13 Best Iceland Souvenirs: What to Buy in Iceland for Yourself or As Gifts
Looking for the best Iceland souvenirs to bring back from your trip?
Then this guest post by outdoor adventure blogger, Anna Tee, has you covered! Read on for the 13 best Iceland souvenirs for commemorating your trip.
Iceland is a truly incredible destination, with natural scenery that’ll take your breath away at every turn. There are waterfalls, mountains, fjords and vast landscapes to guarantee an amazing experience!
I spent two weeks on a road trip around the entire country of Iceland, and still felt like there was more to explore. If you want souvenirs for loved ones (or for yourself), Iceland has plenty of fun things to buy to ensure you fondly remember your trip.
Planning a trip? Use my favorite resources:
- Accommodations: booking.com
- Travel Insurance: SafetyWing
- Tours & Excursions: Viator
- Flights: Skyscanner
- City Pass: Go City
- eSim: Airalo
13 Best Iceland Souvenirs
If you’re looking for the perfect souvenir to buy for yourself, or to get someone back home as a gift, here are some ideas! Be sure to build some souvenir shopping time into your Iceland itinerary!
1. An Icelandic Sweater
One of the best Iceland souvenirs is an authentic Icelandic sweater. They’re called “lopapeysa” in Icelandic, and they’re a traditional style of sweater made from sheep wool.
Icelandic people have been hand-knitting sweaters for a long time, but this style, with the geometric pattern that encircles the shoulders, became popular in the 1940s and 50s.
Originally, these sweaters were made for functionality – to stay warm in the harsh cold of Iceland, but they’ve now become a symbol of Icelandic culture, and are popular souvenirs. Traditional lopapeysa are usually natural wool colors like white, black, brown and gray, but the wool can also be dyed to be different colors.
You can find these sweaters at many shops and markets – the authentic, hand knit sweaters will usually be found at small businesses.
2. Wool Accessories
If you don’t want a sweater, or want a less expensive souvenir (since the sweaters are handmade, they do get pricey!), you can instead get hats, scarves, socks or mittens made of Icelandic wool.
Just like the lopapeysa, these items are knit with real wool from Icelandic sheep, and often feature a similar pattern. Lopi yarn, used to make all of these items, is known for its texture and lightweight feel, while providing warmth and insulation.
3. Omnom Chocolate
Who wouldn’t love a chocolate bar as a souvenir? Omnom Chocolate is an Icelandic manufacturer that produces bean-to-bar chocolate. This means that the cacao beans are sourced directly from growers, then roasted, ground and refined to make a smooth chocolate liquor that is then molded into bars.
This process ensures ethical, fair trade production – and a delicious end result! Omnom was founded by two childhood friends, and has received international acclaim and multiple awards for its chocolate’s mouthwatering, innovative taste and creative flavors!
While you’re in Reykjavik, you can tour the Omnom factory to see first-hand how the chocolate is made. You’ll get the chance to taste the chocolate, and this is a great place to buy products.
You can also visit the cafe, where you can try hot chocolate and other treats made with Omnom chocolate.
4. Icelandic Skincare Products
Icelandic skincare is known for using ingredients found in Iceland’s natural resources, such as geothermal water, Icelandic moss, algae, seaweed, volcanic ash and clay. These products are innovative and unique and, additionally, many Icelandic skincare brands emphasize sustainability.
One of the most popular skincare brands to try if you want a souvenir is Blue Lagoon Skincare, which uses minerals, clay and other ingredients right from the lagoon. Their products are designed to hydrate, rejuvenate and give your skin a natural glow. Their natural ingredients are also soothing and perfect for sensitive skin.
5. Photo Books, Prints, and Posters
Iceland is a stunning country, and one of the best souvenirs to buy is a reminder of how beautiful it is. You can find prints and posters, as well as photo books featuring the landscapes of Iceland.
A coffee table book would serve as great decoration, and a reminder of the beauty you witnessed in Iceland, from dramatic waterfalls to volcanic landscapes and icy glaciers.
Photo books often have information or stories about the geography, culture and history of Iceland as well. You can also find canvas or framed prints to deck your walls with.
6. Icelandic Jewelry
Jewelry is always a great gift, for yourself or for a loved one. Icelandic jewelry is known for using nature as inspiration. You can find necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings inspired by nature or even made from lava stones, which are thought to have grounding properties.
Lava stones are formed when volcanic lava cools and solidifies, and they have a unique, rough texture. These stones vary in color and can be reddish, brown, black or dark gray. The stones are lightweight, making them ideal for jewelry-making.
You’ll also come across Viking-inspired jewelry that features ancient runes, Viking symbols and mythological figures, all of which symbolize the strength and heritage of Icelandic people. These are usually made from silver, bronze or pewter.
Some might incorporate gemstones for a touch of color, or to signify an element of Norse mythology.
No matter what kind of jewelry you get, these handcrafted pieces are one of a kind, and the perfect unique souvenir.
7. Ceramics and Pottery
Icelandic ceramics and pottery are a reflection of the culture of Iceland, paired with the natural beauty of the island. Artisans create unique pieces, many of which use Viking designs and nordic aesthetics, with simple, functional designs.
You can find handcrafted ceramics and pottery, which make for one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Many artisans create limited runs, and focus on quality over quantity, so the pieces you get will be truly special.
8. Vinyls
If you or a loved one are a fan of Icelandic artists, you can find CDs or vinyls in Iceland. Popular artists from Iceland include Björk or Sigur Rós, but Iceland’s music culture is diverse, with folk, electronic, pop and rock music.
