Thorvaldsens Bazar
Thorvaldsens Bazar
5
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
About
The Thorvaldsens Association was founded in 1875 by a group of women in Reykjavik with the aim of giving back to the community. Thorvaldsen's first bazaar was held 4th to 5th. November 1876, selling hand-crafted items and other purchased items. Subsequently, bazaars were regularly held where women brought hand-made products, mainly knitted, and gave the profits to various issues where funding was needed, but especially to the Children's Fund after its establishment in 1906. In June 1901 the Thorvaldsens Bazar formally opened in its final housing at Austurstræti 4 and has been run by the women there ever since. From the beginning, Thorvaldsen's women have been volunteering at the bazar and giving their unselfish work for good causes, many of them knitt products that are for sale as well.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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Address
Neighborhood: Miðborg
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
31 reviews
Excellent
26
Very good
3
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Katrina Hansen
Moscow, Russia3 contributions
Solo
A very nice place! A good selection of sweaters and other knitted products, the most important thing is that each item has a tag and a name and you know who made it, you can feel the quality, everything is done by hand. It's wonderful how warmly every thing is done. Very nice staff. The money from the funds received goes mainly to charity for women suffering from various serious diseases. I liked the packaging, not a simple bag but a real fabric bag, beautiful) They care about the environment ❤️
Written January 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
KS Traveler
Leawood, KS6 contributions
Solo
The entire experience was a delight. Established in 1901 the Bazar features handcrafted Icelandic wools. Proceeds support children’s charities. The sweet volunteers manning the store were the icing on the cake. Much better than the chaos at the Handknitting Association. They put your beautiful purchases in crafted cloth bags.
Written July 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
No name
Vancouver, WA8 contributions
Couples
My husband and I went to this store yesterday to buy him an Icelandic sweater for his birthday. It is the oldest shop in Reykjavik and all of the shops proceeds go to charity. The sweaters are beautiful and made by volunteers in Iceland, they are also at a good price. Great store and great customer service, we are very happy with our purchase.
Written January 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
2429AKM
London, UK37 contributions
I really wanted an authentic Icelandic sweater and so finding the perfect one was a priority for me when we arrived in Iceland. We first tried looking in one or two of the more 'standard' tourist shops in Reykjavik and I was a bit disappointed by the selection available there. Then we happened upon this little gem of a shop. The sweaters that they stock are hand knitted and so even though they are marked as small or medium or large, etc. they still come out in slightly different shapes and sizes and colour and pattern variations and you do have to try a few on to find the right one, but I now have my own perfect Icelandic sweater (which, even in August, came in surprisingly handy as we went on to travel around the west side of the country!). This really is a beautiful, unique and very practical memento of my trip.
Written August 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SirenCall
Staunton, VA43 contributions
Business
This store has been in business since 1901. It stocks souvenirs that you won't find anywhere else. They source local folk artists, which the commercial stores don't. For instance, they source from an older woman who makes dolls/figurines -- perfectly true to historical reference. The shoes are even made out of fish skin, and the costumes are all hand knit by her. It is worth going slightly out of your way, especially if you are walking toward the Old Harbor (Maritime Museum or Volcano House is past this shop). To be specific, it is near the little Austurstraeti Square, walking toward the Old Harbor. If you are on the main shopping street (Langa something), start walking down the hill toward Old Harbor. You walk past the Tourist Information Center and across the boulevard (Nordic Store on the corner across the Street). Thorvaldsens is on the same block as the Nordic Store further down on Austurstraeti (Austurstraeti Square is actually further down....more located nestled into the vector of Kirkjustraeti and Posthusstraeti.
