Weekend tour visiting Kolaportið flea market followed by Grandi Mathöll food hall and the harbour seafood shacks. Taste everything from traditional Icelandic produce to modern street food, with stories of Iceland's fishing heritage.
The Kolaportið Market & Harbour Food Tour is a three-hour weekend-only tour that pairs Reykjavik's largest flea and food market with a walk down to the Old Harbour seafood shacks. It begins inside Kolaportið, held only on Saturdays and Sundays in a converted harbourside warehouse on Tryggvagata, where stalls sell traditional Icelandic produce such as smoked lamb, dried fish, pickled foods, and local cheeses alongside secondhand goods and flea-market bric-a-brac. From there the route continues to Grandi Mathöll food hall for a mix of modern Icelandic vendors, then finishes at the harbour seafood shacks, including a stop for lobster soup at Sægreifinn, one of the harbour's long-standing seafood restaurants known for its no-frills counter service and views of the fishing boats.
The $65 per-person price includes a market guide for the Kolaportið portion, five tastings spread across the market and food hall stops, and a bowl of lobster soup at Sægreifinn. Because Kolaportið operates only on weekends, this tour is not available on weekdays, which travellers should factor into trip planning. The guide contextualises each product within Iceland's fishing heritage and history of trading with other Nordic countries, explaining why a market culture built on imported and preserved goods developed on an island with limited arable land. The pace is casual browsing rather than a fixed walking route, in English, with small groups; those with shellfish allergies should note that the lobster soup is a fixed inclusion, though the market stalls themselves offer enough variety that other stops can be adjusted around most dietary needs.
| Price | $65 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 hours |
What is included
- Market guide, 5 tastings, lobster soup at Sægreifinn
Weather through the year in Iceland
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Iceland.
Highlights
- Weekend-only visit to Kolaportið flea and food market
- Five tastings spanning market stalls and Grandi Mathöll food hall
- Lobster soup stop at the Old Harbour restaurant Sægreifinn
- Guide context on Iceland's fishing heritage and Nordic trading history
- Casual browsing pace suited to market exploration
Tips for visiting
- Book for a Saturday or Sunday only, since Kolaportið market does not operate on weekdays
- Bring cash in small denominations, as some market stalls prefer it over card
- Those with shellfish allergies should flag it in advance, since lobster soup is a fixed stop
- Arrive hungry but not full, since the harbour finale includes a full bowl of soup
- Wear waterproof shoes if visiting in winter, as the harbour area can be icy
When to visit
Available only on Saturdays and Sundays when Kolaportið market is open; late morning departures avoid the heaviest weekend crowds.
Accessibility
Kolaportið market and the harbour route are largely step-free and flat, though the market building can be crowded on weekends, which may affect wheelchair navigation between stalls.
Frequently asked questions
Does the tour run every day of the week?
No, it runs only on weekends, when the Kolaportið flea and food market is open.
Is the lobster soup stop substitutable for non-seafood eaters?
The lobster soup at Sægreifinn is a fixed inclusion, though the market and food hall stops offer enough variety for most other dietary preferences.
How much walking is involved between the market and the harbour?
The distance from Kolaportið to the Old Harbour seafood shacks is short, generally under a fifteen-minute walk at a relaxed pace.
Can the tour be combined with other Reykjavik food tours?
It is designed as a standalone three-hour experience, though travellers often pair it with an evening dinner or dessert stop separately.