Shopping local in Iceland is one of the best ways to experience the real character of the country—beyond the postcards and popular attractions. When you choose small, family-run shops, local designers, and regional food producers, you’re not only finding unique treasures, you’re also supporting the communities that make Iceland so special.
Staying with Ourhotels.is puts you right in the heart of these communities. Our inns in West Iceland—Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords—are all perfectly placed for guests who want to explore local markets, craft shops, and food producers at a relaxed, authentic pace.
In Borgarfjörður, near Borgarnes, Hvítá Inn is surrounded by fertile farmland and small-scale producers. This region is known for its dairy, lamb, and fresh produce, and you’ll find farm shops and local bakeries offering everything from homemade jams to traditional pastries. Ask at Hvítá Inn for tips on nearby farm stands, local cheese, and where to pick up handmade wool items created by people who actually live and work in the area. Shopping here means your money goes directly back into the rural communities that keep Iceland’s countryside alive.
On the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Stykkishólmur Inn sits in one of Iceland’s most charming harbor towns. Stykkishólmur is a fantastic base for exploring small boutiques, galleries, and design shops that showcase Icelandic creativity. You’ll find locally made ceramics, jewelry inspired by the surrounding coastline, and high-quality wool garments that are both practical and beautiful. Many of these shops are run by the artists themselves, so you can hear the stories behind the pieces you’re buying. From Stykkishólmur Inn, you can walk to most of these places, making it easy to spend a slow afternoon browsing, chatting with locals, and discovering one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
Farther north and west, Ísafjörður Inn places you in the cultural heart of the Westfjords. Ísafjörður is known for its strong sense of community and independent spirit, reflected in its small shops, artisan food producers, and cozy cafés. Here you can look for locally roasted coffee, handmade chocolates, regional fish products, and carefully crafted outdoor wear designed for real Icelandic weather. The town also has a growing creative scene, with artists and makers selling prints, textiles, and other crafts that capture the dramatic landscapes of the Westfjords. Staying at Ísafjörður Inn gives you time to wander the streets, visit local markets when they’re on, and support businesses that help keep this remote region thriving.
Choosing to shop local during your stay in Iceland has a real impact. It helps sustain small businesses, reduces the environmental footprint of your purchases, and keeps traditional skills and crafts alive. It also gives you a deeper connection to the places you visit: the sweater you buy from a tiny shop in Stykkishólmur, the cheese from a farm near Hvítá Inn, or the handmade print from Ísafjörður will always carry the memory of the people you met and the landscapes you explored.
Ourhotels.is is proud to be part of these communities in West Iceland. By staying at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn, or Ísafjörður Inn, you’re perfectly positioned to discover local shops, taste regional flavors, and bring home meaningful souvenirs that truly reflect Iceland. Shopping local here isn’t just about what you buy—it’s about how you travel, who you support, and the stories you take home with you.
