What to Buy in Iceland? Top 16 Icelandic Souvenirs

Iceland, the country of  Land of Fire and Ice. Sometimes filled with Ice, sometimes you can see the volcanic eruption. This beautiful island is in Europe. Iceland is in between the North of the Atlantic Ocean and Greenland.

It is a tiny island in the western part of Europe. This country has massive mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, volcanoes, and the Northern Lights. It has  11% water all around. The language that they speak in Iceland is called Icelandic. Icelanders are tall, light-skinned and blonde.

Icelanders are from Scandinavian ancestry. Reykjavik is the capital city and main city centre, where you can shop for Icelandic souvenirs. Around 60% of the population in Iceland is in its capital city.

Iceland has become a popular tourist spot. From each tourist spot, you can shop for various kinds of Icelandic souvenirs.

What to Buy in Iceland? 

You may need help figuring out what or where to buy shop for souvenirs whenever you go out.  And every time, you may end up buying the wrong stuff that is also available at your place.

You may not know the popular things or places in that particular city, village, or town you are visiting. Whenever you go on trips, you may have bought stuff like fridge magnets, bracelets, hats, etc.

Do not worry! We have you covered. We are here with a complete guide to Icelandic souvenirs to buy in Iceland. Now, let us go through the authentic souvenirs to buy one by one. 

1. Lopapeysa

Lopapeysa is an Icelandic wool sweater. Wool sweaters from Iceland are hand-knitted in Reykjavik. These sweaters use sub-Arctic sheep’s wool. To deal with Icelandic weather, wearing Icelandic wool sweaters will be a perfect choice. 

They have a unique design that stands out in any shop in Iceland.  It is a traditional Icelandic wool sweater. Lopapeysa is one of the authentic Icelandic souvenirs that is a must-buy when you visit Iceland. These fashionable sweaters should be on your shopping list. 

1.1 Where and How Can You Buy This Lopapseya Sweater?

First of all, be careful when buying sweaters. Some shops will fool you when you go to buy sweaters. They might not be Icelandic sweaters. They might sell the imported items from other countries and fool you.

There are some bazaars and flea markets where you can buy Icelandic wool sweaters for a low price. Flea markets where you can buy sweaters are Red Cross shops, Kolaportid flea markets, and Thorvaldsen’s Bazaar.

You can also try buying from the Handknitting Association, which is in Reykjavik. Reykjavik is the capital city of Iceland that has been known for hand-knit sweaters since around 1977. They sell traditional Icelandic wool sweaters.

Don’t forget to buy these Icelandic sweaters, which are smooth and stylish. Flaunt yourself with these unique sweaters and create your style. Sweaters will protect you from the cold that you will experience in Iceland.

2. Omnom  Chocolate 

Omnom Chocolate is delicious chocolate made from cocoa beans and milk. This chocolate company was started by Óskar Þórðarson and Kjartan Gíslason in the year 2013. You can get various flavours of this chocolate.

One of the famous flavours is lakkrís. It is a flavour of chocolate-covered licorice, white chocolate, sea salt, etc. There are only a few flavours of this delicious Icelandic chocolate.

So, where can you find these chocolates? The chocolate factory that you are looking for is in Reykjavik. 

2.1  Shops to Buy Omnon and Other Chocolates

Chocolates are available in all the shops in Iceland. So, there is a weekly tour of the Omnom Chocolate Factory, where you can go and buy the chocolates directly. 

These chocolates are one of the best Iceland souvenirs you can take from Iceland. Also, the chocolates are low in price. They have a unique sketch on their chocolate boxes. Their logo is a wolf, and they use pastel colours for packaging.

3. Icelandic SkinCare Products –Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon is a natural hot spring geothermal spa that helps you relax and rejuvenate yourself. It sells skin care products. They have some elegant skin-care products. Their skincare products use natural silica mud, algae, minerals, sea salt, etc.

They sell body cleansers, oils, and cleansing silica mud masks. Some other organic skincare brands manufacture products made up of fresh herbs for all types of skin. Experience the luxurious blue lagoon bath in your home.

3.1. To Buy Blue Lagoon Skincare Products

Will it be available in shops? Blue Lagoon products are not available in stores. But if you are going to Blue Lagoon, you can purchase it.

