The Best 13 Iceland Souvenirs To Bring Home

Here are the best Iceland souvenirs to bring home the culture, taste, and vibes of the land of ice and fire. From handmade knitwear and folklore, to delicious food to share with friends and family. You’ll absolutely love these souvenirs from Iceland to remember your trip!

Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you!

Best Souvenirs From Iceland

Souvenirs from Iceland range from clothing to books, but I also have an entire section on just Icelandic food souvenirs to bring back if you’d prefer.

P.S. Find out what makes the perfect souvenir from vacation with my tips!

1. Wool Apparel (Iconic Icelandic Sweater: Lopapeysa )

Icelandic wool sweaters, also known as lopapeysa, are iconic for their material and look. They are made from Icelandic sheeps wool, perfect for keeping you warm and cozy in the harsh Icelandic weather (even during the summer months in Iceland!).

The design of Icelandic sweaters are also very iconic. There’s a pattern at the top of the sweater, around the neck until the chest, leaving the arms and torso solid.

I’ll admit, Icelandic wool sweaters aren’t for everyone. For starters, they aren’t cheap because they’re often handmade (at least you’ll want to find one that is!. But wearing one can also be very hot and itchy. I would never have been able to wear one.

But even if you can’t wear a traditional Icelandic sweater, you can still buy local knitwear as a souvenir from Iceland. You can find anything knit in wool, from gloves to hats and scarves. These will also be quite a bit less expensive than an entire sweater.

Or if you still want a sweater, but want to save on costs, another option is to bring back Icelandic wool to knit a sweater yourself. They have traditional patterns online, or some shops will sell kits with the pattern and exact wool you need (I saw this at Þingborg Ullarverslun near Selfoss).

Pro Tip: If you are interested in buying a locally knit Icelandic sweater or accessory, buy it at the start of your trip so you can wear it while you’re traveling around Icelandic too! The best place to buy a hand made knitwear in Reykjavik is at the The Handknitting Association of Iceland.

2. Geothermal Lagoon Skincare (Blue Lagoon Face Mask)

One of the top things to do in Iceland is to visit a natural geothermal lagoon or hot spring. The hot springs are all about relaxing and wellness, creating a very spa like experience for their guests. Depending on which geothermal spa you visit, you might be able to bring back some of the spa experience.

For example, at the ever popular Blue Lagoon, you have the chance to use their silica face mask as part of your entry ticket. But you can bring home this face mask as well, along with many more natural skincare products.

So a perfect souvenir from Iceland is to buy some skincare products at the hot spring you visit.

Read more: An Honest Guide To The Blue Lagoon Iceland: Is It Worth It?

3. Bònus Apparel or Reusable Bag

Bònus is the local grocery store in Iceland, and it’s incredible. Not only can you buy local food at a reasonable price in Iceland, but they have their own merchandise they sell (also at an affordable price!). And trust me, you’ll want to pick some up as a souvenir from Iceland because their mascot is a quirky chunky pink piggy bank.

So on top of the Icelandic food souvenirs you can buy here, they also sell sweaters, hats, and socks. But the best souvenir to buy from Bònus is their reusable bag. You can use it for your groceries in Iceland, and for your groceries back home.

Heads up: You might have to go to a few Bònus stores to find their reusable bag. When I visited, the one in Reykjavik city centre didn’t have any but I did find at the one in Selfoss. Alternatively, you can always order yourself one from their online store!

4. A Book of Icelandic Folklore & Sagas

Iceland has an intriguing history, but one that’s very much rooted in folklore and sagas. These stories were passed down orally from generations and built Icelandic culture. The stories were usually created to teach a lesson to the children, and are still shared today.

So one of the best souvenirs from Iceland is to buy a a book of local Icelandic sagas and stories. These stories will give you more insight into Icelandic traditions, customs, and history.

The only problem – choosing the right one for you! There are A LOT to choose from. I bought The Sagas And Shit because I thought this was so unique and hilarious! But they do have more family friendly books if you’re interested, like The Little Book of the Hidden People.

Pro Tip: If you don’t want to bring a book back, you can find one online to read once you get home (or even before you leave) to prolong your trip. Otherwise, the best place to shop for books in Iceland is Bókakaffið – Books & Coffee in Selfoss.

5. Icelandic Animals: Horses & Puffins!

There are two iconic Icelandic animals you can look for as themes for your Iceland souvenirs: puffins and horses.

Iceland has become one of the best places in the world to spot Puffins (if you’re interested, book a tour from Reykjavik to Akurey Island to see them!). So it’s no surprise that Iceland has picked up on this, and their adorable sad faces, to turn puffins into their unofficial mascot.

Icelandic Horses though, you can only find in Iceland, and are pure bred horses from the vikings. They are their own unique breed to endure the tough Icelandic weather. The country is very serious on keeping the Icelandic horse as pure bred as possible, so once a horse leaves the country, it’s not allowed back.

