08/02/2026
There are few things more Icelandic than a lopapeysa (Icelandic wool sweater)... and we are completely obsessed!
In Iceland, it's almost a rite of passage. Nearly every child grows up with a hand-knit wool sweater made by their mom, grandma, or aunt (and these days, maybe even a few dads and grandpas are knitting too 😉).
Almost every Icelandic adult owns at least one. Vala has many—most lovingly knitted by her mom, one by her late grandma, and another by a friend's mom. Kate even has one that Vala's mom recently made just for her. ❤️
These sweaters aren't just beautiful—they're incredibly practical. Made from Iceland's unique dual-layer lopi wool, they repel moisture, block the wind, and trap body heat, keeping you warm even in Iceland's ever-changing weather.
If you don't have an Icelandic knitter in your family, our favourite place to find one is Litla Lopasjoppan (The Little Wool Shop) in Vala's hometown of Hella, just an hour from Reykjavík on the South Coast. Every sweater is hand-knit by local women. The shop's owner, Berglind Kristinsdóttir, is as warm and welcoming as the sweaters themselves—and you'll often find her sitting behind the counter with knitting needles in hand. 🧶
It's one of those special places where you don't just buy a sweater—you take home a piece of Icelandic tradition.
Have you ever owned an Icelandic wool sweater? Or is it on your Iceland wish list?
