The Most Authentic Farm-to-Table Experiences in Iceland

There are plenty of reasons why authentic farm-to-table experiences are a popular way to enjoy rural Iceland. In our everyday lives, relying on pre-packaged and processed foods is common. Where once people would have visited specialist stores to pick up their meat, baked goods, and fresh produce, now the supermarket acts as a time-saving one-stop shop where we can grab everything we need in no time.

Vacations offer us an invaluable opportunity to slow down the pace again and focus on what really matters. One of the most enjoyable aspects of a visit to Iceland is the chance to eat well, and not only that, but also to embrace the local and seasonal ingredients that make the nation’s cuisine irresistibly tasty and fresh. From locally-caught Arctic char and plump langoustines to succulent lamb that hints of the wild berries and herbs on which the animals have grazed, Iceland’s signature dishes reflect its traditions and heritage as much as the landscape.

Such an approach means you can expect fresh produce, even in relatively remote areas, as well as a commitment to sustainability manifested in reducing food miles and minimizing waste. Across Iceland, small businesses celebrate their surroundings. At Háafell Goat Farm, for example, goats graze on West Iceland’s lush pastures. The milk that results is turned into delicious cheese. It’s a similar story at Efstidalur, whose herd of cows provides the milk for its skyr (a kind of Icelandic-style yoghurt) and homemade ice cream.

In some places, this farm-to-table approach offers a lesson in innovation and technical advances, as Iceland’s commitment to renewable energy opens up opportunities to grow crops that would previously have been unimaginable. Take Friðheimar Farm, for instance, where geothermal energy is harnessed to heat greenhouses in which tomatoes thrive. So far north, where winters can be harsh, this would be impossible out in the open.

The bespoke approach that Arctic Face takes to curating tours is well-aligned with such a philosophy. Exclusive countryside dining experiences and farm-based activities can easily be incorporated into our itineraries. Unique foodstuffs, unusual ingredients, and traditional dishes await those adventurous enough to try them. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed.

Our Wild Dining Experience takes this farm-to-table Iceland mantra and elevates it to the max. Under the Northern Lights or the Midnight Sun, we capitalize on the country’s striking natural environment and jaw-dropping landscapes, using them as a backdrop for an unforgettable dining experience. Nothing’s out of reach: a secluded forest, an unspoilt beach, a remote cave, or even surrounded by ice atop a glacier.

Our chefs ensure our guests feast on dishes that are every bit as memorable as the setting. They skilfully combine seasonal local ingredients grown in rural West Iceland on the Efra-Nes Country Estate. The dishes that are put before you represent the epitome of Icelandic cuisine, but at the same time, as it’s a private dining experience, any dietary requirements can be accommodated.

This farm-to-table focus reinforces Iceland’s strong ties to its environment and its commitment to acting mindfully to protect and conserve it. As visitors, you’ll get a thought-provoking insight into the benefits of such an approach. Who knows, it may encourage you to seek out similar producers in your own local area, frequenting farmers’ markets and championing nearby artisan producers. Perhaps you’ll simply savor the freshness and flavors of the dishes you are presented with and live in the moment.

Whatever your motivation, why not indulge your palate and treat your taste buds to our Wild Dining Experience as part of your next trip to Iceland?