Everything You Need to Know About Smoking & Cannabis in Reykjavík

Like many countries, Iceland has seen a considerable amount of change in the attitudes and laws towards smoking cigarettes since the beginning of the 21st century. If you are someone who enjoys smoking and plan to visit Iceland, you might want to understand more about the laws and etiquette for smoking in Reykjavík so that you are respectful towards the culture of the locals.

You might be interested to know that Iceland is the nation with the fewest smokers. Statistics show that less than 15% of Icelanders consider themselves to be daily smokers. A further 7% stated that they smoke on occasion only. Iceland is similar to many other countries where a better lifestyle has affected individuals’ choice to not smoke, and the availability of vaping is giving Icelanders an alternative way to enjoy a similar act to smoking.

Here, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about smoking in Reykjavík, as well as information on the laws around marijuana and CBD products in Iceland.


Man in glasses smoking outside in a coat and scarf.

Smoking Laws in Iceland

Smoking cigarettes is legal in Iceland. However, there are several laws concerning where people can smoke cigarettes, which came into effect in June 2007. Like many countries, in Iceland, it is no longer legal to smoke inside any public buildings. This includes offices, shops, restaurants, bars, schools (including the grounds outdoors), and other similar buildings – basically anywhere that is not in the comfort of someone’s private home and where you may expose others to the effects of second-hand smoke.

Purchasing Cigarettes in Iceland & Prices

The legal smoking age in Iceland is 18, and so you must also be this age to purchase cigarettes. Cigarettes can typically be found in grocery stores and newsagents, and sometimes at bars. Tobacco products are not allowed to be openly displayed in Iceland, unless within a specialist tobacco store. 

How much do cigarettes cost in Iceland? Well, it depends on which brand you buy, whether you buy loose tobacco and roll your own, and where you buy it all from! To give you an idea, though, many popular brands of cigarettes are available, like Marlboro and Lucky Strikes, as well as many other brands, and they cost roughly anywhere between 1500 and 1900 ISK, or around $14/£10 for a pack of 20.*

In many cases, places like bars and restaurants have designated smoking areas outdoors where people who wish to smoke a cigarette can go. These areas typically have some sort of shelter and a way to dispose of cigarette butts so that they are not left on the ground.

Man in an Icelandic sweater lighting a cigarette in front of a body of water.

Smoke Respectfully

While smoking is becoming a smaller and smaller part of Icelandic life and culture, most locals are tolerant of smoking visitors so long as they do so respectfully. Here are a few tips to help you make sure you stay respectful while smoking in Iceland:

  • If you are in a busy outdoor area, move away from people or ask them if they mind you smoking if it’s not possible to get away.
  • When in a restaurant or bar, ask the staff where the designated smoking area is located.
  • Avoid smoking in cars. Not only is this a distraction if you are driving, but it can also disturb other passengers or make the car smell.
  • Make sure to dispose of your cigarette butts in a respectful way. In Reykjavík, there are plenty of cigarette disposal bins where you can dispose of them.

If you’re preparing for a trip to Iceland, find out more about the country’s culture and browse our rental cars to find the perfect one for your trip!  

Are Marijuana Products Legal in Iceland?

With some countries beginning to relax laws around the legalisation of “weed” and products like CBD, many tourists wonder where the laws fall in Iceland.

Is Marijuana Legal in Iceland?

No, smoking or possessing marijuana is not legal in Iceland. Iceland also does not have a widespread programme regarding the use of medical marijuana. This means that you will not be able to bring your own medical marijuana into the country, even if you have a prescription from a medical professional from your country of origin. 

 

Being found in possession of marijuana or smoking it will likely result in a fine, somewhere in the region of $500. First-time offenders are unlikely to face any harsher consequences, like jail time. 

Is CBD Legal in Iceland?

Many individuals use CBD oils to help ease symptoms of conditions like anxiety, epilepsy, and even pain or inflammation. In Iceland, CBD products containing less than 0.2% THC are legal and available; however, regulations tend to be stricter for ingestible products, including oils, tablets, capsules, and edibles. These require a prescription and are subject to approval by authorities in Iceland. 

In addition, only certain CBD products that are approved by the EMA (European Medicines Agency) or the IMA (Icelandic Medicines Agency) are allowed to be sold. This makes the list of approved and available items in Iceland quite limited.

*Prices are up to date as of August 2025.

 

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