Traveling and Eating in Iceland: A Journey Through Landscapes and Flavors
Iceland's Land of Fire and Ice is known for its stunning natural wonders—volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, and geothermal springs. However, aside from its dramatic landscapes, Iceland also offers a unique and evolving food scene that reflects its culture, history, and environment. Traveling through Iceland is a feast for the senses, where every destination provides visual splendor and memorable culinary experiences.
In this blog, we’ll explore Iceland’s best places to visit, alongside must-try foods that showcase the essence of Icelandic cuisine.
1. Reykjavik: The Capital of Culture and Cuisine
Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, is the perfect starting point for any journey through the country. It’s small but vibrant, with a mix of traditional and contemporary influences in its architecture, art, and, of course, food. The city’s food scene has grown remarkably over the years, offering both traditional Icelandic dishes and modern Nordic cuisine.
Skyr: Iceland’s signature dairy product, skyr, is often described as a yogurt-cheese hybrid. It’s creamy, tangy, and packed with protein, making it a popular breakfast or snack. You’ll find skyr served with fruit, honey, or granola in most cafes. Café Loki, located near the Hallgrímskirkja church, offers skyr in various traditional forms, along with a variety of other Icelandic treats.
Lamb Soup (Kjötsúpa): A warming and hearty meal, Icelandic lamb soup is a traditional dish made with tender lamb, root vegetables, and herbs. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that reflects Iceland’s emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. Icelandic Street Food, a cozy spot in downtown Reykjavik, is known for its comforting bowls of lamb soup served in bread bowls.
Plokkfiskur: This traditional Icelandic fish stew is made with boiled cod or haddock, mashed potatoes, and a creamy white sauce. It’s comfort food at its best, and a dish that locals have been eating for centuries. Try it at Café Loki or Matur og Drykkur, a restaurant specializing in classic Icelandic cuisine with a modern twist.
Hot Dogs (Pylsur): Iceland’s love for hot dogs is no secret, and one of the most famous spots to try an Icelandic hot dog is Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur in Reykjavik. These hot dogs are made from a mix of lamb, pork, and beef, and are typically served with raw onions, fried onions, ketchup, mustard, and remoulade. It’s an inexpensive and tasty snack that’s beloved by locals and tourists alike.
2. The Golden Circle: Natural Wonders and Farm-to-Table Cuisine
The Golden Circle is one of Iceland’s most popular tourist routes, encompassing the stunning Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and the majestic Gullfoss Waterfall. As you explore these natural wonders, you’ll also encounter some excellent farm-to-table dining options, where local ingredients take center stage.
Icelandic Lamb: Icelandic lamb is known for its tenderness and flavor, thanks to the free-roaming lifestyle of the sheep, which graze on wild grasses and herbs. Roasted lamb with herbs is a popular dish that you’ll find in many restaurants along the Golden Circle route. Friðheimar Farm, famous for its greenhouse-grown tomatoes, also serves a delicious lamb dish alongside its famed tomato soup.
Tomato Soup at Friðheimar: Speaking of Friðheimar, this family-run greenhouse farm offers a unique dining experience, where you can enjoy freshly made tomato soup in the middle of a warm, sunlit greenhouse filled with growing tomatoes. The soup is simple but flavorful, and it’s served with fresh bread and toppings like sour cream and cucumber salsa.
Geothermal Bread: Along the Golden Circle, particularly near geothermal areas like Laugarvatn, you can experience Iceland’s tradition of baking rye bread using geothermal heat. The bread, known as hverabrauð, is dense, slightly sweet, and baked underground using the earth’s natural heat. You can try this unique bread at Laugarvatn Fontana, where they offer tours showing how the bread is baked and served with local butter and smoked trout.
3. The Golden Circle: Seafood and Scenic Wonders
The South Coast of Iceland is famous for its black sand beaches, towering waterfalls, and stunning glaciers. As you travel through towns like Vik, Hofn, and Hella, you’ll also have the chance to sample some of the best seafood in the country.
