Grocery Stores in Iceland: Where to Shop on Your Camping Trip

For many campers, upon arriving in Iceland, a grocery store is the first stop after picking up their Happy Camper. Campervan travel in Iceland allows for ultimate flexibility and allows you to cook your meals on the road. All campers have a small kitchen setup with a fridge, sink, gas stove, pans, pots, plates, and utensils. It means you don’t need to eat only gas station sandwiches and granola bars throughout your trip, and you can save money by not having to find a restaurant every day for dinner. In this blog post, we will guide you through the main grocery stores in Iceland and the best shopping tips.

Shop for Free at Happy Campers

Before we delve deeper into grocery stores in Iceland, we want to tell you about the Free Zone at Happy Campers. Most travelers have some groceries left at the end of their trip. Instead of throwing them out and creating unnecessary food waste, we encourage you to leave them on designated shelves at our office for arriving campers. Often, you can find useful things like pasta, spices, and ramen that you can take with you. Some campsites have similar setups. Not only does it reduce waste, but it also will help you save money. Talk about a win-win situation!

Grocery Shopping in Iceland

Finding Nearest Store

Iceland offers plenty of grocery stores all around the country. So you will be able to stock up on food as needed. The exception is the highlands, where overall infrastructure is extremely limited, so you must fill in on gas and groceries before heading there. Below is the map that shows all grocery stores and gas stations. Gas stations, especially in small towns and remote areas, also serve as grocery stores where you can buy basic food items.

Generally, the more remote the shop, the more expensive it is. So we recommend grocery shopping when driving through bigger towns with major chains (Bónus, Krónan, Nettó). More about grocery store chains later.

Bring Your Bag

When shopping in Iceland, we recommend bringing your bag or being prepared to buy one. Since 2021, stores in Iceland may no longer offer plastic shopping bags to customers. This includes small plastic bags usually found in the produce section. The ban is among numerous measures the Icelandic government took to reduce plastic use, increase recycling, and prevent ocean pollution. So, bring your bag, or if you bought one, do your best to reuse it multiple times throughout your trip. Sometimes, you can find shopping bags in the Free Zone as well.

Look Out for Weekly Deals and Special Discounts

When in a store, look for special deals or clearance sales. Many chains also sell items approaching expiration dates for a lot cheaper, which might help you knock off a few more dollars of your grocery bill.

Grocery Store Chains in Iceland

You have probably heard that Iceland is expensive. While cooking on the road is cheaper than eating out at gas stations and restaurants, groceries will likely be more expensive than in your home country. Of course, it depends on where you are coming from, but year after year, Iceland is listed among the most expensive places in the world.

If you want a rough idea of Iceland’s prices, check out Numeo.com’s data on the cost of various things. For example, on average, a lettuce head costs 411 kr ($3), but the range varies from 200 kr to over 600 kr. The price can depend on the product’s brand and quality, but sometimes identical items can be priced differently at different chains. Therefore, we find it useful to guide you through major shops in Iceland and where you should shop if you want to save money.

Bónus – The Cheapest Grocery Store in Iceland

Bónus is a one-stop shop for all your grocery needs at affordable prices. They offer simplicity, good selection, and value. There are 33 Bónus stores around Iceland. They guarantee the same outstanding value in every store you visit. The piggy bank is their symbol, and they display it with pride as they have saved customers plenty of hard-earned money over the years. Bonus was the first supermarket in Iceland to become carbon neutral. They have planted 6,670 trees in cooperation with the Icelandic Carbon Fund to offset our greenhouse emissions from all our store operations for the year 2018.

All Bónus is open 10-20 (opening times during holidays may vary), and as the cheapest grocery chain in Iceland, it is a fan favorite among locals and tourists alike.

Krónan – Affordable Healthy Options

Krónan is another budget-friendly grocery store. Kronan stores tend to have a wider selection of products than Bonus. Additionally, they aim to promote a healthy lifestyle that is accessible and affordable and take steps to encourage you to choose the healthier option when possible. If you have any special dietary requirements, such as gluten-free, organic, vegan, or low-carb items, you might have more options in Kronan than Bonus. Visit any of their 26 conveniently located stores across Reykjavik and Iceland.

Nettó – Great Selection at Mid-Range Prices

Nettó is your everyday shopping destination in Iceland. It carries local and international brands. It has 19 stores nationwide and offers a great selection and varied price range. Nettó stores are in the mid-range regarding prices, but you can find some great deals. Most Nettó stores are open from 9 AM to 9 PM, some are open until midnight, and the one in Mjódd Reykjavík is open 24/7.

Hagkaup – Supermarket That Has It All

Hagkaup is one of the oldest stores in Iceland. It has been operating since 1959. It is not a low-cost supermarket but offers quality products and a broad selection. Hagkaup is closer to European supermarkets, where you can do your grocery shopping and shop for clothes, cosmetics, toys, house appliances, and leisure products. They have seven stores in Iceland, two of which are open 24 hours a day.

Vínbúðin/ÁTVR – Buying Alcohol in Iceland

Regular grocery stores in Iceland do not carry any alcohol above 2.25%. So, all the beer cans and wine bottles you will use while grocery shopping are non-alcoholic or low-alcoholic drinks. You must find the nearest specialized store if you want the real deal. Also, the legal drinking age in Iceland is 20 years old.

