What To Buy In Reykjavik, Iceland

1. Jewelry with volcanic rock

Majority of Iceland is enveloped in volcanic rock. No wonder that exotic pieces of jewelry are crafted from this Icelandic Lava. It is very difficult to miss the varied display of lava jewelry while walking through the main shopping street of Reykjavik. There are several shops with uniquely designed jewelry including bracelets, earrings, short and long necklaces, jewelry sets and much more. Every piece is very carefully crafted and symbolizes one of the core elements of Astrology – fire. These pieces are also believed to be enhancing physical and mental health. GP Skartgripir Og Ur is one of the oldest jewelry shops in Reykjavik, having a beautiful selection.

GP Skartgripir Og Ur

Address: Bankastraeti 12, Reykjavik 101, Iceland

Opening hours: Monday-Friday: 9:00 am-6:00 pm, Saturday: 10:00 am-6:00 pm, Sunday: 11.00 am-6.00 pm

Prices: Starting from ISK 37,000 (USD320)

2. Brennivin Hard Liquor

One of the specialties of Reykjavik is the alcoholic beverages available here. Considered to be Reykjavik’s signature liquor, also a favorite during special occasions and the traditional drink of the feasts too, Brennivin is also referred to as ‘Black Death’. This is a clear and unsweetened schnapps and it is prepared using fermented grain or potato mash and seasoned with cumin, caraway, and angelica. If you want to have it the best way, then having it with a side of fermented shark is recommended. There are many state-owned liquor shops from where you can buy this.

Vinbudin

Address: Stuðlahálsi 2, 110 Reykjavík

Opening hours: Monday-Thursday: 11.00 am-6.00 pm, Friday: 11.00 am-7.00 pm, Saturday: 11.00 am-6.00 pm

Prices: Starting from ISK 76,000 (USD 656)

3. Sweaters and blankets

Known as ‘lopapeysa’, Icelandic wool sweaters and blankets are surely one of the favorites to buy from Reykjavik. Made from Icelandic sheep’s wool, these sweaters and blankets are very popular for their styles, warmth, durability and heat retaining properties; can be worn both by men and women. The usual designed features on these are diamonds, geometric zig-zags, circular patterns and the colors in which they come include white, browns, greys and blues. These are perfect for cold climates and any occasion. You can find these in several markets and souvenir shops in Reykjavik.

Farmers Market

Address: Laugavegur 37 (main shopping street), 101 Reykjavik

Opening hours: Monday-Friday: 10.00 am-6.00 pm, Saturday: 11.00 am-5.00 pm, Sunday: 11.00 am-5.00 pm

Prices: Starting from ISK 13,000 (USD117)

4. Ris Buff Candy

What’s not to love about candies? Icelandic candies are one of the must-buys in Reykjavik. These candies are prepared by blending different ingredients excellently and in different ways. Among the many varieties, Ris Buff Candy can quickly become your favorite. This is a milk chocolate bar having a chewy marshmallow in the center, which is covered with rice puffs. It is totally full of sticky goodness. There are many supermarkets in Reykjavik having a very good stock of Icelandic candy brands, from which you surely should bring some home.

Nordic Store

Address: Lækjargata 2, 101 Reykjavik

Opening hours: Monday-Friday: 9.00 am-10.00 pm, Saturday-Sunday: 10.00 am-10.00 pm

Prices: Starting from ISK 878 (USD 7.50)

5. Northern Lights memorabilia

The Northern Lights, also referred to as Aurora Borealis in Iceland, can be the most spectacular show to witness. One of the most attractive specialties of Iceland, witnessing Northern lights is purely magical. However, the best time to see these is from October to March; but what if your trip is not planned around this season? No problem. You can still capture the amazing beauty of this phenomenon in beautiful pictures or posters and other souvenirs that are available in many shops of Reykjavik. These pictures will definitely be a great option as a gift or also for decorating your office and home.

