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The Essentials to Pack for a Visit to Iceland

There are many essentials that you will need to pack for a trip to Iceland. See my list of essentials to pack here, for a trip to Iceland at any time of the year.

What you ultimately pack for a trip to Iceland obviously also depends on how long you will be visiting Iceland and what season you are visiting in.

But there are essentials that you will need in Iceland no matter what time of year you are visiting, and no matter how long you will be visiting there for.

Even a one day layover in Iceland is enough for you to visit sights such as the Blue Lagoon, Reykjavik, and maybe do a little bit of touring on the Golden Circle.

On a longer trip to Iceland you could take in waterfalls and geysers. Maybe do some hiking, whale watching and so much more.

Iceland is a colder country, but depending on the season temperatures do differ.  Icelandic weather can also be quite unpredictable. It is possible to experience a lot of different weather conditions in just one day, and it also can get very windy too.

The warmest time to visit Iceland is the summer.  But summer of course in Iceland is not the summer as you know it in other countries and parts of the world. Temperatures in the summer range around 50-55 F on average.  Winter temperatures in Iceland can plummet to 36F on average (many times far below that), with spring temperatures on average 39 to 50F, and fall on average of 39-50F.

Because Iceland is a very expensive country to visit I recommend purchasing and taking what you will need with you. Buying clothing and supplies while in Iceland is very expensive, and also you will not have as much choice as you will have at home (see my Budget Travel guide to Iceland here for tips and advice on saving money)

This guide is a general guide for packing for a trip to Iceland, which applies to any season and time of year that you visit Iceland.

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The Best Clothing for a Trip to Iceland

Layers are the way to go for a trip to Iceland.  The weather can change so quickly, and layers ensure you can layer up or down as you need to. Layers also work well for whatever season and time of year you are visiting.

You can be very cold outside, and then once you go inside anywhere you will quickly be extremely hot in all your clothing, so layers are perfect for removing and adding items of clothing as you need to.

Waterproof clothing is also essential for any trip to Iceland. It can rain or snow, and many of the sights that you visit such as waterfalls can splash you very easily!

The guide I have put together here are the essentials for a trip to Iceland at any time of the year.  Seasons do vary in Iceland, and it is possible that you will have milder or harsher weather on any trip to you take there.

Items to Pack for a Trip to Iceland Year Round

Toiletries

Toiletries, like anything in Iceland, can be expensive to purchase when there. So pack what you possibly can carry with you to Iceland.

If you will be visiting the blue lagoon, take a deep conditioning treatment for your hair.  You can use this treatment during your dip in the pool, and also afterwards to prevent Lagoon hair.

A clarifying shampoo is also recommended for after you take a dip in the Blue Lagoon.  Wash your hair afterwards several times with a clarifying shampoo, then apply a deep conditioning treatment.

See my Guide here to Visiting the Blue Lagoon.

Lip Balm is essential for all seasons, as your lips can get chapped and cold, and Iceland can also be windy too.

Take sunscreen too. Even though Iceland is not a sunshine destination, those rays can get through still and Iceland can have sunny days.

A small first aid kit is recommended.  You can either purchase the first aid essentials such as band aids, or purchase a pre-packed small travel first aid kit.

Footwear

Good footwear is essential for a trip to Iceland, and I don’t say that lightly. As somebody who went on my first trip to Iceland with the wrong footwear completely, please trust me on this!

Any footwear you take to Iceland should ideally be waterproof and have good non-slip soles. 

If you will be visiting outdoor sites they can be slippery, especially as many of them involve water.  It also gets icy and snowy at certain times of the year too.

Hiking boots are essential if you will be doing a lot of outdoor exploring of the sites and walking around a lot. Make sure they are not too clunky and heavy if you will be walking around a lot. Because Iceland is pretty cold for most of the year make sure they are warm too.

Snow boots are great to take if you have the room. They should be waterproof and have non-slip soles, and be comfortable to walk around in.  

My choice here – Sorel Women’s Joan of Arctic Snow Boots

If you are planning on going out to the bars and restaurants in Reykjavik, you may want to consider packing some going out shoes.  However the only season that you can really use these in is the summer in Iceland.  It is better to take more versatile all-round shoes, especially ones that are slip-proof and waterproof.

See my Guide to the Best Walking Shoes for Travel

Hat

You will need something to keep your head warm, and a knitted hat is your best choice. Fleece-lined hats are also a great choice. A knitted wool hat will keep the heat in well.

Even in the summer there are times when you will need a hat. If you go on any outdoor trips it can be cold, especially water-related outdoor trips.

My choices here: Winter Beanie Thermal Polar Fleece Hat for Men and Women.
Pendleton Women’s Cable Hat

 

 

Scarf

When it is cold I always feel it around my neck, therefore I recommend a good warm scarf that you can wrap around yourself. A long chunky wrap around scarf will keep you the most warm.

My choice here – Women’s Thick Rib Knit Infinity Circle Loop Scarf

Sunglasses

While you may think that visiting Iceland is not a sunny destination, it can have sunny days, and especially on winter days the sun can be glaring.

You can also use these to help you sleep too if the constant daylight affects your sleep.

Sleep Mask

If you are visiting Iceland in the summer it stays light for a full 24 hours. You may find it hard to sleep with the light and a good sleep mask that you can place over your eyes will be essential.

