Tourists Eat 500 year-old Fermented Shark | Reykjavik, Iceland

Hákarl (fermented shark) is made using Greenland shark from the cold waters of the North Atlantic. It's poisonous if consumed fresh, so it has to be fermented for several months to be edible. Fermented shark is known for its pungent odor and is often described as tasting like cheese combined with ammonia. 🤢 True to Icelandic tradition, it is served in small cubes and accompanied by a shot of Icelandic schnapps called "brennivín" to wash it down.
I hit the streets of Reykjavik with @WakeUpReykjavik. searching for tourists to try this local delicacy - their reactions show you how delicious this shark tastes. 🙊
Book a food walk tour and get 10% off with my code: ICEVIEW ➡️ bit.ly/IWAVfoodwalk
____
SUBSCRIBE for new Iceland tips every week: bit.ly/IcelandKZbin
ABOUT ME: I sold everything and moved to Iceland bit.ly/IcelandExpat
___
// WHERE TO FIND ME:
📸 Follow me around Iceland: / icelandwithaview
💚 Local tips for Iceland travel: / icelandwithaview
🗺️ Iceland guides, itineraries, + travel map: icelandwithaview.com/shop
___
// PLANNING A TRIP TO ICELAND?
Download my FREE guide to navigating the airport, Duty Free tips, and getting to Reykjavík ➡️ bit.ly/icelandarrivalguide
___
// DISCLOSURE:
Thank you for trusting me with my opinion on any future purchase you may make. I always disclose affiliate or sponsored information when applicable. As a part of Team Iceland, you allow me to earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my affiliate/referral links. This doesn't cost extra for you but helps me to continue this channel. Thank you for your support!
#icelandplanning #icelandtips #iceland #icelandwithaview

[@rogermiller2159]

Maybe the best thing about it is watching people’s reactions

[@jenniferpersinger4020]

I love that you teamed up with Wake Up Reykjavik for this! They’re so great and informative, much like you! 💛

[@IcelandwithaView]

All of their guides are so lively, personable, and welcoming. Wake Up Reykjavik and I are besties!

[@darienhewett8267]

I did this on my first trip to Iceland at Loki cafe (not bad but my sister hated it). On our second trip we went to the shark museum and I HIGHLY recommend the shark there! The formaldehyde/ammonia flavor is non-existence so you really get to taste the shark. Also, I like that you paired up with Reykjavík food tours! Love the support of local business!

[@IcelandwithaView]

Thanks! I've been on their tour a few times and always have so much fun and so much yummy food! I also really like Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum - I still don't like their shark but its definitely a neat place!

[@stevenisidore5094]

I’m from the US. I would like to go to Iceland because it is one the most beautiful countries in the world! There are beautiful volcanoes, geysers, fjords, and lakes and rivers.

[@gothaggis]

totally agree with the first tasters comment - its not that bad....but also not that good haha

[@IcelandwithaView]

She put it perfectly! 🤣

[@bobbyriley19]

Awesome video! As someone who has done this challenge many times with friends and visitors to Iceland I can say Hakarl can be very different depending when and where you get it. Some are very squishy and aromatic and some are harder and less dense with ammonia taste. Feel lucky if you had the gentler shark pieces ;)

[@IcelandwithaView]

Absolutely! Great to know!

[@simplyclem]

haha fun content ! love it

[@IcelandwithaView]

Thanks! It was a lot of fun to shoot!

[@rogermiller2159]

I like frosting without the cake. I like bacon lettuce and tomato sandwiches without the lettuce and tomato. I’ll have the schnapps and hold the shark thank you.

[@katamine11]

I like cake without the frosting, and if I had to ditch any one part of a blt it would be the bread or the tomato, but I’m with you on having the schnapps hold the shark 😂

[@bekircamc6536]

I'm looking forward to tasting

[@IcelandwithaView]

Preparing yourself is a great idea! I hope you don't find it to be too awful!

[@alltimeprime]

quick question! with the recent group visit video a question i have is about the most affordable like private bus tour for the whole way around if i were to visit with a larger group of like 10 people?

[@IcelandwithaView]

You can browse many many many tours and compare their costs here: icelandwithaview.tourdesk.is/Tour ~ Happy planning!

[@IcelandAdventures]

The nose knows first worth th shark when we had it 🤣🤣🤣

[@IcelandwithaView]

It smells bad, it tastes bad, it feels bad... 🤢

[@jcorona984]

I take it this is the Icelandic equivalent of Swedish surstromming.

[@IcelandwithaView]

It's very similar but instead of fish it's made from a shark which is usually at least 150 years old! And, I'd say that Icelanders don't love fermented shark as much as the Swedes love Surströmming!

[@AznJsn82091]

I did the Black Death challenge when I went to Iceland! It was pretty good!

[@IcelandwithaView]

But.... would you do it again???

[@AznJsn82091]

@@IcelandwithaView I would actually!

[@IcelandwithaView]

Wow! Brave soul!!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@katamine11]

Isn’t Black Death just the drink? What’s supposed to be bad about the drink? I thought the shark was the only gross part

[@kingsgaurd]

We tried the fermented shark on our food walk while in Iceland a few weeks ago. It is a vile, disgusting taste that I felt dumb for trying.

[@IcelandwithaView]

Well, at least you can say you did it! 😂

[@MarkTrueblood]

I’ve had the fermented shark. I didn’t think it was that bad actually. I’ve tasted cheeses that were way worse. IMO.

[@ash231]

I opted not to taste the shark while there, mostly because I feel like we shouldn't be killing these animals for food anymore. I'm not a vegan but something about greenland shark just didn't feel right to me. I did enjoy a shot of the "black death" though!

[@IcelandwithaView]

Trust me, Brennivín is WAY better!

[@ash231]

@IcelandwithaView I thought it was pretty good! A unique flavor for sure but I thought it would pair nicely with fish and seafood and it makes sense it's served with the fermented shark.

[@annetakubiak3374]

I understand people did that hundreds and thousands years ago . What is the point today 🤔 I would like to know 👋👋👋

[@IcelandwithaView]

Ultimately it's a nod to the heritage and culture of Iceland. It is a really interesting tradition/custom that has grown in popularity and is something of a novelty now. 🤩

[@rosmakloma]

I want true Icelandic delicacies that are enjoyed by locals....not touristy gimmicks

[@frosty_soda]

Dry your eyes 😂

[@O_Rei]

Locals, young and old, do eat Hákarl. It isn’t a majority, but they do - which is why you can find it in most supermarkets in the country.

[@IcelandwithaView]

The Reykjavik Food Tour does an awesome job at delivering unique and delicious cuisine from all around the city! Be sure to schedule a tour with them to experience some of the best Icelandic food available!