Best Bookstores in Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland is usually associated with extraordinary landscapes, natural hot springs, and friendly people. But what many people may not know is the country also has a vast literary history that makes it a great country for book lovers.
For those visiting Reykjavik, the capital and jumping-off point for the entire country, there are plenty of literary spots, which contributed to the city becoming a UNESCO City of Literature in 2011. One of the most basic bookish activities is finding a great bookstore to browse. All the great bookstores in Reykjavík are perfect for hopping into when the weather is icy (which it honestly is most of the year) and to find some new Icelandic literature.
As a writer and book lover who’s been to Reykjavik dozens of times, I’ve explored the city’s many bookstores to create a guide for other book lovers to follow. From chain stores like Eymundsson where you can find books from around the world to independent shops like Mal og Menning, there are plenty of options for every book lover who visits Reykjavik.
So let’s get into some of the amazing book shops in Reykjavik city.
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Best Bookstores in Reykjavik
Eymundsson
Austurstræti 18, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Eymundsson (also known as Pennin Eymundsson) is a well-known bookstore chain, thought to be the cornerstone of Icelandic literary culture. It’s similar to Waterstones in the UK or Barnes and Noble in the U.S. with 15 locations around Iceland that house a large selection that includes foreign language books and a coffee shop.
Eymundsson was first opened in 1872 by Sigfus Eymundsson, a publisher and salesman. In 1920 he purchased a house on Austurstraeti 18, where the original location still stands today (though the house was rebuilt in 1960).
The Eymundsson Austurstraeti location is a must-visit bookstore for any book lover in Reykjavik because of its history. But any Eymundsson location is a great place to shop to check out its huge selection of books in Icelandic, English, and other foreign languages, music, gifts, cozy reading corners, and coffee shop.
One of my favorite memories from my first trip to Iceland is coming back from a whale watching trip, absolutely freezing from the icy wind, and heading into Eymundsson Austurstraeti. I bought a new book, grabbed a coffee in the third floor cafe, and sat on a bar stool down over the street at the people. It was the perfect way to end a long day of sightseeing.
Other great Pennin Eymundsson locations in Reykjavik are:
Mal og Menning
Laugavegur 18, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Mal og Menning, sometimes also seen as Hús Máls og Menningar, is a bookstore, cafe, bar, and music venue on the famous Laugavegur shopping street in Reykjavik. This large , multi floor space has a variety of book genres and a decent English and foreign-language section. The coffee shop and bar have all of your cafe favorites along with beer and cocktails.
This is a great place to come browse books or enjoy a drink and some people watching. They also have live music and events. The Bookstore Band plays most nights at 8PM, so go grab a drink, find a table or some standing room, and enjoy a night out among books.
Bókabúðin Bergstaðastræti
Bergstaðastræti 7, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Bókabúðin Bergstaðastræti is an independent bookstore about a ten minute walk from the harbor. This location has gone by many names over the years as it switches hands, but there are many Icelandic and foreign books that visitors can browse. Whether you want a cookbook, a Murakami novel, a memoir, or a mystery, this store has you covered.
Bókin Books
Klapparstígur 25, 101, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Bókin Books, just a short walk from Bókabúðin Bergstaðastræti is an amazing used bookstore. Filled to bursting with books of all genres and languages, a reader could spend days wandering through the crowded aisles.
It’s no secret that Iceland can be an expensive country to live and travel in. So if you’re looking to buy some books or souvenirs, a used bookstore like Bókin is a great place to search.
Many books are priced at around 300ISK ($3) meaning you can pick up quite a few titles while inside.
Iða Zimsen
Vesturgata 2a, Grófin, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Iða Zimsen is a combination coffee shop-bookstore that is the perfect location for someone looking for a unique, local, and eclectic coffee shop. The super friendly and inviting staff can serve you a Illy coffee, tea, or pastries while you sit and read or write inside or out on their patio. Then you can browse their book or stationery selection.
If you’re like me and love a unique independent coffee shop that feels homey and cozy, Iða Zimsen is the place for you. Add in that you can buy a new book inside and this might be my favorite place in Reykjavik.
Bóksala Stúdenta
Sæmundargata 4, 102 Reykjavík, Iceland
Like you might guess from the name, Bóksala Stúdenta is a student bookstore. While mostly containing textbooks for the students at the University of Iceland, there is a large selection of titles across genres at decent prices.
This bookstore is also a great place to grab souvenirs from the University or Iceland in general. The bookstore is just down the street from the National Museum of Iceland, making it a great place to stop after learning about Iceland’s history and culture.
Other Bookish Locations to Browse Books
If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for, or if you are truly on a bookish trip and want to visit as many bookish establishments, I thought I’d include a few libraries you can visit as well as some more places to shop for books.
National Library of Iceland-University Library
Þjóðarbókhlaðan, Arngrímsgata 3, Arngrímsgata 3, 107 Reykjavík, Iceland
The Landsbókasafn Íslands – Háskólabókasafn (National Library of Iceland-University Library) is an impressive building that houses the largest collection of academic books in Iceland. It serves as both the National Library and University Library for the students at the University of Iceland.
The library is open to the public to browse but obviously to check out a book, a library card is needed.
Visitors can explore the library’s vast collection of over one million items including the national collection that contains almost all written works published in Iceland and items published elsewhere related to Iceland.
