Where to Find Best Craft Beer in Akureyri
Table of Contents
Discover the Best Places for Craft Beer in Akureyri
Akureyri is a stunning destination for anyone who loves high quality drinks and cold weather. You will find many cozy bars that serve some of the best beer in Iceland. The local brewing culture has expanded greatly over the last few years for every visitor. This guide will help you discover exactly where to find best craft beer in Akureyri.
Walking through the snowy streets makes a cold glass of beer feel even more rewarding. Most bars are located within walking distance of each other in the compact city center. You can explore the Akureyri winter food and dining scene while looking for your next drink. Locals are very friendly and will often share their favorite beer recommendations with you.
The Einstök Brewer's Lounge Experience
The Einstök Brewer's Lounge is a famous spot for craft beer fans visiting the north. It sits comfortably on the main street named Kaupvangsstræti in the center of the town. You can walk there easily from most of the major hotels in the downtown area. This bar is open every day from four in the afternoon until eleven at night.
They serve many award winning beers that are famous across the entire world today. You should try the Arctic Berry Ale if you want something sweet and refreshing. The Toasted Porter is another excellent choice for those who enjoy a darker flavor. The prices for a draft beer at this lounge are usually around sixteen hundred Krona.
The interior of the lounge is designed with a modern and very sleek Icelandic style. Large windows allow you to watch the snow fall while staying warm and cozy inside. There are plenty of comfortable seats for small groups or solo travelers to enjoy. The staff are experts who can explain the history of every beer they serve.
Visiting this location is a great way to start your evening in the city. Many people come here before heading out to a nice dinner at a local restaurant. It is one of the top places when you look for where to find best craft beer in Akureyri. You will certainly enjoy the quality and the atmosphere of this very popular lounge.
Wide Beer Selections at R5 Bar
R5 Bar is a cozy place that offers a massive selection of different beer styles. The owners focus on bringing the best Icelandic microbrews to the local community every week. You will find many rare bottles that are hard to find in other Icelandic cities. It is a great place to meet local people and learn about the brewing process.
The bar is located at Ráðhústorg which is right in the center of the town. They have ten rotating taps that feature new beers from all across the whole country. You can try a tasting flight to sample several different styles at a single time. The prices for a draft beer at R5 Bar usually start at twelve hundred Krona.
The atmosphere is very laid back with comfortable chairs and low lighting for every guest. Many local residents gather here after work to enjoy a drink and some good conversation. It is a perfect spot for travelers who want to experience the real local vibe. The staff are always happy to help you choose a beer that fits your taste.
R5 Bar is open from five in the evening until late at night every day. You can find it easily by looking for the sign near the town square fountain. This is another top choice when searching for where to find best craft beer in Akureyri. You will certainly enjoy the variety and the friendly service provided at this local gem.
Traditional Pub Vibes at Ölstofa Akureyrar
Ölstofa Akureyrar is a traditional pub that offers a very calm and quiet drinking environment. This is the place where people come to enjoy the beer and good conversation together. You will not find loud music or flashing lights in this classic Icelandic drinking establishment. It is located on Strandgata which is very close to the harbor area of town.
They have a great selection of local beers on tap including many seasonal winter brews. You should try the Kaldi beer which is one of the most popular brands here. The prices are very competitive with other bars in the downtown area for every visitor. Expect to pay around thirteen hundred Krona for a standard pint of local draft beer.
The interior is simple and clean with plenty of wooden tables for guests to use. It is a favorite spot for local writers and artists who enjoy the quiet atmosphere. You can spend a relaxing evening here reading a book or chatting with old friends. The service is very friendly and the staff make you feel welcome right away today.
The pub is open every day starting from six in the evening until midnight usually. It is a great place to visit if you want to escape the louder bars. You will find that the local crowd is very interesting and very fun to meet. Make sure to add this stop to your list of places to visit this winter.
Where to Find Best Craft Beer in Akureyri
⭐ Recommendation: Don't miss out on amazing Akureyri tours - book now!
Finding the perfect pint in Akureyri requires knowing where the locals like to go. Most of the best bars are found along the main street named Hafnarstræti. You can easily visit several different bars in one single night because they are close. Each location offers a different vibe and a unique selection of local craft beers.
Craft beer in Iceland is often made with the purest water found in the world. This creates a very clean taste that you cannot find in any other country. Many brewers also add local ingredients like sea salt or arctic thyme to their recipes. These flavors represent the wild nature that surrounds the city of Akureyri every day.
