I’d Fly to Iceland Just for Its Pastries—A Guide to the Island’s Best Bakeries
Iceland doesn’t usually top anyone’s list of great food destinations. But spend a bit of time here and you’ll realise the pastry scene alone is reason enough to book a flight.
Iceland’s bakeries range from places preserving generations-old recipes to spots pushing in genuinely new directions. Whatever you’re after — a traditional bite or something a little unexpected — there’s plenty to find. Here’s where to start.
Reykjavík is the obvious place to begin. Bakeries turn up on nearly every street, and Sandholt stands out among them. It’s known for its artisanal breads, but the pastries hold their own — a properly made cinnamon roll, a croissant with real flake to it. The kind of baking where you can tell someone actually cares about the result.
Wander a little further and you’ll come across Konditor. The cakes here have a following, and rightly so, but the real draw for locals is the snúður — a cinnamon twist that’s quietly become one of the city’s comfort foods. Get one with a cup of Icelandic coffee and you’ve nailed the afternoon.
Outside the capital, the bakeries keep getting more interesting. In the coastal town of Seyðisfjörður, Bakarí Gólfinu is a relaxed, welcoming spot where the rhubarb pie is genuinely worth making a detour for. The tartness is sharp, the crust flaky — it tastes like it was made by someone who’s been doing this a long time.
Further along, in the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, the Foss Hotel Café is a good stop for a slice of traditional Icelandic cake. The countryside views through the windows don’t hurt either.
If you want to go deeper than just eating, talk to the people behind the counter. A number of bakeries run seasonal events and baking workshops — a chance to actually learn the recipes rather than just consume them. It’s one of the more genuine ways to get a feel for how Icelanders live and eat.
Whether you’re a dedicated pastry person or just someone who likes good food, Iceland’s bakeries are worth your time. Pack accordingly and arrive hungry.
