You Have to Try Fermented Shark at Ja Ja Ding Dong in Húsavík

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Before our trip to Iceland, we watched Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga as a fun way to get excited. So imagine our surprise when we found out Ja Ja Ding Dong is a real place in Húsavík! Here is everything you need to know about visiting this quirky spot in Husavik.

Ja Ja Ding Dong in Húsavík

The name Ja Ja Ding Dong exploded into pop culture thanks to the 2020 Netflix film Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga.

Starring Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams.

In the movie, a fictional Icelandic bar crowd becomes obsessed with the ridiculous, but undeniably catchy song “Ja Ja Ding Dong,”.

Exterior of Ja Ja Ding Dong in Husavik, Iceland
Visiting the iconic Ja Ja Ding Dong in Husavik, Iceland

Húsavík played a special role as the hometown of the characters, and the movie put the town on the global map.

Locals quickly embraced the spotlight, and before long, a real-life Ja Ja Ding Dong bar opened in Húsavík, paying tribute to the film’s legacy.

Admiring the decor at Ja Ja Ding Dong
Admiring the decor at Ja Ja Ding Dong

Today, it’s not an exact replica of the movie’s bar, but it leans into the same playful, feel-good vibe with Eurovision posters.

They also have themed drinks and a soundtrack that’s hard not to dance to.

Stepping inside this unusual tourist attraction in Husavik
Stepping inside this unusual tourist attraction in Husavik

It’s become a must-visit for movie fans, offering a taste of Icelandic humor and hospitality.

Trying Fermented Shark at Ja Ja Ding Dong

We grabbed a table and ordered a couple of classic gin and tonics to start.

Though they also offer Eurovision-themed drinks if you want to lean into the moment.

Sipping Icelandic Gin at Ja Ja Ding Dong
Sipping Icelandic Gin at Ja Ja Ding Dong

But what really stood out was the chance to try Iceland’s infamous fermented shark.

This traditional dish, called hákarl, dates back to Viking times when Greenland shark was buried and fermented to make it safe to eat

Trying fermented shark and Brennivin in Husavik
Trying fermented shark and Brennivin in Husavik

Ours was served with a shot of Brennivín, Iceland’s signature schnapps.

We even got to try a limited-edition rye version of Brennivín, which had a bolder flavor and made the shark just slightly more tolerable.

But only slightly.

I am not going to lie, it wasn’t good obviously, but it wasn’t terrible either. I thought it would be way worse!

Taking a shot of Brennivin to wash down the rotten shark in Iceland
Taking a shot of Brennivin to wash down the rotten shark in Iceland

If you’re going to try fermented shark anywhere, this is the spot to do it!

Surrounded by laughter, music, and plenty of drinks to wash it down.

Visit the Elf Houses

If you loved the magical touches in Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, you’ll remember the tiny Icelandic elf houses that played a role in the film’s quirky charm.

Look for the Elves' Alert sign next to Ja Ja Ding Dong to find the Elves
Look for the Elves’ Alert sign next to Ja Ja Ding Dong to find the Elves

Right next to the restaurant you’ll now find a replica of those whimsical elf houses.

Built as a nod to Icelandic folklore and the movie’s fandom.

Walk along the grass to visit the colorful little elf houses and make a wish!
Walk along the grass to visit the colorful little elf houses and make a wish!

These colorful little homes are tucked into the hillside and easy to visit while you’re grabbing a drink.

Whether you believe in the huldufólk (hidden people) or just want a great photo op, it’s a fun and free stop that adds to the movie magic.

Don’t forget to leave a small offering—just in case.

Is Ja Ja Ding Dong Worth Visiting in Húsavík?

Absolutely. Whether you’re a Eurovision fan or just love a fun, slightly offbeat bar experience, Ja Ja Ding Dong in Húsavík is worth the stop.

It’s a great place to relax after a whale watching tour or cap off your night with something uniquely Icelandic.

Whale Watching in Husavik, Iceland
Whale Watching in Husavik, Iceland

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