What to Buy in Iceland: The Best Souvenirs

 

I bought the dried fish, the hotdogs, even the Brenevin and they were all great ways to learn about Icelandic culture. I would recommend trying all of them..and leaving them in Iceland. Especially the dried fish, which made my luggage smell like an aquarium for weeks.

There are much better options when deciding what to buy in Iceland. The best souvenirs from Iceland are things that you are actually going to use in real life. That is is mindset I try to have wherever I am buying souvenirs and Iceland is no exception. Luckily for us, there are lots of unique, local shops and companies creating great things in Iceland.

Buyer Beware-Avoid The Tourist Traps

With the recent influx of tourists heading to Iceland, the amount of knock off wool sweaters and overpriced coffee mugs are increasing just as much (or more)! Tacky souvenir shops seem to dominate shopping areas, and most everything inside is imported junk. They are easy to spot, usually full of Icelandic flags and mountains of fuzzy, stuffed puffins. Locals literally refer to them as “Puffin Shops.”

Stores like these and other tourist spots work with the same wholesalers to buy their merchandise, much of it coming from China. Before you buy that wool sweater or blanket, look closely at the tag to check where it was made.

What To Really Buy In Iceland

Iceland Shopping – Food & Drinks

Jams from Sandholt

In downtown Reykjavik, fourth generation artisan bakers are busy creating a shop full of fresh loaves of bread, pastries, and treats at Sandholt bakery. It’s one of the oldest bakeries in the country, and according to its many fans (me included!) one of the best. They have a loyal following and it can get crowded soon after they open, so get there early for the best selection.

The secret though is the decadent jams and dessert spreads for sale across from the pastry cases. The jams are homemade with local ingredients like juicy red raspberries, and worth every ounce of their weight in your suitcase. Pick up a jar or two to enjoy at home long after your trip is over. They also make the perfect Icelandic souvenir for even your pickiest foodie friends.

Black Licorice

Licorice candy is a favorite not just in Iceland, but all throughout Scandinavia. If you’ve ever eaten black Twizzlers and think you don’t like black licorice, give it another try. The real deal tastes nothing like what we are used to in America. Sweet licorice is the most common, but salty versions are also popular.

Lakrids

There are countless brands and varieties available, but Lakrids is one of the best. Johan Bülow opened Lakrids in Denmark in 2007 to create an elevated, gourmet version of the traditional candy. He also covered it in chocolate. Smart man. While it’s worth trying as many kinds of licorice as you can, Lakrids is the one to stock up on.

Nóa

My absolute favorite, however, are the Chocolate Licorice Caramel Balls by Nóa.  These are just what they sound like, licorice balls covered in caramel and dipped in chocolate, and they are wildly addicting. The licorice flavor is less intense combined with the chocolate and caramel, but it still comes through just enough.

Nói makes many other licorice candies and bars at an affordable price point, so it’s a great brand to experiment with.

Icelandic Chocolate 

In addition to all that licorice, Icelandic chocolate is another treat that deserves some suitcase space. Omnom is one of the most popular brands in the country, and is crafted from organic cacao beans and Icelandic milk. The factory is located in the Reykjavík harbor area and offers tours during the week, with plenty of samples to taste.  

Omnom chocolates bars are easy to find at both gift shops and grocery stores. The vibrantly colored wrappers with modern animal graphics makes them especially gift-able. 

Liqueur from 64° Reykjavik Distillery

64° Reykavik Distillery is bottling up bright, slightly sweet-flavored liqueurs created from native Icelandic fruits. They are a fantastic alternative to the abrasive, caraway flavored Brennivin, fondly referred to as “Black Death.” Give the Brennivin a try, just to say you did, then fill your cart with the Blueberry, Rhubarb, and Crowberry flavors that are perfect for mixing into cocktails back home.

The fruits and botanicals used by the distillery are all hand foraged during the short Icelandic summer. My favorite is the rhubarb, mixed into an ice cold glass of champagne. For more ideas, check out their website for one of a kind cocktail recipes: 64° Reykavik DIstillary cocktails

Iceland shopping – CLOTHING and accessories

REAL Icelandic Wool

Knitted wool sweaters may be one of the most iconic souvenirs to buy in Iceland, and for good reason. They are super warm, well-made, and just plain cute. Icelandic sheep have been providing wool to local knitters for centuries, keeping Icelanders warm throughout their harsh winters. The designs are now iconic, and an important part of Iceland cultural heritage.

To avoid the knockoffs, check out the Handknitting Association of Iceland’s store in Rejkavik. It was founded in 1977 by a group of knitters (mainly women) who joined together in hopes of better distribution and marketing to sell their work. The idea was a success, and today the Handknitting Association of Iceland is hugely popular for their traditional, high-quality products and variety. Everything is made in Iceland by members of the association.

The store is packed full of cozy sweaters, blankets, and accessories. Find it on the corner of Skólavörðustígur and Kalapparstigur.

Winter Essentials from 66 North

I bet you’ve heard of The North Face, now meet its Icelandic counterpart, 66 North. Icelanders know how to stay warm, and there is no better place to shop for quality cold weather gear than 66 North. They have everything from stylish coats for nights out in Reykjavik to thick snowsuits for adventurous glacier hikes. The sweaters and accessories are surprisingly stylish as well.

The premium quality comes with a equally high price tag, but in this case you get what you pay for. Gear from 66 North will last for years to come. If you have a car, there is even a 66 North outlet store located just outside Reykjavik that has some great deals.

 Anything from Farmers Market

No vegetables here. Farmers Market design company combines traditional Icelandic style with modern taste to create seriously cool clothes, accessories, and home goods. Co-founders Bergþóra Guðnadóttir and Jóel Pálsson are passionate about using natural fabrics and environmental sustainability. Their clothes are authentically Iceland, yet sophisticated and fashionable for the global stage. Talking about their inspiration, Bergþóra says it best:

“We place ourselves at a junction. A place where heritage meets modernity, the national meets the international, and the countryside meets the city. We find this an exciting place to explore.”

If you splurge on one special souvenir from Iceland, make it something from Farmers Market.

There are two stores in Reykjavik, but it’s worth it to seek out Farmers and Friends, their flagship store and design studio in the Fishpacking District. This store shows off their entire collection along with handpicked items from local artists. Find it at Hólmaslod  2 Grandi (Old Harbor). A 20-minute walk from downtown Reykjavik will get you there.

Happy Shopping!

Need more Iceland inspiration? Check out these posts: 10 Tips for Visiting Iceland’s Blue Lagoon,  All the Travel Mistakes I Made in Iceland (That Cost Me BIG Time), 12 Best Tips for Saving Money in Iceland.

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