Grocery shopping in Iceland can feel a bit different from what you’re used to at home, but with a few simple tips you can save money, eat well, and make your road trip or West Iceland adventure much smoother. Whether you’re staying at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, or Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords, planning your food stops will make your journey more relaxed and budget‑friendly.
One of the first things visitors notice is that eating out in Iceland can be expensive, especially in smaller towns. That’s why combining restaurant meals with smart grocery shopping is a great strategy. Most travelers stock up on basics like bread, cheese, skyr (Icelandic yogurt), fruit, snacks, and drinks, then add in a few easy‑to‑cook items for dinners. All Ourhotels.is locations are well placed for this: Hvítá Inn is a short drive from supermarkets in Borgarnes, Stykkishólmur Inn is close to local shops in Stykkishólmur, and Ísafjörður Inn is within easy reach of several grocery stores in Ísafjörður.
In Iceland, the main budget‑friendly supermarket chains are Bónus, Krónan, and Nettó. Bónus is often the cheapest, with a good selection of basics and fresh produce. Krónan has a wide variety of international products and plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. Nettó is common in smaller towns and often stays open later. When you’re staying at Hvítá Inn, Borgarnes is your best grocery hub, with both Bónus and Krónan available. Many guests stop there on their way from Reykjavík to stock up for several days of exploring Borgarfjörður, Hraunfossar, and the surrounding countryside.
On the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, guests at Stykkishólmur Inn can shop at the local supermarkets in town, which are well stocked for self‑catering. It’s wise to plan ahead here: opening hours can be shorter than in Reykjavík, especially on Sundays and public holidays. If you’re driving from the south, you can also do a bigger shop in Borgarnes before heading north to Stykkishólmur, then top up locally as needed. This combination gives you both better prices and the convenience of having a store nearby.
In the Westfjords, Ísafjörður is the main service center, and staying at Ísafjörður Inn puts you close to several grocery options. This is the ideal place to buy enough food for day trips to places like Súðavík, Bolungarvík, or the more remote fjords, where shops are fewer and farther between. Many travelers use Ísafjörður as a base, doing one or two larger grocery runs and then preparing simple meals in the evenings after a day of hiking or sightseeing.
To keep costs down, look for Icelandic brands and store brands rather than imported goods. Local dairy products like skyr, milk, and cheese are usually good value and high quality. Fresh fish is often available in supermarkets or nearby fishmongers, especially in coastal towns like Stykkishólmur and Ísafjörður, and can be an affordable and delicious dinner if you have access to a guest kitchen. Bread, flatkaka (Icelandic flatbread), and rúgbrauð (rye bread) are great staples for sandwiches and snacks on the road.
Another useful tip is to think about how you’ll store and transport your groceries. If you’re driving between Ourhotels.is locations, a small cooler bag in the car helps keep dairy, meat, and sandwiches fresh during long days of exploring. Many gas stations also sell basic groceries and hot snacks, but prices are usually higher than in supermarkets, so it’s better to treat them as backup options rather than your main shopping stops.
Because Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable, it’s smart to keep a small “emergency stash” of food in your room or car: nuts, dried fruit, chocolate, instant noodles, or other easy‑to‑prepare items. This is especially helpful when staying in more remote areas or traveling in winter. Guests at Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn often appreciate having something quick and comforting to eat after a long day out in the wind and rain.
When planning your trip with Ourhotels.is, it’s worth mapping out your grocery stops along with your sightseeing. For example, you might land in Keflavík, shop in Reykjavík or Mosfellsbær, then do a second, larger shop in Borgarnes before checking in at Hvítá Inn. Later, as you move on to Stykkishólmur Inn or Ísafjörður Inn, you can top up in the nearest town. This simple planning helps you avoid last‑minute stress and ensures you always have what you need for breakfast, packed lunches, and relaxed dinners.
Finally, don’t forget to enjoy the local side of grocery shopping in Iceland. Supermarkets are a great place to discover Icelandic snacks, candies, and drinks you won’t find at home. Try different flavors of skyr, Icelandic chocolate, licorice, or local sodas. Bringing a few of these back to your room at Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, or Ísafjörður Inn is an easy way to end the day on a cozy note.
By combining smart grocery shopping with comfortable stays at Ourhotels.is properties across West Iceland and the Westfjords, you can keep your travel budget under control without sacrificing good food or convenience. With a bit of planning, your meals can be just as memorable as the waterfalls, fjords, and lava fields you’ve come to see.
