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Shopping in Iceland
The land of fire and ice is famed for its beautiful landscape, scenery and nature. Visitors to the island come to marvel at the volcanoes, massive glaciers, breathtaking waterfalls, spectacular geysers, and all the fun stuff that revolve around them. But apart from being an excellent location for sightseeing, Iceland has a great choice of shops and galleries where you can shop. A cool break from nature and landscape!
Icelanders are known for their great style, beautiful designs, and art, so shopping should be on your bucket list in your visit to the country. Their clothes are often mixed with fur and wool suited for the cold nation. Amazingly, there are many clothing brands in the world that originate from Iceland. The country sells plenty of goods ideal for your trip home. These include traditional wool hand knits, popular Scandinavian design, home decors, art, local records, and books.
The main shopping places are in Reykjavik, the capital city. Laugavegur, the main street is full of boutiques, stores, and there are also other shops in other parts of the city. The shopping hub is home to two-thirds of the country’s population. There are also other great shops in other parts of the country. A refund of local Value- added Tax is available for all visitors to Iceland if you shop for more than 6000 ISK in one receipt. It is one of the few countries in Europe with tax-free shopping. Here a couple of shopping suggestions:
Kolaportið
Kolaportið is located in downtown Reykjavik and is the biggest flea market in the city. It is a great place to buy souvenirs. The range of goods here is diverse, and there is something for everyone. You will have an opportunity to purchase Icelandic sweaters, home décor, ornaments, books, music, and local foods. You will even find a geothermally baked rye bread! Kolaportid is one of the best places where you can bargain for stuff, especially on a Sunday evening, when the vendors are clearing out their goods. It is only open over the weekends.
Kringlan Mall
Kringlan is the largest mall in Reykjavik, with about 170 shops, a dining hall (Kúmen), and a range of services. It is full of fashion shops, athletic shops, jewelry stores, liquor stores, book shops and souvenir shops. You will find both Icelandic and International goods.
Smáralind Mall
Smáralind is the other mall in Reykjavík, with around 60 shops, about 20 eaters and a range of services. You will find fashion shop, athletic shops, jewelry shops, liquor store, book shops and souvenir shops. You will find both Icelandic and International goods.
Farmers and Friends Market
Farmers Market is an Icelandic design company and clothing brand founded in 2005. Their fantastic shop called farmers and friends market carries the Farmers Market line. You can buy classic Icelandic wool sweaters, designed in modern fashion. The shop also sells souvenirs and gifts such as candles, accessories, records, and books.
Aftur
Aftur shop is a special kind of clothing store on Laugavegur street in Reykjavik. It was established in 1999 and uses recycled textiles to create enticing urban clothing. Though the prices may be a bit higher for an average buyer, the items are original and will last for a lifetime. The store also has a wide range of products from other designers, local and international.
Kirsuberjatréð
The shop is full of local art and handicrafts created and designed locally by 10 talented ladies. The products include bracelets and purses made from fish-skin, magical music boxes, baskets, and multicolored bowls made from radish slices. It is also known as the cherry tree and is one of the must-visit places in the capital city.
Geysir
Apart from being the name of the most famous hot spring in Iceland, Geysir is also the name of a clothing and home décor chain, which has a variety of Icelandic design products. Geysir Home sells everything that you could need for your homes, such as house décor, statement pieces that reflect the lava landscapes of the country, ornaments with quotes, and much more. Geysir also boasts an elegant selection of sweaters, other clothes, blankets, shoes, and bags. You will find their stores in Laugavegur street and Kringlan mall in the capital city.
Rammagerdin
Rammagerdin with several locations in Reykjavík and at Keflavík International Airport sells a variety of woollen goods and handicrafts made by Icelandic artists. These include high-quality glassware and wooden work, Icelandic sweaters, cards, ornaments, and jewellery. You will also find home decorated items such as candle holders, clocks, and plates. The shop is a great place to visit when in Reykjavík or a last-minute souvenir before your flight departure.
The Viking
The Viking is an excellent shop for classic Icelandic souvenirs such as necklaces, books on national culture, toy puffins, and the like. The shop makes sure you take something home that reflects the classic Nordic culture. The Viking is a family chain that started in the town of Akureyri in 1950. Nowadays, it has several locations across the country which cater to visitors who want to buy unique items to take home. Their store in Reykjavik is located at Skólavörðustígur street.
66° North
66° North is a clothing brand in Iceland that specializes in providing outdoor gear that helps to keep warm in the cold country. It is one of the reputable Icelandic brands in the world due to its excellence in fashion and quality. It is a perfect place to shop for warm clothing as you plan to explore nature and enjoy activities in them during cold weather.
66° North started in 1926 in the Westfjords of Iceland to provide protective clothing for arctic fishermen but grew to become an international business. There are shops in the capital city, including Laugavegur Street and also at Keflavik International airport. They make elegant jackets, fleeces, hats, and gloves.
The Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is one of the most popular sites in Iceland due to the unique minerals in the waters that are believed to heal some skin diseases. Amazingly, these properties can be bottled. They are sold at the blue lagoon shop at Reykjavik. Here, you will find a range of products such as algae masks, body lotions, bath salts, foot scrubs, and oils. The products are said to have anti-ageing and rejuvenating properties.
Smekkleysa
Smekkleysa is a record store where you can get plenty of music, poetry books, novels, films, greeting cards, and Icelandic gifts. The shop is located in Reykjavik along Laugavegur and is also known as bad taste records.
Handknitting Association of Iceland
The store is located in Reykjavik and offers a wide selection of traditional hand-knitted Icelandic sweaters. It is a great place to shop for knit-wear and knitting equipment. Other products in the store include hats, socks, mittens, scarves, and gloves. You will also find yarn in all colors.
Are you planning in staying in Reykjavik for multiple days? Maybe these blogs are helpful:
Street & Fast Food in Iceland’s Capital City