A Guide to Grocery Shopping in Rural Iceland

 

Look, traveling through Iceland's countryside is amazing, but you've got to think ahead about the basics. Rural areas don't have shops on every corner like cities do, and sometimes you're driving for miles without seeing anything.
Knowing where to find Icelandic groceries and what you're actually getting into makes everything way easier. Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore those remote spots while keeping your snacks and essentials stocked.

What Rural Shops Are Really Like

Most small towns have one main shop that covers the basics. We're talking bread, milk, cheese, canned stuff, and frozen goods. Fresh vegetables and fruits? Yeah, don't expect the same variety you'd see in a city supermarket.

Some places close early or have weird weekend hours. Trust me, checking the opening times before you drive out there saves you from that "are you kidding me" moment when you find a closed door.

Here's the thing about gas stations in remote areas, they're lifesavers. They sell snacks, drinks, and simple meals when everything else is shut down. Just know that prices are higher than regular stores because, well, getting stuff out there costs money.

Planning Where You'll Shop

Mapping out an Iceland grocery store on your route is smart. The southern and western coasts have more towns with shops than the middle of nowhere up in the highlands. If you're heading somewhere really remote, stock up in the bigger towns first.

Some rural stretches go 50 miles or more with zero services. Bringing a cooler in your car helps keep things fresh during those long drives. Bottled water, stuff you can eat right away, and snacks that won't go bad work great for day trips into areas where there's literally nothing.

The Main Stores You'll See

Several chains run Iceland grocery stores all over, even in smaller towns. Bonus and Kronan pop up in lots of places outside Reykjavik. You'll also find Netto and Samkaup serving rural areas. They're pretty similar in what they sell and what you'll pay.

Some villages have local co-ops too. These community-run shops stock the basics and sometimes have local products you won't find elsewhere. Plus, shopping there helps out the local economy while getting you what you need.

Shopping Tips That Actually Help

• Grab enough supplies for at least two days when you're leaving town

• Check if where you're staying has a kitchen before buying a bunch of ingredients

• Bring reusable bags; most stores charge you for plastic ones

• Keep some cash on you since smaller shops sometimes have issues with card machines

Renting a car is honestly the way to go. It lets you reach stores in Iceland that buses don't get to. Having your own wheels means you can stop when you need something instead of rationing what you've got or just going without.

Wrapping This Up

Shopping for groceries in rural Iceland takes more planning than a quick city run. Shops are far apart, they keep different hours, and you won't find the same selection as urban supermarkets.

But here's the good news: planning your stops around where stores actually are and loading up in bigger towns makes exploring those remote areas so much easier.

With a rental car and a little prep work, you can enjoy Iceland's incredible countryside without stressing about where your next meal's coming from. For more information, visit our website today at Hertz Iceland.