You’ll want to look for Iceland souvenirs with either of these iconic Icelandic animals on them. This can be anything from a stuffed toy for kids, socks, hats, to local artwork.

You might be interested in: Stay organized when planning a trip to Iceland with my Reykjavik travel guide. With day trip itineraries, common phrases translated, a packing guide, and even a souvenir checklist!

6. Local Icelandic Art

You have to find something by a local artists while you’re looking for things to buy in Iceland. It can be anything from a well established artist, like Hugleikur Dagsson. Or from a new local up and upcoming Icelandic artist.

Dagsson is quite the unique artists, known more for his funny comics and simple drawings. You can buy entire books of his comics, to merchandise with his work printed on it. His products are for sale at the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre Gift Shop in Reykjavik, or buy from his website online.

I also love Ninna Thorarinsdottir, who has more colour to her work but just as much Icelandic whimsy in her style. You can buy her artwork as prints, but she’s also made them magnets, pins, and more. I found her art sold at Gróðurhúsið – Foodhall in Hveragerði (P.S. This is the perfect place to come before or after visiting the Reykjadalur Hot Springs. You can pick up a bite to eat, and do some much needed shopping for a souvenir from Iceland).

Alternatively, if you want a more classic prints by local artists to frame, head to Iceland Memories in Reykjavik.

7. Viking Paraphernalia (Pendant, Jewellery, Game)

Vikings were the original settlers to Iceland and left a lasting impact on the country’s culture. Unlike the Icelandic horses, you can actually bring these viking Iceland souvenirs home. For example, pick up a Norse mythology story book.

But a more interesting viking souvenir from Iceland is viking jewellery. You can find jewellery with either viking runes on it, or handmade viking glass beads. Viking glass beads are hand blown glass with unique and different patterns on them. Buy a single bead to put on a string as a necklace or bracelet, or splurge to create an entire bracelet out of viking glass beads. Gallery Flói, near Selfoss, makes her own viking rune and glass bead jewellery.

Of you can also buy a traditional viking game, Hnefatafl. Old remnants of the game were discovered in Iceland. So they recreated this traditional board game for you to buy and play. See how this centuries old board game holds up to todays game standards.

You’ll find a lot of viking things to buy in Iceland at the National Museum, just outside Reykjavik.

8. Lava Rock Jewellery

Iceland’s nickname is the land of ice and fire for a reason – it still has active geological activity. In fact, they’re currently going through a lot of volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes peninsula since 2021.

So it’s no surprise that one of the most popular things to buy in Iceland is lava rock jewellery. This is pretty much what it sounds like – jewellery made from volcanic lava rocks. But! You have to be very vigilant when buying lava rock jewellery in Iceland because it might not actually be from Iceland…. this is what my tour guide in Reykjavik told us anyway.

If you are interested in buying lava rocks from Iceland, you’ll want to look for a local artist selling their work. This way you can also talk with them to know exactly where the lava came from. And even if it’s not from Iceland, there’s nothing wrong with that if it reminds you of your time in Iceland – that is what a souvenir is all about after all, isn’t it?

What To Buy in Iceland: Food

Food as a souvenir from Iceland is either a hit or a miss. They’re perishable, so they won’t clutter your house afterwards. But because they’re perishable, you also won’t have any actual souvenir after your trip.

That’s why I always like to bring back a mix of both food and non-perishable souvenirs. I like prolonging my trip afterwards with the taste of the Iceland, but still having something tangible afterwards. And food souvenirs are always fun to bring back for friends and family to try. So these are my top food related souvenirs from Iceland.

Read more: 23 Icelandic Food You Need To Try Or Skip Entirely

9. Arctic Thyme Tea

Arctic thyme is a type of thyme that only grows in colder, arctic climates, like Iceland. You can buy it as an herb, but they also drink it as a tea in Iceland.

It brews a delicious and refreshing tea that’s floral instead of herbal tasting. It also isn’t all too bad for your health either – in fact it’s very good for our digestion. You can either find the pure arctic thyme tea, or try one of the many herbal tea blends with other local Icelandic herbs.

11. Icelandic Salt

Iceland is an Island in the middle of the salty North Atlantic Ocean and Norwegian Sea, so it’s only natural that Iceland produces their own salt,. But Iceland has taken producing salt to a whole other level…

You can find pure Icelandic sea salt, which is typically less processed and contains more minerals (like iron, calcium, and magnesium) than largely manufactured salt. But you’ll really want to pick up one of the very unique salt flavours they sell. For example, you can buy birch smoked salt, lava salt, or arctic thyme salt.

Saltverk is one of the leading brands producing Icelandic salt using only 100% natural geothermal energy.

You can also pick up Kartöflukrydd as a souvenir from Iceland, which is a type of Iceland salt mix. It’s typically called pink salt because it’s a mix of salt and paprika lending to a pinkish hue. It’s mainly used as a spice on potato dishes, especially on french fries.

