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The Best Ice Cream in Reykjavik (Yes, Even in Winter)
Reykjavik has a tradition that surprises many visitors. Even in freezing weather, people queue for ice cream. Finding the best ice cream in Reykjavik is part of local culture. From classic soft serve to small-batch gelato, the city offers plenty for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Why Icelanders Eat Ice Cream All Year
Ice cream has been popular in Iceland since the 1920s. Today, it is part of everyday life. Locals don’t wait for warm weather. They enjoy ice cream on cold, windy days as much as on sunny evenings.
A well-known tradition is the ísbíltúr. This means taking a drive just to enjoy ice cream. Many ice cream stands stay open late, even in winter. That alone says a lot about how much Icelanders love it.
The Best Ice Cream Shops in Reykjavik
Reykjavik has a strong ice cream scene. These shops stand out for quality, flavour, and experience.
Valdís
Valdís opened in 2013 near the Old Harbour and quickly changed how people in Reykjavik think about ice cream. Before Valdís, most places served only vanilla soft serve. This shop introduced artisan gelato, homemade waffle cones, and a menu that always features new and bold flavors.
The shop has tried more than 400 flavors, from salted licorice and rye bread to Turkish Pepper, beer, and even curry. They always have vegan sorbets made with fresh seasonal fruit. Since the flavors change every day, each visit brings something new.
Valdís has been named Reykjavik Grapevine's favorite ice cream shop for several years in a row. You can also visit their second shop on Frakkastígur Street, which is closer to the city center.
Address: Grandagarður 21 and Frakkastígur 10
Best for: Adventurous flavors, waffle cones, vegan sorbets
Ísbúð Vesturbæjar
This shop has been serving ice cream since 1971 and is as close as Reykjavik gets to an ice cream landmark. There’s almost always a long line outside, but that’s part of the experience.
Ísbúð Vesturbæjar is known for gamli ís, or old-style ice cream. It’s milk-based and has a lighter, icier texture than regular soft serve. Their signature treat is the Bragðarefur (the fox). You can pick a soft-serve base and add three mix-ins like candy, fruit, or sauce. It’s simple, customizable, and truly local.
Address: Hávallagata 1, Vesturbær
Best for: Traditional Icelandic soft serve, Bragðarefur, classic atmosphere
Skúbb
Skúbb is located near Laugardalur valley, just a short walk from the city's largest geothermal pool, Laugardalslaug. This boutique ice cream shop makes small batches with organic ingredients when possible and serves Italian-style scoops rather than soft serve.
The flavors are more refined, with options like Icelandic moss. Other flavors are sourdough, seasonal berry sorbets, and a popular vegan chocolate that visitors love. Skúbb also makes its own vegan waffles and wafer cones. It's a great place to visit before or after a swim.
Address: Laugardalur area, Reykjavik
Best for: Organic scoops, vegan-friendly options, artisanal flavors
Ísbúð Huppu (Huppa)
Huppa started in Selfoss in 2013 and has expanded across the capital area. Its name comes from a cherished family cow, highlighting Iceland’s dairy roots. The shop offers two kinds of ice cream: Sveitaís, a creamy farm-style base, and a lighter milk-based choice.
Huppa, like Ísbúð Vesturbæjar, offers its own version of the Bragðarefur, packed with Icelandic candy and sauces. With several locations, it’s easy to find a shop wherever you are in the city.
Best for: Family-friendly, customizable treats, multiple locations
Gaeta Gelato
Gaeta introduces Italian gelato to downtown Reykjavik. The shop was started by gelato makers with more than 25 years of experience. They serve authentic, handcrafted gelato made from traditional recipes.
Popular flavors include fig and ricotta, pistachio, and hazelnut. Vegan options are easy to spot. The shop is close to Ingólfstorg Square, so it’s a handy place to visit while sightseeing. Portions are large, and prices are reasonable for Reykjavik.
Best for: real Italian gelato, central location, and clear vegan choices
Omnom Chocolate Ice Cream Shop
More than just an average ice cream shop, Omnom is a part of the esteemed, award-winning Omnom Chocolate brand of Iceland. Enjoy their creamy, fresh vanilla soft serve, expertly finished with the brand's renowned chocolate toppings and sauces.
The shop is small, and seating is limited, so you might have to stand if it’s crowded. Prices are a bit high, but the quality makes it worth it. You can sample the chocolate before you decide what to order.
Best for: Chocolate lovers, premium soft serve, unique toppings
Eldur og Ís
Eldur og Ís means "Fire and Ice," which suits Iceland perfectly. This cozy café is located near the end of Skólavörðustígur, Reykjavik's well-known rainbow street. They offer ice cream and freshly made crêpes, making it a great spot to relax.
The menu changes often, with flavors ranging from classic Nutella to raspberry marshmallow. There are vegan and gluten-free choices too. The warm indoor seating is especially nice when the weather is cold.
Best for: Ice cream and crêpes, vegan options, cozy indoor seating
Unique Ice Cream Flavors to Try in Reykjavik
Ice cream shops in Reykjavik offer much more than just vanilla and chocolate. Here are some flavors you should try:
Salmiak (salty licorice): This is a classic Icelandic flavor. It might not be for everyone, but you should give it a try.
Turkish Pepper: This flavor combines sweet ice cream with intensely spicy licorice candy.
Rye bread: This earthy and dense flavor is surprisingly delicious as gelato.
Skyr: This is Iceland’s popular strained dairy product, now made into a creamy ice cream.
Hockeypulver: This ice cream is topped with a powdery licorice mix and is a local favorite.
Quick Tips for Visiting
Most shops are open every day and usually stay open until at least 10 p.m.
Popular places like Ísbúð Vesturbæjar and Valdís can get busy, so try to visit early or later in the evening to avoid lines.
You can pay by card almost everywhere, but it’s a good idea to have some cash with you just in case.
Feel free to ask for a sample before you order; most shops are happy to offer one.
Don’t miss out on the waffle cones. Many shops make them fresh right in the store.
Where to Start Your Reykjavik Ice Cream Trail
Reykjavik may not have a huge ice cream scene, but the shops here take their craft seriously. Each place on this list offers something unique and does it well. Try Valdís for bold gelato, line up at Ísbúð Vesturbæjar for a true local experience. If you want something a bit more refined, try Skúbb.
If you’re staying at Oddsson, you’ll be close to several of these spots. Just step outside, choose a direction, and follow the crowd.
FAQs
What is the best ice cream shop in Reykjavik?
Valdís and Ísbúð Vesturbæjar are local favorites. Valdís is known for creative gelato, while Ísbúð Vesturbæjar has served classic Icelandic soft serve since 1971.
What makes Icelandic ice cream different from regular ice cream?
Icelandic ice cream is usually made with local dairy and the traditional gamli ís method, which is a lighter, milk-based recipe with a unique icy texture. Some places, like Valdís, have tried over 400 flavors, including rye bread and salty licorice.
Which Reykjavik ice cream shops have vegan options?
Valdís has fruit-based vegan sorbets. Skúbb serves organic vegan scoops, including a popular vegan chocolate. Joylato makes coconut milk ice cream with liquid nitrogen.
What unique ice cream flavors are only found in Reykjavik?
You can find flavors like salmiak (salty licorice), Turkish Pepper, rye bread, skyr, and Hockeypulver. Valdís also offers unusual flavors such as beer and curry from time to time.
Why do Icelanders eat ice cream in winter?
In Iceland, eating ice cream is a year-round tradition, not just for summer. Many locals still enjoy the ísbíltúr, which is a special drive just to get ice cream.
