Plant-Based Eating in Iceland
Sharon Palmer shares her favored plant-based travel tips for eating in Iceland.
I just got back from an amazing trip to Iceland, the land of fire and ice. I have never seen such raw and rugged beauty. From taking in the cool, hipster vibe of Reykavik to hiking in the majestic West Fjords, there is so much to see and do in this remote, sparsely populated Nordic country. I hiked on crunchy black lava fields, strolled on lava beaches, walked up a 500-meter cliff to spy puffins, and dipped into rustic geothermal pools. And, I ate well. I was so surprised to find a thriving plant-based scene all over Iceland. Who knew that I would enjoy homemade veggie-burgers in a remote village on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and some of the most inventive vegetable dishes in an award-winning gorgeous eatery in Reykjavik? I certainly didn’t! But it all makes sense, as Iceland is all about sustainability and keeping the landscape pure. Patagonia wear is the fashion du jour, as the country is filled with tourists biking, hiking, and hitchhiking their way through the land. So, the country is prepared for a throng of plant-based diners crawling their way down the Ring Road (the road that circles Iceland). Take a look at my plant-powered eating adventures in Iceland, and be inspired for your next destination.
We were so lucky to be situated in our hotel right in the heart of the city along the harbor. This was the view across the street from our hotel. What a cool area they have put up, with picnic tables, food trucks, coffee shops, bars, and an outdoor big screen TV to watch the football game.
Walking along the streets in Reykjavik yields views of art on the buildings like this.
There is a spirit of equality that is alive and well in Reykjavik, on display in this rainbow painted building and resident wearing a rainbow flag.
Can I just say that I am in love with Iceland bread? It is typically rustic and made with whole grains, such as rye, seeds, and oats. I enjoyed it daily on my trip!
Frederiksen, Reykjavik, Iceland
Our first eating experience was right off the plane in this little non-descript pub. We enjoyed one of the many local beers (this is Viking) in Iceland, with views of the lovely buildings in colorful shades.
Frederiksen, Reykjavik, Iceland
How delightful to find some plant-based pubfood here, such as vegan sausages with a turmeric dip and roasted carrots. This is pubfood in Reykjavik!
Grocery Store, Reykjavik, Iceland
I popped into grocery stores during my stay in Iceland and found a range of wholesome plant-based foods. Surprisingly, Iceland has lovely produce thanks to the geothermal-heated greenhouses! The tomatoes, radishes, greens, carrots, and cucumbers were lovely!
Grocery Store, Reykjavik, Iceland
We did some cooking in some of our apartments during our stay in Iceland, and it was easy to find products such as soy milk in the shops, as well as many of the restaurants and hotels.
Blue Lagoon, Iceland
While in Reykjavik, we made a day trip to the famous Blue Lagoon. I know it’s a tourist trap, but it’s one that you simply must experience if you are there. The warm, green-blue waters set among this lunar landscape of black lava draped with lichen is spectacular. And the amenities in this chic resort (a hotel is soon to be added) are incredible: swim up bars, facials, massages, and a gorgeous restaurant.
Lava Restaurant, Blue Lagoon
We dined after our swim at the restaurant on sitejust look at this gorgeous salad. The food in Iceland is truly farm-to-table. Rarely do you have much of anything that wasn’t grown in the country.
Lava Restaurant, Blue Lagoon
Check out this setting—that’s the blue lagoon just peeking through the windows. And here’s my scrumptious entrée: Chickpeas with Jerusalem artichokes and pea tendrils. See what I mean about amazing food?
Te & Kaffi, Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik is known for its coffeehouses, which we enjoyed liberally. Here is one that we stopped at a few times—soy lattes were amazing!
Kopar, Reykjavik, Iceland
For dinner we stopped at this incredible restaurant that is known for it’s fine local, sustainable food. Just look at this amazing plant-based dish I enjoyed: Noodles with coconut sauce, crispy basil, tomatoes, and chickpea fritters.
Harbor, Reykjavik
After dinner, we strolled along the harbor at twilight (it comes late in the summer), which offers incredible views of the city. That’s the famous Harpa Concert Hall in the background.
