One of my favorite aspects of travel is discovering a new local favorite or bringing home something that reminds me of my adventures. Sometimes this is simply a postcard, other times coffee beans, a canvas tote, or a new item of clothing. For me, the quest to find new favorites is part of the joy of travel – the best butter in Paris (Bordier!), or the best sea salt from Iceland……
M’s Note: Any products mentioned here are my own personal recommendations and do not represent endorsements or paid partnerships of any kind.
At the Grocery Store:
Salt: As a volcanic island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, it makes sense that one of the best local products to take back with you is sea salt. Two of my personal favorites are available at local grocery stores.
- Saltverk: Saltverk produces cool flavors of local sea salt including birch, volcano and smoked salts. Some local restaurants serve their bread and whipped butter with the volcano salt drizzled on top for instance – delicious and unique! Saltverk is pretty widely available including (I think!) at Duty Free at Keflavik Airport but it is usually cheaper at a local grocery store chain. If you get hooked, you can also restock online. Their site here: Saltverk
- Nordur: This is another great option for local sea salt. The grains are larger and more coarse. Their salts also are available in grocery stores and if you buy the size and style that come in their signature tin, that also makes a nice souvenir or gift. More info here: Norður Salt
Chocolate: OmNom: This creative chocolate brand has bars of classic combos like cookies and cream or coffee and milk. Or my favorite – sea salted toffee in an adorable pink wrapper with swans and hearts! You also can visit the Omnom store and factory in the Grandi warehouse district not far from downtown Reykjavik for chocolate, a tour, or – yes, ice cream! Or you can get these bars at Duty Free at the airport (or even now at Whole Foods in the United States!), but I find the price in the normal grocery stores can be significantly less, and in an expensive place like Iceland that can be worth the extra effort. For more details on their products and chocolate flavors, see their full site: Omnom Chocolate
At the Handknitters Association:
The Icelandic sweater, or Lopapeysa: This is a staple in a difficult climate and key to enjoying yourself in any weather! The official Handknitters Association sells wool, pre-made sweaters, and other knitted products such as gloves. They will even make you a sweater to order – you pick the pattern and colors. I’ve done it and it turned out just as I hoped! If you spend enough (warning – the authentic sweaters are not cheap!) be sure to take the time to complete the tax free forms and drop them off at the airport for the refund. You can save a lot and the process is relatively simple. M’s Tip – if you buy an “Icelandic” sweater elsewhere, check labels to ensure your new “Icelandic” sweater is not, in fact, made in China! The Handknitting Association of Iceland
For cold weather:
Icewear: There is no shortage of outerwear retailer options in a place like Iceland where good gear is essential to getting outdoors. Some brands are super high end (i.e. expensive). In the mid-range is my favorite – Icewear. They have practical, warm, colorful, and cozy items of all forms – socks, hats, gloves, raincoats, sweaters. Check them out when you’re in town or on their website ahead of your trip: Icewear M’s Tip – The Icewear downtown has an outlet upstairs in the back and there is another outlet store just a little outside downtown. Address: Fákafen 9, 108 Reykjavík
Local Coffee Beans:
Reykjavik Roasters: Icelanders love coffee! There are many cute coffee shops in the capital city – good to pop into if you need to warm up! See my post about Reykjavik coffee shops here. Coffee beans make a nice souvenir and my personal favorite are the Dona Darko beans from Reykjavik Roasters. The shop can grind them for you and each bag of beans bought gets you a free cup of drip coffee on the spot! Website: https://reykjavikroasters.is/en/
