Iceland is a country that blends rural isolation and urban culture, adventure and serenity, the dramatic and the picturesque. It is no wonder, therefore, that when you are here, you will want to buy a memento that is authentic to the nature of the country and products that reflect the lifestyles and values of the people.
Whether it be a stuffed polar bear (an animal that does not reside in Iceland), Icelandic lava rock jewellery made with imported lava rocks, or a cheap jumper styled to look like (and priced the same as) an Icelandic sweater, there are many pitfalls to avoid when shopping in Iceland.
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This is not to say, however, that there are not great Icelandic shops to be found; it is just that they usually do not have enormous puffin teddies staring from their windows, and sometimes need to be searched a little harder for. Of course, there are many great places to buy bona fide Icelandic handicrafts, goods and produce in Reykjavk, and this is even more the case when travelling around the country.
Before addressing the best shops in Iceland, there are two things to be aware of. Firstly, many countries will not allow you to bring certain plant or animals products home with you, such as fresh produce or crafts made of horn, bone or fur; make sure you know the rules of your country before buying.
Secondly, not all the shops in Iceland are open throughout the year, such as those in the rural north, Eastfjords, and Westfjords; when referencing these sections, be aware that they are only accessible in summer. Regarding shops in Reykjavk and along the South Coast, however, this does not apply.
This journey around the best shops in Iceland naturally begins in Reykjavk. Reykjavk is a shopping hub, with an enormous variety of stores and goods; the main street Laugavegur is lined with boutiques, and there are many shops hidden in other corners of the city. As mentioned above, however, many of these stores appeal to the mass-market and do not offer authentic Icelandic products of any kind.
One of Reykjavk's originals, however, is Kolaporti, the city's biggest flea market. During weekends, the range of goods here is beyond extensive; you can buy Icelandic sweaters amongst the many clothes racks, home decor, music, books, ornaments, instruments and local food of all kinds.
Another great place to purchase the lopapeysa and local handicrafts is in the oldest shop in Reykjavk, Thorvaldsens Bazar. Founded in 1901, the Bazar is run by the charity Thorvaldsensflagi and the proceeds all go towards helping children, particularly those in need of medical care.
A final must-see shopping destination in Reykjavk is the Handknitting Association of Iceland, another go-to place for knit-wear and knitting equipment. The store is packed full of homemade Icelandic sweaters in a variety of styles, as well as hats, mittens, scarves and gloves. There is also an entire wall of yarn in all colours.
If you simply love shopping and are not particularly fussed about seeking out authentic Icelandic goods, then there are several malls which may appeal to you, the largest of which is Kringlan. This shopping centre has both national and international stores selling everything from clothes to food, homeware to hardware, makeup to electronics.
The high geothermal energy has allowed a huge greenhouse industry to bloom in Hverageri; it is thus one of the best places to buy fresh produce in Iceland. Much of the domestically grown fruit and vegetables are produced here and can be bought in many of the local shops.
If you are looking to buy a gift for an Icelander, you can also purchase from a wide range of beautiful flowers. There are two florists in the town, called Hverablm and Garplntusalan Borg, and a garden centre called Garyrkjust Ingibjargar.
This little harbour town is home to a cafe called Hendur Hfn, which doubles as a glass workshop. Glass crockery, ornaments and so on are all available, beautifully designed and of high quality; to help you believe this, they all come with a warranty that lasts until you reach your destination. Returning to Hverageri, if you carry on along Route 1 south, you will reach the town of Selfoss in fifteen minutes.
Selfoss has two notable shops where you can buy Icelandic handicrafts. Handverksskrinn at Selfoss is an excellent place to buy local art and design; there are clay and glass sculptures, handmade jewellery pieces, and a wealth of Icelandic knitwear, including the lopapeysa, otherwise known as the Icelandic sweater.
The next place to shop in South Iceland is Slheimar Grmsnesi. This ecovillage and community can be found by backtracking along Route 1 from Selfoss towards Hverageri, before turning onto Route 35, then Route 354; the journey takes about half an hour.
Slheimar is one of the most wonderful places in Iceland, due to the values it impresses on its visitors. A sustainable, verdant settlement, the village sets out an example of idyllic, rural, community living, based on the ethics of togetherness, ecology and self-expression.
