A Beginner’s Guide to Food and Activities in Iceland
Curated By
Nick Friend
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Iceland
Active Travel
Adventure Travel
Food & Wine
International Travel
Nature Escapes
Wellness Travel
Foodie
Greatest Hits
Lagoons
Curator’s statement
Nowhere can you see such an incredibly broad range of geological diversity than on the small island country of Iceland. In one day, you can watch lava spew out of a volcano, soak in geothermal hot springs and be back to the city in time for a Michelin-starred dinner. Iceland's stunning natural beauty and hospitable culture will stay with you long after you leave – providing lasting memories and incredible photos for a lifetime.
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Things to do around Iceland
Bath in hot springs
Whether soaking in the iconic Blue Lagoon or taking the beautiful one hour hike to Hveragerði hot springs river, experiencing the country's geothermal energy is a must-do when in Iceland.
Chase waterfalls in Southern Iceland
From Seljalandfoss to Svartifoss, there are so many stunning waterfalls that you'll begin to lose count. Have your camera (and rain gear) ready.
Experience the Ice Age
After getting up close and personal to icebergs and seals in Jökulsárlón Iceberg Lagoon, take a hike on top of Vatnajökull, a 2,500 year old glacier.
Places to eat & drink around Iceland
Dill: Fine dining establishment using unique local ingredients that put Reykjavik on the world culinary map, earning the country's first Michelin star. Seriously fine eats, but in an unfussy Icelandic way. A table is not easy to grab here, so book well in advance.
Fiskmarkaðurinn: A perfect urban spot to enjoy the local marine flavor in an upscale environment. Take a tour of Iceland's greatest maritime hits, from scallops to char. Great food, great cocktails, intimate atmosphere – guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Friðheimar Tomato Farm: A unique dining experience in a year-round tomato greenhouse. Enjoy tomato themed everything, from beer to sorbet, with a tomato soup and bread buffet so bountiful you will dream of returning when the chilly weather strikes you back home.
OmNom Chocolate Factory & Ice Cream Shop: It's a chocolate factory, need I say more? Swing by to grab gifts for the kiddos back home, and indulge in over-the-top ice cream treats like The Polar Bear or The Honey Fly. Consider swinging by the Grandi Mathöll foodhall before or after – if your stomach still has room, that is.
A note from Nick
You'll soon realize there are more sheep than people in Iceland, which means lamb is what's for dinner. Between that and the almost-still-swimming local seafood dishes, you'll never go hungry. Add in local tomatoes grown in a year-round geothermal greenhouse, you've got culinary delights to savor for days.
Need to Know
Visiting in the summer yields nearly 24 hours of daylight, which is perfect to maximize activities on a shorter trip and enjoy balmier weather. However, northern lights can be only be seen in the fall and spring. You likely want to avoid winter as there are only a few hours of daylight.
Travel Advisor
Nick Friend
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