A Beginner’s Guide to Food and Activities in Iceland

Advisor - Nick Friend
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Nick Friend

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Advisor - A Beginner’s Guide to Food and Activities in Iceland
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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Where to stay around Iceland

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Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre

For the smart rooms and a heart-of-the-action location, this stylish boutique hotel is favorite with first-time visitors.

The Reykjavik EDITION

The Reykjavik EDITION brings the first five-star modern luxury experience to one of the world's most sustainable capitals.

Fora Perks
  • $100 food / beverage credit.

  • Breakfast daily.

  • Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Hotel Rangá

In southern Iceland, this lodge-like resort is the spot to experience the magical Northern Lights go star gazing with the experts.

Fora Perks
  • Resort / hotel or spa credit.

  • Breakfast daily.

  • Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

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Things to do around Iceland

A Beginner’s Guide to Food and Activities in Iceland - Things to do

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

A Beginner’s Guide to Food and Activities in Iceland - Places to eat & drink

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.

Advisor - Nick Friend

Travel Advisor

Nick Friend

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