South Iceland contains many of the most popular trips and best cafés in the country. Close to Reykjavík is the Reykjanes Peninsula, with the Blue Lagoon, Keflavík Airport, and many wild spots and charming villages; over the Hellisheiði mountain pass lies the tranquil farmland and small towns like Hveragerði, Selfoss and Flúður. The Golden Circle and south coast roads are busy during the summer, and there are several glaciers dotting the coast and volcanoes silhouetted against the skyline. Vík í Myrdal is the halfway point, and Höfn—beneath the mighty Vatnajökull—marks the gateway to the east. To help you out along the way, here are our panel’s best South Iceland cafés.
Best Café
Friðheimar
Reykholt
The wonderful Fríðheimar is a café experience like no other. Located inside a large tomato greenhouse, it’s a verdant haven where you can taste soups, pasta sauces and Bloody Marys that are as fresh as possible. There’s a bread buffet to fill up on, and basil plants on the table to garnish your delicious homegrown tomato soup. Eating amongst the vines rejuvenates your mind, body and spirit. Book ahead—it’s a very popular stop on the Golden Circle.
Runner Up:
Suður Vík
Suðurvegur 1, Vík
Perched on the hillside in Vík is this wonderful homely café. “It’s a great spot for a mid-journey meal,” said the panel. “The service is friendly and the menu has something for everyone.” The raftered upstairs dining room overlooks the famous sea stacks below.
Newcomer:
Farmers Bistro
Garðastígur 8, Flúðir
At Farmers Bistro, you can get a tour of the facilities of Iceland’s only mushroom farm, learning about mycelium, hyphae, fertilization and waste-free practices. Best of all, the adjoining café boasts a stellar menu. Everything is locally grown and completely fresh, and the prices are outstanding, especially for Iceland.
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You can buy a copy of the full Best Of Iceland 2019 magazine—an essential guide to having fun in Iceland, from the best cafés and onwards—here, posted worldwide. We also have a Special Offer double-pack here that also includes our Best Of Reykjavík magazine, about places to eat, see, swim, visit, and shop in the country’s capital city.
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