Ingólfsskáli Viking Restaurant: Embrace the Viking spirit at Ingólfsskáli

Ingólfsskáli Viking Restaurant is a one-of-a-kind venue in Iceland, known for its welcoming ambiance and unique dining experience. Here, you can feast like a true warrior in a traditional, cosy longhouse and afterwards unleash your inner Viking with axe throwing and archery.

Tucked below the towering Ingólfsfjall mountain in South Iceland, just off the main ring road around the island, lies Ingólfsskáli Viking Restaurant. The family-run business takes its name from the legendary Norse settler Ingólfur Arnarson, who is considered the first permanent inhabitant of Iceland.

“My grandfather started the Viking-inspired restaurant more than 40 years ago,” says Andri Már Gunnarsson, who runs Ingólfsskáli together with his father Gunnar. Originally, the restaurant was dedicated only to private groups, wedding parties and corporate events, but in 2015 it opened as a walk-in restaurant where anyone is welcome to visit and get a glimpse of Viking life.

“Our concept is fine dining, Viking-style,” explains Andri. “It’s a one-of-a-kind establishment, no other place offers a culinary experience like this. And we use really good and fresh local produce for amazing flavours. But it’s not just about enjoying a nice dinner, we want to give everyone a fantastic experience from the very moment they pull into the driveway.”

Traditional longhouse with turf

Picturesquely nestled in the rugged Icelandic countryside, Ingólfsskáli Viking Restaurant is a traditional longhouse with a turf roof. These types of dwellings can be found in other places around the world too, but they were particularly prevalent in Iceland where they had a significant role in the architectural heritage.

The Viking longhouses were typically made of wood, simple but functional and with a strong connection to nature and the surroundings. Commonly housing several families, the longhouses were crowded, cosy and often the place for feasts.

At Ingólfsskáli, you will instantly feel the warm and welcoming festive atmosphere, just like back in the day. The authentic interior has been constructed from Norwegian timber, with exposed beams and wooden carvings depicting mythology and everyday life. The furniture is handcrafted, and the walls feature animal hides and furs as well as shields and other Viking-themed décor.

A sagalicious feast for warriors

The restaurant captures the essence of local culture and heritage and offers an unforgettable dining experience inspired by the Vikings. Andri and his father Gunnar hunt and gather what they can from Icelandic nature to ensure the most authentic experience for guests.

The menu includes the signature dish lamb, as well as goose, fish and even shark, followed by tasty treats such as skyr cheesecake. Guests’ thirst can be clenched by drinking through a horn, and afterwards they can bring home a horn cup and mead. After-dinner activities include axe throwing and archery, quite an experience where you can channel your inner warrior.

Similar to the Vikings, the Ingólfsskáli family has been known for its fabulous sense of hospitality for generations. Dressed in traditional clothing, the family and staff happily share their ancestry with visitors. The restaurant can seat up to 230 guests, making it ideal for private events such as weddings.

One guest says they were “blown away” by the ambiance and another praises it as “sagalicious” – the perfect description. “You’re bound to experience something special,” concludes Andri. “From the traditional handcrafted décor to the music and the hearty meals, every detail transports you to a bygone era and you will truly appreciate how the Vikings lived and dined back in the day.”

Web: ingolfsskali.is
Facebook: facebook.com/ingolfsskali
Instagram: @ingolfsskali

Ingólfsskáli Viking Restaurant 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.