11. Icelandic Liquorice Candy

Iceland loves liquorice. In fact, most of their candy will have some sort of liquorice element to it, so don’t be surprised when you’re a bit put off by the taste.

But the two most popular liquorice candies in Iceland are Opal and Topaz (and fun fact, they’re also both liquorice liqueurs too!). They are very liquorice heavy though. So if you aren’t the biggest fan of liquorice, try Hraun instead, which is liquorice and chocolate.

12. Fish Jerky (Harðfiskur)

Harðfiskur is fish jerky, which is dried white fish. It makes a perfect snack while traveling through Iceland, as it’s high in protein and easy to pack. But it also makes the perfect snack souvenir to bring back. It’s already dried, so will last and survive the plane ride – no matter how far you’re travelling!

13. Reykjavik Spirits: Brenevin or Gin

Iceland also has some local spirits to bring back, but I recommend Brenevin or Icelandic gin.

Brenevin is the original Icelandic spirit, but it’s not for the faint of heart. It has a very strong liquorice taste and is meant to be taken as a shot after eating Hakarl (fermented shark), an Icelandic specialty.

On a lighter note, you can instead bring back Icelandic gin. It’s made with Icelandic glacier water and other natural Icelandic ingredients, completely changing the flavour of the gin. In fact, I’m not a fan of more traditional gin, but loved Icelandic Gin (my favourite was Himbrimi Old Tom Gin, made with arctic thyme!).

Pro Tip: you can find both of these Reykjavik Spirits for sale at the Keflavik airport. This way you don’t have to worry about packing them in your checked bag.

Bonus: Fjallraven Kanken Backpack

You might notice a few Fjallraven stores throughout Iceland. Although it is a Nordic company, it’s from Sweden, not from Iceland. That being said, you will have a lot more choices for backpacks and colour in Iceland rather than in your home city if you’re from North America.

I already own their mini Kanken backpack and would recommend it, especially as a day bag while traveling. It’s easy to pack flat in your suitcase and can fit a lot of belongings for a day out!

Don’t Bring Home Rocks, Sand Or Plants From Iceland

I had hand picked different rocks throughout the different nature walks I went on in Iceland. They were such unique colours and shapes depending on where I picked them up from. Unfortunately, I learned on a my walking tour, it is very much illegal to bring any nature (i.e. rocks) out of Iceland without a permit.

On top of that, culturally it’s also seen as bad luck to remove anything from their natural habitat. In Iceland, there’s a strong drive to not disrupt the natural environment. So as much as you may want to take one of those purple, red, or black rocks home, respect the country and leave it where it’s from!

Where to Shop for Iceland Souvenirs

There are a lot of souvenir shops in Iceland but these are my favourites for locally made options with a lot of choices!

What to Buy in Iceland From Reykjavik

These are the best stores throughout Reykjavik to shop for iconic Iceland souvenirs:

• The Handknitting Association of Iceland
• Iceland Memories
• National Museum of Iceland (Gift Shop)
• Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre (Gift Shop)

Bònus Grocery Store For Iceland Souvenirs

As mentioned, the Bònus grocery store isn’t just good for buying food, but also for merchandise of the brand and even some food souvenirs. This isn’t a tourist shop, but where locals actually shop!

There’s a Bònus in the Reykjavik city centre, and another convenient one is just outside Selfoss, if you have access to a car in Iceland.

Gróðurhúsið – Foodhall (Hveragerði)

Gróðurhúsið is actually a food hall, hotel, and shop in Hveragerði. It’s close to the Reykjadalur hike (which I recommend doing – read my guide first though!). They have everything from local clothing brands to local artists.

Where to Buy a Souvenir from Iceland in Selfoss

• New Old Town (the local shops along Brúarstræti)
• Þingborg Ullarverslun (off the of the highway just outside the city centre, be sure to also visit Gallery Flói while you’re here too, it’s in the back!)
• Bókakaffið – Books & Coffee for a local book and coffee experience

Need A Place To Stay in Reykjavik Iceland?

I stayed in Reykjavik our whole time in Iceland at the Skuggi Hotel by Keahotels. They offered free parking (upon availability), breakfast, and a modern room. Check updated prices and availability on Booking.com.

If you’re interested in spa services at the tip of your fingers, ( I mean, you’re in Iceland after all!), stay at Midgardur by Center hotels. My parents stayed here and highly recommend it. Check updated prices and availability on Booking.com.

If you’re staying in Reykjavik for one night before heading out to drive the Ring Road, my sister stayed at the Hotel Frón and would recommend it for a one night stay. Check updated prices and availability on Booking.com.

Or, check out more hotel options on Booking.com in Reykjavik, Iceland

Read More Related Posts

• 5 Reasons Why I Didn’t Drive Iceland’s Ring Road
• 10 Easy Day Trips From Reykjavik In Iceland
• The Best One Day Iceland Golden Circle Route From Reykjavik

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