Ingólfsskáli Viking Restaurant: How to Dine Like a Viking in Iceland

Stepping into this turf-covered house situated on Iceland’s south coast makes you feel like you’ve been transported back in time.

Stunning wood details cover just about every inch of Ingólfsskáli Restaurant and truly sets the tone for dining like a Viking in Iceland.

From the dim ambiance with flickering candles, to the hammered shields displayed on the walls, this is an experience you don’t want to skip.

So, when planning your trip to Iceland, use the guide to plan a stop at the Ingólfsskáli Viking Restaurant. I promise this experience is worth every penny. (cost breakdown below).

Plan ahead & book a reservation

Given that this is one of the most authentic places to dine like a Viking in Iceland, it’s no surprise that you need to reserve a table in advance.

Fortunately, Ingólfsskáli makes it super simple to make an online reservation on their website.

Available times to book start at 5:00 pm, with the last seating at 8:30 pm.

Reservations do fill up about 2 weeks in advance for weeknight times, and up to a month in advance for Saturday night availability.

So if you plan to make this one-of-a-kind Viking experience part of your next Iceland trip, get that reservation in asap.

Getting to Ingólfsskáli Restaurant in South Iceland

If you are staying on the South Coast, you won’t need to roam far to have this unique dining experience.

The Ingólfsskáli Restaurant is conveniently located between the towns of Hveragerdi and Selfoss in South Iceland.

Renting a car is the easier way to get around Iceland- and the best way to get to Ingólfsskáli.

We opted to stay at the Frost and Fire hotel for its prime location on the South Coast. It was just a quick 11-minute drive to the restaurant.

During our stay, we discovered that we were just as close to a hike leading to a swimmable thermal river. Read my Reykjadalur Hot Spring Guide here for another unique adventure for your Iceland trip.

Directions to the restaurant:

Ingólfsskáli is located on Efstaland, 816 Ölfusi, at the foot of Ingólfsfjall (Mt. Ingólfur). It takes around 10 minutes (9 km) to drive from Selfoss town and around 40-45 minutes from Reykjavík. (credit: Ingólfsskáli website)

What to Expect When You Arrive

As you drive up to Ingolfsskali, you’ll be in awe of its natural beauty. The restaurant sits tucked along Ingólfsfjall mountain and is covered in green turf.

On your drives through Iceland, you can spot these turf houses along the way, but seeing one up close is nothing short of magical.

From the outside, the restaurant looks impressive, but just wait until you see what awaits you through the towering wooden doors.

As you step inside the drum of traditional Viking music fills the room, and you can’t help but look up and take it all in.

You’ve just stepped into a Viking Longhouse. Steel chandeliers hang from the ceiling covered, some decorated with bones. Long wooden tables and chairs flank the great hall.

And yes, it does feel like you’ve just dropped into the middle of a Game of Thrones set.

What Kind of Food to Expect at a Viking Restaurant in Iceland

Now that you’ve got your reservation booked, it’s time to dine like a true Viking!

One of the most unique aspects of Ingólfsskáli Restaurant is its commitment to serving up dishes with the best high quality local and fresh ingredients the region has to offer.

The Ingólfsskáli family actually hunts and gathers their own meats and other ingredients that make up their menu. Farm to table fans, you’re in for a treat.

Their menu is thoughtfully curated to utilize what mother nature provides.

A Truly Icelandic Appetizer

For appetizers, you’ll find a nice selection of Iceland cheeses, fish soup, smoked meats, and you guessed it, more smoked fish. You are here to eat like a Viking after all.

But there is one dish on the menu (fall and winter season) that is truly unique. And, I’m not talking about the fermented shark.

We stayed clear of that on our trip since I’ve heard it’s absolutely terrible, and you won’t catch locals eating the sour ‘delicacy’.

As for a traditional Viking appetizer, we opted for the Icelandic charcuterie plate- and when it arrived at the table it took everything in me not to burst out laughing. Let me explain…

When I hear the word “charcuterie” I think of meats like prosciutto or salami next to a selection of cheeses. That was not the case here.

The waiter placed the board of cheese and cured meats on the table and said, “Here we have cured sheep, goose, and horse.”

Do I have your attention? HORSE!

Goat and sheep I was able to wrap my head around, but horse I can honestly say is one meat I never thought I would eat.

Well, when in Iceland…right?

Overall we really liked the Icelandic charcuterie plate, with the exception of the sheep and the horse.

The cured horse and sheep were too gamy for my taste. Uh, also file gamy under words only use while eating in Iceland.

See, I told you this you’re in for an experience!

Dinner Steeped in Tradition

From the medieval-style dinnerware on each table to the beverages served in drinking horns, no element is untouched at this Viking Restaurant in Iceland.

The menu is limited in the number of appetizers and main courses offered, but we didn’t feel like that was a drawback-keeping in mind the quality of the food.

Like the lamb fillet which is slowly roasted and served over a parsnip puree, glazed carrots, and roasted potatoes.

The lamb fillet has been the house dish for over 35 years, which comes through with every bite.

Another popular option is the duck leg served up with, fried potatoes, pickled onions, apple purée & duck glaze.

For a vegetarian option, go for the fried cauliflower served over a puree of celery room and heavy cream, broccolini, fried potatoes, and roasted seeds.

The exact dishes available will vary depending on the time of year, and the ingredients available.

Food Prices at Ingólfsskáli Viking Restaurant in Iceland

Iceland is known to come with a hefty price tag when it comes to food and drinks (especially alcohol!).

And this Viking dining experience is no expectation.

While it is on the higher end, it’s a unique experience well worth the price. It’s an experience that you won’t be able to find anywhere else in the world and a memory that you’ll have forever.

The price breakdown of Ingólfsskáli Restaurant:

Appetizers: $12-$22 USD

Main Dishes: $33-$45 USD

Desserts: $14 USD

Prices will of course vary depending on the time of year, and the dishes offered. Ahead of your visit, check out their website for the most up to date offerings on their menu.

Try your hand at Archery or Axe Throwing After Dinner

Once you’re done with your meal, stay enchanted by the Viking way with a few medieval activities.

Both Archery ($14/per person USD) and Axe Throwing ($16/per person USD) are available for more Viking fun.

As you can see, there’s no doubt that dinner at an authentic Viking Restaurant in Iceland should be on your list.

Not only do you get the chance to see a traditional Viking Longhouse, but your meal will be just as unique as the experience itself.

Traditional Viking food elevated for modern dining, plus drink from a beer horn (need I say more, really?- it’s something that you’ll just need to experience for yourself.

I hope this inspires you to put Iceland and this one of a kind adventure on your list. If this inspired you, share in the comments below! Or, if you’ve been to Iceland- tell us what you loved most!