Blue Lagoon products are also available in airports. You can buy Iceland souvenirs online. If you are searching for the perfect Icelandic souvenirs for your loved ones? This one will be a great purchase. The purchase of this product will make you happy. It will give you relaxation and protect your skin.

4. Icelandic Sea Salt 

Icelandics make salt with geothermal energy and minerals. It has been the case since the 17th century. What is the use of salt? This salt is not like the ordinary salt that you get at home.

This Icelandic sea salt is unique, and it comes in different flavours. Minerals power the local sea salt and come in a pyramid shape. When you sprinkle this Icelandic sea salt on your food, the food becomes tasty.

Arctic Sea and Hot Spring water are heated to form crispy and crunchy salt. They use seaweed, rhubarb, Liquorice, etc to achieve a flavoured salt. 

4.1. Place to Find Sea Salt

There are two popular brands of this Icelandic sea salt: Nordurco Salt and Saltverk. Icelandic sea salt is available in shops, grocery stores, online, and at Reykjavik airport.  You can purchase this salt for yourself, your mom,  your relative or your neighbour.

5. Icelandic Literature Book

Love reading books and collecting them? Iceland is the best place to buy books. The authors of many popular books are from Iceland. It is home to many famous authors.

Iceland is heaven for book readers. The authors have written fiction and nonfiction books. The Viking Saga is a prominent book that most Icelandic people recommend to tourists.

The majority of the books highlight the cultural aspects of Iceland. The stories of history are the most fascinating things to read. Present these books to someone who is fascinated by reading history and mythologies.

5.1. Book Shops to Purchase Icelandic Literature Books

The Viking Saga is a crime genre book and is a must-buy book. All the books in Iceland are available in different languages. You can find books in both bookshops, libraries and online.

Kolaportid flea market and markets and Bókakjallarinn are the two other places to buy books. Share the book with your friends and let everyone enjoy the fascinating stories of Iceland. 

6. Artworks of Iceland

Different countries have different kinds of artwork. And when it comes to Iceland, also has different types of arts. When people go on tours, they usually purchase statues, monuments, etc.

Artworks are fabulous souvenirs to decorate your home with or gift to someone. Iceland is famous for its artwork. Hand-crafted birds are something that is very beautiful and is a good choice for home decor. 

They also make articles like furry sheep. These cute sheep will be a perfect gift for children or your family. 

6.1. Location of Shops to Buy Icelandic Artwork

In Reykjavik, you can find many shops selling artwork. You can buy these Icelandic artworks at Gallery Port and Mokka Kaffi. Both shops are in Reykjavik.

7. Liquors of Iceland

Who doesn’t like buying liquor that is freshly prepared? Some countries are known for alcohol. In India, you may have heard people talking about Goa. In Goa, you get alcohol for a low price and also fresh, so everyone shops for alcohol there.

Liquor will be the authentic Icelandic souvenir that you will be taking home. Brenivvin schnapps is Iceland’s trademark drink. Brenivvin schnapps was established back in 1935. This drink is flavoured using caraway.

Brenivvin is the best choice for Iceland souvenirs. Brenivvin in English means ‘burning wine, ‘ also known by another name called the Black Death. This drink has a unique taste and uses fermented mashed potatoes.

7.1. Alcohol Shops to Buy Brenivvin

You can buy alcohol in shops or government-aided shops. You can buy alcohol without duty tax at the airport. Gifting someone a bottle of champagne is something that everyone likes.

Whenever they open the bottle, it will make them remember you. It would be the best Icelandic souvenir you take to others’ houses when they call you for dinner.

8. Reyka Vodka

Reyka vodka is a special kind of drink made of geothermal distilled water. They use glacier water to prepare. Reyka vodka has become a popular Icelandic souvenir. The ingredients used in this vodka are natural Icelandic items.

8.1. Reyka Vodka Shops in Iceland

You can even buy this in shops or government-owned shops. Duty tax is not applied if you buy it at the airport. If you don’t get a chance to purchase anything in the shops, you can go to Vinbudin without a license. Vinbudin is a government-based shop that offers drinks off-license.

9. Icelandic Blankets

The Icelandic blankets are the perfect souvenir that you can buy in Iceland to protect yourself from the cold.  It’s spun from the best Icelandic sheep wool. Iceland is home to wool blankets and sweaters.

