Where to Buy Alcohol in Iceland?

There are rather strict rules about liquor stores in Iceland and the sale of alcohol. And you should also know that the sale of alcohol is heavily taxed so prices are high.

Supermarkets are not allowed to sell alcohol of any kind but most restaurants are allowed to sell alcohol. You can only buy alcohol in the government owned liquor stores named ÁTVR, usually called Ríkið or Vínbúðin in Icelandic. Twelve stores are operated in the capital area and one is located in the city centre.

Alcohol age in Iceland: People under the age of 20 are not allowed to buy alcohol of any kind in Iceland.

In most cases it is possible to buy take-away beers in most bars in most towns and villages. Admittedly, this is strictly speaking illegal but no one is paying any notice and local police is short-staffed and not likely to make fuzz. However, expect to pay much more for the bear from bars around Iceland, than in the ÁTVR store.

There are some areas of the country where you will have to drive quite a distance to find a state liquor store (ÁTVR). We therefore advised you to buy drinks before heading into the country.

TIPS: We definitely recommend that you buy alcohol in the Duty Free when you arrive in Iceland.  Every person can buy a certain amount of alcohol duty free. The rules about how much alcohol are clearly stated in the duty free store at the airport. The alcohol in the duty free is so much cheaper than in the liquor stores in Iceland!

Price of alcohol sold duty free at Keflavik airport

• Stella Artois beer 6x33cl (6×11.15oz) 9€
• Heineken beer 6x50cl (6×16.9oz) 10€
• Absolut vodka 1 liter (33.8oz) 18€
• Frescobaldi Romelo red wine 750ml (25.36oz) 11€

Liquor Stores in Iceland

click on the photo to see the stores.

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Liquor Stores in Iceland – Opening hours