The 18 Best Souvenirs to Buy During Your Trip to Iceland

1. Lopapeysa (Icelandic Wool Sweater)

You can’t come to Iceland and not notice the lopapeysa. These wool sweaters are warm, tough, and have cool circular patterns. They’re hand-knitted from Icelandic sheep wool, which keeps you warm without making you sweaty. Plus, the wool naturally repels water, so it’s great for chilly, drizzly days.

A good lopapeysa costs anywhere from $150 to $250, depending on the design. Some can get to the $500 mark. The best place to grab one is Reykjavík – shops, markets, and even co-ops have tons of options. If you’re lucky, you might even meet a knitter who can make one just for you.

2. Icelandic Sea Salt

Icelandic sea salt is amazing – it’s made in the Westfjords using geothermal heat to dry out seawater. You can get plain sea salt or fancier versions flavored with stuff like birch, seaweed, or Arctic thyme. It's a quirky gift, but it's really useful at the same time.

A jar of sea salt will set you back about $10 to $20. You can find it in most grocery stores but try to buy it in the Westfjords (if they happen to be part of your itinerary). Some producers even let you visit and see how it’s made. Otherwise, Reykjavik is also a good option, as many gourmet shops sell it.

Saltvererk sea salt

3. Omnom Chocolate

Omnom is a small chocolate company in Reykjavík, but it has become the most famous shop in the country. They’ve got wild flavors like sea salt licorice and smoked caramel, and every bar looks like a mini piece of art. Even if you’re not a big chocolate person, these bars make great gifts.

Regular-sized bars cost $8.99, and big bars are $23.99. You can pick them up at the Omnom factory or pretty much any gift shop in Reykjavík. They’re very durable, so you won’t have to stress about them melting in your suitcase.

4. Lava Rock Jewelry

Lava rock jewelry is simple but unique. It’s made from cooled volcanic rock and is usually paired with silver or steel. Some pieces are plain, while others are carved with runes or mixed with other stones.

Jewelry made from lava rock goes for about $30 to $150. You’ll find the best stuff in Reykjavík, but Akureyri has some cool artisan shops, too. Just keep it away from oils and perfumes to stop the rock from looking dull.

5. Brennivín (Icelandic Schnapps)

Brennivín, or “Black Death,” is Iceland’s national drink. It’s a caraway-flavored schnapps, and while the taste isn’t for everyone, it’s part of the experience. Icelanders often drink it straight, especially with fermented shark, but it works fine on its own or in cocktails.

A bottle costs around $45 to $60. You can only buy alcohol from Vínbúðin, Iceland’s liquor store chain, so keep that in mind. Reykjavík has the biggest selection, but you’ll find stores nationwide.

6. Harðfiskur (Dried Fish)

Harðfiskur is Iceland’s version of jerky – except it’s dried fish. It’s salty, chewy, and surprisingly addictive. Icelanders usually eat it with a little butter, but it’s tasty enough on its own if you like seafood. It’s packed with protein and super light, so it’s easy to bring home.

A bag costs about $15 to $30, and you’ll find it in every grocery store in Iceland. Reykjavík and Akureyri have the most options, but even small-town supermarkets stock them.

7. Icelandic Wool Yarn

If you knit (or know someone who does), Icelandic wool yarn is a must. It’s soft, warm, and perfect for scarves, hats, and sweaters. The wool comes in natural shades like gray, cream, and black, but you’ll find bright colors too.

Skeins usually cost $5 to $10. Reykjavík has the biggest craft stores, but you’ll find yarn in little shops all over the country. It’s a great lightweight souvenir, and you can make plenty of more souvenirs out of it.

8. Blue Lagoon Skincare Products

The Blue Lagoon is famous for its geothermal waters packed with minerals like silica and algae, and its skincare products are made of what they call the “BL+ complex.” The face masks, creams, and scrubs are meant to target the signs of aging in the skin while promoting overall skin health. They smell amazing, too.

Prices range from $40 to $160. You can get them at the Blue Lagoon (near Grindavík), but plenty of stores in Reykjavík stock them. They make great gifts or just a treat for yourself.

9. Icelandic Sheepskin Products

Icelandic sheepskins are big, fluffy, and make your living room instantly cozier. They’re super soft, and since they’re natural, every piece is a little different. They come in rugs, seat covers, and even cushion covers.

Prices start at about $50, but large rugs can go over $200. Reykjavík has many shops selling them, and you can sometimes find good deals at flea markets. Remember to shake them out regularly to keep them looking nice.

Products from https://blacksheepwhitelight.com/

10. Puffin Plush Toys

Puffins are the cutest birds in Iceland, and the plush toys are just as adorable. They’re soft, cute, and perfect for kids or a fun reminder of your trip. Some come with little info tags about puffins, which is a nice touch.

They usually cost $15 to $40. Souvenir shops in Reykjavík have plenty, but you’ll find them all over the country, especially in areas where puffins hang out in summer, like the Westman Islands.

