The South Coast of Iceland mixes ocean air, rugged landscapes, and long craft traditions. Shops and stalls along the coast and in small towns sell things you can actually use and enjoy at home.

This guide focuses on souvenirs you can find across the whole South Coast region, not just one town or city. It highlights locally made goods, small, easy-to-pack items, and how to judge real quality over tourist fluff.

What to Buy in South Coast Iceland: 12 Souvenirs Worth Bringing Home

1. Icelandic sea salt flakes

• Why it’s worth buying: Bright, clean salt from local seawater highlights coastal flavors. It’s lightweight and practical for cooking at home.
• Where to look: Coastal markets and food stalls near fishing harbors or farmers’ markets.
• Price range: $6–$18
• How to spot a good one: Look for coarse, slightly flaky crystals and minimal additives listed.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Put the packet inside a sealed plastic bag to prevent spills.

2. Dried seaweed snacks or seasoning

• Why it’s worth buying: Seaweed reflects local marine flavors and is enjoyed as a snack or seasoning. It is shelf-stable and travel-friendly.
• Where to look: Specialty food stalls, co-ops, and seaside producers’ tables.
• Price range: $5–$15
• How to spot a good one: Choose packages that list only seaweed and salt, with clear origin labeling.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Lay flat in carry-on or wrap between clothes in checked luggage for padding.

3. Hand-knit wool sweater

• Why it’s worth buying: A hand-knit wool sweater is warm, durable, and made from local fleece. It’s a practical garment you’ll actually use.
• Where to look: Craft shops, wool cooperatives, and regional markets.
• Price range: $120–$300
• How to spot a good one: Even stitches, natural fiber labels, and securely finished seams show quality.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wear it on the plane to save space and protect other items.

4. Wool mittens

• Why it’s worth buying: Mittens are compact, warm, and commonly knitted by local artisans. They are useful on cold trips home.
• Where to look: Market stalls, wool-focused shops, and craft fairs.
• Price range: $30–$80
• How to spot a good one: Dense, tight knitting and natural fiber content mean longer wear.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Tuck mittens inside shoes or small gaps to save space.

5. Handmade ceramics (mugs, bowls)

• Why it’s worth buying: Ceramics carry individual glaze work and regional styles that mass goods lack. They make good everyday pieces.
• Where to look: Gallery shops, craft markets, and pottery collectives.
• Price range: $25–$120
• How to spot a good one: Check for uniform glaze, a stable base, and small maker marks.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap pieces in soft clothing and place in carry-on if very fragile.

6. Lava stone or obsidian jewelry

• Why it’s worth buying: Jewelry made from volcanic glass or lava stone is uniquely local and lightweight. It’s a compact, wearable reminder.
• Where to look: Coastal craft stands, artisan galleries, and jewelry makers’ booths.
• Price range: $25–$90
• How to spot a good one: Secure settings and consistent polishing indicate careful craftsmanship.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Keep in a small padded box inside your carry-on.

7. Local honey or berry jam

• Why it’s worth buying: Regional honey and jam reflect local flora and seasonal berries. They’re tasty souvenirs to share.
• Where to look: Farm shops, local markets, and producer co-ops.
• Price range: $8–$25
• How to spot a good one: Short ingredient lists and producer details suggest small-batch production.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Vacuum-seal or wrap jars tightly and place in checked luggage with padding.

8. Driftwood or small carved wood piece

• Why it’s worth buying: Driftwood and small carvings reflect coastal materials and woodcraft skills. They add rustic character at home.
• Where to look: Beachside markets, craft fairs, and coastal artisans’ stalls.
• Price range: $15–$60
• How to spot a good one: Smooth finishes and stable joins mean a piece was well made.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap in cloth and place along soft layers to avoid crushing.

9. Small leather goods (card holder, coin pouch)

• Why it’s worth buying: Compact leather goods are useful, durable, and often hand-stitched by local makers. They suit everyday use.
• Where to look: Craft shops, artisan markets, and leather cooperatives.
• Price range: $20–$70
• How to spot a good one: Solid stitching, even edges, and full-grain leather indicate quality.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Slip leather goods into your carry-on pocket or a zipped pouch.

