Bakarí Sandholt is the most famous bakery in Reykjavik — a fourth-generation family bakery (founded in 1920 and moved to the current Laugavegur location in 2013) that has become a mandatory stop for both locals and visitors and that anchors the city's booming artisanal bakery culture. The bakery's signature items include the snúður (a glazed cinnamon roll that is the Icelandic national pastry), sourdough loaves, open-faced sandwiches, and pastries made using European techniques adapted to Icelandic ingredients.
The storefront is bright, wood-lined, and consistently busy — the queue stretches out the door during morning rush, but usually moves quickly. Sit at the counter for a coffee and snúður, or take away to eat while walking Laugavegur. The Saturday-morning queue is a good snapshot of Reykjavik life: young families, hungover club-goers, elderly Icelanders, and tourists all mingling with no social stratification.
Verified Facts
Sandholt has been operating since 1920 and is a fourth-generation family business
The bakery moved to Laugavegur 36 in 2013
The snúður is the signature Icelandic pastry
The bakery is a mandatory stop on Reykjavik food tours
Get walking directions
36 Laugavegur, Þingholt, Reykjavík, 101, Iceland
