Reykjavik: Natural Icelandic Fragrance Creation Workshop

If you’ve ever wondered what Iceland smells like—beyond the volcanic air and mossy landscapes—this Natural Icelandic Fragrance Creation Workshop offers a fascinating, hands-on way to capture that essence. Located right in Reykjavik, this 3-hour experience is perfect for curious travelers eager to explore Iceland through its native scents, blending art, nature, and a splash of alchemy.

What makes this experience genuinely stand out is how it combines perfumery education with the raw beauty of Icelandic ingredients. The chance to craft your own bespoke perfume using wild botanicals and volcanic soils is a rare treat. However, it’s worth noting that this is a small, intimate workshop, so if you’re seeking a large-group tour or a whirlwind of sights, this might not be your best fit.

We particularly love the personalized aspect—being able to take home a 10ml bottle of your own creation that captures the elemental soul of Iceland. On the flip side, it requires a bit of curiosity and a willingness to get a little messy with scents, so those looking for a more passive experience might find it less appealing. This workshop is ideal for visitors who enjoy learning about local culture, natural ingredients, and creating something meaningful during their stay.

Key Points

• Native Ingredients: Focus on Icelandic botanicals, volcanic soils, and wild herbs.
• Hands-On Creation: You craft your own bespoke fragrance during the session.
• Expert Guidance: Led by scent alchemist Nicholas Brittain Shaber, founder of Ilmur & Sjór.
• Authentic Icelandic Scents: From mossy highlands to smoky birch and arctic herbs.
• Take-Home Memory: A personalized 10ml perfume plus a signature sample.
• Accessible & Flexible: Suitable for English speakers and wheelchair users, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Introduction: A Unique Aromatic Experience in Reykjavik

Exploring Iceland often involves dramatic landscapes—geysers, waterfalls, glaciers—but this experience offers a different perspective: the olfactory landscape of Iceland. The Reykjavik: Natural Icelandic Fragrance Creation Workshop is a delightful way to connect with the country’s essence through scent. It’s especially appealing for those who love the idea of turning nature into a personal keepsake.

The workshop is held in Hafnarhúsinu, a central Reykjavik location that’s easy to find in the city’s vibrant arts district. You’ll spend three hours learning how native ingredients, from mosses to volcanic minerals, can be blended into a harmonious perfume. The guidance from Nicholas Brittain Shaber, a composer and scent alchemist, adds a layer of artistry and authenticity that’s rare in typical tours.

What we appreciate about this experience is how it bridges Iceland’s natural beauty and creative expression. Plus, the small group size means personal attention and plenty of opportunity to ask questions or experiment with different scent combinations. The only consideration is that you’ll want to be open to getting a little hands-on with scents—this isn’t a passive demonstration.

This experience suits travelers who are interested in local culture, natural wellness, or unique souvenirs. It’s also a perfect activity for those wanting a relaxing yet engaging break from sightseeing, or even a special gift to remember Iceland by.

A Detailed Breakdown of the Experience

Meeting and Introduction

The workshop begins in Hafnarhúsinu, Tryggvagata 17, right in the heart of Reykjavik. You’re greeted by the instructor, who is fluent in English, and introduced to the concept of Icelandic perfumery. You’ll learn that the founder, Nicholas Brittain Shaber, started Ilmur & Sjór in winter 2023, combining his background as a composer with scent artistry. His passion for native ingredients shines through as he explains how Iceland’s landscape influences its fragrances.

Learning about Icelandic Scent Notes

The session kicks off with a brief “scent education,” where you discover how top, heart, and base notes interact. You’ll learn why certain scents—like smoky birch, arctic herbs, or moss—play a prominent role in Icelandic perfumery. The guide emphasizes how the landscape—from mossy highlands to mineral-rich earth—inspires these aromas.

One reviewer noted they appreciated “the way Nicholas explained how the volcanic soil contributes to the depth of the fragrance,” making the process more meaningful. Expect to see a variety of rare Icelandic ingredients and essential oils, carefully curated to reflect the raw beauty of the land.

The Creation Process

Once you understand the basics, it’s time to get creative. You’ll be guided through blending techniques that focus on balance and harmony. Using native ingredients—some sourced directly from Iceland’s wilds—you mix and match to craft your signature scent.

