Packing for a Trip to Iceland in Winter

PRO TIP: The Amazon links included in this post are only for products I use! I did not link to items that failed the assignment of keeping me dry and warm.

CLOTHING FOR WINTER IN ICELAND:

Here are the basics I packed, and because it was a short trip, I planned not to do some quick washes in the sink since I planned on being busy most days!

• 6 pairs of underwear
• 6 pairs of warm socks or these socks
• 2 bras
• 1 pajama
• 2 swimsuits (one to wear while the other dries) 
• 2 long john sets
• Black turtleneck cashmere blend
• Black leather leggings 
• Jeans
• Fleece lined leggings
• Gray v-neck sweater
• 2 Fleece tops (I ordered from 32 Degrees)

OUTDOOR CLOTHING FOR A WINTER VISIT TO ICELAND:

The one thing your outdoor clothing needs to be is waterproof. Why? Many of the favorite activities in Iceland involve water or being near water (waterfalls, geysers). Waterproof clothing also protects you from the wind, and the chill makes any temperature feel a lot colder than it is!

• Waterproof winter boots
  • Nothing is worse than walking around in cold, wet boots. You need them to be waterproof for your Iceland explorations.
• Waterproof winter coat
  • Stay warm and cozy by wearing a waterproof winter coat that will protect you from the elements.
• Waterproof winter pants
  • Stay dry and warm by wearing waterproof pants over your long underwear.
• Wool hat
  • You want to keep your head warm and covered. Wool or fleece does this best.
• Gloves
  • Some people prefer mittens, but I like gloves. I found some with helpful touchscreen tips.
• Fleece scarf
  • Keep your neck and face warm. Use either a gaiter or a scarf that can cover your lower face.
• Crampons
  • If you are walking out in the elements or staying in a smaller town where snow removal is not so popular, you’ll want to slip crampons, metal spikes over your boots for surer footing.

Need to buy some items for your Iceland trip? Shops like 66 Degrees North and Icewear are found throughout downtown Reykjavik. The shops at various stops also sell essential items, like base layers, hats, and gloves, though their pricing is higher.

In the interest of transparency, I include non-clothing items to pack for Iceland that are specific to me as well as general items that you’ll need:

• Hair towel
  • I have a thing about my hair! And due to the minerals in the hot pools, I decided to bring my lightweight hair towel.
• Silk pillowcase
  • Yes, I’m that person, but my hair goes crazy with new waters, so I protect it with a silk pillowcase. Plus, it helps me to look more rested!
• Quick dry towel
  • Going in and out of various lagoons and hot pools, you’ll want something that will dry you and dry up before you travel.
• Adapter/transformer
  • Iceland outlets are the typical Northern European two round prongs. Look for adapters labeled as types “C” or “F.” 
• Headphones
  • In addition to needing them for your electronics, consider bringing a plug-in type to use on your tour bus in case you need a translator machine.
• iPad or Laptop
  • For a short trip like this, I like to download some shows or movies just in case the inflight entertainment isn’t working and to wind down in the evenings.
• Cell phone
  • Cell phones are the primary camera for most of us and our mainstay of communication.
• Waterproof Pouch for cell phone
  • Because there are many times when you’ll want to take photos when the cell phone might get wet, protect it with a case.
• Hand Warmers
  • Put some in your pockets to keep your hands toasty during outdoor activities such as looking for the Northern Lights or exploring Reykjavik. They also double as power banks in a pinch.
• Power Bank
  • The cold shortens your battery life. A power bank helps keep your electronics ready to use at all times.
• Reading Glasses
  • I packed several pairs since I need to remember to take them with me in taxis and other places.
• Sunglasses
  • Sun reflecting off the snow makes for a lot of glare. Protect your eyes with a pair of quality sunglasses.
• Snacks
  • Pack a few of your favorite protein bars just in case of a flight delay or if you need an extra snack during a tour.
• Book (always for a flight!)
  • Sometimes, I just like flipping through a book. A kindle is perfect if you have one.
• Medications
  • In addition to your prescription medications, don’t forget to pack your favorite pain relief pill (Tylenol, Advil, Aleve), cough drops, melatonin, and my always-present No Jet Lag pills!
• Sunscreen
  • While there are only a few hours of daylight during the winter months, given the sun’s glare off snow and ice, you’ll want to protect your skin from the sun’s rays.
• Airtags
  • Make sure that your suitcase is traveling with you! Place an airtag or tile in your suitcase so that you can check where it is using your “Find My” app. 
• Lightweight waterproof travel tote
  • If you are visiting lagoons, you’ll need a bag that packs into a small square to put your wet swimsuit and towel after your dip.

PERSONAL ITEMS & TOILETRIES

Completing full transparency, here are the personal items and toiletries I packed for Iceland:

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Razor
• Makeup
  • Mascara
  • Eye pencils
  • Color corrector
• Skincare
  • Moisturizer
  • Chapstick

Did I share too much? Maybe, but I don’t want you to forget anything!

Money

Iceland is not a member of the European Union and does not use the Euro. The local currency is the Icelandic Krona. The good news is that there is no need to bring much cash when packing for Iceland since most businesses and services accept Visa and Master Card credit cards. Some transactions at gas stations require a credit card with a pin (or a debit card).

Tipping is not part of Icelandic culture. Give them some cash if you receive excellent service from your tour guide. The best exchange rate is to use the ATM either at the airport or near your hotel to withdraw a small amount of money for tips.

Documents

When traveling to Iceland, don’t forget to bring your passport. Bring your driver’s license with you if you rent a vehicle. 

Iceland is part of the Schengen Agreement, meaning that most US, Canadian, and European visitors do not need a visa to enter Iceland. Visitors can generally stay for up to 90 days without a special permit.

Make sure that someone back home has a copy of your passport in case you need a backup. You should also keep a copy on your phone (or cloud) if yours is lost or stolen while traveling. 

ITEMS I BROUGHT THAT I DIDN’T NEED TO PACK FOR ICELAND

We were lucky with the weather and did not need to use our crampons. If it snows during your visit, you’ll be happy to have brought these along. Remember that you’ll need to take them off when entering buildings, so practice putting them on and removing them, so you’re comfortable.

I also did not need my extra power bank. All the buses and minivans we took had USB plugs, so I could easily power my cell phone. These are items that I would keep out of my suitcase when packing for Iceland in winter.

ITEMS I WISH I’D BROUGHT WHEN PACKING FOR ICELAND

I wish I had a warm pair of gloves that allowed for touchscreen capability to take photos. My gloves turned out not to be warm enough, and with the cold temperatures, almost all touchscreen fingertips got too hard and were non-functional. 

I did not bring foot warmers because my socks were warm. However, I wish I had brought some on the day we snorkeled.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON PACKING FOR ICELAND IN WINTER

Don’t be scared to visit Iceland in winter. This beautiful island shines no matter what time of year you visit, and winter is no exception.

Have you visited Iceland in winter?

Check out these additional Iceland posts:

• Know Before You Visit Iceland in Winter
• 4-Day Iceland Itinerary in Winter
• Lagoon Etiquette – Fit in like a local
• Is Snorkeling the Silfra Fissure Worth It?

Happy travels,
Annick, The Common Traveler

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