Grillmarkadurinn, Reykjavik, Iceland
After a day of local sight seeing, we enjoyed this critically acclaimed restaurant in the city, which celebrates local farms. Just look at how gorgeous the space is!
Grillmarkadurinn, Reykjavik, Iceland
We tried this local inspired cocktail, which had blueberries, thyme, and seaweed in it! All of the elements of Iceland.
Grillmarkadurinn, Reykjavik, Iceland
My meal was so lovely! A nut “steak” with a gorgeous salad.
We enjoyed some nice strolls and breaks in the city, as we sampled the local brews. That’s Nicholas, me, Christian, and Peter (from left to right).
As we left Reykjavik for the Golden Circle, we encountered this lovely working farm in the countryside. We stopped for a walk around the farm, and lunch.
Look at how lovely this farm is! There are adorable farms all over Iceland. Some perched at the foot of some magnificent waterfall or fjord. Many are isolated, with no other settlements for miles. You see horses more than anything there, along with placid sheep, and grain, alfalfa, and other crops.
At the rustic restaurant I enjoyed one of the many amazing, handmade veggie burgers I would enjoy in Iceland. They are on almost every menu!
The Golden Circle takes you to incredible landmarks, such as the Gulfoss Waterfall. I was just in time to see a magical rainbow over this magnificent waterfall.
Waterfalls, Southern Iceland
We moved onto Southern Iceland, discovering waterfalls around every bend. Here’s Christian sharing a coffee and a bit of mist at one.
Icelandic Horses, Southern Iceland
As we were driving to our guesthouse, we encountered this herd of Icelandic horses running along the side of the road. I am in love with these horses, in so many colors, with shaggy manes and tails. It’s so unusual to see so many horses just running wild all over a region.
Guesthouse, Southern Iceland
This region was so remote—our little guesthouse was all alone against a hill.
Hotel Skogar
We were starving and found ourselves in remote South Iceland with no place in sight, but stumbled across a small hotel in the town of Skogar. You can’t really call these “towns” as they may only have one building! I enjoyed this amazing mushroom risotto with vegetables.
We set off for the Snæfellsnes peninsula next, staying at a small hotel. Low and behold one of the region’s best restaurants was right across the street—that brown building was home to Hraun Restaurant.
Hraun Restaurant, Olafsvik
I had another amazing veggie-burger, this time a beet burger!
Olafsvik, Iceland
I saw this poster in a restaurant window—it says it all about the feeling of food in Iceland.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
This region is breathtaking! Glacial streams and lakes, mossy-lava covered rocks, verdant green hills and valleys, and black lava beaches.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Did I mention how cute the sheep are?
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Hiking in the lava fields with my family was one of the best days ever.
West Iceland
This is what a farm looks like in West Iceland—complete with waterfall in the backdrop.
Narfeyrarsteofa, Stykkisholm
We made our way to the Westfjords, stopping in this charming town along the way. We had the most amazing lunch in this historic former home.
Narfeyrarsteofa, Stykkisholm
A fabulous veggie-patty served with grains, seaweed, and vegetables.
Narfeyrarsteofa, Stykkisholm
Local salt, bread, and a French wine were delightful.
Puffins, Westfjords
We made it all the way to the most western most tip of Iceland (and Europe) to see the bird cliffs in the Westfjords. We climbed a 500-metre trail to hang over the side of a cliff (with no railings) to see this splendid puffin.
Reykjanes, Westfjords
We stayed in this old hotel that used to be a school in the Westfjords town or Reykjanes. It is so isolated in this region; we drove for miles around all of the fjords during our stay here. The hotel sits on a geothermal wonder, and has the oldest geothermal pool in the country. So naturally we had to take a dive.
Westfjords
We weaved our way in and out of fjords in this region, dotted with small farms.
Westfjords
You’d think you were in the Caribbean at times when you encounter fjords with golden beaches and turquoise waters.
Westfjords
This pristine region is a regular habitat of swans.
And so concludes my trip to Iceland. Please feel free to send me any questions about visiting this gorgeous country. As the locals say, bless bless, which means goodbye.
For other plant-based eating guides, check out:
Plant-Based Eating in Sicily
Plant-Based Eating in Thailand
Plant-Based Guide to Morocco
Plant-Based Eating in Lisbon
Plant-Based Eating in Vienna