
Breakfast is an important meal for many people, and when travelling, it can be interesting to see what different cultures eat to start their day. In Iceland, breakfast varies depending on where you are eating, but it typically includes a variety of foods, such as bacon, eggs, sausages, beans, cold meats, cheese, bread, pastries, fruits, and vegetables. In addition to these foods, hotel breakfasts in Iceland typically include coffee. This is in line with Icelandic culture, where coffee is consumed in large quantities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Coffee | Included in the breakfast at most hotels |
| Coffee Type | Drip coffee, some hotels also offer espresso-based coffee |
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What You'll Learn

Hotel breakfasts in Iceland typically include coffee
When it comes to breakfast options in Iceland, there is a variety to suit different tastes and preferences. In hotels, a typical breakfast includes a choice of cereal, sausage, bacon, eggs, potatoes, cold meats, cheese, breads, pastries, and even cookies. Some hotels offer allergy-friendly options and cater to different dietary needs.
If you're looking for a sit-down breakfast, keep in mind that options might be slim as sit-down breakfasts are not common in Iceland. However, there are plenty of cafes and bakeries in Reykjavík that serve breakfast, including traditional Icelandic dishes like smoked salmon, as well as American-style pancakes.
For coffee lovers, Reykjavík Roasters is a must-visit spot, offering not only excellent coffee but also mouth-watering bakery items. If you're looking for a unique Icelandic breakfast experience, you can try fish oil, known as "Lysi", which is served in a small shot glass and known for its health benefits.
Overall, hotel breakfasts in Iceland typically offer a variety of options, including coffee, to ensure that guests have a filling and enjoyable start to their day.
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Coffee shops in Iceland are often small and locally-owned
Iceland has a thriving coffee culture and is among the biggest consumers of coffee in the world, with 9 kg per person annually on average. Despite this, global coffee giants such as Starbucks, McDonald's, and Burger King have chosen not to operate in the country. This has allowed local coffee shops to dominate the scene, with small, locally-owned businesses competing with creativity and quality at the forefront.
Reykjavík, the heart of Iceland's coffee scene, is home to a variety of unique cafes, each with its own character and offerings. Local cafes that offer high-quality coffee experiences thrive here, with places like Mokka Kaffi, Café Babalú, and Reykjavík Röst becoming cultural hubs for artists, writers, and coffee lovers alike.
Icelanders value the craftsmanship and dedication of their local roasters and baristas, who treat coffee with the same reverence as their beloved natural landscapes. Local coffee roasters like Kaffitár, Te & Kaffi, and Nýja Kaffibrennslan are thriving, with their beans sold in supermarkets and gas stations across the country.
While hotel breakfast in Iceland typically includes a variety of foods like meat, cheese, bread, and pastries, coffee is also commonly offered. However, some travellers have noted that the coffee in smaller establishments or local bakeries can sometimes be better than what is offered in hotels or dedicated coffee shops.
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$59.96

Fish oil, or Lysi, is sometimes served at breakfast
Lysi is a traditional component of Icelandic diets and is believed to have many health benefits. It is produced by LYSI, an Icelandic company that is the world's leading producer of fish oils. The company was founded in 1938 by two ambitious brothers, Tryggvi and Thordur Olafsson, with a vision to create Iceland's largest cod liver oil producer. Today, LYSI is known worldwide for its expertise in fish oils and high-quality products. The principal product is cod liver oil, which is harvested from various animals, including whales, dogfish, sharks, seals, skates, and birds.
In addition to its health benefits, Lysi is said to have been used by Icelandic sailors to steady the waves during storms. They would pour some Lysi into the sea around the boat, increasing the elasticity of the water and calming the waves. It is also believed that Lysi helped prevent the bone deformation disease known as rickets, which was widespread elsewhere but rare in Iceland due to the vitamin D provided by cod liver oil.
When it comes to hotel breakfast in Iceland, it is often included in the room rate, and it can vary depending on the hotel. Generally, it is European-style continental with fresh breads, cold cuts, sliced cheeses, tomatoes, cucumbers, cut fruit, butter, jams, muesli, milk, coffee, tea, and juice. Some hotels may offer a hot breakfast with bacon, eggs, sausages, beans, potatoes, and more. It is worth noting that sit-down breakfasts are not ubiquitous in Iceland, so having breakfast included in your hotel stay can be convenient and cost-effective.
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Breakfast in Iceland is usually dairy-heavy
Icelandic breakfasts also often feature a variety of breads, including flatbread (flatkökur or flatkaka), rye bread, and rugbraud, a dark, sweet-tasting bread with a thick consistency and no crust. These breads are typically topped with butter, cheese, or other spreads such as jam or peanut butter. In addition to breads and dairy, breakfast in Iceland may include cold meats such as ham, as well as eggs, sausages, bacon, beans, and fruits.
When it comes to beverages, coffee is a popular choice in Iceland, with many people enjoying a cup or two with their breakfast. Some unique aspects of the coffee culture in Iceland include the abundance of smaller, locally-owned coffee shops and the availability of fish oil, known as Lysi, served in a small shot glass. This is quite different from the capsule form commonly found in supplements and is believed to have amazing health benefits.
While breakfast options in Iceland can vary, the dairy-heavy tradition remains a staple, with skyr and sour milk being particularly prominent choices for many Icelanders. The country's culinary scene is thriving, with inventive dishes and a focus on fresh, local ingredients, making breakfast in Iceland a delightful experience for both locals and visitors alike.
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You can find coffee at local bakeries if your hotel doesn't serve it
Coffee is an important part of Icelandic breakfast culture, and it is usually served in hotels as part of the breakfast offering. However, if your hotel doesn't serve coffee, there are plenty of local bakeries and cafes where you can get your caffeine fix.
Icelandic coffee shops are typically small and locally owned, and they serve high-quality coffee. If you're in Reykjavik, for instance, you can try the Reykjavík Roasters, which is known for its coffee and bakery items. Another option is Bergsson Mathús, which opens early and serves hot breakfast options alongside coffee.
For a unique experience, you can also visit local bakeries such as Hygge, a neighbourhood coffee shop and bakery that serves high-quality pastries and coffee. They offer a calm, cosy atmosphere and make everything on-site, respecting traditional methods. Alternatively, Kökulist bakery in Reykjanes is a great spot to enjoy a cup of coffee with some delicious baked goods.
If you're looking for a more comprehensive breakfast, local cafes often produce their own cakes and bread, and you can find traditional Icelandic dishes like hashed fish. Kaffi Raudka, for example, serves home-cooked meals and has a diverse menu that includes cakes, sandwiches, and traditional Icelandic dishes. So, if your hotel doesn't serve coffee or breakfast, don't worry; Iceland has plenty of wonderful bakeries and cafes to explore and satisfy your coffee cravings.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, coffee is typically served with breakfast in Iceland. In fact, coffee has been a staple breakfast drink in Iceland since the 20th century.
Breakfast in Icelandic hotels typically includes a variety of foods, including "skyr" (a type of yoghurt), cereal, sausage, bacon, eggs, potatoes, cold meats, cheese, bread, pastries, and fruit.
Yes, there are many popular spots for breakfast in Reykjavik, including Grái Kötturinn, Sandholt, Bergsson Mathús, and Reykjavík Roasters.

























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