If you’re planning a road trip through South Iceland and want to squeeze in something that feels truly Icelandic, you’ve got to put Ingólfsskáli Viking Restaurant on your list!
It’s a themed restaurant, but the food is way better than you’d expect from a themed place.
And the setting is incredible. I kid you not, it feels like you’re on the set of the show Vikings!
Visiting Ingólfsskáli is truly a unique experience.
Whether you’re traveling with kids, on a couples trip, or just craving something memorable on the Ring Road, this place has serious “core memory” potential.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know.
From how to get there, to what to expect when you step inside, and a few fun extras you might not even know they offer.
Let’s get into it!
- Where Is Ingólfsskáli Viking Restaurant?
- Best Time of Year to Visit
- 5 Reasons Why Ingólfsskáli Viking Restaurant Is Worth Visiting
- What You Should Know Before You Go
- Make a Reservation
Where Is Ingólfsskáli (Ingolfsskali) Viking Restaurant in Iceland?
Located in South Iceland, Ingolfsskali restaurant sits between Hveragerði and Selfoss at the base of Mt. Ingólfur (Ingólfsfjall) in the Ölfus region.
It’s just a quick 10-minute drive (5.5 miles) from the town of Selfoss, and about 45 minutes from Reykjavík.
Whether you’re coming from the capital or just finished the Golden Circle, this is the perfect place to stop just off the Ring Road before kicking off the South Iceland route.
Getting to places like Ingólfsskáli is easy, especially when you rent a car.
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Best Time of Year to Visit
Ingólfsskáli Viking restaurant is a cozy spot where you can soak up a bit of Icelandic hospitality no matter the season.
Bottom line: it’s a perfect stop whenever you’re in the area!
5 Reasons Why Ingólfsskáli Viking Restaurant Is Worth Visiting
Ingólfsskáli isn’t just a restaurant. It’s a full-on Icelandic experience that’s even won a few Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice awards!
Here are a few reasons why I keep coming back and why you should 100% add Ingólfsskáli restaurant to your itinerary.
1. It’s a Turf House
This isn’t your typical turf house. Ingólfsskáli Viking Restaurant takes it to another level, and you’ll notice it in every little detail.
You can tell a lot of thought went into recreating what Viking life might’ve looked like.
From the thick grass-covered roof to the detailed wood carvings on the door and inside, the craftsmanship here is seriously impressive.
If you love turf houses, this one checks all the boxes.
2. Fun Outdoor Activities at Ingólfsskáli Viking Restaurant
It wouldn’t be an authentic Viking experience without axe throwing and archery!
I don’t know about you, but these are not exactly my strong suit.
But does that matter?
Not one bit. 😉
(For the record, axe throwing is a lot harder than it looks!)
Thankfully, Andri (one of the owners) is there to show you exactly how to do it with the proper technique. So even beginners can get the hang of it.
Then there’s archery, and it’s just as fun.
You’ll be using traditional, handmade, Viking-style wooden bows made by a local Icelander.
(Psst… I was much better at this than the axe throwing! 😆)
Both activities were an absolute blast and made me feel like a Viking for the afternoon.
It was the perfect way to kick off our time at Ingólfsskáli.
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3. Viking Themed Longhouse
Picture the wedding hall in Game of Thrones’ Red Wedding – without the traumatic turn of events… It’s like that! 😉
Everything inside Ingólfsskáli Viking restaurant makes you feel like you’ve gone back in time 1,000 years.
One incredibly cool feature is that there’s a large, handmade Viking-style wooden throne in the longhouse.
Next to it are Viking props like a helmet, sword, and cape. We absolutely loved dressing up and taking photos!
4. Delicious Ingolfsskali Menu
One of the most surprising things about Ingólfsskáli is just how GOOD the food is. Trust me, you will be blown away by the entire dining experience and thinking about the meal long after you’ve left!
The Food
Everything on the Ingolfsskali menu is made with fresh local ingredients, and the meats are hunted by the owner himself.
While the menu changes regularly, you can always count on their signature dish – the Icelandic lamb.
