Why are hot dogs popular in Iceland?

From road trips to late-night snacks, grabbing a pylsa is practically a rite of passage in Iceland.

Icelandic hot dog ingredients

Icelandic hot dogs aren’t your typical mystery-meat sausages. They’re made primarily from Icelandic lamb, blended with beef and pork, and wrapped in natural castings that make a satisfying ‘pop’ when bitten. Given Iceland’s reputation for producing some of the world’s best lamb, it’s no surprise that these hot dogs have a distinct, rich flavour.

Icelandic hot dog toppings

While the sausage itself is excellent, it’s the toppings that truly make Icelandic pylsur stand out. I recommend ordering “one with the lot” to experience the full range of flavours. The traditional toppings are:

• Raw white onions
• Crispy fried onions
• Ketchup
• Sweet brown mustard (pylsusinnep)
• Remoulade: a tangy, creamy sauce made with mayonnaise, capers, mustard, and herbs

What makes Icelandic hot dogs even more unique is the way the toppings are layered. Crispy onions and ketchup often go under the sausage, creating a perfectly balanced bite with layers of flavour and crunch.

Affordability

Wondering how much an Icelandic hot dog costs? In a country known for its high prices, Icelandic hot dogs are actually budget-friendly (which probably contributes to their popularity). You can grab one for around 600 ISK, and with a soda (I recommend the locally loved orange soda Appelsín) a meal will cost you less than 1,000 ISK (approximately $10 USD or £6 GBP).

Where to find the best hot dogs in Iceland

1. Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur

This is Iceland’s famous hot dog stand, whose name translates to “The Town’s Best Hot Dogs”. Conveniently located in the heart of Reykjavik, it’s a must-visit spot featured in nearly every food guide to the city.

Despite its humble and unassuming appearance, the stand has gained international fame, drawing visitors from around the world, including notable names like Bill Clinton and Kim Kardashian.

Grab the google pin for the famous Reykjavik stand here.

They also have additional stands around the Reykjavík and Southern Peninsula areas. You can view their map here to find their other 8 locations.

Note: The downtown spot is really popular, so be prepared to wait during busy meal times. When we visited around 4pm during our October Iceland trip, we only waited a couple of minutes, so timing (and the season) can make all the difference.

2. Pylsuvagninn á Akureyri

Although our itinerary didn’t take us to Akureyri in North Iceland, I wanted to include this spot as it’s renowned for offering some of the most unique hot dog options in the country.

Standout choices include the Volcanic Hot Dog, served in a black charcoal bun, a hot dog topped with cabbage, and even one with potato salad. They also cater to diverse diets with vegetarian and vegan options available (something Bæjarins doesn’t offer).

Grab the google pin for the Pylsuvagninn á Akureyri stand here.

3. Gas stations

If you’re road-tripping in Iceland, gas stations (especially N1 locations with an attached Nesti convenience store) are an unexpected hotspot for hot dogs. While they’re not exactly gourmet, they’re surprisingly good, with Reddit threads full of people claiming they’re just as good, if not better, than the ones at Bæjarins.

4. Costco

Yes, I’ve included an American chain on this list, but hear me out!

We stopped at Costco for some cheaper petrol before returning our Go Car Rental and decided to give their hot dogs a try. To our surprise, they ended up being one of our favourites!

While Costco’s hot dogs aren’t made from Icelandic lamb like the others on this list (they’re 100% beef), they come with toppings that align with the local tastes, specifically, crispy fried onions (and a very generous portion of them). What really impressed us was the fresh, lighter taste – there was something about them that made them feel more satisfying.

5. Supermarkets

You don’t always have to eat out to experience a country’s cuisine.

Stores like Bonus and Krónan offer everything you need to recreate Icelandic hot dogs at your accommodation or in your campervan. Look for SS Vinarpylsa, the brand from Sláturfélag Suðurlands, which supplies the majority of hot dogs in Iceland (so you’ll get the same taste you’d find at gas stations or Bæjarins). You can also grab crispy fried onions, pylsusinnep (mustard), and remoulade if you want the full experience. You might even get lucky and find these condiments already stocked in the cupboards of your accommodation.

We actually found hot dogs to be an easy, affordable option that worked well in various meals during our trip, including a curry and a pasta dish.