Everything You Need To Know About Shopping In Reykjavik

Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland, located on the Seltjarnar Peninsula in the southwestern part of the country. It was a small fishing village until the 20th century but is now world-renowned for its history, culture, museums, arts, and natural beauty in every direction. It’s also a gateway to Iceland, serving as an ideal base for exploring the Icelandic wonders and spectacular landscapes.

But before venturing further and discovering the surrounding glaciers, mountains, and volcanoes, take your time shopping in Reykjavik. It may be a relatively small city, but it has plenty to offer every shopper. Head to the city’s main shopping streets and find souvenir shops, second-hand stores, cosmetic boutiques, and many other interesting shops. There are also unique places that show off Icelandic design with creative materials, including fish leather items, woolen clothing, and lava rock jewelry.

From charming little boutiques and lovely local and international design stores to large shopping centers, there’s something here for every fashion sense and budget. When you’re done shopping and want to venture further, stow away your bags at Bounce luggage storage in Reykjavik and travel with freedom and flexibility.

Best Reykjavik Shopping Malls

Kringlan

No shopping in Reykjavik is complete without visiting Kringlan. It’s the capital’s largest shopping mall boasting more than 150 shops, 23 restaurants and eateries, and many other services, including a cinema, a public library, and family-friendly fun.

Fashion enthusiasts will love the sophisticated fashion stores, international designer shops, and boutiques at Kringlan. Some internationally known labels and branches in the shopping mall include Zara, Karen Millen, The Body Shop, Levi’s, and Adidas. You can also buy beautiful jewelry, books, homeware, food ingredients, grocery, and more.

If you get hungry, take a break and swing by the food court with several known fast-food chains. For those shopping with kids, take them to Adventure Land and let them enjoy and play. It has a basketball corner, a gigantic castle, air hockey, lots of toys, books, and more.

Kringlan is conveniently located near the Reykjavik City Theatre. It’s a ten-minute drive from the city centre, with easy access to several buses.

Location: Kringlan 4-12, 103 Reykjavík

Smáralind

As the country’s largest shopping center, Smáralind is undoubtedly the perfect shopping destination you shouldn’t skip. It has over 90 shops, businesses, and impressive services on three floors. It also has an impressive selection of internationally-recognized labels, urban clothing, and the best shops featuring Icelandic designers. It’s a true shopper’s paradise, about seven kilometers from the city centre.

If you’re looking for a quiet and cozy place to take your little one for feeding or diaper change, Hnoðrakot is a lovely area to go. It is on the second floor next to the gym, with comfortable sofas, a microwave, a play area, and baby-changing facilities. There’s also an award-winning cinema complex at the north end of Smáralind for visitors looking for entertainment.

Location: Hagasmári 1, 201 Kópavogur

Glæsibær Shopping Centre

Glæsibær may not be as big as other shopping malls in Iceland’s capital, but it has pretty much everything you need, from clothing and accessories to food and grocery. Spanning about 8,300 square meters, Glæsibær was the country’s largest shopping center when it opened in December 1970. As you visit, look out for the beauty store, which is the only shop that’s been operating in the mall continuously since the beginning.

There are only a few fashion shops here, but it features a big sports store, a pharmacy, a cosmetics shop, and a supermarket. For a quick bite, go to the food court with a bakery and a sushi place.

Location: 44MJ+GP9, 104 Reykjavík

Must-visit Reykjavik Shops and Boutiques

Blue Lagoon Shop

With numerous locations, both the town centre at Laugavegur and the airport, as well as other areas in the country, Blue Lagoon shop allows you to access high-quality beauty and skincare products in Reykjavík. This skincare shop enables visitors to experience the wonders of the world through its unique products, including masks, moisturizers, serums, cleansers, body lotions, serums, and more.

Founded in 1992, Blue Lagoon Iceland unlocks the powerful benefits of geothermal seawater and integrates them into its renowned skincare line. The shop is a fantastic place to discover gifts and unique Icelandic souvenirs that come from nature.

Location: Laugavegur 15, 101 Reykjavík

Epal

Founded in 1975, Epal is a family-run business offering a wide variety of high-quality furniture, homeware, and different items related to decorating your home. It represents the unique Nordic and European style with high-quality design furniture, many of which come from Scandinavia and Icelandic designers. Though it has been in the industry for many years, its prices remain incredibly fair.

Epal takes pride in its local and international contributions, offering lights, ornaments, stylish curtains, kitchenware, rugs, children’s products, and many more. Due to its effort to promote the work of local designers and artists, Epal has helped increase Icelanders’ interest in design.

This shop has several branches throughout the city. So there’s no reason not to stop by and purchase impressive home décor items and furniture. Besides home items, it also offers chocolates and sweets, as well as books of local and international titles,

Locations: Skeifan 6, 108; Laugaveðir 7, 101; Kringland 103, Reykjavik

Farmers Market

Established in 2005, Farmers Market is a clothing store and design company located in the main shopping street, Laugavegur, and the Grandi district. It takes pride in its strong connection with the colorful Icelandic music and design scene, with inspiration and concepts drawn from Icelandic roots.

If you want to wear quality clothing with classic Nordic design elements combined with chic modernity, Farmers Market is the place to go. It has everything for fashionista men, women, and children, including the classic Icelandic wool sweater, underwear, and accessories. You can also visit its flagship store, Farmers & Friends, which carries the entire collection from Farmers Market. Besides clothing that reflects Icelandic style, this fantastic shop has a fine selection of books, Icelandic music, boots, bags, and household items.

