Shopping Online from Iceland: What you need to know

Choosing Iceland in a global marketplace – Why choose Iceland online shopping

You know that the world wide web makes the world your marketplace, did you know that there are plenty of reasons to shop online from Iceland. This post takes you through several of the advantages of making your online purchases from Iceland and a brief exploration into Iceland lifestyle and visiting Iceland.

Of course, Icelanders recommend visiting their beautiful country, but maybe travelling to Iceland isn’t possible, however, that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy Iceland online shopping. Maybe doing so whilst dreaming of visiting the land of fire and ice. Maybe you’re already planning a visit in the future to enjoy the varied and stunning landscapes, perhaps you’d like to ride an Icelandic horse, walk on an ancient frozen glacier or enjoy a seaside walk on the black volcanic sand? Iceland still remains the perfect place to view the splendour of the Northen Lights in their full glory. A city break in Reykjavík ensures access to many Icelandic shops to buy authentic Icelandic products in person. The Icewear stores are a fantastic option for buying traditional Icelandic and Scandinavian clothing, souvenirs and tasty snacks. Of course, you don’t have to have a city break in Reykjavík. There is much more to Iceland than its capital city.

When choosing items to buy from Iceland many of the items you can buy in stores can also be purchased online. That’s where this guide comes in handy!

Whether buying from Iceland when you have never visited the island of Iceland or as a way to celebrate and remember a visit the process is a simple one.

Buying Icelandic clothing online

When seeking quality clothing online that is fit for purpose, then Iceland is the perfect choice. Purchasing traditional and contemporary designs from Icewear is a simple process and there is a useful chat process to help you if you need clarification on anything.

Icewear have a long history of working with wool, of utilising traditional methods and natural fabrics whilst also being innovative to meet the demands of the modern world.

Buying authentic Icelandic products online

Authentic Icelandic products are respected for high quality and functionality.

Souvenirs and gifts to take home from a visit to Iceland may be things like cuddly puffins, craft beers, traditional spirits, foods, mugs, troll ornaments or keyrings. The ultimate authentic Icelandic product is an Icelandic wool jumper. The king of these jumpers is the traditional lopapeysa. An authentic, traditional lopapeysa jumper is the ultimate gift to yourself as a reminder of a trip to Iceland or to someone else to show how much you care.

Traditional Lopapeysur wool sweaters from Iceland

The traditional Icelandic jumper called lopapeysa gets its name from two words:

• Lopi

• Peysa

The word “lopi” means wool that has been washed, combed and stretched but not spun. It can also literally mean “yarn”. The second word “peysa” means jumper or sweater. Together they create the word “lopapeysa”. The lopapeysar is a particular jumper made from 100% Icelandic wool with a multicolour pattern on the circular neckline and is handknitted without seams. The attractive patterns are often geometric and always intricate. The lopapeysur is a very attractive, warm and comfortable jumper to wear.

Lopapeysur is a popular Icelandic design available to purchase online and in many Icewear stores.

Lettlopi yarn

Lettlopi yarn is one of the types of yarn created from 100% Icelandic sheep’s wool. Lettlopi, also called lite lopi is a lightweight two strand yarn made from unspun wool. Its lighter weight makes it the ideal choice for mittens, gloves, hats and scarves. Lettlopi yarn is also a yarn option used for blankets.

If you’re thinking that all this chat about traditional Icelandic clothing is piquing an interest to visit Iceland and shop instore, then check out this blog here about what to expect on a trip to Iceland.

When buying a jumper made from Icelandic wool you know you are getting a quality, warm item that has all the attributes of Icelandic wool. The jumper will be warm, water-resistant, naturally antibacterial, temperature regulating and only require occasional laundering.

Buying the correct size from an Icelandic shop

Icewear helpfully include the measurements of most clothing onto the website. As a guide the sizes S, M, L etcetera relate to EU sizes:

Sizes when buying online from Iceland:

Women

EU Size UK Size

S 8-10

M 12

L 14-16

XL 18-20

Men

EU Size UK Size Chest

S 36-39

M 40-43

L 44-46

XL 48.50

This is a guide only, please utilise the measurements provided to ensure that the correct size is ordered.

Prices when buying online from Icewear

Although the Icelandic currency is the Króna (ISK) when shopping from the United Kingdom and European Union countries, you simply use the drop down box to select the currency for your country if the system has not automatically selected your currency from your IP address. Of course, Icewear cannot list every single currency, but they have calculated prices in GBP, USD and EUR to simply the buying process.

Shipping from Iceland to UK

Don’t be put off by the “overseas shipping” aspect of buying from Iceland. There are no nasty surprises when buying online from Icewear. The Icewear delivery costs always include custom fees and taxes. The price varies depending on the location of the shipping address, the weight of the parcel and the laws of the receiving country. Although the VAT has changed since Brexit, Icewear have adapted to ensure that all VAT and taxes are covered within the shipping price, thus ensuring that the customer only pays a single shipping fee inclusive of all additional taxes and charges. Icewear takes care of all related paperwork and import fees which ensures a hassle free, straightforward process. Therefore, prompt handling and despatch ensures delivery within a few working days.

Track Iceland delivery

Icewear process orders within 24 hours and send the parcel tracked. An email is sent to the purchaser with the tracking number to enable the purchaser to track their delivery. Delivery is usually relatively fast, especially during the summer months when there are a higher number of regular flights between Iceland and UK. Icewear deliveries usually arrive in 3-5 days.

Cost of living in Iceland

The cost of living in Iceland tends to be a little higher than other EU countries because the standard of living is higher.

The standard of living is gauged by:

• Services and goods available

• Housing options

• Ratio of services, goods and housing to average income

What this means is that Icelanders have comfortable living standards.

Frequently visitors to Iceland are interested to know the cost of a beer

Based on 2024 prices:

In Reykjavík the average price of a 50cl beer was between ISK 900-1600 which equates to around GBP 5.50-8.75.

Prices in Vínbúðin were between ISK 229-489, approximately GBP 1.70-2.80.

Icelandic Salaries

In 2022 the average Icelandic salary was ISK 635,000 which equates to 3476 GBP per month.

The average rent for a central one-bedded flat in Reykjavík was ISK 185,000 per month/1010 GBP.

A single person would have expected to spend approximately ISK 195,000 per month on food, clothing, transport, recreation and medical services, (or 1066 GBP).

Based on the above figures from Iceland Review Iceland’s residents enjoy a high level of disposable income based on 2022 figures. Should you want to delve further there is additional information on their website. Iceland does not have a national minimum wage, but there are expectations of lower and higher amounts for different industries.

Physically visiting Iceland

Purchasing from Iceland online is the perfect option when you are unable to visit an Iceland store. Iceland authentic products are high quality and purchasing online is easy. However, if you are fortunate enough to be planning a first or return trip to Iceland, Icewear have several helpful blogs to help you choose the best time to visit for your interests, where to stay, what to see and more.

Visiting an Iceland store

As you would expect Iceland has a wide range of shops. Tourists are well catered for with various bars and restaurants as well as shops and supermarkets selling everything you need and want. There are plenty of accommodation options to suit all needs from a city shopping break to a full on tour of the fabulous coastline or inland locations.

Naturally, no visit to Iceland is complete without visiting a physical Icewear shop. Established in 1972, Icewear has several shops in various locations, including several in the capital city Reykjavík, other Iceland store locations include Vik, a must visit town when touring in Iceland, Akureyri, Hveragerði and more. For the full Icewear Iceland store list click here.

You can even buy your items ahead of travelling, something that ensures you have authentic Icelandic clothing designed to handle the variable Icelandic weather for your Icelandic holiday and beyond selected.