Exploring Iceland as a vegetarian has never been easier. While the country is famous for its seafood and lamb, the vegetarian scene has grown rapidly in recent years, especially in the west of Iceland. From cozy countryside inns to small-town restaurants, you’ll now find plenty of plant-based options that are both satisfying and full of local flavor.
Many cafés and restaurants across the country offer at least one vegetarian main, and in the more popular travel areas you’ll often find several choices. Typical vegetarian-friendly dishes include hearty vegetable soups, salads with local root vegetables, homemade breads, and creative twists on international cuisine like veggie burgers, pasta, and grain bowls. Even in smaller towns, it’s increasingly common to see clearly marked vegetarian and vegan options on menus.
Staying with Ourhotels.is in West Iceland makes it especially convenient to enjoy vegetarian food while exploring the region. The chain focuses on simple, comfortable stays in great locations, and the staff are used to welcoming guests with different dietary needs. They can often point you toward the best nearby vegetarian-friendly spots, and in many cases, you’ll find something suitable right where you’re staying.
Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, close to Borgarnes, is a great base for exploring waterfalls, hot springs, and lava fields while still having access to vegetarian options. The Borgarnes area has cafés and restaurants that serve vegetable soups, salads, and meat-free mains, and you’ll often find fresh bread and dairy products from local farms. At Hvítá Inn, you can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and ask the staff for recommendations on where to find the best vegetarian meals nearby, whether you’re after a light lunch or a cozy dinner after a day of sightseeing.
Further north on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, The Stykkishólmur Inn offers a charming stay in one of Iceland’s prettiest coastal towns. Stykkishólmur has become known for its food scene, and vegetarians benefit from that as well. Local restaurants often feature dishes built around seasonal vegetables, grains, and dairy, and you’ll frequently find vegetarian versions of Icelandic classics, such as vegetable-based stews or fish-free takes on traditional plates. Staying at The Stykkishólmur Inn with Ourhotels.is puts you within walking distance of harbor cafés and restaurants where vegetarian guests are well catered for.
If you’re heading even farther west into the Westfjords, Ísafjörður Inn is an excellent choice. Ísafjörður is the main hub of the region and, despite its remote location, offers a surprisingly good selection of vegetarian-friendly spots. You can find bakeries with vegetarian sandwiches, restaurants with meat-free mains, and places that are happy to adapt dishes on request. From Ísafjörður Inn, you can explore dramatic fjords and quiet villages during the day, then return to town for a warm, comforting vegetarian meal in the evening.
When planning a vegetarian trip to Iceland, it’s still wise to prepare a little. Check menus online where possible, and don’t hesitate to contact your accommodation in advance to ask about options. The team at Ourhotels.is properties like Hvítá Inn, The Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn are used to helping guests with dietary preferences and can often suggest local places that might not yet be widely known online.
Overall, vegetarian travel in Iceland is very achievable, especially in the west. With thoughtful planning, supportive accommodation like Ourhotels.is, and a growing number of restaurants embracing plant-based dishes, you can enjoy the landscapes, culture, and flavors of Iceland without compromising your diet. Whether you’re staying near Borgarnes at Hvítá Inn, soaking up the coastal charm at The Stykkishólmur Inn, or venturing into the Westfjords from Ísafjörður Inn, you’ll find that vegetarian options in Iceland are more welcoming and varied than ever.