These blankets have a Scandinavian design. Alafoss is the oldest company, which has been running since 1896, and is the best seller of these blankets.

is the oldest company, which has been running since 1896, and is the best seller of these blankets. These blankets will warm you and give you a good night’s sleep. Warmth is what you need in the winter season. So, when you go to Iceland, buy these blankets to keep yourself warm.

9.1. Looking to Buy Wool Blankets? Here’s Where You Can Buy It

Although you can buy these wool blankets in Alafoos, they are also available in shops. Some other places where you can shop these Icelandic souvenirs are Geysir shops, which are in Kringlan and Laugavegur.

If you want to gift someone or take this souvenir, then Iceland is the best place. Woollen blankets are famous in Iceland. Buying souvenirs from the country where they are manufactured is better than purchasing fake products.

10. Lava Rock

You may be thinking, Why will someone take lava rock as a souvenir? But as you know, Iceland is a place where volcanoes burst. Because of volcanic eruptions, beaches have black sand. 

Icelandic Lava Rock is another type of souvenir after a volcano eruption get a free souvenir, that is. People in Iceland manufacture jewelry with lava rock. 

When you visit Iceland and don’t take the lava rock with you, it will be a disappointment. Lava rocks are so rare to find. And once you get it will be with you to remind you about the trip.

10.1. The Place That Has Icelandic Lava Rock 

We are not telling you to pick rocks. You can take these lava rocks home for memories. In Vik, you can go to the Icelandic Lava Show.

In this place, they give a live demonstration of the volcano eruption, which will be both educational and exciting to watch. After the museum tour, you will be given a lava rock piece to take home.

This place seems fun. People who come from different areas may not have seen the volcano’s eruption. But the demonstration will give you a real-life experience. 

Before you finish your Icelandic trip, visit this place and take home a beautiful lava rock piece.

11. Icelandic Jewelry

On every trip, you always end up buying jewelry. Even in Iceland, they make jewellery that is different and unique. You will find some attractive necklaces and rings.

These pieces of jewellery have a connection with the zodiac signs or the mythology of Iceland and are made of lava rock. The jewellery pieces are worth taking, as they have stones of different colours and designs.

11.1. Where to Buy Jewelry? 

Icelandic jewellery shops sell polished lava rock jewellery, so before buying, check once. Icelandic lava rock jewellery is rough, and they don’t polish it. Buy genuine rings, necklaces, and bracelets.

You can buy this jewellery either online or in jewellery shops. Shops are there in Reykjavik and Vik. Even though the costs are high, the jewellery will give you a nice look.

12. Stylish Clothes from Iceland 

Iceland stitches more woolly clothes to stay warm. Every woman likes stylish clothes and for some trendy clothes are love. Not only women even men like to dress up and look handsome. 

Wollen sweatshirts and tops are the trendiest clothes. Most women and men don’t take many clothes when they are going on trips.  

They buy clothes from the places where they go as different countries have various kinds of fashionable clothes. There are a lot of designers who stitch beautiful and fashionable clothes.

12.1. Designer Clothes of Iceland

María Lovísa Design is a popular shop where you can buy Icelandic wool sweaters and other dresses made of wool. Buying this woollen dress as a souvenir would be the best choice. 

Laugavegar is another boutique where you can buy stylish and trendy clothes. Some boutiques and shops are for men to purchase all types of classy outfits and look handsome. 

Skjöldur and Kormáks are at the Skjaldar and Herrafataverzlun Kormáks these are two places where men can buy clothes. Designer clothes are rare to find if you go on a tour but Iceland has everything needed for its tourists. 

13. Icelandic Postcards

Why would someone go to Iceland to take postcards as Icelandic as souvenirs from Iceland? Postcards hold significant importance in many countries. And many have the habit of collecting postcards and stamps like coins.

Some take postcards as souvenirs from Iceland for their memories. Postcards from Iceland are attractive. Postcards are cheap and small.  These artistic postcards are tempting and you will want to buy them. 

13.1  Shops of Iceland Where Postcards are Available. 

You can buy these postcards at post offices. The post office also provides stamps. You can give this Icelandic souvenir to someone who likes to collect them as a gift.

Postcards are also available in gift shops in Reykjavik. Stamps are available in grocery shops, bookshops, and some tourist places.

14. Viking Icelandic Souvenir 

Vikings founded Iceland. But what is the connection between Vikings and Viking souvenirs? They follow the Nordic culture. There is a Viking museum at Listvinahus and Reykjavik harbour.