Solarfilma

Address: Tunguháls 8, 110 Reykjavík, Iceland

Opening hours: Monday-Thursday: 8.30 am-4.30 pm, Friday: 8.30 am-12.00 pm

Prices: ISK 700 (USD 6)

6. Icelandic music

How amazing it would be to get a hand-picked album for your loved ones or for yourself to enjoy the true taste of Icelandic music! Icelandic music has a wide variety of styles and there’s a lot that this music has to offer. There is something unique about this music and it can accompany you everywhere – be it your office hours or while you are jogging. The music has a beautiful blend of dreamy house music and heavy metal. There are some popular bands of Iceland Kaleo or GusGus, whose CDs you can get from the popular stores, where there are knowledgeable staff to guide you.

Lucky Records

Address: Rauðarárstígur 10 - 105 Reykjavík

Opening Hours: Monday-Friday: 10.00 am-6.00 pm, Saturday-Sunday: 11.00-5.00 pm

Prices: Starting from ISK 3045 (USD 26)

7. Nature condoms

How about purchasing some Icelandic condoms? Sounds a bit bizarre but these can be surely a classic purchase if you are looking for something whimsical and entertaining. Known as ‘Enjoy our Nature’, these are available in six diverse phallic designs, which very aptly depict the country’s landscape: the Geysir, Rock formation, Volcanic Eruption, Hengill steam, Þursaborgir and the Northern lights. Every pack includes a condom and some background information about the history and geology.

I Don’t Speak Icelandic

Address: Laugavegur 32, Reykjavík, Iceland

Opening hours: Monday-Sunday: 10.00 am-10.00 pm

Prices: Starting from ISK 935 (USD 7.99)

8. Poems from a Troubadour poet

Chosen as a UNESCO City of Literature, when it comes to art and inspiration, poetry is another aspect for which Iceland is very popular. In downtown Reykjavik, and on the corner of Posthússtræti and Austurstræti, you will find some elderly Icelandic gentlemen, who sell their own self-published books of poetry. It is surely something very unique about this city, not seen or witnessed in many places. The text is very diverse in nature and is most usually Icelandic. But this in a way adds to the rarity and character.

Address: Klapparstíg 25-27, 101 Reykjavik

Opening hours: Monday-Friday: 11.00 am-6.00 pm, Saturday: 12.00 pm-5.00 pm

Prices: ISK 24,800 (USD 212)

9. Bloðberg (Arctic Thyme) Tea

Iceland is also famed for growing numerous unique herbs that have been used as remedies for different ailments. These herbs are handpicked and dried after that. One of these is the Blodberg Arctic Thyme Tea, which is a traditional Icelandic tea. It has a very subtle and distinct alpine taste and can be purchased in most of the grocery and convenience stores in Reykjavik. Not only in Iceland but in many other Scandinavian nations, it has been used for medicinal purposes and is psychologically very uplifting. Having antibacterial properties, the tea is considered a good curative for flue, cold, insomnia, stomach upset and many other conditions.

Shopicelandic

Address: Laugavegur 18, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

Opening hours: Monday-Friday: 9.00 am-10.00 pm, Saturday: 10.00 am-8.00 pm, Sunday: 10.00 am-10.00 pm

Prices: Starting from ISK 2100 (USD 18)

10. Herbal sea salt

Sea Salt has emerged as a very popular souvenir from Reykjavik, which can be used for cooking, for its use in body scrubs and soaks. It comes in different colors, grinds, flavors and mixes and can spice up your cooking. Further, it can be taken back home very easily and shared with family and friends. This sustainable sea salt is wonderful and comes in various sized packages and the package designs are very interesting. It is harvested from the Westfiords of Iceland, which has some of the freshest and purest saltwater around. The blends offered include Arctic Thyme, Licorice, Lava, Birch Smoked and many others.

Nordic Store

Address: Lækjargata 2, 101 Reykjavik

Opening hours: Monday-Friday: 9.00 am-10.00 pm; Saturday-Sunday: 10.00 am-10.00 pm

Prices: Starting from ISK 1800 (USD 16)

Icelandic souvenirs

Apart from being a sought-after holiday destination, Reykjavik is a haven for shopaholics, owing to the unique mementos that are found here. The keepsakes enlisted above are definitely great choices that will keep your trip memories lingering for a long time. So, do take out time to browse through these shops/markets and buy something inimitable from Reykjavik for yourself and for your loved ones back home.