Beatrix Montes
If you're looking to buy beer in Iceland, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, beer is not sold in supermarkets or grocery shops; instead, you'll need to head to a liquor store. These stores are owned and operated by the government and are called Vínbúðin or ÁTVR. There are 37 stores located in the countryside and 17 in the capital area, with most major towns having at least one store. The prices at these stores are the same across the country, and you can expect to pay around 12-15$ for a beer. If you're looking for a cheaper option, consider buying beer at the airport duty-free when you arrive, as the prices are significantly lower.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Beer sold in supermarkets? | No |
| Beer sold in liquor stores? | Yes |
| Beer sold in bars? | Yes |
| Beer sold in restaurants? | Yes |
| Beer sold in duty-free shops at the airport? | Yes |
| Beer sold in natural hot springs? | No |
| Beer sold in campsites? | No |
What You'll Learn
Keflavik airport's duty-free shop
If you're looking to buy beer in Iceland, one of the best places to do so is at the Keflavík airport's duty-free shop. Here's what you need to know:
Firstly, it's important to note that the sale of alcohol in Iceland is highly regulated and taxed, resulting in high prices across the country. The Keflavík airport's duty-free shop offers a convenient and cost-effective option for travellers looking to purchase alcohol, including beer.
The duty-free shop at Keflavík airport is located right next to the baggage claim area, and it offers a wide range of products, including beer, wine, spirits, cosmetics, confectionery, tobacco, and even toys. The store is open whenever there are passenger flights arriving or departing, ensuring that travellers always have access to their favourite beverages.
When it comes to beer specifically, you can expect to find a variety of options at the duty-free shop. The selection may include popular brands such as Tuborg Gold, Stella Artois, and Carlsberg. The prices are significantly lower than those outside the airport, so it's a great opportunity to stock up for your trip. For example, a 6-pack of Stella Artois beer (33cl) costs around 1399 ISK at the duty-free, compared to 2094 ISK outside the airport, resulting in a savings of 695 ISK.
In addition to the arrival duty-free shop, there are also three stores for departure passengers, ensuring that you have multiple opportunities to purchase beer during your time at the airport. Keep in mind that there are allowances and restrictions on the amount of alcohol you can purchase duty-free, and these rules are clearly stated in the store.
By taking advantage of the duty-free prices at Keflavík airport, you can save a significant amount of money on beer and other alcoholic beverages during your stay in Iceland. It's a great way to enjoy your favourite drinks without breaking the bank!
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State-run liquor stores
In Iceland, alcohol is only sold in state-run liquor stores called Vínbúðin or ÁTVR (usually called 'Ríkið'). These are the only stores that are legally allowed to sell alcohol, and you will not find it in supermarkets or other outlets. There are 37 stores in the countryside and 17 in the capital area, including 12 in the city of Reykjavik. State-run liquor stores are generally open from Monday to Thursday, 11 am to 6 pm, on Fridays from 11 am to 7 pm, and on Saturdays from 11 am to 6 pm. They are closed on Sundays.
The most accessible store for visitors to Reykjavik is on Austurstræti 10a. You can find alcohol stores in most major towns, but their opening hours are shorter than in the capital, and smaller towns may be closed on Saturdays. The prices in these stores are the same across the country, as they are all government-owned.
If you are planning a trip to Iceland and want to purchase alcohol, it is advisable to buy drinks before heading into the countryside, as there are large areas where you will need to drive long distances to find a state-run liquor store.
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Bars and restaurants
If you're looking to enjoy a beer in a bar or restaurant during your time in Iceland, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, alcohol is heavily taxed in Iceland, resulting in high prices for drinks. The average price for a beer at a bar or restaurant is around $12 to $15, depending on the brand. So, if you're looking to save some money, it might be a good idea to have a drink or two at your accommodation before heading out. This is a common practice among locals, as it helps them avoid spending a lot of money at bars or restaurants.
