What to Pack for Your Icelandic Adventure

Iceland might be one of the trickiest destinations to pack for, as the weather is so temperamental. In Iceland, they have a saying: “If you don’t like the weather in Iceland… wait five minutes!” This is because the weather is constantly changing, and can go from sun to rain, hail, sleet, pure darkness, and back to sun all within the range of an hour while driving along the Ring Road. As they say, wait five minutes and the weather will change.

Depending on the month you are traveling, you’re going to want to pack most, if not all of these essentials for your Iceland trip.

Year Round Packing List

• Comfortable, Waterproof Hiking Shoes or Boots: Rain is not scarce in Iceland, so keeping your feet dry with a pair of waterproof hiking shoes or boots is going to be the best move you make for your trip.

• Thermal/Wool Socks: Similar to above, keeping your feet warm will help keep the rest of you warm!

• Waterproof/Windproof Jacket: The wind can reach very high speeds in Iceland, so having a waterproof and windproof jacket will make for a happy traveler.

• Lots of Layers: Since the temperature can change on a whim, bringing long and short sleeve t-shirts, a sweater or cardigan, a jacket or a scarf to layer-up and layer-down is always a smart idea.

• Gloves/Hat/Scarves: Yes, you’ll want to pack all of these winter items even in the summer – temperatures can fluctuate and drop quite low in the summer, and it’s great to have these on hand, especially depending on what activities you’ll be doing.

• Smart Clothing: If you’re planning on going out for a night on the town, it’s good to remember that Reykjavik is a cosmopolitan city, and dressing smart-casual is a good idea.

• Personal Toiletries: Though some hotels will have basic amenities, it is always a good idea to bring what you need as the stores in Iceland do not necessarily carry the same essentials as we find in North America.

• A Swimsuit: With an abundance of geothermal hot springs and nature baths – and of course the Blue Lagoon – a swimsuit should be at the very top of your packing list!

• Quick-Dry Towel: Towels are available to rent at most swimming facilities, but if you have room, it might be a good idea to bring your own quick-dry towel to save yourself the hassle.

• Power Adapter: Iceland uses the Europlug socket, which has two round prongs – having a power adapter and converter on hand is much easier than trying to find one once you’re traveling, especially in the more remote areas.

• A Good Camera: Though this one may be obvious, it has to be said – Iceland is one of the most picturesque destinations in the world, which means you do not want to leave home without a good camera.

• Sunglasses/Sleep Mark: During the summer Iceland is home to the midnight sun, so sunglasses are a must. Since it may still be light at night when you’re trying to get some shut eye, it’s also a good idea to bring a sleep mask if you require complete darkness to sleep. Most hotels, however, will have blackout curtains.

• Insect Repellent: If you’re traveling to areas near lakes and streams in the summer, small insects like midges will thrive in these areas so a small bottle of insect repellent may be a good idea. Otherwise, Iceland doesn’t have many insects so they shouldn’t bother you.

For your reference, take a look at the guide below to find out the average temperature and hours of daylight for the month you are going to Iceland – this will help you plan your clothing accordingly.