Reykjavík Grapevine - aug. 2019, Síða 36

The Reykjavík Grapevine
Best of Reykjavík 2019
36 Best Homeware Shop
Geysir Heima
Skólavörðustígur 16
If you’re into Scandinavian style, you
should probably grab an inhaler before
entering Geysir’s Skólavörðustígur
homeware shop. From its iconic wool
blankets to woodsy scented candles
to minimalist glassware, the store con-
tains a diverse and tasteful selection
of Nordic style that’s bound to energise
you. For a break from the stimula-
tion, head down to their basement
exhibition space. As one panel member
put it: “Geysir is a part of Reykjavík, and
everything they do, they get it right.”
Runners Up
Epal
Harpa & Skeifan 6
Epal has been a mainstay of the Reyk-
javík design scene for more than 30
years. “They are the only one that sells
Scandinavian style like this, and I am at
the age where I want to collect pieces
for my home,” one panel member
explains. “For selection and price, Epal
is the best place for that.”
NORR11
Hverfisgata 18A
NORR11 is expensive, but even if you
can’t afford it, the shop is worth a trip
for the inspiration. The showroom
presents works from a multitude of
Nordic designers. “It’s like an art gallery
at times,” one panellist says. “I go in
there and leave with so many ideas for
projects.”
Previous Winners
2018: Geysir Heima
Best Bookstore
Bóksala Stúdenta
Sæmundargata 4
Located within the main building of
Háskóli Íslands, this university book-
store runs the gamut from speciality
academic texts to classics, new fiction,
notebooks and much more. “They have
everything you need there and you
often end up picking up new books
as you’re walking around,” one panel
member explained. Another plus? The
on-site coffee shop serves up what are
potentially the fairest priced coffees
in town, as does the Háskóli Íslands
cafeteria next door.
Runners Up
Bókin
Klapparstígur 25-27
Bókin is not a shop one goes to for the
newest, best-seller releases. No, it’s a
collectors-only locale made to wander
around and dig through. “It’s an adven-
ture. It’s chaotic. There are definitely
ghosts in there,” one panel member
said. “You walk around and wait for
something to call out to you.”
Books In The Back
Freyjugata 1
Reykjavík’s only dedicated art book
shop is located in the back of the
Harbinger gallery. Stocked with a
well-curated selection of independent
and self-published pieces, it fills a
much needed gap in the Reykjavík
scene. Stop by for everything from
the newest Icelandic poetry to local
children’s books.
Previous Winners
2018: Bókin
2017: Mál og Menning
2016: Eymundsson Austurstræti
2015: Sjónarlind
Best Record Store
Reykjavík Record Shop
Klapparstígur 35
Reykjavík Record Shop is a haven created by music nerds, for music
nerds. Presenting the best of the Icelandic and international scenes,
every piece has been meticulously curated to ensure that you’re
getting the crème de la crème of music, be it contemporary or clas-
sic. The real beauty of the shop, though, comes from its workers—
local musicians, DJs, and tastemakers who’ll give you a customised
experience. While the panel contained everyone from LP collectors
to casual listeners, they all had positive tales about the store. As
one panel member put it: “There’s no place like Reykjavík Records.”
Runners Up
12 Tónar
Skólavörðustígur 15
12 Tónar is known for its choice
selection of local music and old
rarities. Run by an Icelandic label, those
working there are so knowledgeable
about the scene they’ll hand select
records based on your taste. In the
basement, couches with CD players and
headphones provide a cosy listening
location.
Lucky Records
Rauðarárstígur 10
You can pretty much guarantee Lucky
Records will have at least one record
in any genre. Packed to the brim with
everything from techno to reggae, you
could easily spend a whole afternoon
crate digging in this grungy, punky
shop. “Make sure to look under the
tables for the old selections,” one panel
member urged.
Previous Winners
2018: Reykjavík Record Shop
2017: Lucky Records
2015-2016: Reykjavík Record Shop
2013-2014: Lucky Records
BEST OF REYKJAVÍK 2019
Shopping
Stuff is better than money anyway
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JUST ADD WATER
Visit the GALLERY for products handmade by
local artists and inspired the beauty of Icelandic
nature.
→ Volcanic lava jewellery
→ Wool, leather and stone products
We’re passionate about our products and about
helping you find something you’ll treasure.
WE’RE OPEN DAILY
Best prices in the city!

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