Location: Laugavegur 37, 101 Reykjavík

Kirsuberjatréð (The Cherry Tree)

Embrace modern Icelandic culture at Kirsuberjatréð, a local design shop in the city’s beating heart operated by eleven female artists. As soon as you enter the store, you’ll be delighted to find a house full of local arts and crafts designed and created by talented Icelandic artists.

Whether you’re looking for purses and bags from fish skin, baskets, and lamps or want to buy unique gifts and souvenirs, Kirsuberjatréð has got you covered. Founded in 1993, the design shop has since been promoting the highest-quality, handmade authentic Icelandic crafts. It has everything for every need and budget, including clothing, accessories, ceramics, pottery, music boxes, and many more.

Location: Vesturgata 4, 101 Reykjavík

Hrím

If you’re shopping in Reykjavik to update your home décor, the Hrím design store might be what you’re looking for in the city. It has a nice selection of products, mostly designed and crafted by Icelandic and Scandinavian talent. This store has everything from elegant utensils and home accessories to rugs, kitchenware, and a homemade soap kit. You can also find beautiful souvenirs and gift items for all occasions, including birthdays and Christmas.

Location: Kringlan, 103 Reykjavík

Rammagerðin

Established in 1940, Rammagerðin is a historic shop and one of the country’s oldest gift stores. For several decades, it has been selling clothing and goods made from Icelandic wool. Today, it continues to offer local crafts and designs from hundreds of artisans, designers, and artists throughout the country.

Surprise your friends and loved ones at home with traditional Icelandic designs from Iceland Gift Store. It offers loads of collectibles, woolens, and crafts, including hats, candles, and many more.

Locations: Skólavörðustígur 12; Skólavörðustígur, 20; Bankastræti 9; Perlan, Reykjavik

Top Shopping Streets in Reykjavik

Laugavegur

You can’t go shopping in Reykjavik and not stroll through Laugavegur, the city’s primary and longest shopping street. It is home to high-end boutiques and fashion stores perfect for all styles and budgets. It offers plenty of opportunities for those hunting for something new and exciting from Iceland to take home.

Some of the shops you can find here include the Blue Lagoon and the Farmers Market. It’s also the location of Fjallakofinn Outdoor Centre, which sells outdoor clothing and equipment for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, such as camping goods and items for cycling and hiking. There’s also a vintage shop, jewelers, several specialty stores, and gift shops.

If you need to replenish your energy while shopping, check out one of the restaurants and cafes at Laugavegur. Besides quick bites and delicious treats, the restaurants have a diverse menu selection, including classic Icelandic flavors and cuisines from around the world. With veganism on the rise, you’ll also find plenty of vegan and vegetarian restaurants in the area.

Bankastræti

Bankastræti is another shopping street filled with designer clothes stores and jewelers. It’s a fantastic place for lovers of designer items and clothing like ZO-ON Iceland, a local store offering urban outdoor clothing with a focus on functionality and style. It is also where you’ll find Stella, a well-established boutique since 1942. It is housed in an old building, but its products and accessories are nothing old and outdated. It focuses on high fashion, selling top-quality, fashionable dresses, tights, stockings, shirts, jewelry, pantyhose, and nylons.

There are also lovely shops and a brand-new nightclub in the heart of Bankastræti. It is located on the bottom, just off  Laugavegur.

Skólavörðustígur

While in the area, don’t forget to stop by Skólavörðustígur. It is one of the city’s attractive streets that runs from the corner of Bankastræti and Laugavegur to the majestic Hallgrímskirkja church. Walk along the street, and you’ll spot quaint shops on every side, art galleries, and spectacular old houses.

Whether you’re a fan of Icelandic designs and woolen goods or looking for exotic art pieces and crafts, you’re sure to find them here. The Wool Shop is between a local brand of handmade designer jewelry called Orr and the Handknitting Association of Iceland, which sells hand-knit hats, sweaters, and gloves, as well as knitting supplies and yarn. On the other end of the street are a few more stores, dining places, and the Viking Gift store.

Old Harbour

Another excellent place to explore in Iceland’s capital for shoppers and tourists is the historic Old Harbour area. It’s the heart of the city and remains one of the country’s most important harbors. It is the primary port for several tours and Northern Lights cruises and an excellent stop to learn about Reykjavík past and maritime history at the Maritime Museum.

The Old Harbour used to be an industrial port. Today, it is one of the liveliest districts in the city. A few minutes’ walk from the central city, the Old Harbour area is a hub of stylish boutiques, souvenir shops, and arts and crafts. It allows you to enjoy the glorious ocean view while shopping or relaxing in one of the area’s coffee shops or restaurants.

After shopping, take the chance to see the Harpa, a conference center and a concert hall opened in 2011. It is one of the city’s most striking modern buildings, where you can admire its glass architecture. In addition to Reykjavik Maritime Museum, it is also home to the Saga Museum and the Reykjavik Art Museum, which holds an extensive collection of international and Icelandic art.

Shop until You Drop in Reykjavik

People from Iceland are known to have excellent taste in fashion. So if you’re curious about what’s behind the Icelanders' beautiful designs and great style, start shopping in Reykjavik. The country’s leading shopping hotspots are dotted around its capital, especially downtown. Walk along the famous main shopping streets and visit the large shopping centers and malls in the city. They provide excellent possibilities to get a hold of unique Icelandic arts and crafts and handmade goods inspired by Iceland’s diverse landscape and gorgeous nature.