Written February 24, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ann S
Stafford, VA25 contributions
Family
My daughter and I were advised to visit this shop, since we both wanted to buy Icelandic sweaters during our visit to Iceland. The first day we went, it was closed for Easter (totally understandable). So we were very excited to go back later in the week (although my daughter had already bought her sweater somewhere else). The shopkeeper was so nice. She gave us her undivided attention, and helped me look through the racks of sweaters. I was able to try one on in her back room. She explained to us that women donate their knitted items to the shop, and the proceeds go towards charitable works. She also explained that some sweaters for sale in Iceland aren't made here, nor are they made from Icelandic wool. She was quick to say that she didn't want to be negative about the other places, and said they sell lovely sweaters, but that tourists should be aware if they want an authentic sweater. After 10 minutes or so, I picked out a sweater made by a woman named Dora. It's lovely! The prices here are reasonable, and as I recall, less expensive than other sweaters we saw throughout the country. Next, the shop keeper helped me pick out items for my niece's 8-month old twins -- matching socks and hats. So adorable. And the price for those was good, too. We bought a few other items, as well, including a cute, artsy scarf that's made out of both silk and wool. Interesting combination! I was sad not to be able to buy a different scarf/shawl that was made by a woman who recently had a stroke, so it's likely that was her last donated piece. It was lovely, but not big enough for me. The shopkeeper gave us a bonus gift with our purchase, a wooden Christmas ornament from 2015, which was very much appreciated! I highly recommend this shop. It's chock full of authentic Icelandic wool items, and more. And the shopkeeper is very helpful and friendly.
Written April 5, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
NewHampsterite
Andover, NH74 contributions
Family
This shop has been operating since the early 1900s and donates all profits to charity (particularly to children's and women's issues). The items are knitted by people in Iceland and are gorgeous! You'll find lovely (and unique) items here, and will do some good with your purchases. So skip the Icewear emporia (which often has imported sweaters anyway) and visit this lovely shop instead.
Written March 18, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sandy
Boston, MA34 contributions
Family
This amazing little store has many of the same knit ware as other shops have however, this is a non profit and completely run by volunteers. In fact, it is the oldest continuing run shop in the city and all profits go directly to children in need. I loved knowing I bought something here that helps children rather than any of the shops selling the same products for profit. Staff is super friendly and very caring.
Written March 12, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
K C
Galway, Ireland745 contributions
Couples
After reading about the traditional jumpers made from Icelandic sheep wool I had to get one for myself on my visit. All the tourist shops stock them so choosing a good quality one was difficult! I read about Thorvaldsens Bazar from a blog online that said the jumpers were handknitted voluntarily with the profits going to charity so it was the perfect place to get an authentic lopapeysa and while they're quite pricy it's worth it for a hand made product with the added bonus of proceeds going to charity. Found a lovely white zip up lopapeysa with a hood. It's so warm and cosy and definitely worth the money!
Written March 10, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ImaFarmer
Mansfield, MO72 contributions
Couples
Looking for that special sweater? Knit item? Go visit the wonderful people at Thorvaldsens FIRST... Their knitters are paid a fair wage for their handwork and all profits then go to the womens' and childrens' fund. The building has been open "forever" and the warmth of the ladies working the shop unmatched. I bought one sweater for myself, then had to return the next day for another sweater for our daughter.
Written January 24, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kenneth M
Montreal2 contributions
Where is the best variety of reindeer pelts in Reykjavik?
Stephanie D
Fort Myers, FL
Does this shop also sell blankets from Icelandic wool? All reviews mention sweaters/jumpers but not blankets. Thank you!
94gramann
Port Alberni, Canada18 contributions
I'm coming in March and would love to buy an authentic wool sweater in an extra large ladies. Can you please give me an idea of price, thanks for your help, Anne
Thorvaldsens Bazar (Reykjavik) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Thorvaldsens Bazar
- Thorvaldsens Bazar is open:
- Mon - Fri 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Sat - Sun 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- Hotels near Thorvaldsens Bazar:
- (0.01 mi) Jónshús Hotel Apartments
- (0.01 mi) Central Apartments
- (0.01 mi) City Center Hotel
- (0.08 mi) Apotek Hotel by Keahotels
- (0.09 mi) Hotel Borg by Keahotels
- Restaurants near Thorvaldsens Bazar:
- (0.01 mi) Shalimar
- (0.01 mi) Damasc Shisha Cafe
- (0.01 mi) Mandi
- (0.01 mi) Kebab husid, Grensasvegur
- (0.01 mi) 101 bistro