Heilsudrekinn

Iceland is not a country you immediately associate with juice bars. The national diet historically revolved around whatever the sea, the sheep, and the volcanic soil could provide, and kale smoothies were not part of that equation. But Reykjavik has changed, and Heilsudrekinn is one of the small businesses leading that shift.

What It Is

Heilsudrekinn is a juice bar and health food shop on Laugavegur. It is not a restaurant in any conventional sense -- there are no hot meals, no table service, and no wine list. What there is, however, is a counter stocked with fresh fruits and vegetables, a collection of blenders that seem to run continuously, and a team that knows how to turn raw ingredients into drinks that taste genuinely good rather than merely virtuous.

The Drinks

The smoothies are the main attraction. Thick, well-balanced, and made with ingredients that have clearly been chosen for flavour as well as nutritional benefit. The ginger shots are powerful enough to clear your sinuses. The green juices manage to be palatable without drowning everything in apple juice, which is a rarer achievement than you might think.

Seasonal specials appear on the menu, taking advantage of whatever is freshest. In summer, you might find Icelandic blueberries making an appearance. In winter, the offerings lean towards warming ginger and turmeric combinations.

The Shop

Beyond the juice bar, Heilsudrekinn stocks a range of health food products, supplements, and snacks. It is a useful stop if you are looking for energy bars for a hike, protein supplements, or dried fruit that is not loaded with added sugar.

Practical Use

Heilsudrekinn works best as a quick stop during a walk down Laugavegur. Pop in, grab a smoothie or a fresh juice, and continue on your way. The space is small and not really designed for lingering, though there is enough room to stand and drink your order before heading back out.

It is closed on Sundays and shuts at 18:00 on weekdays, so it is strictly a daytime operation. Cards are accepted.

Who Should Go

Health-conscious travellers, vegans looking for something reliable, anyone recovering from a late Reykjavik night and in need of vitamins, or simply curious visitors who want to see this quieter side of Iceland's evolving food culture. It is not essential, but it is a pleasant surprise on a street better known for tourist shops and nightlife.