Need a quick idea? The 9 most sought-after souvenirs in Iceland in 2025 are: the lopapeysa (wool sweater), the Omnom chocolate, lava salt, Brennivín, LAVA Jewelry volcanic jewelry, harðfiskur dried fish, Blue Lagoon cosmetics, takeaway Isey Skyr, and 66°North technical pieces. All are easy to find in Reykjavík or airport shops, ready to join your suitcase ✈️.
The 9 must-have Icelandic souvenirs not to be missed
Each item below captures a fragment of the Land of Fire and Ice; a summary table guides you right after the list.
- 🧶 Lopapeysa: traditional hand-knitted sweater
- 🍫 Omnom Chocolate: artisanal bars, licorice-sea salt flavor
- 🌋 Lava Salt: black crystals infused with volcanic ash
- 🥃 Brennivín: “Black Death,” Icelandic aquavit
- 💍 LAVA Jewelry: lava stone and silver jewelry
- 🐟 Harðfiskur: protein-rich dried cod
- 🧴 Blue Lagoon Care: silica masks, mineral cream
- 🥣 Isey Skyr: high-protein yogurt, long-life version
- 🧥 66°North Jackets: windproof softshell labeled “°North”
| Souvenir 😃 | Average Price 💶 | Where to buy 📍 | Why it’s unique ✨ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lopapeysa | 150–220 € | Álafoss, Álafossvegur 23, 270 Mosfellsbær | Water-repellent wool from Icelandic sheep |
| Omnom Chocolate | 7–9 € | Omnom Factory, Hólmaslóð 4, 101 Reykjavík | Fair trade beans + local recipes |
| Lava Salt | 8–12 € | Mosskogar concept store, Laugavegur 31 | Smoky taste, anthracite black |
| Brennivín | 25–35 € | Vinbúðin or Icelandair duty-free, KEF | Caraway + glacier water |
| LAVA Jewelry | 50–180 € | Bankastræti 4, 101 Reykjavík | Stones from recent eruptions |
| Harðfiskur | 6–10 € | Bónus & Eldur og Ís supermarkets, Skólavörðustígur 2 | High B12 snack |
| Blue Lagoon Care | 35–90 € | Norðurljósavegur 9, 240 Grindavík | Silica and geothermal algae |
| Isey Skyr | 2 € per pot | 7-Eleven + Icelandic Glacial Shop, KEF | 0% fat, 19 g protein |
| 66°North jacket | 200–450 € | 66°North flagship, Faxafen 12, 108 Reykjavík | Tested on Arctic expeditions |
Icelandic textiles: from raw wool to °North jackets
At Álafoss, the workshop founded in 1896, raw wool is still spun on site before being naturally dyed. A fun fact: the series “Trapped” has revived global demand for lopapeysa since 2023, pushing the workshop to open a corner at the airport for travelers in a hurry.
- 🧤 Gloves and lopi hats starting at 25 €
- 🧦 Thermal socks tested on Fagradalsfjall volcano
- 🚙 International delivery via Icelandair Cargo for bulky items
66°North jackets bear the label “Made for life at 66° North latitude”, guaranteeing waterproofing. The Tindur model even won the ISPO 2025 prize.
Icelandic flavors to bring in your luggage
The local cuisine is perfect for a consumable gift; it ranges from sweet to savory.
- 🍬 Licorice candies signature at Eldur og Ís
- 🥖 Volcanic bread baked 24 hours under the ash at Laugarvatn
- 🧂 Assortment of Arctic herbs harvested at Mosskogar 🌲
| Product | Strong Point | Travel Tip ✈️ |
|---|---|---|
| Omnom Lakkrís + sea salt | Typically Nordic taste | Resists 25 °C; ideal for layovers |
| Isey Skyr long life | Best before 30 days | Soft cooler + gel pack |
| Smoked salmon | Birch-smoked | Vacuum sealed ≤ 72 hours out of fridge |
Recommended gourmet addresses
• Omnom Chocolate Factory (Hólmaslóð 4) offers 45-minute tours with tasting.
• Eldur og Ís (Skólavörðustígur 2) grills its harðfiskur on Friday evenings for the curious.
• The Hlemmur Mathöll market centralizes artisanal Skyr producers on Sundays.
Craftsmanship, design, and volcanic jewelry
Icelandic creativity is fueled by eruptions: lava stones, ashes, and driftwood become works of art.
- 💍 LAVA Jewelry: each piece is accompanied by the name of its volcano of origin 🌋
- 🕯️ “Fagradalsfjall 2024” moss-lichen scented candles at Mosskogar
- 🖼️ Puffin illustrations in A5 format sold at Móri workshop, Seyðisfjörður
LAVA Jewelry has collaborated since 2025 with the University of Hafnarfjörður to certify stone traceability. The “Eld & Ís” bracelets mix lava and ice: hammered silver + clear quartz.
Where to buy souvenirs in Iceland: 2025 shopping itinerary
A two-day road trip around the capital is enough to gather the essentials. Here is a recommended itinerary:
- 🚉 Laugavegur: street art and independent shops from 9 a.m.
- 🏭 Álafoss (20 min drive) for raw wool 🎁
- 🌋 Detour to Kerið crater: photo session + lava salt at the local shop
- 🛍️ Return via the Blue Lagoon to finish with cosmetics
Traveling without a car? The Icelandair Flybus shuttles serve the Álafoss Store twice daily.
Expert guides to go further
Before leaving, compare the advice of specialists:
- 🔗 Islande24 – comprehensive overview
- 🔗 Cars Rouges – top inspiring ideas
- 🔗 Tourism.com.de – detailed top 15
- 🔗 Culture de Confiture – local selection
- 🔗 Hertz Iceland – shopping itinerary
And to compare with other destinations, take a look at the files from 123Souvenir, such as Martinique or Cape Verde, not to mention the Norway page to compare Nordic wools.
Practical tips for transporting and declaring your purchases
European customs tolerate most Icelandic goods, provided quotas are respected.
- 📏 Alcohol: 1 l of spirits >22 %
- 🍖 Animal products: dried fish allowed; whale meat prohibited
- 💼 Raw wool: vacuum-pack to avoid lanolin on clothes
| Item | Legal Limit | Declaration Needed? | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brennivín | 1 l | Yes if >1 l | Buy at Icelandair duty-free |
| Salt & herbs | No limit | No | Zip bag to avoid moisture |
| Lava jewelry | No limit | No | Keep the LAVA Jewelry invoice |
FAQ
How much does an authentic Icelandic sweater cost?
Handmade models range from 150 € to 220 € at Álafoss; machine-knit ones go down to 90 €.
Can Icelandic Glacial water be taken in the cabin?
Yes, if purchased at duty-free after security; otherwise, it will be confiscated due to the 100 ml limit.
Where to find the best puffin magnets?
The shop at Hafnarfjörður harbor offers hand-painted magnets for 4 € each.
Does Skyr need to be kept cold during the flight?
The Isey Skyr long-life range stays stable for 12 hours at room temperature; however, prefer an insulated pouch.
Is Brennivín sold at Keflavík airport?
Yes, the Icelandair duty-free shop offers the best price: 24.90 € for a 700 ml bottle, often in gift sets.