14.1. Viking Souvenir in Museum

In the Viking Museum, you can find beads and horns that resemble the culture of the Vikings. You can buy Viking jewellery, baby dresses, sweaters, or hoodies. If you forget to buy these, don’t worry; these products are available online. 

15. Icelandic Fish Oil

Icelanders lead a very healthy and quality life. It is because they include something special in their diet, that is fish oil. Omega-3 fatty acids are rich in fish liver oil.

The Omega-3 fatty acids work as an aid in the winter season to deal with winter depression in Icelanders. This disease is also known as seasonal affective disorder. 

Early in the morning, fish oil is consumed as a nutritional supplement. Eat a spoonful of Omega-3-rich fish oil every morning to grab benefits out of it.

15.1 Where to Find Fish Oil?

Fish oil is too expensive in other parts of the world. It makes the fish oil a health-packed precious souvenir to gift to your loved ones. It is available in specific pharmaceutical stores around Reykjavik.

The fish liver oil is priced around $10(USD) to $18(USD) or more depending on the quantity. Also, there are flavoured fish oils if the flavour is too strong.

16. Icelandic Arctic Thyme Tea

Arctic Thyme Tea, or Bloberg Icelandic, is a classic tea. The tea has the taste of alpine. Arctic thyme tea is prepared from wild thyme (a herb). This tea has antibacterial characteristics, which are gained from the thyme.

Icelanders consume this tea to get cured of many bacterial diseases. This tea is good if you have the flu, stomach infection, cold, etc. Taking home tea powder or tea leaves is a type of natural souvenir.

Instead of going to the doctor when you are suffering from these diseases, you can just drink tea. A natural remedy is better than eating chemical-mixed tablets.

16.1  Spots That You Can Find Arctic Thyme Tea

Arctic thyme tea is available in all grocery stores. This tea is not an expensive souvenir. One box of teabags may cost around $1 (USD).

Iceland Souvenirs That You Should Avoid 

This section is to give you some information about the Icelandic souvenirs that you must avoid. Few shops in Iceland sell items that were not manufactured in Iceland.

When you go around Laugavegur, you can see a lot of souvenir shops. Icelandics address these shops as puffin shops that are for tourists.

In puffin shops, you will find items like Viking helmets, shot glasses, puffins, keychains, and fridge magnets. All these are manufactured and imported from China.

Pure Icelandic items can be found in Thorvaldsen’s bazaar, Kolaportid flea market, and stores in Reykjavik.

FAQs

1. Where to buy Iceland souvenirs?

There are plenty of souvenir shops in Iceland where you can buy the best Icelandic souvenirs. All the local shops have Icelandic souvenirs that you want to take home. But mostly, you can find everything in Reykjavik. If you need to remember to buy Icelandic souvenirs in the souvenir shops, you can buy them at the airport or online.

2. What are the best Icelandic souvenirs?

Some of the best souvenirs from Iceland that you can take home are Omnom chocolates, Icelandic chocolate, Blue Lagoon skincare products, and Icelandic sweaters.

3. What makes Icelandic sweaters and clothes unique?

Sheep in Iceland have a special kind of wool. It has two types of hair: inner fibre and outer fibre. The fibre that is used helps to warm you. The Icelandic wool is also water resistant. So, tourists who visit must shop for sweaters, the best Icelandic souvenirs.

4. Is it true that we can purchase alcohol without duty-free tax?

Yes, alcohol can be purchased without duty-free tax only at the airport. But in normal bars and shops, they will charge you a duty-free tax.  Even Omnom chocolates and Blue Lagoon skincare products are bought without duty-free tax. 

5. Where are the gift shops in Iceland? 

Gift shops are all around the country. But if you want to see multiple gift shops then you can go to tourist spots. Most of the gift shops are found in Reykjavik and Laugavegar. 

Conclusion

Here’s a guide to what to buy in Iceland when you go for a tour. We have covered Iceland’s most iconic souvenirs that you can shop for your home as memories. You can present these souvenirs to your dear ones.

The whole list of souvenirs from Iceland will help you while you are on a tour of Iceland. Shop the best souvenirs from Iceland. Be careful while you are shopping for souvenirs that might be exported from other countries. Have a joyful trip!