Kallabakari

Kallabakari is the sort of bakery that Icelanders speak about with genuine affection. Established in 1967, this family-run institution in the coastal town of Akranes has been turning out exceptional pastries, breads, and baked goods for nearly six decades, and it remains one of the best bakeries in the country -- a fact that is all the more impressive given that it operates far from the tourist trail.

The Baking

Everything here is made fresh daily, and the range is impressive. The pastries display case is stacked with traditional Icelandic treats alongside more modern creations, and the quality is consistently high. The cheese toasties have achieved something approaching legendary status -- they arrive with cheese genuinely oozing from the plate, and they are worth the trip alone.

The bread selection is excellent. Traditional Icelandic rugbraud sits alongside sourdough loaves and lighter wheat breads, all baked on-site. For breakfast or an early lunch, the combination of a warm sandwich and a well-made coffee is hard to beat.

The Setting

Akranes is not a town that most tourists put on their itinerary, but it has its charms -- a dramatic coastal setting, a lighthouse walk, and the kind of quiet, unhurried atmosphere that has largely disappeared from Reykjavik. Kallabakari sits in the heart of town and serves as a gathering place for locals, which gives it the kind of authentic, unhurried atmosphere that feels increasingly rare.

Why It Matters

Iceland's bakery tradition is strong, and Kallabakari is one of its finest expressions. The fact that a family has been running this place for nearly sixty years, maintaining quality while adapting to changing tastes, is remarkable. In a country where food prices can be eye-watering, the value here is exceptional.

Practical Tips

Akranes is about a 50-minute drive from Reykjavik, either via the Hvalfjordur tunnel or the scenic route around Hvalfjordur. If you are heading to Borgarfjordur, Snaefellsnes, or the west of Iceland, Kallabakari makes a perfect first stop. The lunch rush can create a queue, but it moves quickly. Arrive before noon for the best selection and the shortest wait.