reykjavik
Kolaportið — Reykjavík Flea Market
About Kolaportið — Reykjavík Flea Market
Kolaportið is open Saturdays and Sundays 11:00–17:00 in a warehouse at Tryggvagata 19 near the Old Harbour. Entry is free. The market is divided roughly into second-hand goods (books, clothes, antiques, records, handicrafts) and Icelandic traditional food. Food highlights: Hákarl (fermented shark — an acquired taste), harðfiskur (dried fish, eaten as snack with butter), hangikjöt (smoked lamb), rúgbrauð (dense rye bread), skyr, pickled herring. Most vendors offer samples. Second-hand treasures: Icelandic wool sweaters (lopapeysur) at 30–50% cheaper than new; Icelandic-language books; vinyl records; vintage clothing; antiques. Haggling is acceptable and expected. The atmosphere is crowded, loud, friendly. Locals shop seriously for bargains; tourists wander bemused. It's one of the most authentic Icelandic experiences in Reykjavík.
🐉 Where Iceland Sells Its Past
Every Icelandic family has sold something at Kolaportið — old books, grandmother's sweater, a set of skis. The market is where Iceland's past circulates, one króna at a time.
📖 History of Kolaportið — Reykjavík Flea Market
Kolaportið opened 1989 as Reykjavík's first permanent flea market. The name means 'Coal Harbour' — a reference to the old coal storage area that once occupied the site. The market was initially tiny but has grown to fill the entire warehouse.
💡 Did You Know?
Hákarl (fermented shark) was born of necessity — Greenland shark is poisonous when fresh, so Icelanders learned to ferment it for months until the toxins broke down. The smell and taste are... intense.
Key Facts
Open Sat–Sun 11:00–17:00 only
In warehouse at Old Harbour since 1989
Free entry
Famous for hákarl (fermented shark)
Best place to buy second-hand lopapeysur sweaters
💎 Hidden Gems
The Icelandic Book Section
Even if you can't read Icelandic, the vintage book section is fascinating — Iceland publishes more books per capita than anywhere, and the variety here is extraordinary.
Rúgbrauð Samples
The dark rye bread (rúgbrauð) vendors give generous samples. It's dense, sweet, slightly sour — traditionally baked underground using geothermal heat. Much better than hákarl.
🕐 Best Time
Sat mornings for best selection
🚗 Access
Tryggvagata 19, Old Harbour
⏱ Duration
1–2 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I try hákarl?▾
Once, for the story. Hold your nose, swallow fast, chase with brennivín (aquavit). Don't chew.
Can I haggle?▾
Yes — especially on clothes and books. Vendors expect it.
📍 GPS Location
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