South Iceland contains many of the most popular sights, sites and destinations in the country—and many of Iceland’s best shops are in South Iceland too. Close to Reykjavík is the Reykjanes Peninsula, with the Blue Lagoon, Keflavík Airport, and many wild spots and charming villages; over the Hellisheiði mountain pass lies the tranquil farmland and small towns like Hveragerði, Selfoss and Flúður. The Golden Circle and south coast roads are busy during the summer, and there are several glaciers dotting the coast and volcanoes silhouetted against the skyline. Vík í Myrdal is the halfway point, and Höfn—beneath the mighty Vatnajökull—marks the gateway to the east. To help you out along the way, here are our panel’s best South Iceland shops.
Best Shop
Sveitabúðin Una
Strandvegur 76, Vestmannaeyjar
A spacious emporium packed with locally-made products, Una is probably Iceland’s best souvenir shop. You can pick up that authentic hand-knitted lopapeysa you’ve been dreaming of, and browse shelves and display cases teeming with interesting objects. Jewellery made from lava beads? Check. Rhubarb-infused salt from the Westfjords? Check. And don’t think twice—yes, you will fit be able to squeeze that cosy and pristine sheepskin rug in your case. Go for it. We support you.
Runner-Up:
Geysir Centre
Haukadalur, Reykholt
You don’t go to Geysir to shop, it’s true—but you probably will anyway. The sprawling complex has a wide range of Icelandic-designed clothing and accessories. “It can be a bit expensive, but it is one of the best shops for souvenirs,” said the panel. “There’s also a warm and well-organised café.”
Runner-Up:
Nytjamarkaðurinn Selfoss
Eyravegur 5, Selfoss
The shelves of this cavernous and enticing secondhand shop are laden with finds, from handmade drinking glasses to candleholders, old Icelandic LPs, home decor, kitchenware and clothing. “You can find anything from plants to blenders to musical instruments,” said the panel. “It’s impossible to leave empty handed.”
Other Categories
You can buy a copy of the full Best Of Iceland 2019 magazine—an essential guide to having fun in Iceland, from the best South Iceland shop and onwards—here, posted worldwide. We also have a Special Offer double-pack here that also includes our Best Of Reykjavík magazine, about places to eat, see, swim, visit, and shop in the country’s capital city.
Buy subscriptions, t-shirts and more from our shop right here!
