One thing is for sure glacier activities can leave you with a wonderful appetite! A high energy snack to two will certainly keep you ´topped-up´ whilst you are glacier hiking, ice climbing, kayaking or ice cave exploring. Returning from the rarified white wilderness and the excitement of their trip of a lifetime, many people find their thoughts turn surprisingly quickly to a nice meal.
Whether you long for epic fine dining, a hearty farm-style meal, a tasty burger, the freshest fish or lobster, or something else, this guide will show you the best dining options around Skaftafell and Vatnajökull National Park.
Some people need budget options, others want luxury, and quite a few have specific dietary restrictions, requirements or preferences. The following coding system has been used enabling you to see at a glance whether a restaurant or café can cater for you.
Stunning glacier tongue in Skaftafell
Pricing: B = budget A = average E = expensive
Menu: F = fish V = vegetarian VG = vegan GF = gluten free
Eateries will fall into multiple categories, for example, a restaurant offering average and expensive items, or one with fish, meat and vegan food on their menu. Out in the countryside, there can be less choice when it comes to the items on the menu which are suitable for specific needs. It can be a good idea to telephone ahead to ensure that, for example, the vegan or gluten-free option on the day you go will be something you like.
Some people head towards Reykjavík as soon as their activity in the Skaftafell and Vatnajökull area is over. So, we have included a couple of dining options at Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Others drive straight to accommodation in the area around Höfn, so restaurants in this area are included too. You can rely on us to give you the best info!
Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon in Vatnajökull National Park
Restaurants and cafés in Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Systra Kaffi at Klausturvegur 13, 880 Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Cozy and welcoming café, main and small meals, starters, burgers, fish, steak, pizza, salads, soups and desserts. B & A, V, F and limited VG & GF options. Phone number: +354 487 4848.
Hotel Geirland Restaurant at 800 Kirkjubæjarklaustur. A heavy focus on local lamb, fish and vegetables. Starters, main meals, salads, burgers, pasta dishes and desserts. A, V, F ask about VG and GF options. Phone number: +354 487 4677.
Restaurant at Icelandair Hotel Klaustur at 880 Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Starters, main meals, salads, desserts, pasta, set three course menu, Icelandic lamb and fish. A, V, F ask about VG and GF options. Phone number +354 487 4900.
Svartifoss the black waterfall in Skaftafell
Restaurants and cafés in Skaftafell
Söluskálinn, the Freysnes Gas Station Café, Skaftafell, 785 Vatnajökull National Park. Fast food, soups, hot dogs, salads, meals, pizza, desserts. B, V not sure about VG and GF options. Open 09:00 to 20:00. Phone number +354 478 2242.
Hof1 Adventure Hotel Bistro, Hof í Öræfi, 810 Höfn. Soups, freshly made lamb and fish dishes, desserts, sandwiches and snacks B & A, V, F. Phone number +354 478 2260.
Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon, Hnappavellir, Öræfi, 785 Vatnajökull National Park. Extensive menu using the freshest ingredients which can also be adapted to suit various dietary needs A & E, F, VG, GF. Food is also available from the bar during opening hours. Phone number +354 514 8300.
Glacier tongue in Vatnajökull
Restaurants and cafés in Vatnajökull
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Cafe at Jökulsárlón, 781 Höfn. Soups, sandwiches, drinks, snacks and cakes B & A, V. Open until 19:00 June to September, closes at 18:00 March to May and October and from November to February at 17:00. Phone number +354 478 2222.
Hali Country Hotel Restaurant, Hali, 781 Höfn. Lunch, dinner, cakes and drinks, starters, main courses, seafood and desserts A & E, F, V ask about VG and GF options. Phone number +354 478 1078 / Mobile 867 2900.
Crystal Ice Cave in Vatnajökull
Restaurants and cafés in Höfn
Pakkhús Restaurant, Krosseyjarvegur at Höfn Harbor. Famous for Höfn lobster. Soups, salads, starters, cakes, drinks, pizza, main meals and desserts A & E, F, V, VG, GF. Phone number +354 478 2280.
Íshúsið Pizzeria, Heppuvegur 2a, Hofn 780. Italian, pizza, local lobster and European cuisine B & A, F, V and GF salad options. Open Saturday to Thursday 17:00 to 21:00 and Friday 12:00 to 21:00. Phone number +354 478 1230.
Humarhöfnin, Hafnarbraut, 780 Höfn. Specialist lobster restaurant also offering fish, meat, duck and pizza dishes. Starters, main meals and desserts A & E, F, V, GF. Phone number +354 478 1200 / 846 1114.
Fosshotel Vatnajökull, Lindarbakki, 781 Höfn. Soups, starters, meat, fish and vegetarian main courses and desserts A & E, F, V, GF, VG some dishes can be adapted to suit various dietary needs. Phone number 00 354 378 2555.
We would love to know about your best dining experience - Bon appetit!
