Gamli Bærinn
About Gamli Bærinn
A cozy restaurant by Lake Mývatn with a rustic interior and welcoming atmosphere. Specializes in local ingredients including geothermally baked rye bread, smoked trout from the lake, and lamb from nearby farms.
Gamli Bærinn offers a cozy, casual, family-friendly dining experience, set against lakeside setting with views of lake mývatn. Specialising in Traditional Icelandic and Bakery & Café cuisine, the kitchen serves Lunch, Dinner. Among its standout qualities: lake mývatn location.
Located in Reykjahlíð, North Iceland, Gamli Bærinn welcomes walk-ins, making it easy to add to your Iceland itinerary. The pricing strikes a good balance between quality and value for most travellers.
Lakeside setting with views of Lake Mývatn
Perfect For
Who will love dining at Gamli Bærinn
Family Dinners
Children welcome, family-friendly menu
Budget Travelers
Great value without breaking the bank
Casual Lunches
Relaxed daytime dining, no fuss
Authentic Iceland
Loved by locals, not just tourists
Plant-Based Eaters
Vegetarian
Must-Try Dishes
Why Visit Gamli Bærinn
- Lake Mývatn location
- Geothermal rye bread
- Local ingredients
- Rustic charm
Iceland Dining Tips
Know before you go
Tipping
Tipping is not expected in Iceland. Service is included in all prices — locals rarely tip, though it is always appreciated.
Payment
Iceland is almost entirely cashless. Cards are accepted virtually everywhere, including most small cafes and food trucks.
Language
Menus are available in English at most restaurants. Icelandic staff almost universally speak excellent English.
Booking
In summer (June–August), popular restaurants book up weeks in advance. Reserve as early as possible for the best tables.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Daily 11:30–21:00
Reservations
Walk-ins welcome. Booking ahead is recommended in summer.
Meal Service
Ambiance
Dietary Options
Getting There
Location
Reykjahlíð, North Iceland
Distance from Reykjavík
~481 km
Coordinates
65.6038°N, 16.9995°W
Parking
Parking available nearby
Nearby Experiences
More to explore around Reykjahlíð
Related Topics
Frequently Asked Questions about Gamli Bærinn
Everything you need to know before you visit.
How much does it cost to eat at Gamli Bærinn?
Gamli Bærinn is priced at $$ (Mid-Range (2,500–5,000 ISK)). Mains 2,500–4,500 ISK. A fair price for the quality offered.
Do I need to make a reservation at Gamli Bærinn?
Walk-ins are generally welcome at Gamli Bærinn, though booking ahead during summer (June–August) is advisable to avoid waiting.
What should I order at Gamli Bærinn?
The must-try dishes at Gamli Bærinn include: Geothermal rye bread, Lamb stew, Smoked trout, Icelandic pancakes. These dishes best showcase what makes this restaurant special.
Is Gamli Bærinn good for vegetarians or vegans?
Yes — Gamli Bærinn caters to: Vegetarian. Let your server know your dietary requirements when ordering.
Where is Gamli Bærinn located?
Gamli Bærinn is located in Reykjahlíð, North Iceland, Iceland. It is approximately 481 km from Reykjavík. Lakeside setting with views of Lake Mývatn.
Is Gamli Bærinn child-friendly?
Yes, Gamli Bærinn is family-friendly and welcomes children. It is a great choice for a family meal in North Iceland.
Is Gamli Bærinn wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Gamli Bærinn is wheelchair accessible. If you have specific accessibility needs, it is always worth calling ahead to confirm arrangements.
When is Gamli Bærinn open?
Gamli Bærinn is open: Daily 11:30–21:00. It is open year-round, though hours may vary on public holidays.
Can I pay by card at Gamli Bærinn?
Yes, Gamli Bærinn accepts credit and debit cards. Iceland is one of the most cashless countries in the world — you can safely pay by card here without needing local cash.
What is the dress code at Gamli Bærinn?
Gamli Bærinn has a relaxed Cozy, Casual, Family-Friendly atmosphere with no strict dress code. Iceland is an informal country and restaurants rarely enforce formal dress requirements.
Is there an English menu at Gamli Bærinn?
Iceland is extremely tourist-friendly and the vast majority of restaurants, including Gamli Bærinn, offer menus in English. Staff typically speak excellent English, so you can easily ask about dishes, ingredients, and allergens.
Do they serve takeaway at Gamli Bærinn?
Takeaway availability at Gamli Bærinn can vary. We recommend calling ahead or checking their website to confirm, as many Iceland restaurants now offer takeaway options.
Should I tip at Gamli Bærinn?
Tipping is not customary in Iceland. Service charges are included in the bill at Gamli Bærinn, and Icelandic culture does not have a strong tipping tradition. While tips are always appreciated, you will not cause offence by not leaving one. If you have had an exceptional experience, rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% is a lovely gesture.
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