The best souvenirs from Iceland are the ones you can eat. They're more personal than a magnet, they travel well and they bring the trip back every time you open the bag.
Here are the edible souvenirs worth packing, plus where to buy them and what to know at U.S. customs.
1. Icelandic dried fish
Iceland's dried fish is the most Icelandic snack there is, and it's surprisingly suitcase-friendly: light, flat and shelf-stable. Bring a bag for yourself and one for the friend who will absolutely make a face before asking for more. Look for bags labeled harðfiskur (HARTH-fis-kur).
Customs: Dried fish is generally fine. The USDA doesn't regulate most seafood brought in by travelers. Declare it.
Tip: Double-bag it in zip-top bags so your clothes don't smell like the North Atlantic.
2. Licorice chocolate
Iceland's favorite candy combination: chocolate-covered licorice pieces and chocolate bars with licorice inside. They make great gifts, especially for anyone who claims to hate licorice.
Customs: Commercially packaged candy is generally fine. Declare it.
3. Craft chocolate
Iceland has a small but excellent craft chocolate scene, led by Reykjavík bean-to-bar maker Omnom, whose bars are known for their bold flavors and illustrated wrappers. They make an easy, compact gift.
4. Icelandic sea salt
Flaky Icelandic sea salt is a gift every cook will use. Saltverk, for example, makes salt in Iceland's remote Westfjords, using geothermal heat to evaporate seawater. Flavored versions, like birch-smoked, are especially good.
Customs: Fine. Declare it like any food.
5. Brennivín
Iceland's caraway-flavored schnapps, nicknamed "Black Death," is the classic bottle to bring home, especially if you tried it with fermented shark.
Customs: One liter of alcohol is duty-free per adult 21 and over. More is allowed but may be taxed. Pack it in your checked bag.
6. Icelandic herbal tea
Teas made with arctic thyme, birch leaves and other wild Icelandic herbs are light, unusual and easy to pack. Look in grocery stores and gift shops.
7. Smoked salmon or trout
Vacuum-packed smoked fish from the grocery store is a treat to bring home, as long as you keep it cold for the journey. Buy it on your last day and pack it near the top of your suitcase.
Customs: Seafood is generally fine. Declare it.
What to leave behind
- Skyr: Needs refrigeration and isn't clearly covered by customs guidance for travelers. Eat it there.
- Lamb, including smoked lamb: The USDA doesn't allow most sheep meat in luggage. Don't pack it.
- Anything without a label: Packaged, labeled products are easier at customs than homemade or loose items.
Where to buy them for less
Souvenir shops in downtown Reykjavík charge tourist prices for the same chocolate, licorice and dried fish you'll find at Bónus or Krónan for much less. Do your souvenir shopping at a big grocery store on your last day.
For alcohol, use the duty-free shop at Keflavík Airport. Remember that if you connect to another U.S. flight, you'll go through security again, so be ready to move bottles into checked luggage.
For the full rundown, read our U.S. customs guide for Icelandic food.
When the souvenirs run out
Here's the problem with edible souvenirs: they disappear. The dried fish goes first, usually within a week.
We're fixing that. HardFish brings wind-dried Icelandic cod to the U.S., with just cod and salt and about 84% protein. Join the founding list and we'll let you know when you can restock without a plane ticket.