Langoustine: Hofn is known as the “Lobster Capital of Iceland,” and it’s the best place to try Icelandic langoustine (small lobsters). These tender and sweet crustaceans are often grilled or served in butter, and they’re a must-try if you’re visiting the region. Humarhöfnin, located in Hofn, is a renowned restaurant for enjoying fresh langoustine dishes.
Arctic Char: Similar to salmon but milder in flavor, Arctic char is a popular fish in Icelandic cuisine. You’ll find it served grilled, smoked, or cured at many restaurants along the South Coast. It pairs beautifully with fresh vegetables and herbs from Iceland’s geothermal farms. Fossatún Country Hotel offers some of the best Arctic char in a peaceful countryside setting.
Svið (Sheep’s Head): For the adventurous eater, svið is a traditional Icelandic dish that consists of a sheep’s head, cut in half and boiled. It’s a relic of Iceland’s more austere culinary past, where every part of the animal was used. You’ll find svið at Fljótt og Gott, a casual diner in Reykjavik’s bus terminal, or at local food festivals.
4. The Westfjords: Rugged Beauty and Local Delicacies
The remote Westfjords offer some of Iceland’s most dramatic landscapes, with towering cliffs, quiet fishing villages, and narrow fjords. It’s also a region known for its wild, local delicacies.
Harðfiskur: Harðfiskur, or dried fish, is a traditional Icelandic snack made from wind-dried haddock, cod, or wolffish. It’s often served with butter, and while the texture might take some getting used to, it’s a nutritious and protein-packed snack that has sustained Icelanders for centuries. You can find harðfiskur in supermarkets and local markets across the Westfjords.
Rúgbrauð: This dense, dark rye bread is a staple in Icelandic cuisine, and in the Westfjords, it’s often served with butter, smoked lamb, or pickled herring. The slow baking process gives the bread its distinctive texture and sweetness. You’ll find rúgbrauð at local bakeries or as part of a traditional Icelandic breakfast in guesthouses like Heydalur.
Kæstur Hákarl (Fermented Shark): One of Iceland’s most notorious traditional foods, fermented shark is often considered an acquired taste. The Greenland shark is toxic when fresh, so it’s fermented for several months before being hung to dry. It’s typically eaten in small cubes alongside a shot of Brennivín (Icelandic schnapps). For the brave, you can try it at Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, or in Reykjavik at Íslenski Barinn.
5. The Northern Region: Tradition and Innovation in Akureyri
Akureyri, often called the “Capital of the North,” is a lively town surrounded by fjords and mountains. The food scene in Akureyri blends traditional Icelandic dishes with modern techniques, offering a fresh take on local ingredients.
Reindeer: In the northern and eastern regions of Iceland, reindeer are a common sight, and their meat is considered a delicacy. Reindeer steak, often served with root vegetables and berries, is a flavorful and tender dish that you can try at restaurants like Strikið in Akureyri.Beer and Craft Breweries: While beer was banned in Iceland until 1989, the country now boasts a growing craft beer scene. Akureyri is home to Kaldi Brewery, one of Iceland’s first microbreweries, which produces a range of excellent lagers and ales using pure Icelandic water. Take a brewery tour or visit local bars to sample their beers alongside Icelandic pub food.
Conclusion: A Unique Culinary Adventure
Traveling through Iceland is not just a journey through some of the world’s most awe-inspiring landscapes, but also an opportunity to experience a cuisine deeply connected to nature and tradition. Whether you’re sampling fresh seafood by the coast, savoring a warming bowl of lamb soup in Reykjavik, or trying something adventurous like fermented shark, Iceland’s culinary offerings are as unique and memorable as its natural beauty.
With an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients and simple yet flavorful preparations, Icelandic cuisine reflects the country’s rugged environment and deep respect for its resources. So, as you explore this remarkable country, make sure to indulge in its culinary delights—you won’t be disappointed!