ll spend about 20 minutes with a guided stroll and sightseeing along Laugavegur. This is the part I like most when the weather is cold or windy: you get movement and context without overcommitting to a long trek.

You’re still in “tour mode,” so you’re not constantly deciding where to turn. At the same time, you’re not locked into one shop. That balance helps you enjoy Reykjavik as a city, not only as a dessert delivery system.

Also, this is a good moment to ask your guide quick questions. If you’re planning dinner later, this walking segment is often where you can get practical answers without interrupting a tasting process.

Stop 3: Loo.koo.mas for shop-time and the gift-store fun

Next up is Loo.koo.mas, a shorter stop focused more on shopping. Even if you’re not buying souvenirs, this brief time matters because it shows you how these sweets live beyond the tour.

You get a chance to browse what locals might pick up for gifting or for grabbing when they want something sweet at home. And if you’re the “I want to remember this flavor later” type, this is where you can spot items you’ll want to pack.

What to watch for: because it’s a shopping stop, the pace can feel a little different than the tasting sections. If you prefer tasting-only experiences, you may want to keep your purchases quick so you can stay relaxed for the next flavors.

Stop 4: Ísbúðin litla Valdís for ice cream that actually tastes like Iceland

Then comes the ice cream stop: Ísbúðin litla Valdís. This part is ideal when you want something cold and creamy to reset your taste buds after pastries and chocolate.

The tour notes that you may choose from multiple flavors, including Iceland-specific options like licorice and possibly skyr (the Icelandic dairy product). Skyr in an ice cream form is one of those ideas that sounds like a niche variation—until you taste it and realize why people keep returning.

Ice cream here isn’t just a dessert finish. It’s a way to broaden the texture of what you’re tasting. If every stop is baked goods, the sweet can blur together. Ice cream brings a creamy clarity that makes later candy feel more distinct.

Simple strategy for picking flavors: if you’re testing Icelandic identity, start with licorice ice cream. If you’re trying to play it safe, pick something skyr-based or a standard fruit profile, then add licorice if you’re curious.

Stop 5: Taste of Iceland for candy bars and the finishing sweet hits

The tour ends with another tasting stop at Taste of Iceland, where you can sample a set of Icelandic candies and sweets. This is often the climax for chocolate lovers, because it’s where you might find famous bars like Draumur and combos such as Þristur (licorice and chocolate).

What I like about ending here is that you’re coming off the ice cream reset, so your palate is ready for more candy intensity. It’s also a good moment to decide what you want to buy for later, because you’ll have a clearer memory of what tasted best for you.

And don’t worry if you’re not a licorice person. The tour specifically points out that there are other options. The smart move is to tell the guide your preference early (or at the ice cream stop) so they can steer you toward the best non-licorice flavors in the candy section.

Value: is $90 for 2 hours worth it?

At $90 per person for about 2 hours, this tour isn’t the cheapest thing in Reykjavik. But it also isn’t trying to be. It’s priced as a focused tasting experience with an expert guide and multiple stops.

Here’s how I judge value for a food tour like this:

• You’re paying for guided choice, not just random sampling. Your guide helps you taste better by explaining what matters in each item.
• You’re paying for variety in a short window—pastries, chocolate, candy, and ice cream—so you don’t spend the rest of the day chasing the perfect dessert.
• You’re paying for time savings. Downtown Reykjavik is packed with shops. This turns your decision-making into a simple walk with stops already planned.

The small group size (max 12) also supports the price. When the group is smaller, you tend to get better interaction and fewer “stand there and wait” moments.

If you’re the kind of traveler who wants to taste a lot in a little time, this is good money. If you only want one dessert and you’re happy eating alone without guidance, you might prefer buying items on your own. But if you want a guided sweet education, $90 starts to look fair.

Who this tour suits best (and who might skip it)

This is a great match for:

• Sweet-tooth travelers who want multiple Icelandic flavors instead of one bakery stop
• Solo travelers, since the structure keeps you social without forcing you to plan everything
• Anyone who wants a quick intro to Reykjavik’s downtown area while eating well

It might not be your best choice if:

• You dislike licorice and don’t want to think about it at all. The tour offers alternatives, but licorice themes still appear across the experience.
• You’re not into food tours. If you’d rather spend your time on scenery only, this is a dessert-first route.

The upside is that the tour is paced to keep you comfortable and energized. People often like it as a break before doing more walking later—especially when you still plan to see the city after your sugar stops.

Practical tips to get the most from your guide and your sugar

A few things can make this tour even better.

First, dress for Icelandic weather. You’re outside between stops, and you’ll want to stay warm enough to enjoy tasting instead of rushing the experience.

Second, decide your licorice comfort level before you’re halfway through the route. The tour’s guide can steer you toward non-licorice options, but you’ll get better results if you say what you want early.

Third, treat this like a tasting class, not a free-for-all. Take small bites when you can, especially with fried pastries and dense chocolate. You’ll enjoy more flavors because your palate stays clearer.

Finally, ask for recommendations during the sightseeing and shopping moments. The tour is meant to give you insider ideas from Your Friend in Reykjavik, and you can use that to plan your next coffee break or dessert detour after the tour ends.

Should you book the Icelandic Sweet Tooth Tour?

Book it if you want a structured, small-group way to taste Icelandic flavors in downtown Reykjavik without spending your whole day researching where to go. The combination of pastries, chocolate (often licorice-forward), ice cream, and candy gives you a real cross-section of what makes Iceland sweet culture feel distinct.

Skip it if you hate licorice no matter what, or if you don’t enjoy guided food experiences. You can always buy a single pastry and move on, but you’ll lose the “why this tastes like Iceland” context and the handy list of places to return to later.

If you’re on the fence, I’d lean toward booking—especially if it’s your first time in Reykjavik and you want a quick, fun start that also leaves you with ideas for the rest of your trip.

FAQ

How long is the Icelandic Sweet Tooth Tour?

The tour lasts about 2 hours.

What does the tour cost?

It costs $90 per person.

Where do I meet the guide?

Meet at Ingólfur Square, by the two tall stone pillars in the center of Reykjavik.

What kinds of food and sweets are included?

You’ll sample Icelandic pastry, sweets, chocolates, and ice cream. Specific items can vary by season, day, and tour time.

Will I taste licorice?

Licorice is part of the tour’s sweet theme, and Icelandic licorice is described as sweet and mild. If you don’t like licorice, other options are available.

What stops are included on the walk?

The itinerary includes Baka Baka, time along Laugavegur, Loo.koo.mas, Ísbúðin litla Valdís, and Taste of Iceland, plus a short start sightseeing segment and returning to Ingólfur Square.

Is the tour group small?

Yes. It’s a small group tour with a maximum of 12 people.

What language is the guide?

The live guide provides the tour in English.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is wheelchair accessible.

What should I bring?

Wear weather-appropriate clothing, since you’ll be outside during the walking portion.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Can I reserve and pay later?

Yes. You can book your spot and pay nothing today.