Cafe Laut

There are few better settings for a cafe in Iceland than the one Cafe Laut has claimed for itself. Nestled within the Akureyri Botanical Gardens -- the most northerly botanical gardens in the world -- this charming spot offers the kind of experience that combines excellent food, beautiful surroundings, and genuine warmth in a way that feels effortless.

The Food and Drink

The lunchtime soup-and-bread buffet is the main draw for many visitors, and it is excellent. The soup changes daily, but it is always hearty, well-seasoned, and served with fresh bread that tastes like it was baked that morning. Beyond the soup, the menu includes bagels, panini, salads, and an appealing selection of cakes and desserts that tend toward the creative rather than the conventional.

Coffee is good and served properly. But the real surprise for many visitors is the happy hour, which runs from four to eight in the evening with deals on beer and wine. A late afternoon drink on the sun terrace, surrounded by the botanical gardens, is one of those simple pleasures that stays with you.

The Setting

The cafe interior is adorned with exposed wood, an organ pipe mounted on the wall, and even a grand piano -- eclectic touches that add character without feeling contrived. The gorgeous picture windows bring the gardens inside, and the tidy bathrooms (a detail worth mentioning in Iceland) suggest an attention to standards throughout. On warm days, the sun terrace is the place to be.

The botanical gardens themselves are free to enter and contain an impressive collection of native and imported plants, many of which thrive surprisingly well at this latitude. A walk through the gardens before or after your meal is strongly recommended.

Seasonal Considerations

Cafe Laut operates primarily during the summer season, roughly June through September. If visiting outside this window, check ahead to confirm opening hours, as they may be reduced or the cafe may be closed entirely. This is not unusual for attractions in North Iceland.

Practical Tips

The cafe is about a 10-minute walk from central Akureyri. Combine a visit with the botanical gardens and allow at least an hour for both. The sun terrace fills up on warm summer days, so arriving before the lunch rush is advisable. If you are driving the Ring Road, Cafe Laut is one of the strongest reasons to spend a proper afternoon in Akureyri rather than just passing through.