When it comes to finding bars and restaurants that serve alcohol, most restaurants in Iceland are allowed to sell it. If you're in the capital, Reykjavik, you'll have plenty of options to choose from. The city is known for its vibrant nightlife, with bars, pubs, and clubs that stay open until the early morning hours on weekends. To avoid long lines at the most popular clubs, it's recommended to arrive early, preferably around midnight. Some well-known spots in downtown Reykjavik include Kaffibarinn, Slippbarinn, Pablo Discobar, American Bar, and Kiki, a queer bar.
In addition to bars and restaurants, you can also purchase alcohol from state-run liquor stores called "Vínbúðin" or "ÁTVR". These stores are the only ones allowed to sell alcohol in Iceland, aside from duty-free shops at the airport and some bars offering takeaway beers. However, liquor stores have limited opening hours and are closed on Sundays, so planning ahead is essential.
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Buying alcohol on the ring road
If you're planning on buying alcohol on the Ring Road in Iceland, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, alcohol is not sold in supermarkets or grocery shops in Iceland. The only places to buy alcohol are government-owned liquor stores called Vínbúðin or ÁTVR, and bars and restaurants. These state-run liquor stores are closed on Sundays and have limited opening hours on Saturdays, usually closing around 16:00 or 18:00. There are only a few liquor stores on the Ring Road, and they are mostly located in major towns.
It is recommended that you buy your alcohol in Reykjavik or at the airport before embarking on the Ring Road, as the selection and availability of alcohol outside of the city are limited. The prices at the airport's duty-free shop are also significantly cheaper than in the stores or restaurants in Iceland. Each traveller is allowed to purchase six units of alcohol at the duty-free shop, such as one litre of liquor and two six-packs of beer. If you are planning to drink in Iceland, buying alcohol duty-free at the airport is a good way to save money.
If you are planning to drink in bars and restaurants, be prepared for high prices. The average price for a beer at a bar or restaurant is around $12-15, and a bottle of wine can cost upwards of $50. However, if you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can try taking advantage of happy hour deals or downloading the Reykjavík Appy Hour app, which can help you find the cheapest happy hours in real time.
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Drinking in Iceland on a budget
Drinking in Iceland can be expensive, but there are ways to save money. Firstly, it's important to know that alcohol is not sold in supermarkets or grocery shops. The only place to buy alcohol is in government-owned liquor stores called Vínbúðin (or ÁTVR) and these are closed on Sundays. There are 37 stores in the countryside and 17 in the capital area, with the most accessible store for people in Reykjavik being on Austurstræti 10a.
Duty-Free
One way to save money is to buy alcohol in the duty-free shop at the airport. Each traveller is allowed 6 units of alcohol, for example, 1 litre of liquor and 2 six-packs of beer. Alcohol bought at the airport will be much cheaper than in the government-owned stores.
Happy Hour
If you want to drink in a bar, look for the cheapest happy hours. The Reykjavík Appy Hour app will direct you to the cheapest happy hours in Reykjavík in real time.
Drink at Home
As alcohol is so expensive in bars, many Icelanders start drinking at home and then go out. This way, they don't have to spend so much money at the bar.
Prices
To give you an idea of prices, a single can of local beer will cost around 500-700 ISK (5$ / 4€) in a store, and up to 1600 ISK (13$ / 10€) in a bar. A bottle of cheap red wine will be around 1800 ISK in a store, and the cheapest bottle of wine in a restaurant will be around $50. For spirits, expect to pay around 7000 ISK for vodka or whiskey in a store, and around $49 for Absolut vodka.
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Frequently asked questions
Beer can be purchased in bars and restaurants, as well as at the state-owned liquor stores called Vínbúðin or ÁTVR.
Beer is expensive in Iceland due to high taxes. A single small bottle of beer from a bar can cost up to 1600 ISK (approximately 13 USD or 10 EUR). A single can of local beer from a liquor store can cost around 500 to 700 ISK (approximately 5 USD or 4 EUR).
Yes, beer can be purchased at duty-free shops at the Keflavik airport in Iceland. Each traveler is allowed to buy up to six units of alcohol, which could include two six-packs of beer.
