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Our Icelandic Wild Game Menu is back for the season. Every year, our chefs create a unique menu highlighting Iceland’s fall flavors. In Iceland, autumn is when we traditionally hunt and eat wild game. Keep reading to learn more about our newest menu, hunting in Iceland and more.
What kind of hunting is possible in Iceland?
In Iceland, it is possible to hunt geese, ptarmigan, seabirds, reindeer and mink. Reindeer herds are only found in the east part of Iceland. However, geese, ptarmigan and other seabirds can be found throughout the country. The exact hunting season is different for each animal, though it is primarily during the autumn months.
Hunting in Iceland often involves much walking and stalking. In fact, it can often take many hours. However, some hunters say that the trek is a reward in itself. During these long walks, hunters are able to enjoy beautiful Icelandic autumn in its prime.
Can foreigners hunt in Iceland?
Yes, foreigners are able to hunt in Iceland. However, before a visitor can participate, they must obtain a short term hunting license. To do so, you must present the local Icelandic police with your hunting license from your home country.
It is not possible to bring guns from outside Iceland, so we highly recommend that you book a hunting tour if you are interested in this option.
What is autumn like in Iceland?
Autumn in Iceland is a beautiful season of changing colors. The long summer days begin to shorten and the vegetation turns from green to gold, yellow and shades of sand. Though the weather is starting to turn colder, we can still have amazing sunny days. That being said, it’s important to dress for the weather and bring lots of layers.
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Autumn in Iceland is a time to start slowing down after a whirlwind summer. But it is also a time to enjoy Iceland’s beautiful nature before winter settles in. Autumn in Iceland is the perfect season to go for hikes, drink plenty of hot coffee and tea and of course, go berry picking.
What berries can be picked in Iceland?
Berry picking – called berjamó in Icelandic – is also very popular during the autumn months. In fact, wild crowberries are plentiful in the area surrounding Hotel Rangá. These plump little berries are quite mild but can be concentrated into delicious liqueurs and juices. To get a taste, try Hotel Rangá’s Purple Highlander cocktail, made with crowberry liqueur and gin. Or better yet, order our new Icelandic Wild Game Menu.
Wild blueberries also grow in Iceland, though they are less common. Many locals have special berry picking spots that are a family secret. But don’t worry – if you want to join in the fun, just ask in the Hotel Rangá reception and we will share our top berry picking in the area.
What is on our new Icelandic Wild Game Menu?
Start your meal with smoked duck. Icelanders traditionally smoke lamb meat, especially during the fall and winter months. The smoke infuses delicious duck meat with an earthy tang that pairs beautifully with sweet whisky caramelized onion and crunchy barley chips.
Next, try local Icelandic puffin. The Hotel Rangá chefs sous-vide the meat in locally made Lava beer to make it incredibly tender. Baked garlic mayo adds a creamy and rich flavor to the dish.
Then, enjoy a fried reindeer filet. The filet is paired with tangy beetroot purée and a delicious crowberry sauce. In fact, the berries are hand harvested in Iceland. The final savory dish is confit duck leg with potato cake, fried celery and demi glace.
No dinner would be complete without a final sweet taste. Finish the meal with pickled wild berries and blueberry sorbet. The pickling of the berries adds a special complexity that highlights the clear, sweet flavor of the blueberry sorbet.
