Drinks

Water — The Best in the World

Iceland's tap water is fantastic — crystal-clear glacier water naturally filtered through lava rock and among the purest drinking waters in the world. Do NOT buy bottled water — it's a waste of money and resources. Just refill your bottle from the tap.

The cold water is perfect. The hot water sometimes smells slightly of sulfur (geothermal) — harmless but takes getting used to. A trick: Let the hot water run for 30 seconds, then the smell usually disappears.

Alcohol — Expensive, Regulated, but Celebrated

Alcohol in Iceland is extremely expensive and strictly regulated:

• Vínbúðin: The state alcohol store — the ONLY legal source for beer, wine, and spirits (except restaurants/bars). There are about 50 branches across the country, often with limited opening hours (Monday–Saturday, no Sunday opening)
• Supermarkets: Sell only "beer" (pilsner/lager) with a maximum of 2.25% alcohol — practically water with beer flavor. Don't confuse!
• Duty Free at the airport: The best place to buy alcohol! Upon arrival in Keflavík, go straight through the Duty-Free hall and stock up. The Icelanders themselves line up there

Beer Ban Until 1989!

One of Iceland's quirkiest stories: Beer was banned from 1915 to 1989. Prohibition (1915) was introduced by referendum, but while wine (1921) and spirits (1935) were legalized again, beer remained banned — allegedly because beer was too "Danish" and threatened national identity. Icelanders circumvented the ban for decades by mixing "beer" from legal 2.25% light beer and schnapps.

Only on March 1, 1989 was real beer legalized — Bjórdagurinn (Beer Day) is still celebrated today, and on this day Iceland's bars are in a state of emergency.

Craft Beer Scene

Despite (or because of) the curious history, Iceland's craft beer scene is booming:

• Borg Brugghús: Reykjavik's most famous craft brewery. "Snorri" (Ale), "Garún" (Stout), "Surtur" (Doppelbock), and seasonal specials
• Einstök Beer: From Akureyri — "Arctic Pale Ale" and "Icelandic White Ale" are brewed with glacier water and are also available internationally
• Kaldi: From Árskógssandur in North Iceland. Iceland's most popular craft lager
• Ölvisholt: On a farm in the southwest — creative beers with local ingredients (lava, birch, etc.)

Brennivín — The "Black Death"

Iceland's traditional potato schnapps with caraway flavor (40% Vol.) is colloquially called "Svarti Dauði" (Black Death) — supposedly because prohibition supporters deliberately gave the label the most deterrent name possible. It didn't help: Brennivín is Iceland's national spirit and is traditionally served with Hákarl.

The taste is reminiscent of Scandinavian aquavit or German caraway schnapps. A glass (about 1,800–2,500 ISK/12–17€ in bars, significantly cheaper in Duty Free) is one of the most authentic culinary experiences in Iceland. Skál!