“Participants loved the playful, hands-on nature,” says one review, highlighting how fun it was to experiment with different combinations. “It felt like a true alchemical process,” another participant remarked.

You’ll be encouraged to trust your instincts, and the instructor is on hand for tips and suggestions. The goal is to craft a personalized 10ml bottle of perfume that captures your impression of Iceland.

The Final Touches and Takeaway

After your concoction is finalized, you’ll fill your own bottle and receive a travel-sized signature bottle from Ilmur & Sjór. The entire process is both educational and meditative, giving you time to reflect on Iceland’s landscape while creating a tangible memory.

Guests have shared that “the scent I made really captures the wild, elemental feeling of Iceland,” which makes it a wonderful keepsake. Plus, the workshop’s relaxed pace means there’s enough time to ask questions or simply enjoy the process.

What Makes This Workshop Special?

The Use of Native Icelandic Ingredients

One of the most distinctive aspects is the focus on locally sourced, native ingredients. Whether mosses from the mossy highlands or volcanic minerals, these elements lend an authentic Icelandic character to your perfume. This isn’t a generic perfumery class with imported oils; it’s about capturing the land’s spirit.

Expert Guidance from a Scent Alchemist

Nicholas Brittain Shaber’s background as a composer and scent artist adds depth to the experience. His ability to explain complex blending concepts in an accessible way makes this workshop approachable rather than intimidating.

The Personal Touch

Creating your own perfume means you leave with a unique, handcrafted fragrance—something that’s both a souvenir and a piece of art. The fact that you can take home a 10ml bottle makes it practical for travel and future enjoyment.

Accessibility and Flexibility

The workshop is wheelchair accessible and conducted in English, making it inclusive for a wide range of travelers. The free cancellation policy up to 24 hours beforehand adds peace of mind for those with changing plans.

Price and Value Analysis

At $207 per person, this experience might seem a little premium, but it’s important to consider what’s included: personal guidance, rare ingredients, your own perfume, and an educational journey into Icelandic scents. It’s a highly personalized activity that offers more than just a souvenir—it’s an engaging, creative process rooted in Iceland’s landscape.

Compared to typical souvenir shops or generic perfume stores, this workshop delivers an authentic, memorable, and artisanal product. If you’re someone who appreciates craftsmanship and natural ingredients, the value becomes even clearer.

The Sum Up

This Reykjavik: Natural Icelandic Fragrance Creation Workshop is an authentic and creative way to connect with Iceland’s landscape through scent. Whether you’re a lover of natural products, a curious traveler, or looking for a meaningful souvenir, this experience offers a rare blend of education, artistry, and nature.

The small-group setting, expert guidance, and focus on native ingredients make it a genuinely special activity in Reykjavik. It’s ideal for those who want to indulge their senses, learn something new, or come away with a bespoke fragrance that embodies Iceland’s wild, elemental charm.

While it might not be perfect for those seeking a quick or large-scale tour, it offers tremendous value for anyone wanting a more intimate, creative, and memorable Reykjavik experience.

FAQ

Is the workshop suitable for non-English speakers?
Yes, the workshop is conducted in English, making it accessible for most travelers.

How long does the workshop last?
It lasts approximately 3 hours, providing enough time for learning, blending, and creating your perfume.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the location easy to find?
Yes, it’s held at Hafnarhúsinu, Tryggvagata 17, which is centrally located in Reykjavik.

Do I need to bring anything?
It’s recommended to bring water and a snack if you want to keep your creativity fueled during the session.

Is the workshop wheelchair accessible?
Yes, it is designed to be accessible for wheelchair users.

Will I get to take home my creation?
Absolutely, you’ll leave with a 10ml bottle of your own bespoke perfume and a signature sample.

Are native Icelandic ingredients really used?
Yes, the focus is on native ingredients like moss, volcanic soils, and Arctic herbs, sourced from Icelandic landscapes.

Is this experience suitable for children or teenagers?
The data does not specify age restrictions, but it’s generally suitable for those interested in scents and craftsmanship.

If you’re eager to explore Iceland through more than just sights—perhaps through smells and sensations—this workshop is a wonderfully unique option. It offers a taste of Iceland’s wild beauty, distilled into a personal fragrance you’ll cherish long after your trip ends.