93 Best Places to Shop in Iceland

This Reykjavík-based jewelry brand is known for creating beautiful pieces inspired by Icelandic or Nordic mythology, nature, and history.

Colorful hand-knit Icelandic sweaters and other woolens join a handsome exhibition of locally made handicrafts and art at Bardúsa. But the real draw is an old 1900s grocery store and hardware shop hidden in the back of the building, left entirely untouched since the last century, full of vintage goods and sundries. The upstairs rooms are dedicated to a merchants’ museum. Opening hours are sporadic during the winter months, so call ahead or check their Facebook in advance.

There are many visual treats in the village of Seyðisfjörður, and this beautiful black-and-white painted building, formerly owned by artist Dieter Roth, is a piece of art in itself. Inside is home to Blóðberg, which sells a curated selection of Icelandic products with works of art and design. The word \"blóðberg\" means Arctic thyme, a beautiful purple flower common in Iceland.

You'll find a little bit of everything in this store, from books and locally made soaps to yarn and macabre skull-theme decor. If you're on the hunt for a souvenir, there's a good chance you're going to find it at Bókaverzlun Breiðafjarðar.

There's a bit of retro flair to this Iceland-based design brand, which draws inspiration from centuries of local history—specifically music and design. The clothes here are a touch romantic, with just enough pop to become conversation pieces.

Co-owned by Jónsi, vocalist for the Icelandic post-rock band Sigur Rós, along with his sisters Lilja, Sigurrós, and Inga Birgis, this might be the most unique shopping experience in Reykjavík. Draped in a dark color palette, Fischer is a whole mood from the moment you walk through its doors. Every moment in Fischer is a kind of lesson, from the scents of the room sprays, candles, and perfumes to the story behind the jewelry pieces.

Here you'll find a large selection of prints, drawings, paintings, and sculptures by contemporary Icelandic artists, as well as some older Icelandic art. A visit to this space is a crash course in the country's best creators.

The Handknitting Association's basement-level storefront on Skólavörðustígur is a woolen wonderland, with mountains of traditional Icelandic sweaters of seemingly infinite color combinations and yoke patterns on display alongside skeins of lopi (Icelandic wool) and other knitting accessories. A selection of wool and felted handicrafts are for sale as well.

Step inside and you'll be awash in the neutral color palette of this trendy clothing shop. Take some time to dive a bit deeper into the designs on display: they're simple, timeless, and will remind you of your trip for years to come.

This local art and design store can be found in a central spot in town. Stop by to browse the souvenir-worthy handicrafts from local artists and designers.

With a focus on French foods, this delicacy shop imports flavors directly from the City of Lights. From olives and cakes to herbs and truffles, there is something special for every kind of cook here.

Primarily an outerwear and outdoor gear store, Icewear is a local chain that can be found in a number of places around Reykjavík. If you're looking to bring home a wool blanket, this is often the place to find the least expensive options.

The official watch of the Icelandic Coast Guard is a favorite among A-list celebrities like Tom Cruise, Katie Couric, Tobey Maguire, and Viggo Mortensen, not to mention His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and His Majesty King Constantine II of Greece. Even if you're not impressed with this \"Hall of Fame\" list, you still might be tempted to get your hands on one of JS Watch's beautiful timepieces, which are perfectly crafted by a master watchmaker.

One of the best parts about renting an Airbnb is the option to cook your own meals. If you find yourself in that situation, head to Kjötkompaní—a butcher shop and deli—to buy your ingredients. They carry all local meats and other enticing treats for your meal.

This ceramic gallery and studio showcases the work of Kolbrún Björgólfsdóttir, an artist who has been creating pottery since the mid-1970s. Her work is characterized by small drawings etched into the vessels and other forms.

One look at Litla Jólabúðin and you'll know what it's all about: Christmas. The shop is open year-round despite its seasonality, selling ornaments and other wintertime trinkets. They keep a countdown to Christmas going outside the shop and sell postcards to fill out and drop in the post box out front to get a special something in the mail from one of Iceland's mischievous Yule Lads.

Nearly 70 local artisans and farmers sell their goods at the Ljómalind Local Market. A group of women started the market in 2013, and it has since become a local favorite for grabbing dinner ingredients as well as a beloved stop for tourists looking for a souvenir.

This record store, close to Hlemmur bus station, has the largest collection of vintage and contemporary vinyl in Iceland. It also serves as a venue for both underground music artists and up-and-coming alternative bands.

Walking into the Nordic Store is like stepping into a giant ball of wool. Everywhere you look, you'll find wool sweaters, blankets, socks, scarves—if you can wear it and it's made from wool, you'll find it here. In addition to clothing, the Nordic Store also has a solid selection of outdoor wear and gear, like running shoes, winter coats, and thermal accessories.

This shop sells accessories, jewelry, artwork, and clothing by Icelandic designers. Each piece has a unique tie to the country—either in aesthetic or inspiration—making Ofeigur a unique place to buy a souvenir.

This is exactly what it sounds like: a historic spot to buy a new read. The Old Bookstore has been owned by the same family since 1914, and everything you find inside—aside from the books—has remained relatively unchanged since then. Beyond the books, however, you'll also find an exhibit that tells the history of the town. They also run a satellite shop in downtown Reykjavík and a charming guesthouse on the upper floor.

Two local jewelry makers, Helga Friðriksdóttir and Orri Finnbogason, own this shop where they sell the fruits of their labor. Each piece is handcrafted in their Reykjavík studio, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern design. All of the jewelry they create is unisex.

If you're on the hunt for a book, chances are Penninn Eymundsson Austurstræti has what you need. As Iceland's oldest bookstore (established in 1872), it has a tried-and-true reputation for well-stocked shelves, carrying the latest Icelandic publications in translation, as well as international releases, classics, magazines, and coffee-table books. The collection is spread out over three floors, but there is a coffee shop on-site to let visitors refuel mid-browse.

Reykjavík’s oldest gift shop, Rammagerðin showcases scores of Icelandic designers. From traditional lopapeysa sweaters to modern ceramics and botanical skincare, each piece reflects Icelandic heritage and craftsmanship. 

If you ever wonder what kind of outerwear could handle the ever-changing weather patterns of Iceland, this raincoat shop has an answer for you. Aside from being completely functional, the jackets sold at Reykjavik Raincoats are undoubtedly Instagram-worthy as well: classic and minimal (thigh-length and hooded) designs putting bold colors front and center.

Product designer Almar Alfreðsson converted the entryway of his family home on the trendy Listagil art street to create the smallest design shop in Iceland. The 3.7-square-meter (40-square-foot) space houses a curated selection of interesting products by local designers and artists, with items by foreign designers as well. The general theme is cool, playful, and humorous. Ring the bell for service.

This gallery-slash-store is run by seven local women artists. The items you'll find here are delightfully different from the souvenirs of more pedestrian stores.

This record store with its own label doubles as a gift shop. Smekkleysa is known by locals for releasing music by the Icelandic alt-rock band Sugarcubes, of which Björk was a founding member. Unfortunately the group disbanded in 1992, but you can still buy their music at this shop. Björk still performs regular DJ sets in the shop, so keep an eye on its schedule.

Knitters, listen up: Storkurinn sells locally sourced wool in all colors. The inventory of imported wool is certainly larger, but this is the place if you're looking to find some local yarns for your next project.

The locals of Hvanneyri (about a 17-minute drive from Borgarnes) banded together to set up a shop selling their handmade wares. If you're looking for something knitted, spun, woven, or combed, Ullarselið has you covered and then some.