Foodies love to travel, but not everyone travels for food. While some travelers build their itineraries around street markets and top restaurants, others are more concerned with culture, history, or adventure. If you're happy with simple meals, non-regionalized cuisine, and packable snacks, there's one country that should be at the top of your list.
Iceland is a wondrous place, but not famous for its cuisine. It's a mecca for nature lovers, photographers, and road trippers, but it is uninteresting for anyone looking for a culinary escape filled with gourmet dishes.
Let's explore some of the reasons why Iceland is the ideal destination for people who are just as happy eating a convenience store sandwich as they are a Michelin-star meal.
Spectacular Natural Environment
Most visit Iceland for its awe-inspiring and attention-grabbing scenery. From the moment you arrive, the landscape feels alien with black lava fields, moss-covered cliffs, and steaming vents. In the distance are snow-capped mountains.
The magic truly begins once you hit the road. You can watch the sunrise over a glacier lagoon packed with floating blue ice, stand under a waterfall, feel the raw power of an erupting geyser, or drive across a barren volcanic desert. There is nowhere in the world quite like it.
Adventure Replaces That Hangry Feeling
Iceland's thrill factor far outweighs its unimpressive and pricy food scene. Tourists looking for outdoor adventures will see Iceland as the ultimate playground provided by the elements.
You can enjoy glacier hiking, ice cave tours, horseback riding, and whale watching. If that's too mundane for you, how about snorkeling between tectonic plates or exploring a lava tube? When it's time to unwind, you can head to a geothermal hot spring. The point is that every day in Iceland can be filled with unforgettable activities that will make long-lasting memories.
If you prioritize experience over eating, Iceland is a no-brainer as your next vacation spot.
Safe and Welcoming
Iceland is a very welcoming place for tourists. It's safe and easy to navigate, and even without the need to explore restaurants, you will have no trouble connecting to the culture and environment.
This country is routinely ranked as one of the safest in the world. The locals are friendly, and there is a very solid tourism infrastructure. Without the luxury of a burgeoning culinary scene, you will still enjoy comfortable hotels, well-stocked grocery stores, and cozy cafés. Iceland is perfect for travelers who want ease, comfort, excitement, and adventure.
If your ideal vacation revolves around impressive landscapes and adventure, rather than food, Iceland is the perfect destination. It delivers an experience on par with or even better than countries with rich culinary traditions. When you're staring at the northern lights or through a waterfall, you won't be thinking about what you're going to eat for your next meal. This is what Iceland offers, and there's little doubt that even the most passionate foodie would be happy to eat a boring sandwich for two weeks just to experience its wonders.