10. Hand-forged metal spoon or ornament

• Why it’s worth buying: Small metal items show local metalwork and make practical keepsakes. They are sturdy and long-lasting.
• Where to look: Metalwork studios, craft markets, and makers’ tables.
• Price range: $20–$50
• How to spot a good one: Solid joins, smooth finishes, and a maker’s mark show authenticity.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap metal items in clothing to prevent scratching other things.

11. Landscape prints or linocuts

• Why it’s worth buying: Prints capture local scenery and support regional artists. They’re flat and easy to transport.
• Where to look: Art markets, galleries, and printmakers’ stalls.
• Price range: $15–$60
• How to spot a good one: Crisp lines, signed prints, and numbered editions suggest genuine craftsmanship.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Slip prints into a rigid folder or roll in a sturdy tube for travel.

12. Herbal tea blends made from local herbs

• Why it’s worth buying: Local herbal blends showcase native plants and offer a calming taste of the region. They’re lightweight and shelf-stable.
• Where to look: Farm shops, herbalists, and market stalls.
• Price range: $6–$20
• How to spot a good one: Clear ingredient lists and small-batch packaging indicate higher quality.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Put tea packets in sealed bags to keep them dry during transit.

Quick buying tips for South Coast Iceland

• Most places accept cards; keep some cash for small rural vendors.
• Seal foods in vacuum bags and declare liquids to avoid airport surprises.
• Wrap fragile items in clothes and use a hard-shell carry-on for protection.
• Look for local postal services or vendor shipping when airlines limit liquids.
• Seek labels listing maker, town, and materials to confirm local production.
• Buy perishables late in your trip to ensure freshness for travel home.

Where to shop in South Coast Iceland

The South Coast offers a mix of small craft shops, open-air markets, and seaside stalls. You’ll find artisans working in studios behind shop fronts, and producers selling food items at farmers’ tables. Many goods are sold directly by makers, so you can ask about materials and methods.

Good places to start:
• Coastal markets near fishing harbors and visitor centers
• Regional craft fairs and seasonal markets in small towns
• Pottery and ceramic studios with gallery space
• Local food co-ops and farm shop counters
• Artisan galleries showcasing prints, jewelry, and metalwork
• Small wool and textile workshops or cooperatives

What to skip (common tourist traps)

• Mass-produced “Iceland” T-shirts with generic logos — low quality, widely available.
• Unlabeled food jars without ingredient or producer info — may be factory-made.
• Very cheap wool items with synthetic blends labeled as “wool” — check fiber content.
• Souvenir trinkets made from non-local materials marketed as local — verify origin.
• Plasticky jewelry with unrealistic “lava” coatings — prefer real stone or artisan pieces.
• Overpriced tour-shop copies of crafts — often low craftsmanship and poor value.

If you only buy three things

• Hand-knit wool sweater — practical and built to last through cold seasons.
• Sea salt flakes — lightweight, local flavor that improves cooking back home.
• Handmade ceramics — everyday usefulness and a reminder of regional craft.

FAQ

What is South Coast Iceland known for making?
South Coast Iceland is known for coastal food products, wool textiles, and craft goods. Local makers work with seaweed, salt, wool, wood, and volcanic materials. These materials shape the small-batch products sold across the region.

What are the best edible souvenirs from South Coast Iceland?
Sea salt flakes, dried seaweed, local honey, and berry jams are top edible picks. They travel well when sealed and showcase regional flavors without refrigeration. Always check packaging and declared ingredients for authenticity.

Are souvenirs expensive in South Coast Iceland?
Prices vary; small food items and prints are reasonably priced while hand-knit sweaters and ceramics cost more. Expect artisan goods to reflect labor and local materials, so budget accordingly. Shopping at markets and co-ops can offer fair value.

What is the easiest souvenir to pack from South Coast Iceland?
Flat prints, dried seaweed, and small tea packets are the easiest to pack and carry. They take little space and don’t need special handling. Put fragile items in carry-on if possible.

How do I know if something is truly local?
Check labels for the maker’s name, town, and listed materials to confirm local production. Ask the vendor about production methods and whether items were made in small batches. Local makers will usually give clear, specific answers.

Tip: Save your receipts, and keep fragile items in your carry-on.

About the Author 

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!

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