11. Icelandic Licorice (Lakkrís)

Licorice is the most popular sweet in Iceland. However, Icelandic licorice isn’t like the sweet kind you might be used to – it’s salty, bold, and sometimes even dipped in chocolate. Some brands mix in chili or sea salt, giving it a kick you wouldn’t expect from licorice. It’s one of those love-it-or-hate-it snacks, but you’ve got to try it at least once.

A bag usually costs between $5 and $15. You can find licorice in pretty much every grocery store or candy shop in Reykjavík. Nói Síríus and Appolo are the go-to brands, and they’re super easy to find countrywide.

12. Icelandic Christmas Ornaments

If you’re visiting around the holidays (or just love Christmas decorations), Icelandic ornaments are worth checking out. They often feature puffins, trolls, or the Yule Lads – Iceland’s 13 mischievous Christmas figures. Some are made from glass or wood, while others are knitted or felted.

Prices range from $10 to $50. Reykjavík has a few Christmas shops open year-round, but during the holidays, markets pop up all over the city. They’re lightweight, easy to pack, and a fun way to bring Icelandic Christmas vibes home.

13. Volcanic Ash Soap

Volcanic ash soap isn’t just cool because it comes from Iceland – it’s also great for your skin. It’s made with ash from Iceland’s volcanoes, mixed with oils like lavender or tea tree. The ash acts as a natural exfoliator, so your skin feels super smooth afterward. Plus, it has a nice and earthy smell.

A bar of soap costs between $7 and $20. You can find it in gift shops, wellness stores, and spas around Reykjavík. If you visit volcanic areas like the Reykjanes Peninsula, you’ll probably see it there, too.

Products from https://www.kalastyle.com/

14. Nordic Rune Jewelry

Nordic rune jewelry is a nod to Iceland’s Viking past. Rings, pendants, and bracelets are engraved with runes or symbols like the Vegvísir (a Viking compass) or the Yggdrasil (the tree of life). Some designs are simple, while others are more detailed, sometimes with lava rock or gemstones.

Prices start around $30 and can go up to $150 or more, depending on the material. Reykjavík is the best place to shop for these, especially in artisan markets or small jewelry stores. It’s a meaningful souvenir and a unique way to bring home a piece of Iceland’s history.

15. Fish Leather Products

Fish leather might sound odd, but it’s surprisingly tough and looks really unique. Icelanders use tanned fish skin (usually salmon or cod) to make wallets, belts, and handbags. The natural scale patterns give each piece a one-of-a-kind texture that makes it different from regular leather.

Prices start around $50 for smaller items, but bigger pieces like bags can hit $300 or more. You’ll find the best selection in Reykjavík, though Sauðárkrókur – home to a fish leather tannery – also has some great pieces. It’s sustainable, lightweight, and a conversation starter.

Products from https://kirs.is/

16. Icelandic Craft Beer

Iceland’s craft beer scene has exploded since beer became legal here in 1989 (yep, beer was banned for most of the 20th century). Local breweries like Einstök, Borg Brugghús, and Kaldi make some great stuff, often using Icelandic glacial water or local herbs like Arctic thyme. Some of the beers even have hints of birch or smoked malt.

A single bottle usually costs $5 to $10. You’ll find craft beer at Vínbúðin (Iceland’s liquor store chain) or bars and breweries all over the country. If you’re really into beer, a beer tasting at a brewery is a cool activity to do during your trip.

17. Icelandic Football Jersey

Icelanders are super proud of their national football team, especially after their epic performance in the 2016 UEFA Euro and their debut in the 2018 World Cup. If you’re a football (soccer) fan, grabbing an Icelandic jersey is a great way to remember your trip. Jerseys usually display Iceland’s flag colors – blue, red, and white – and the designs are pretty sleek.

Jerseys typically cost between $70 and $120. You can find them in sports stores in Reykjavík, especially near the Laugardalsvöllur stadium (Iceland's national football stadium). There are also club jerseys from local teams if you want something different.

18. Icelandic Sagas

Iceland’s medieval sagas are full of Viking battles, family feuds, and legendary heroes. Classics like Njál’s Saga, Egil’s Saga, and Laxdæla Saga have been around for centuries and are a cool way to learn about Iceland’s past, even if you’re not a huge history fan. Many are available in English, so you won’t need to read Old Norse.

Copies usually run between $15 and $40. In Reykjavík, places like Eymundsson carry a variety of saga editions, often with updated translations or notes. If you’re curious about Viking history or just looking for a good read, these sagas are a great choice.

Conclusion

Iceland has some seriously cool souvenirs that go beyond the usual tourist stuff. Whether it’s a warm wool sweater, some salty licorice, or even volcanic soap, there’s something special waiting for you. Take your time browsing local shops, think outside the box, and don’t hesitate to ask questions.