6 quick tips for a quick pick
- Ask a local whether berry season has already started. You might even get good advice on where to start searching!
- Always be prepared! Keep a plastic container, breadbox, empty skyr cup, etc. in the car in case of a berry-emergency
- A lot of cars parked together and a crowd of people rummaging around in the grass? That’s probably a good spot. (make sure that you park correctly and not just at the side of the road)
- Scared about picking the wrong berries? Don’t worry, none of the berries in Iceland will kill you. In the worst case, they don’t taste that good, but you’ll be fine.
- Don’t pick bog bilberries or bilberries after night frost – it gets very messy.
- Did you pick too many berries? Throw them in a pot with some sugar and cook your very own berry jam. Is there a better souvenir?
The berries to look for
We have many different types of berries that grow wild in Iceland. People often hesitate to pick berries due to the fear of eating the wrong ones. But don’t be afraid: there are no poisonous berries in Iceland.
AÐALBLÁBER - BILBERRY OR EUROPEAN BLUEBERRY
is glossy and dark in color, almost turning black. They are dark red on the inside, juicier, and sweeter than bog bilberries. Though one can find the
European blueberries grow all over Iceland, they are most common in the west and north and taste great – in everything!
Krækiber - Crowberry
is small, black, and firm, and easy to spot on the light green branches you’ll find them on. The crowberry is less sensitive to frost and can also be picked later in autumn.
Their acidity complements the sweetness of other berries, and they are therefore often used for jellies and juices.
Bláber - Bog bilberry
is purple and matte, with green and/or white pulp and sweet.
They are very versatile, and you’ll find a great variety of bog bilberry produce in Iceland: liqueur, skyr, jams, cakes, ice cream, desserts, beer, and juices. And have you ever tried bilberry-soup? Here’s your chance!