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Kringlan — Reykjavík's Main Shopping Mall

Kringlan is Reykjavík's largest and most popular shopping mall, located 3 km east of downtown. The mall has 180+ stores including international brands (H&M, Zara, Pandora), Icelandic fashion, outdoor gear (66°North, Icewear), bookstores (Eymundsson), supermarket (Bónus), food court and cinema. Kringlan is where Reykjavík locals shop for clothing, household goods and groceries — a functional shopping destination rather than tourist attraction, but useful for practical purchases.

About Kringlan — Reykjavík's Main Shopping Mall

Kringlan is Reykjavík's largest and most popular shopping mall, located 3 km east of downtown. The mall has 180+ stores including international brands (H&M, Zara, Pandora), Icelandic fashion, outdoor gear (66°North, Icewear), bookstores (Eymundsson), supermarket (Bónus), food court and cinema. Kringlan is where Reykjavík locals shop for clothing, household goods and groceries — a functional shopping destination rather than tourist attraction, but useful for practical purchases.

History & Background

Kringlan opened 1987 as Iceland's first modern shopping mall. Expanded 1997 and 2010. The name 'Kringlan' means 'the circle' — referring to the roundabout the mall sits beside. Became Reykjavík's main shopping destination and remains so despite competition from newer malls (Smáralind in Kópavogur).

Did You Know?

  • Opened 1987 — Iceland's first modern mall
  • 180+ stores over 3 floors
  • 66°North, Icewear for Icelandic outdoor gear
  • Bónus supermarket for cheap groceries
  • Free parking, bus connections from downtown

Tours Near Kringlan — Reykjavík's Main Shopping Mall

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About Kringlan — Reykjavík's Main Shopping Mall

Kringlan Shopping Mall opened 1987 and expanded multiple times. Located at Kringlunni 4-12, about 3 km east of downtown Reykjavík. The mall has three floors with 180+ stores, food court, cinema and parking. **Key Stores:** - **Icelandic Outdoor Gear:** 66°North (premium outdoor clothing), Icewear (mid-range wool/outdoor gear), Geysir (Icelandic design) - **International Fashion:** H&M, Zara, Pandora, Vero Moda, Jack & Jones - **Bookstores:** Eymundsson (Iceland's largest bookstore chain, English books available) - **Supermarkets:** Bónus (discount supermarket, cheapest groceries), Hagkaup (upscale supermarket) - **Electronics:** Elko, Tölvutek - **Food Court:** International fast food, Icelandic cafés - **Cinema:** Smárabíó multiplex **Hours:** Mon–Fri 10:00–19:00, Sat 10:00–18:00, Sun 13:00–18:00. Supermarkets have longer hours. Free parking. Bus connections from downtown (routes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6).

History & Background

Kringlan opened 1987 as Iceland's first modern shopping mall. Expanded 1997 and 2010. The name 'Kringlan' means 'the circle' — referring to the roundabout the mall sits beside. Became Reykjavík's main shopping destination and remains so despite competition from newer malls (Smáralind in Kópavogur).

Story & Folklore

Kringlan is not romantic — it's a 1980s shopping mall with fluorescent lights, chain stores and a food court. But it's where Reykjavík actually shops. For visitors, Kringlan is useful for practical purchases: Icelandic wool sweaters at 66°North (outdoor gear company), groceries at Bónus supermarket (Iceland's cheapest), books at Eymundsson, camping gear at outdoor stores. Prices are lower than downtown boutiques, selection is better, and you'll shop alongside locals rather than tourists. The mall is also a glimpse into everyday Icelandic life — Saturday afternoons Kringlan is packed with families shopping, teenagers hanging out, elderly couples having coffee. It's ordinary, suburban, functional — and that's exactly what makes it authentically Icelandic in a way that downtown boutiques aren't.

Visitor Information

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Duration

1–3 hours

Access

Kringlunni 4-12 — bus routes 1,3,4,5,6 or drive (free parking)

Why Visit

Kringlan is Reykjavík's largest and most popular shopping mall, located 3 km east of downtown.

Did You Know?

Bónus supermarket (in Kringlan basement) is Iceland's discount grocery chain with the lowest prices in the country — stock up on snacks, bread, cheese and yogurt here before road trips.

Where Icelanders Actually Shop

Tourists buy wool sweaters in downtown boutiques for 30,000 ISK. Locals buy them at Kringlan for 18,000 ISK. Same sweater.

Hidden Gems Nearby

Bónus Supermarket for Road Trip Supplies

The Bónus in Kringlan basement is the cheapest place in Reykjavík to stock up on road trip food: skyr, rúgbrauð (rye bread), cheese, dried fish, chocolate, instant coffee.

Eymundsson Bookstore English Section

The Eymundsson bookstore has an excellent English-language section including Icelandic sagas in translation, local crime fiction and Nordic noir.

Practical Information

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Duration

1–3 hours

Access

Kringlunni 4-12 — bus routes 1,3,4,5,6 or drive (free parking)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper than downtown?

Yes — especially for outdoor gear, groceries and books. Downtown has tourist markup; Kringlan has local pricing.

Can I buy Icelandic wool sweaters?

Yes — 66°North and Icewear both sell lopapeysur (Icelandic wool sweaters) at lower prices than downtown boutiques.

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