7 Best Places to Shop in Iceland

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.

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.

There’s an Eymundsson bookstore staffed by bibliophiles in almost every major town in Iceland, and the Akureyri location sits on one of the hot corners of town where the main high street meets the trendy Listagil street, which leads up to the church. Here you'll find all the latest titles along with a few classics, in both Icelandic and English, plus an excellent selection of magazines. They also have a superb in-house coffee shop.

There’s a treasure trove of secondhand books here, with around 85% Icelandic titles and quite a few books in English, too. Among the romance novels and pulp fiction you’ll find the occasional rare classic, with some dating back to the 1700s. The owner, Olga, has been running the shop for over 30 years, but now in her 80s, she has passed the baton to a couple of charming young Brits named Stu and Ren, who run it on her behalf.

You'll find yourself surrounded by books (both Icelandic and English) in Penninn Eymundsson Ísafirði. There's also a café inside, in case you want a cup of coffee while reading your new book.

This cozy independent bookstore offers a curated selection of new and gently used books in both Icelandic and English.

Chock-full of dusty tomes, pulpy paperbacks, and who-knows-what-else, this used bookstore is a treasure trove of eccentricities. The name translates to "Black Books," a nod to the British sitcom. The store is a prime locale for some souvenir shopping (and a chat with Stu and Ren, the charming couple who own it).