Many of the residents have disabilities, many have had long-term problems with employment, many are elderly, and some are even former prisoners rehabilitating themselves. All contribute to the culture and ambiance of Slheimar, while Slheimar contributes to their well-being and development.
The village has a shop called the Vala Market and Gallery, where the recycled, unique handicrafts made by the residents are sold. They are very diverse; you can buy art pieces, ceramic goods, candles, herbal soaps and cosmetics, and wooden and woven items. The creativity fostered at Slheimar means that many of the local artists have started to gain recognition for their talents.
Slheimar also grows its own food, having the oldest organic garden in the country. At Vala Market and Gallery, you can find some of this produce, as well as the free-range, organic eggs laid on site. At Brekkukot Bakery, you can purchase homemade bread, chutneys, jams and cakes.
This lovely location has a shop with several strains of ripe tomatoes and cucumber and an onsite restaurant where they are plucked off the plant and prepared for you. You can also take a tour of the greenhouse here, to better learn about how Icelanders grow food through the long, dark winters, or you can decide to watch a horse show - perfect for those travelling with children.
Although it takes you a little further inland and away from the South Coast, the Geysir shop in the Geysir Geothermal Area is another great place to buy Icelandic souvenirs, and only half an hour away. Continue on Route 35 when it is joined by Route 37, and you will notice the steam from the famous hot-spring valley.
Although you will want to see the geyser Strokkur erupt a few times, it is well worth it to spend some time looking at the Icelandic design goods in the shop. Though the products tend to be quite pricey, they are good quality and authentic. Blankets, Icelandic sweaters, and other stylishly created wool clothes are on display, as are skincare and haircare products that utilise the native herbs and minerals.
To reach main road of the south coast again, take Route 35 south onto Route 359, continue as it becomes Route 30, and turn left when you reach Route 1. Continuing along this road will take you to the village of Vk, where the final stop of this South Coast shopping spree is waiting.
Vkurprjn Ltd. is a wool factory in Vk with a gift shop inside. One of the oldest and most renowned producers of wool-wear in Iceland, their designs are very varied; some goods are practical and traditional, while others are colourful and modern. All, however, are produced with local wool, and they are largely designed by Icelanders.
East Iceland is largely dominated by the Eastfjords, a rural, sparsely-populated area of dramatic mountains, stunning stretches of coast, diverse wildlife, and tiny villages. Though it may not seem like much of a hub of shopping, many of the little settlements have excellent hidden gems that warrant more than just a browse.
The town of Hfn is just a little northeast of the Jkulsrln glacier lagoon, which sits at the very edge of the South Coast. To reach it from Vk, take Route 1 heading east for just over three hours, then turn down Route 99 for five minutes.
There are many places here you can purchase East Icelandic crafts. Arfleif is a high-end designer boutique with an array of rustic couture that reflects the history of the Norse, some items looking like pieces from fantasy; the amount of fur, bone, leather and horn in each garment, however, means it should probably be avoided by vegetarians and vegans.
The next location to check out for those shopping around Iceland is the tiny community of Stvarfjrur, nestled in a beautiful, narrow fjord of the same name. It can be reached by continuing north on Route 1 from Djpivogur, crossing over the bridge to Breidalsvk, then joining Route 93 and following it around the fjord.
This little village is undergoing somewhat of a cultural revolution, with the historic fish factory having been turned into a Cultural Centre, hosting art workshops, a recording studio, and live events.
Local artisans sell their wares at the Salthssmarkaur Art and Craft Market, located beside the visitors centre. This is a great place to pick up the works developing from the up-and-coming cultural scene in this town, as well as more traditional goods like the homemade Icelandic sweater.
Vallanes Farm is the best place in east Iceland to purchase organic, fresh produce, as well as Icelandic food that you can take home with you. To reach it from Stvarfjrur, drive back along Route 93, then continue straight onto Route 1, away from the bridge. Before you reach the settlement of Egilsstair, the largest settlement of the East, you will come across the farm.
Vallanes sells over 100 varieties of different crop, a wide selection of barley products, conserves, teas, oils, cereals, breads and sweet pickled vegetables; all are grown and produced on site and labelled under the name Mir Jr. Their products are distributed around Iceland, and can for example be found within Reykjavk in the organic health shop Matarbr Kaju. 152ee80cbc
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