Shopping in Akureyri: Design, Wool, and Local Makers

Iceland's northern capital offers discerning visitors a sophisticated shopping scene that rivals Reykjavík whilst maintaining its own distinct character. Akureyri's compact city centre, clustered around Hafnarstræti and Kaupvangsstræti, houses an impressive collection of independent boutiques, traditional wool shops, and contemporary design studios that showcase the best of Icelandic craftsmanship.

The Heart of Northern Commerce

Akureyri's shopping district centres on the pedestrianised stretch of Hafnarstræti, where colourful buildings from the early 20th century house everything from heritage wool merchants to cutting-edge design studios. The town's mercantile history dating back to 1602 remains evident in the architectural details of these shop fronts, many of which have been trading for generations.

The main shopping area extends roughly 800 metres from the harbour up to Glerárgata, making it easily walkable in 15 minutes. Most shops open at 10:00 and close at 18:00 Monday through Friday, with Saturday hours typically 10:00-16:00. Sunday opening varies seasonally, with many shops closed entirely from October through March.

Icelandic Design and Contemporary Craft

Epal Design Centre

Located at Kaupvangsstræti 6, Epal represents the pinnacle of northern Iceland's design scene. This gallery-shop showcases work from over 40 Icelandic designers, including ceramics by Guðrún Lilja Gunnlaugsdóttir, whose volcanic ash-glazed pieces retail from 8,500 ISK (€55) for small bowls to 45,000 ISK (€290) for major sculptural works.

The centre particularly excels in contemporary interpretations of traditional forms. Look for Sigurður Guðmundsson's modernist take on Icelandic silver jewellery, with pieces ranging from 12,000-85,000 ISK (€78-550), and textile artist Katrín Pétursdóttir's wool wall hangings that incorporate traditional rya techniques with contemporary colour palettes.

Gallery Fold

At Hafnarstræti 104, this established gallery doubles as a showcase for northern Iceland's most accomplished artists. The ground floor retail section features limited-edition prints, ceramics, and glass work. Particularly noteworthy are Rúrí's landscape photographs of the Tröllaskagi peninsula, available as archival prints from 18,000 ISK (€117), and Bergsteinn Sigurðsson's hand-blown glass sculptures incorporating Icelandic minerals, priced from 25,000 ISK (€162).

The Wool Tradition

Geysir Akureyri

The northern outpost of Iceland's premier wool brand occupies a beautifully restored building at Hafnarstræti 98. Unlike the tourist-focused Reykjavík locations, this shop maintains closer connections to local wool producers from the surrounding Eyjafjörður farms.

Their signature lopapeysa sweaters, hand-knitted by artisans from the Akureyri area, command premium prices of 42,000-65,000 ISK (€272-421) but represent authentic craftsmanship using wool from specific farm cooperatives. The shop stocks the traditional Riddari pattern in 14 colour combinations, including the rare grey-and-blue variant that originated in this region.

More accessible items include their machine-knitted wool accessories: hats from 7,800 ISK (€51), mittens from 9,200 ISK (€60), and their excellent wool socks using Icelandic wool blends for 3,400 ISK (€22) per pair.

Handprjónasambandið (The Handknitting Association)

This cooperative at Hafnarstræti 3 represents 180 knitters from across northern Iceland. Established in 1977, it offers some of the most authentic lopapeysa available anywhere, with each sweater tagged with the knitter's name and location.

Prices reflect the direct-from-artisan model: adult lopapeysa from 38,000-55,000 ISK (€246-356), children's versions from 18,000-28,000 ISK (€117-181). The quality exceeds mass-market alternatives, with tighter gauge knitting and superior finishing. Their wool yarn selection includes 47 colours of Lett-lopi, essential for serious knitters, at 480 ISK (€3.10) per 50-gram ball.

Local Makers and Artisan Workshops

Akureyri Backpackers Vintage & Vinyl

Beyond its hostel function, this establishment at Hafnarstræti 98 operates one of northern Iceland's most eclectic vintage shops. Owner Pétur Óli Sigurðsson curates an impressive collection of Icelandic design objects from the 1960s-1980s, including pieces from the defunct Íslensk Hönnun design collective.

Highlights include original Ásgrímur Jónsson prints from 4,500 ISK (€29), vintage Icelandic ceramics from the now-closed Reykjavik Pottery works starting at 2,800 ISK (€18), and an exceptional selection of Icelandic vinyl records, with rare pressings of Björk's early work commanding 8,000-15,000 ISK (€52-97).

Akureyri Art Museum Shop

The museum shop at Kaupvangsstræti 12 focuses exclusively on northern Icelandic artists and craftspeople. Standout items include woodwork by Jón Björnsson, who uses driftwood from Eyjafjörður beaches in his sculptural bowls (15,000-35,000 ISK / €97-227), and Sigrún Hákonardóttir's photography documenting the changing Arctic landscape.

Practical Shopping Information

Payment and Tax

All shops accept major credit cards, with many preferring card payments over cash. Non-EU visitors can claim VAT refunds on purchases over 6,000 ISK through the tax-free shopping scheme available at most retailers.

Seasonal Considerations

Winter shopping (November-February) offers the best selection of wool goods as shops stock up for the cold season. Summer visitors (June-August) benefit from extended opening hours and the full complement of shops being open, though popular items may sell out during peak tourist periods.

Getting There

Akureyri's shopping district lies 2.7 kilometres from Akureyri Airport, accessible by taxi (3,500-4,000 ISK) or the Strætó 57 bus service. Free parking is available on Strandgata, a five-minute walk from the main shopping streets.

The compact nature of Akureyri's retail quarter makes it ideal for focused shopping excursions, whether seeking authentic Icelandic wool goods or contemporary Nordic design. Unlike Reykjavík's sprawling shopping areas, everything worthwhile lies within easy walking distance, making it possible to explore the entire scene in a leisurely afternoon whilst supporting the artisans and designers who define northern Iceland's creative identity.

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