reykjavik
Bæjarins Beztu — Iceland's Most Famous Hot Dog Stand
About Bæjarins Beztu — Iceland's Most Famous Hot Dog Stand
Bæjarins Beztu opened 1937 as a hot dog stand (pylsuvagn) near Reykjavík harbor. The current location is a small green kiosk at Tryggvagata near the Old Harbour. **Hot Dogs (Pylsur):** - Icelandic lamb hot dogs (not beef/pork) — naturally raised, grass-fed - Served in soft bun - Classic order: 'eina með öllu' (one with everything) - Raw chopped onions - Crispy fried onions (the secret ingredient) - Ketchup - Sweet brown mustard (pylsusinnep) - Remoulade (white sauce, mayo-based) **Price:** ~600 ISK per hot dog **Hours:** Mon–Thu 10:00–01:00, Fri–Sat 10:00–04:30, Sun 10:00–01:00. Open late for post-bar crowds. **Famous Visitors:** Bill Clinton (2004), Metallica, countless celebrities and tourists. The stand has been featured in international travel media as one of the world's best street foods. Located at Tryggvagata near the Old Harbour, central Reykjavík.
🐉 The Hot Dog Stand That Became an Institution
For 87 years Bæjarins Beztu has sold hot dogs from a tiny kiosk — and somehow became Iceland's most famous food. Bill Clinton ate here. Metallica ate here. You should too.
📖 History of Bæjarins Beztu — Iceland's Most Famous Hot Dog Stand
Bæjarins Beztu founded 1937, making it one of Iceland's oldest continuously operating food businesses. The stand survived the Depression, World War II, modernization, tourism boom — still serving the same hot dogs from a small kiosk. The name means 'Best Hot Dog in Town' — locals argue whether it's true, but it's definitely the most famous.
💡 Did You Know?
The crispy fried onions (cronions) are what make Bæjarins Beztu special — they add texture and flavor that raw onions alone can't provide. Always order 'með öllu' (with everything).
Key Facts
Operating since 1937 (87 years)
Icelandic lamb hot dogs, grass-fed
Classic order: 'eina með öllu' (one with everything)
Bill Clinton, Metallica visited
Open until 1:00–4:30am depending on night
💎 Hidden Gems
The 2am Weekend Crowd
Friday–Saturday nights at 2am, the stand is packed with Icelanders leaving bars — it's loud, chaotic, friendly, and the most authentic local experience you'll have at a tourist attraction.
The Fried Onions Secret
The crispy fried onions (cronions) are what make these hot dogs legendary — sweet, crunchy, perfect. Some Icelanders order extra.
🕐 Best Time
Lunch or late night (midnight+)
🚗 Access
Tryggvagata, near Old Harbour
⏱ Duration
10–15 min
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I order?▾
'Eina með öllu' (one with everything) — the classic. Raw onions, fried onions, ketchup, mustard, remoulade.
Are they really lamb?▾
Yes — Icelandic hot dogs are lamb (sometimes with pork), not beef. Grass-fed, naturally raised.
📍 GPS Location
Book a Tour to Bæjarins Beztu — Iceland's Most Famous Hot Dog Stand
Find guided tours, day trips and activities. Compare prices and book instantly with free cancellation.
🌌 See the Northern Lights
Track real-time aurora activity and plan your Northern Lights trip with AuroraVision.