Thorvaldsens Bazar
Thorvaldsens Bazar
5
10:00 AM - 6:00 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.
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Neighborhood: Miðborg
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
35 reviews
Excellent
30
Very good
3
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
0
2429AKM
London, UK45 contributions
Aug 2020
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SirenCall
Staunton, VA51 contributions
Feb 2015 • 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ann S
Stafford, VA25 contributions
Apr 2016 • 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NewHampsterite
Andover, NH73 contributions
Mar 2019 • 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandy
Boston, MA34 contributions
Mar 2017 • 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
K C
Galway, Ireland721 contributions
Mar 2016 • 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ImaFarmer
Mansfield, MO67 contributions
Jan 2016 • 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jonathan B
Kansas27 contributions
Jun 2015 • Friends
Saw this on the iHeartReykjavik blog and had to see for myself. I wanted a lopapeysa and an Icelandic wool blanket. I got the lopapeysa from this place - it's hand knitted and some of the proceeds go to a local childrens hospital. Would highly recommend.
Written June 24, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mairekennedybooks
County Kildare, Ireland91 contributions
Nov 2017 • Couples
This amazing shop in Reykjavic has a great story: founded by a group of young women in 1875, volunteers make and sell woollen products and the profits support children's charities. Inside it's a wonderland for knitted sweaters, hats, gloves and other woolly items. The prices are good and the cause is excellent. I bought some lovely rolls of wool to take home and knit myself.
Written December 5, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DebJPA
Phoenixville, PA56 contributions
Jan 2017
Nice selection of Icelandic sweaters, hats, mittens etc. Prices fair compared to other places and proceeds go to a good cause which is an added bonus. I bought a sweater and my husband a hat which we both enjoy.
Written January 30, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Where is the best variety of reindeer pelts in Reykjavik?
Written July 15, 2018
Stephanie D
Fort Myers, Florida
Does this shop also sell blankets from Icelandic wool? All reviews mention sweaters/jumpers but not blankets. Thank you!
Written September 19, 2017
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
Written January 24, 2017
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