
Hótel Blönduós – Culinary Delights in the North
Blönduós is having a moment. The old town has been transformed, and if you’re looking to treat yourself and escape the everyday, it’s hard to imagine a more magical place to stay than in a 130-year-old church—now a luxury suite at Hotel Blönduós.
— RESTAURANTS —
.


The church, deconsecrated over 30 years ago, was beautifully restored in 2023. Many original features remain: the organ, an antique chandelier from Reykjavík’s cathedral, and even the final hymn board. You can sip espresso in vintage armchairs, soak in a freestanding tub with a view of the sea, or sleep beneath the vaulted ceiling where two cozy single beds await in the church loft. The atmosphere is serene—peaceful enough to make you pause and breathe.
The hotel restaurant, located in the historic Sýslumannshúsið (built in 1900), is equally tasteful. Classic interiors meet refined cooking, and the service is as warm as it is professional. We were spoiled by restaurant manager Inga Rut and the talented chef Árni.


Highlights from the menu:
Icelandic burrata with marinated cherry tomatoes and basil oil
Tomato-based seafood soup with lemongrass, ginger, coconut, and coriander-lime cream
Slow-cooked lamb with chili-rhubarb sauce (“Sýslumaðurinn”)
Oven-roasted salt cod with wild mushroom & ramson risotto and salsa verde
Vegan heaven: salt-baked celeriac with Italian potato salad, smoked pepper sauce, and pickled onion
Braised leg of lamb with garlic mashed potatoes and grilled vegetables
Dessert: baked white chocolate & skyr mousse with rhubarb ice, berry coulis, oat crumble & mint
The church is not the only part of the hotel that’s been lovingly restored. Pétursborg now houses stylish apartments blending old charm with modern comfort, and the AA House offers rooms with balconies overlooking the river and birdsong. Even the old bakery Krútt has become a large events space—perfect for concerts or gatherings.
Blönduós may be small, but it’s quietly becoming a destination.

— RESTAURANTS —
.