Arts and Crafts in Reykjavik Iceland

I’m on an inspiration-seeking trip in Iceland, finding delightful arts and crafts just about everywhere I go. Hand-making beautiful and practical items is a big part of the Icelandic culture. Let me show you where I found gorgeous wool sweaters, hand-crocheted hats and gloves, exquisite ceramics, unique fish leather bags, and fabulous yarn!

My best friend Alicia of Travels With the Crew is on this adventure with me. She’s been to Iceland many times before. It’s so nice to be traveling with an expert so I won’t have to waste time getting lost! And just so you know, this is Iceland in August. The weather has been sometimes sunny and mild and often rainy, a lot like my home state of Florida in February!

If you love this, check out my Quilty Travel section for more crafting adventures. Also, I wrote a post sharing what I wore in Iceland if you want tips for someone who doing easy sightseeing instead of hiking through the mountains.

Yarn, Ceramics, and Fish Leather in Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik is Iceland’s capital city. It has a vibrant downtown area filled with shops and restaurants. We were looking for crafts-related shops everywhere and then happened upon three in the same place: two next to each other and one across the street. I named it the ‘Reykjavik Arts and Crafts District.’

Icewear Wool House

Icewear Wool House is the large red shop on the corner in the street photo above. Icewear stores are known as the premier places to get Icelandic wool blankets, sweaters, hats, mittens, and more. This particular location has a fabulous selection of yarns for crafters to fall in love with. There are also knitting needles, crochet hooks, and pattern books in case you left your supplies at home and find the urge to knit or crochet while you are on vacation.

While there, I picked up a wool sweater and slippers, as well as these gorgeous hand-crocheted fingerless mittens.

Kirsuberjatred Creative Local Makers

Kirsuberjatred is a gallery (and shop) of spectacular arts and crafts made by local Icelandic makers. If you are looking for beautiful and authentic handmade items, don’t miss this store.

There are handmade and hand-painted ceramic pieces, gorgeous wool items, a collection of note cards, silk scarves, and more. I’m sure the collections change depending on what Icelandic artists are making.

One section that I found particularly interesting was a collection of fishskin leather items made by an artist who goes by Disa. The bags were fabulous!

My budget did not support a bag purchase, so I left with a beautiful fishskin leather cord keeper. According to the shopkeeper, the one I picked was made from wolfish.

There is also a small art gallery in the back of the shop. At the time of my visit, it was mostly empty.

Kogga keramik galleri

Kogga Ceramic Gallery was a treasure to find because it is both a gallery and a workshop.

Beautiful fine art bowls, eggs, vases, and jewelry pieces are displayed and sold in the front room. A peek in the back room showed me the artist’s studio and kiln! Visiting this authentic Icelandic art studio and gallery was an experience I won’t forget.

Embroidery at the Englendingavik in Borgarnes

While driving over to the western coast of Iceland for some sightseeing, Alicia and I ate lunch at the Englendingavik in Borgarnes. This small hotel and restaurant had delicious food, beautiful views, and two crafty surprises!

The first surprise was a small gallery of hand-embroidered pieces tucked away in a back hallway. What a wonderful chance to see exquisite antique Icelandic embroideries!

There were so many that I kept Alicia waiting outside so I could look at them all.

Then we peeked into the small house next to the restaurant and found an antique toy museum! There was a small collection of Madam Alexander and other dolls and doll clothes, as well as miniature tea sets, trains, bicycles, and building sets.

Thanks so much for reading about my crafty finds in and around Reykjavik, Iceland!