Reykjavik City Library
Tryggvagata 15, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
The Reykjavik City Library system is a great place to hang out, joining activities, or get in from the cold. Their various locations are open to the public, while checking out books require a valid library card. If you’re just looking to sit inside and read a book, there is a surprisingly large selection of books in English for a foreign city library.
The library is a great place to spend a few hours if the weather is poor or if you’re trying to waste time until your next experience or activity.
Kolaportið
Tryggvagötu 19 , Old Harbour Grófin Reykjavik Kvosin, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Kolaportið, located near Reykjavik’s harbor, is Iceland’s only flea market. Open during the week, visitors can shop around for second-hand items, fermented shark (a specialty in Iceland), and licorice.
While you can find a variety of items here, you can search around the stalls for some great used books. However, it’s not guaranteed that you’ll find anything in English. Even if you don’t find any great second-hand books, Kolaportið is a great place to shop around, get a small glimpse into Icelandic culture, and possibly find some great, unique souvenirs.
And that’s it! My list of the best bookstores in Reykjavik. From big bookstore chains like Eymundsson or independent shops like Ida Zinsen, there are plenty of bookshops to search for Icelandic books or your next international title.
Hopefully my guide was able to give you some ideas of spots to stop at while exploring Reykjavik. Whether you came to the city to see its natural beauty or to learn more about the country’s literary culture, there is plenty for a bookish traveler to do.
I love writing about the best bookstores around the world on the blog to share all of the amazing places I’ve been able to visit. When you’re done reading about Reykjavik, head to my bookstore guides on Edinburgh, London, Paris, or even Tokyo.
Map of Bookstores in Reykjavik
Are you ready to Travel?
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Reykjavik Bookstore FAQ
When is the best time to visit Iceland?
The best time to travel to Iceland depends on your preferences and what you want to experience during your trip.
Summer (June to August): Peak tourist season in Iceland due to the milder weather and longer days. You can enjoy the Midnight Sun, outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and exploring the countryside. However, it can get busy, so popular attractions can be crowded, and accommodation prices tend to be higher.
Shoulder Seasons (May and September): You can still experience some of the Midnight Sun phenomena in May and September brings autumn colors and a chance to witness the Northern Lights as the nights get darker.
Winter (October to March): Winter in Iceland is cold, with short days and long nights. It’s an excellent time to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), which are visible from late September to early April. Winter activities like ice cave exploring, snowmobiling, and soaking in hot springs are popular during this time. Just be prepared for icy roads and limited daylight hours.
Spring (April to May): It’s a quieter time compared to summer, making it ideal dates for travelers who want to avoid crowds. However, weather can be unpredictable, with occasional snowstorms even in April, so it’s essential to pack layers and be flexible with your plans.
Do they sell English books in Iceland?
Yes, English books are readily available in Iceland, particularly in larger bookstores in Reykjavik and other urban areas. Many Icelanders speak English fluently, and English is commonly taught as a second language in schools, so there is a demand for English-language books.
In Reykjavik, you’ll find bookstores that specialize in selling English-language books, as well as larger chain bookstores that have a significant selection of English titles alongside Icelandic ones. Additionally, many tourist attractions, such as museums and gift shops, also carry English-language books about Icelandic culture, history, and nature.
While Icelandic literature is celebrated and widely available, especially in its native language, English-speaking visitors should have no trouble finding a diverse range of books to enjoy during their time in Iceland.
What books from Icelandic literature should I start with?
Icelandic literature offers rich storytelling, with a blend of ancient sagas, contemporary novels, and poetic works. Here are some books from Icelandic literature that you might consider starting with:
1. “Independent People” by Halldór Laxness: This Nobel Prize-winning novel is considered one of Iceland’s literary masterpieces. Set in rural Iceland, it follows the struggles and aspirations of Bjartur of Summerhouses, a stubborn sheep farmer determined to achieve independence.
2. “The Fish Can Sing” by Halldór Laxness: Another work by Laxness, this novel tells the coming-of-age story of Álfgrímur, a young boy growing up in Reykjavik. Through his eyes, readers experience the colorful characters and eccentricities of Icelandic society.
3. “Burial Rites” by Hannah Kent: While not written by an Icelandic author, this novel is set in Iceland and offers a gripping fictionalized account of the last woman to be executed in Iceland in the 19th century. Kent’s vivid prose brings to life the harsh beauty of Iceland’s landscape and the complexities of its history.
4. “Jar City” by Arnaldur Indriðason: The first book in the Detective Erlendur series, this crime novel introduces readers to the brooding Icelandic detective as he investigates a seemingly unrelated series of murders. Indriðason’s writing captures the atmospheric and often bleak nature of Iceland’s urban landscape.
5. “Sjálfstætt fólk” (“Independent People”) by Halldór Laxness: This work, which won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1955, is a cornerstone of Icelandic literature. It tells the story of Bjartur, a sheep farmer who struggles for independence in the harsh Icelandic landscape. The novel delves into themes of poverty, ambition, and the human spirit’s resilience.
6. The Blue Fox” by Sjón: This novella blends folklore, mythology, and historical fiction in a mesmerizing tale set in 19th-century Iceland. With lyrical prose and magical realism, Sjón weaves together the lives of a hunter, a naturalist, and a young woman with Down syndrome.
These books offer a glimpse into the diverse and captivating world of Icelandic literature, spanning different genres, time periods, and themes. Whether you’re drawn to historical epics, contemporary mysteries, or poetic meditations on nature, Icelandic literature has something to offer for every reader.
