Fischersund

Fischersund occupies a restored old house just off one of Reykjavik’s main downtown streets – a place most people recognize by the scent drifting out before they spot the sign. The building keeps its original character: exposed beams, old nails, and creaky floorboards throughout. Inside, the main room is set up with rows of bottles and testers ready for sampling. In colder months, coats end up drying near the fire, which runs most days and adds a hint of smoke to the air. Perfumes are the main draw here. Every scent is made in Iceland, drawing on local plants and landscapes – birch, moss, driftwood, wild herbs. Near the entrance, discovery sets let visitors try a few at once, while candles and home scents line the side wall. Those who book ahead can join the Scent Journey, which usually takes place in the back or downstairs. This is a guided walk through each fragrance, with stories about the making process, occasional poetry or music, and sometimes a glass of Icelandic schnapps. The downstairs exhibition space rotates through displays – sometimes art, sometimes more about how the scents come together. The setup encourages lingering. The aroma is immediate as the door opens, and there’s space to sit or stand during tours. Most of the experience is in English, and background on each scent is easy to get for anyone interested. Fischer is an easy walk from anywhere in the city center. The shop is run by the Sigurðsson family – Jónsi from Sigur Rós is part of the team – and you’ll spot references to poetry and music throughout the space. Booking is recommended for the tours, but it’s fine to drop in to browse or sample during open hours.