The music scene in Iceland is known for innovation, and many artists incorporate the natural beauty of Iceland into the artwork on their vinyl records.
If you or a loved one is a big music fan, you can find Icelandic vinyls in record stores, and the best place to look for these is in Reykjavik. You might even find collector’s items and limited releases!
9. Winter Apparel
If you need warm clothes, what better place to find them than in Iceland, a place with notably harsh winters? The clothing in Iceland is designed to protect from cold, wind and rain, while also being breathable and durable.
Icelandic wool is a staple in winter apparel, and clothes are often designed to be layered. Especially since even Iceland in spring, although milder than in winter, tends to be chillier than the springtime you might experience in other destinations.
You can find warm base layers, and outerwear that resists wind and rain. Icelandic apparel is also functional, designed to be useful for outdoor activities, so you can expect clothing that’s comfortable, durable, and perfect for exploring.
10. Icelandic Artwork
Many local artists are inspired by the country’s gorgeous landscapes. Iceland’s natural beauty is an endless source of inspiration, and paintings are an especially meaningful way to capture this beauty.
Paintings can be a great souvenir from Iceland, and there are so many different styles on offer – from artists who use vivid colors to those who feature more subtle hues.
In addition to paintings capturing the country’s natural landscapes, other subjects include depictions of traditional Icelandic stories, symbols of Iceland’s culture, and symbols of Iceland’s Viking heritage.
11. Coffee Beans
Iceland’s coffee culture is strong, and coffee beans sourced from around the world are roasted in Iceland. Because of its cold climate, Iceland can’t grow its own coffee beans but rather carefully sources them from famous coffee-growing regions such as Ethiopia, Brazil, Colombia and Guatemala.
The beans are then roasted in small batches in a precisely controlled process to create the perfect flavors.
Reykjavik Roasters is a famous coffee roastery in Iceland, known for ethically sourced, quality blends that you can pick up as a souvenir for coffee lovers.
12. Hardfiskur
Hardfiskur is Icelandic dried fish, and is a traditional delicacy. It’s usually made of cod or haddock. The fish is dried naturally for several weeks to preserve it and to enhance its flavor. The resulting product is similar to jerky and has a salty, savory flavor.
It can be eaten as a snack on its own, or paired with butter, cream cheese, or bread (ideally, Icelandic rye bread).
Hardfiskur is also an ingredient in many Icelandic recipes, and can be added to soups, stews or casseroles to add flavor and texture. It’s also eaten for breakfast, along with eggs.
This is a great souvenir from Iceland and an authentic representation of Icelandic cuisine! Even better, Hardfiskur is a great source of protein and a healthy snack rich in nutrients.
13. Icelandic Books
An Icelandic saga is a kind of medieval literature that tells the story of historical events and legendary heroes in Iceland, usually from the Viking Age.
A lot of these old texts have been translated and modernized, and you can purchase books and anthologies that contain selections of Icelandic sagas.
This makes a unique souvenir and allows you to learn more about the history and folklore of Iceland.
Where to Buy Your Iceland Souvenirs
If you’re looking for the perfect souvenir from your trip to Iceland, here are some places where you can buy them!
- Gift Shops – are common in tourist areas, like Reykjavik and other major towns. They’re usually an easy place to find a wide range of Icelandic souvenirs!
- Craft Markets – in the summer, there are fairs and craft markets held in many towns and cities in Iceland. These are perfect for finding handmade souvenirs like knitwear, ceramics and jewelry.
- Local Artisan Studios – one of the best places to buy Iceland souvenirs is directly from local artisans, some of whom have studios or workshops that you can visit.
- Museums – are a good way to learn about the history and culture of Iceland, and will often have items like books, art pieces and other souvenirs.
- Supermarkets and convenience stores – for food-related souvenirs, like chocolate, Icelandic snacks and hardfiskur. You can often find these right in supermarkets or convenience stores.
- Airport Duty-Free Shops – while you’re at Keflavik International Airport, this can be a good time to buy some souvenirs. You can find alcohol, skincare, makeup, and other traditional Icelandic products.
- Online – if you want to support Icelandic artisans, you can also buy some souvenirs online. Places like Etsy are a great place for Icelanders to sell art and handmade products, and you can purchase them from anywhere in the world.
FAQ: What to Buy in Iceland
Here are a few frequently asked questions about the best things to buy in Iceland.
What product is Iceland best known for?
Iceland is best known for its handknit wool products, renowned for their warmth, quality and durability. The most famous items are the lopapeysa, Icelandic wool sweaters, but other products made with Icelandic wool include hats, mittens, blankets, socks and scarves.
What jewelry is Iceland known for?
Iceland is known for jewelry made from lava and volcanic rock, as well as Viking-inspired jewelry and designs.
What is Iceland famous for?
Iceland is most famous for its natural beauty and breathtaking landscapes, especially the geothermal hot springs and the Aurora Borealis.
Final Thoughts: Finding the Best Iceland Souvenirs
Iceland has so many unique, authentic souvenirs and things to buy to commemorate your trip with. From the iconic wool sweaters to artisanal chocolates and natural skincare products, there’s something for every type of explorer.
The best souvenirs aren’t just things to have – they’re reminders of Iceland’s culture, heritage, and stunning landscapes. And of course, shopping in Iceland supports the local people and gives back to the place you’re visiting.
Author bio: Anna is a travel blogger and photographer who has been traveling full time in a self converted camper van for the past 5 years. She can usually be found outside – hiking, backpacking, and exploring the world with her cat.