Gloves

These are essential for running around outside in the cold. Mittens are known to be warmer, but hard to use with a smart phone, which you are bound to need to use for photos and more as you are touring around.

Touchscreen gloves will make keeping warm and using your phone so much easier. Insulated gloves will be very welcome when it is so cold.

My choice here – Isotoner Spandex Cold Weather Stretch Gloves with Fleece Liner

Socks

Warm socks are another essential for visiting Iceland. Consider several good pairs of wool socks. Wool is the very best for heat insulation and for comfort too.

Some people also swear by waterproof socks too for a visit to Iceland, as especially if it is cold and rainy your feet can get wet, even in boots.

Quick Drying Towel

It is very easy to get wet in Iceland, and not just when you are swimming or dipping in the water! Therefore a towel is a good thing to take with you so you can dry yourself off at any time.

However, unless you have tons of room in your luggage, you don’t want to pack a standard bulky towel. A quick drying microfibre towel is the perfect towel to buy.

Bag for Sightseeing

A trip to Iceland involves running around visiting so many outdoor sights, as well as indoor sights too – therefore you need a good versatile bag to travel around with that holds all your stuff.

A waterproof bag is recommended, and also one that can hold a water bottle as you travel around. Cross body bags are good for traveling around, as well as smaller day backpacks.

If you are taking a backpack, purchase a waterproof one, or buy a rain cover for it during your travels in Iceland.

See the Best Bags for Sightseeing here

Refillable Water Bottle

A refillable water bottle is a great idea for any sightseeing trip. In Iceland the drinking water is pure and clean and is one of the best drinking waters in the world.

Therefore, a refillable water bottle can be filled up everywhere you go for constant water on your trip.

See my Guide here to the Best Refillable Water Bottles

Coat or Jacket

You will need a good warming coat or jacket for outer wear. A padded down coat is ideal if space is limited in your luggage.

A waterproof jacket or coat of some kind is also recommended. It can rain quite a lot in Iceland, as well as snow. You will also be glad of this if you are visiting the waterfalls and geysers, as you can get splashed!

I would also recommend a wind-proof jacket. Iceland does get very windy, and you need a good protective jacket to spare you from the harsh wind.

The most ideal combination is a lighter-weight down jacket and then a waterproof, windproof jacket over the top.

See my choice of down jacket here – Eddie Bauer Women’s Cirrus Lite Down Jacket

Turtlenecks

Turtlenecks are great layering tops to pack. The turtleneck keeps your neck extra warm, and they are great for layering under sweaters too.

Sweaters

Wool sweaters are the very best for heat retention. Take a couple of wool sweaters that you can wear time and time again.

Thermals

Thermal layers are essential for any trip to Iceland. Thermal tights or leggings can be layered underneath pants and trousers for extra warmth.

Thermal tops can go easily underneath tops and sweaters to give you that extra layer of warmth that you will be so glad of.

My choice of thermal top – Terramar Women’s Thermasilk Pointell Scoop

Waterproof Pants/Trousers

It can rain and snow in Iceland, which makes all waterproof clothing essential. You can also get splashed visiting the waterfalls, geyers and any outdoor water sights that you see.

If you plan on doing a lot of things outdoors waterproof pants and trousers are a must. You can layer them over leggings and other pants too.

Fleece Lined Leggings

These were essential when I visited Iceland. They are so comfortable and feel so good on, and you can either wear them alone (depending on the time of year) or layer them under other pants and trousers. I would recommend taking at least a couple of pairs of these leggings.

My choice here – Women’s Fleece Lined Leggings

Swimsuit

If you plan on visiting pools especially the Blue Lagoon, you will need a swimsuit. I usually take at least two swimsuits – a one piece and also a bikini too.

Icelanders visit pools and lagoons all times of the year, so no matter when you are traveling, anticipate a trip or two that involves a dip in water!

T-Shirts

T-shirts are great layering pieces to pack year round. Both long sleeve and short sleeve t-shirts will come in handy for layering.

Even in summer there may be few days it will be warm enough to wear a short sleeved t-shirt, so think of them as layering pieces.

You may be better packing all long-sleeved t-shirts, as you can layer them nicely under sweaters and other tops.

What you Should Not Pack for a Trip to Iceland

You may have noticed that I have not mentioned dresses or skirts. Really they don’t have much of a place in Iceland when you are touring around and sightseeing. There will be little opportunity to wear something like a summer dress.

You could take a knitted dress to wear for going out to bars and restaurants, to wear with knitted tights and boots, if you feel that only a dress will make you feel dressed up.

Jeans is another item of clothing that I really don’t honestly feel has a place worn in Iceland. They are not warm enough worn alone, so you would need to layer them with leggings or thermals underneath – which would feel too much and too tight. They are also not at all waterproof. Jeans can be worn when going out at night – that is probably the best use for Jeans in Iceland.

Other Items you will Need to Pack for a Trip to Iceland

Driving Licence. If you are planning on renting a car you will need your driving licence to do so.

Electronics. Take a universal adaptor with you for your electrical items. A portable charger is also great to have for charging your phone on the go.

More Tips for Travel to Iceland

There are many essentials that you will need to pack for a trip to Iceland. See my list of essentials to pack here, for a trip to Iceland at any time of the year.

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