The staff teach you about Icelandic history throughout your meal, which makes the experience even richer.
Food is an incredible way of immersing yourself in a culture. And if you’re anything like me and love discovering amazing places to eat while you travel, you’re going to want to check this out.👇
➡️ READ: Best Restaurants in Iceland Along Ring Road: Indulge at These Top 16 Dining Spots!
The Drinks
I’ve been to Ingólfsskáli quite a few times, and they’ve expanded their drinks menu over the years.
They serve beer, wine, liquor, mead, and soft drinks.
If you’ve never heard of mead before, it’s a honey-based alcohol popular in European and Scandinavian cultures, and it comes in different flavors.
Oh, and did I mention that you get to drink beer and Viking mead from a horn?
It’s so cool!
If you’re more of a whisky fan, you’ll want to try a local Icelandic whisky called Flóki.
One of the varieties of Flóki is even smoked with sheep dung.
The question is, are you brave enough to try it?
Iceland has some pretty unique traditions. Find out what they are here.👇
➡️ READ: 20 Interesting Facts About Iceland: Traditions, Culture + More
5. Ingólfsskáli Viking Restaurant is a Family-Friendly Experience
If you have kids, you know how challenging it can be to find activities the whole family can enjoy.
Ingólfsskáli restaurant is definitely something that we loved experiencing as a family!
The archery and axe throwing, getting dressed up, learning about Icelandic history, and delicious meals…what’s not to like?
Plus, they’ve got a kids’ menu! My son always orders the chicken strips with fries. (Side note: he also still talks about it as “that restaurant that we couldn’t really see our food” 🤣)
Wondering what other fun things you can do in Iceland when you’re traveling with children?
Take a look.👇
➡️ READ: Iceland with Kids: 6 Things to Do with Your Kids for the Best Family Trip!
More Things to Do in the Area
As I mentioned earlier, this restaurant is just off the Ring Road – you simply can’t drive past and not stop!
Here are a couple of popular things to do nearby before enjoying dinner at Ingolfsskali restaurant.
Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel: This is the longest lava tube in Iceland. If you’re ready to go through one, this cave tour takes you into the Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel, where you’ll see colorful lava formations and tunnels shaped by volcanic eruptions.
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: The Lava Tunnel – Meet on Location
Reykjadalur hot spring hike: I love hikes that have a special reward at the end, and at Reykjadalur, you get to soak in a hot spring river! This is such a fun hike to do, and it’s only about 15 minutes from Ingólfsskáli Viking restaurant.
Whether you’re heading to the South Coast, traveling the Ring Road or the Golden Circle, Ingólfsskáli is the perfect place to stop.
Want more hidden gems like this one – without spending hours finding them on your own?
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The pinned locations include epic waterfalls and practical stops like local grocery stores, gas stations, and unforgettable restaurants like Ingólfsskáli.
What You Should Know Before You Go
A little preparation goes a long way. Here are a few things to keep in mind so you can make the most of your visit
Come hungry: come with an empty belly ready to sample all the dishes
Dress practically: bring appropriate outerwear if you want to do the axe throwing
Their menu changes seasonally: This is to make sure that they use the freshest ingredients available.
Opening hours: Dinner Sunday-Saturday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
If you don’t have time for the full experience, at least stop by to drink beer from a horn!
Make a Reservation
No matter how many times I visit Ingólfsskáli, I’m always totally wowed by it. If you’re looking for a hands-on, fun way to dive into Icelandic culture, this is it.
From the beautiful setting and the attention to detail, I know you’ll love it.
So what are you waiting for? 👉 Reserve a table at Ingólfsskáli Viking Restaurant
Note: Reservations are required. Ingólfsskáli Viking restaurant is open year-round, but it’s really important that you reserve a table before you arrive!
*If you visit, be sure to include in the “special request” section of your reservation that you heard about them from Jeannie at Iceland With A View. The team loves hearing how people find their way to them*
And don’t forget to say hi when you see me there! ☺️
Happy Planning!
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