The prices for craft beer in Akureyri are similar to those in the capital city. You should expect to pay between twelve hundred and eighteen hundred Krona per pint. Many bars offer a happy hour during the early evening to help you save money. This is a great time to sample multiple styles without spending too much money.
Always remember to bring your identification if you look younger than twenty years old. The legal drinking age in Iceland is twenty and they check IDs very strictly. Most bars are very welcoming and provide a safe environment for all of their guests. You will have a wonderful time exploring the diverse beer culture in this northern town.
The Unique Atmosphere at Götubarinn
🎯 Insider Tip: Discover the best Akureyri experiences with Viator Tours!
Götubarinn is perhaps the most colorful and interesting bar you will find in the city. The walls are covered with old pianos and many other strange items from the past. It creates a very warm and inviting space for everyone who walks through the door. The bar is located at Hafnarstræti 98 in the heart of the main shopping street.
They serve a wide range of Icelandic craft beers that change on a regular basis. You can find everything from light pilsners to very heavy and dark chocolate stouts here. The staff are very passionate about beer and can help you find your new favorite. Most pints of craft beer here cost between fifteen hundred and eighteen hundred Icelandic Krona.
On many nights you can enjoy live music from local bands and solo piano players. The lively atmosphere makes it a great place to celebrate a special winter night out. It is often crowded on the weekends so you should arrive early to find seating. This is one of the most famous bars for anyone visiting the town of Akureyri.
The bar stays open until one in the morning on most days of the week. It is a must-visit location for those who love unique decor and good craft beer. You will have many great photos to share after visiting this very special local bar. It truly stands out as a top destination in the northern Icelandic craft beer scene.
Relaxing at the Bjorbodin Beer Spa
The Bjorbodin Beer Spa is located just a twenty five minute drive away from Akureyri. This destination offers a very unique experience that you will not find anywhere else today. It is considered one of the best winter activities in Akureyri for many international tourists. You can soak in a bath of warm beer while enjoying the snowy mountain views.
Each tub is filled with young beer and live yeast which is good for skin. You have a private room for twenty minutes followed by a relaxation period in quiet. There is a beer tap next to every tub for guests to use while soaking. This is a fun and relaxing way to spend an afternoon in northern Iceland today.
The spa also has a very nice restaurant that serves delicious meals made with beer. You can try the beer bread or the local beef cooked in a dark ale. The prices for the spa experience start at around nine thousand Icelandic Krona per person. It is highly recommended to book your session in advance because spots fill up fast.
Transportation is easy if you have a rental car or take a local taxi service. The drive follows the beautiful coastline and offers many great views of the deep fjord. This is a perfect day trip for anyone staying in the city of Akureyri 2026. You will surely remember this unique beer experience for the rest of your entire life.
Frequently Asked Questions
🎯 Insider Tip: Discover the best Akureyri experiences with Viator Tours!
Where to find best craft beer in Akureyri on a budget?
You can find great deals by visiting bars during their scheduled happy hour times. Places like R5 Bar often have lower prices in the early evening for guests. Checking the local social media pages will reveal the latest discounts and special offers. This is the smartest way to enjoy high quality beer without spending too much.
What is the legal drinking age in Akureyri?
The legal age for purchasing and consuming alcohol in the country of Iceland is twenty. You should always carry a valid form of identification when visiting any local bars. Most establishments are very strict about checking IDs for all of their younger customers. This rule is enforced to ensure a safe and responsible drinking environment for everyone.
Can I take a brewery tour in Akureyri?
There are several small breweries near the city that offer guided tours for visitors. You can visit the Einstök brewery to see how they make their famous arctic ales. It is best to book these tours in advance through their official company website. This is a great way to learn more about the local Icelandic beer culture.
What are the typical opening hours for bars?
Most bars in the city center open their doors around four in the afternoon. They usually stay open until midnight during the week and later on the weekends. The town becomes very lively after ten at night when the locals come out. You will always find a warm and welcoming place to enjoy a cold beer.
Akureyri is truly a paradise for anyone who appreciates high quality craft beer and culture. The city offers a wide variety of bars that cater to every possible taste. You will find warm hospitality and amazing drinks in every corner of this town. Make sure to plan your trip using our Akureyri winter travel guide 2026 today.
Key Takeaways
- Visit Einstök Brewer's Lounge for world-famous ales.
- Check out R5 Bar for a wide selection of microbrews.
- Book a session at the Bjorbodin Beer Spa for relaxation.
- Use happy hours to save money on expensive craft beers.
- Enjoy local live music at Götubarinn during your winter nights.
Related reads: polarcityguide.com, best cozy restaurants in akureyri for winter dining, traditional icelandic winter foods to try in akureyri.