Vínbúðin/ÁTVR is the State Alcohol and Tobacco Company of Iceland. It has a monopoly on selling alcohol in retail. ÁTVR stores have increased steadily in recent decades and are now 50 all over the country. In the capital area, there are 13 stores and 37 in other municipalities. However, many of these stores have short opening hours, often closing at 6 PM or earlier.

If you want to bring some beers on the road and save some money, shop at Duty Free upon arrival (you will find Duty Free for arriving passengers on the ground floor of KEF airport). It will be a little cheaper than Vínbúðin.

10-11, Krambúðin, Kjörbúðin – Convienence at Higher Prices

Some smaller stores, such as 10-11, Krambúðin, and Kjörbúðin, are convenience shops (either downtown Reykjavik or more remote locations and small towns). Many items here are priced higher, so we recommend shopping there if there are no other options.

Other Stores

We covered all main chains in Iceland. In addition, here is a list of a few stores operating in Iceland that offer different products from the biggest ones listed above.

• Costco – There is only one store near Reykjavik, and membership is required. However, if you have a Costco Wholesale membership in your country, you can also use your card to shop in Iceland.
• Fjarðakaup – was the first discount store in Iceland that opened over 50 years ago. Today, it focuses on good service and a wide range of products. They also carry a lot of great local items.
• Melabúðin – a hidden gem in Reykjavik that local foodies love. It carries a lot of gourmet foods and hard-to-find treats.
• Iceland—Our British and Irish campers might be familiar with the Iceland chain. Despite disputes over the word, we have a few Iceland stores.
• Kostur—Kostur is a store near Reykjavik that specializes in imported American foods. It is not cheap, but most of the items it sells are not sold elsewhere in Iceland.

What to Buy for Groceries in Iceland

There tend to be two kinds of travelers—those who seek familiarity and comfort when buying groceries in Iceland and those who crave to taste all the local and new things. Well, I guess some people fall somewhere in between.

Here are a few essentials to remember when getting groceries in Iceland for your camping trip. If you want ideas on what to cook on your trip, check out the best meals to prepare in a campervan.

Non-Perishables

Non-perishable food items have a long shelf life and do not require refrigeration, making them ideal for camping. Here are some must-haves:

• Canned Goods: Canned beans, vegetables, soups, and fish (like tuna or sardines) are versatile and easy to prepare.
• Dry Foods: Pasta, rice, couscous, and instant noodles are lightweight and quick to cook.
• Snacks: Granola bars, trail mix, dried fruits, nuts, and crackers are great for on-the-go energy.

Protein Sources

Protein is essential for keeping your energy levels up, especially if you do a lot of hiking or other physical activities.

• Canned or Powdered Protein: Items like canned beans, chickpeas, lentils, or protein powder for shakes.
• Cured or Smoked Meats: Jerky, salami, or smoked fish require no refrigeration and are easy to pack.
• Nut Butter: Peanut, almond, and other nut butter are rich in protein and healthy fats.

Easy-to-Cook Items

Cooking while camping should be as straightforward as possible. Here are some recommendations:

• Instant Meals: Pre-packaged freeze-dried meals or instant ramen are perfect for quick and easy meals.
• Quick-Cooking Grains: Quinoa or instant rice cooks faster than traditional grains.
• One-Pot Dinners: Simple one-pot dinners are perfect for camping trips in a small kitchen.
• Ready-to-eat meals: You can find a selection of ready-to-eat meals at grocery stores that only require reheating.

Breakfast Options

Start your day with a nutritious breakfast that fuels you for the day’s activities.

• Cereals and Oats: Instant oats or granola can be mixed with hot water or milk.
• Eggs: Powdered eggs or pre-cooked egg products can be a good option if you can keep them cold.
• Bread and Spreads: Bread, tortillas, or bagels can be paired with jam, honey, or nut butter.
• Coffee, Tea, or Cocoa: These drinks energize you at the start of the day and keep you warm when it’s cold or raining. It’s always good to have a warm drink nearby.

Local Icelandic Foods

Immerse yourself in the local culture and add some unique Icelandic flavors to your meals:

• Skyr: This Icelandic dairy product is similar to yogurt but thicker and richer in protein.
• Smoked Fish: Available in many grocery stores, smoked fish like salmon can be a delicious and convenient protein source.
• Icelandic Lamb: While pricier, it is worth trying Icelandic lamb for a rich and flavorful meal.
• Rúgbrauð: Traditional Icelandic rye bread, which is dense and mildly sweet.
• Sweets: While on the road, try some local candies. For our recommendations, check out our crash course on Icelandic Candies.

Conclusion

Shopping in a new country can be overwhelming, but it is also fun! Knowing where to shop for groceries in Iceland can significantly enhance your camping trip. From budget-friendly national chains to charming local markets, there are plenty of options to meet your needs. We hope this information will help you with your grocery shopping in Iceland and allow you to expand your flavor palette.

Further Reading

Budgeting Tips when planning a trip to Iceland. From groceries and gas to affordable campsites and other tips on how to save money. Also, check out our Partners and enjoy exclusive discounts (you can find coupon codes in your confirmation email).

Camping in Iceland. We wrote a travel guide on what to expect when camping in Iceland. We are the experts when it comes to camping in Iceland. There are over 200 campsites in Iceland, so finding a campsite is usually never a problem. Whether camping via campervan or tent, there are many things to keep in mind to make your camping trip in Iceland successful.

Learn about Icelandic cuisine. In this blog post, we guide you through the delicious world of Icelandic cuisine. Get ready to uncover the top destinations for savoring the best Icelandic meals and timeless traditional delicacies and the best places to try them!

Back