Food, supermarkets and alcohol in Iceland

Where locals shop

• Bónus (pink pig logo) — the cheapest national chain, shorter opening hours.
• Krónan — slightly pricier, better fresh produce and longer hours.
• Nettó — useful in smaller towns, some branches open late.
• 10-11 and petrol stations — convenient and very expensive; use only in an emergency.

Stock up before heading into the east or the Westfjords, where shops are far apart and may close early.

What to actually eat

Icelandic lamb, fresh cod and haddock, langoustine in the south, skyr for breakfast, rye bread, and the hot dog (pylsa) with everything on it. Fish soup at a harbour café is usually the best value hot meal in the country. Tap water is excellent everywhere; the faint sulphur smell in hot water is harmless and disappears from cold taps.

Alcohol and Vínbúðin

Beer, wine and spirits above 2.25% are sold only in state Vínbúðin shops, which keep limited hours and close on Sundays in most towns. Supermarket "beer" is low-alcohol. The cheapest legal option is the arrivals duty-free shop at Keflavík — buy there if you plan to drink at all. The legal drinking age is 20 and drink-driving limits are very low.

Self-catering strategy

Book at least half your nights with a kitchen or kitchenette. Breakfast and packed lunches from a supermarket cost a fraction of a café stop, and rural restaurants often stop serving early. Then spend the saving on one or two proper dinners. See what an Iceland trip actually costs.

Etiquette and tipping

Tipping is not expected — service is included and staff are paid properly. Cards are accepted everywhere, including in tiny villages. Shower without swimwear before entering any pool, and take your shoes off when entering a private home or some guesthouses.