Iceland has truly become a travel hotspot recently and finding a good Iceland packing list can be tough!
The land of fire and ice is a very unique destination and requires some specific packing hacks that I am eager to share with you. Whether you’re traveling during the winter or summer, the weather can change on a dime and being prepared is best!
This post is all about my Iceland packing list!
This site contains affiliate links, view the disclosure for more information.
Things to know before you start packing:
- Be prepared for weather! Whether it’s cold, warm, rainy or sunny the weather is always changing while you’re in Iceland. I highly recommend wearing layers, and packing a daypack with extra clothes options.
- Have a swimsuit handy. Iceland has many different geothermal lagoons, gorgeous waterfalls and fjords for cold plunges. You never know when you’ll want to take a dip, so keep one in your backpack.
- Waterproof clothing is a must! There’s an Icelandic term “slagveður” that refers to the aggressive and relentless rain and wind in combination in Iceland. They often joke that there’s no reason to carry an umbrella because it always rains sideways. Even if the weather is perfect, the waterfalls are so strong they often blow a forceful mist that can render you soaked.
- Pack snacks. If you’re choosing to roadtrip around the country, or base out of Reykjavik, having snacks for long, action packed days is imperative. There were often times when we were driving on the famous “Ring Road” and we didn’t pass a place to eat for hours. We were thrilled to have snacks in our car and in our backpacks.
- Please pack a reusable water bottle. Tap water is safe to drink across all of Iceland and is widely regarded as some of the cleanest water in the world. The environment and your wallet will thank you for bringing your own water bottle.
- Let’s make water shoes cool! This might be impossible, but they’re truly SO practical. I loved having my Tevas with me walking on the rocky beaches and at some of the more local geothermal lagoons.
- Leave your jewelry at home. There’s no need to have your jewelry with you in Iceland especially if you’re planning on visiting the lagoons. The high levels of various minerals can tarnish your jewelry. Taking jewelry on and off to avoid bringing it into the lagoons can also lead to forgetting your jewelry in the lockers.
The Iceland Packing List
waterproof & Water repellent
Iceland can be rainy, chilly and windy any month of the year. If you want to view the gorgeous waterfalls up close you’re going to need waterproof apparel. It’s best to have a full outer layer of waterproof items: rain jacket, rain pants, waterproof shoes. That way after you leave the falls you can taken them off and stay in your warm and dry clothing.
Cute & Cozy pieces
Iceland doesn’t require you to wear your fanciest designer outfits. I’d focus on cozy, comfortable and cute pieces. I loved having a warm sweater to put on after a day of fun activities. Maybe you’ll cozy up near a fireplace, enjoy a cocktail at a bar or dine at some delicious restaurants in Iceland.
Lagoon apparel
If you haven’t read my article about the best lagoons to visit in Iceland, I highly recommend you do. Make sure to have your swimsuit accessible at all times during your trip, because there are plenty of places to enjoy the chilly fjords and soothing lagoons.
Hiking gear
Exploring the rugged terrain of Iceland is amazing and these are some of my favorite tried and true hiking gear pieces. Even if you aren’t necessarily hiking during your trip to Iceland, these outdoorsy pieces are great for almost any activity you partake in.
Luggage
These are easily all of my favorite luggage pieces. The Wandrd backpack is one of the best travel investments I’ve ever made and one I recommend to all of my closest friends and family. The Away bigger carry-on flex and the Wandrd backpack accompany me on all of my travels.
Travel Toiletries
Making sure that you have all your favorite skincare products with you while traveling is essential. These are all of my favorites and come in sizes that fit in a carry-on!
If you’re looking to shop all of these items together in one place click the link to visit my ShopMy page for my Iceland Packing List. Click Here!
Find More Iceland Articles Here:
3 Luxurious Lagoons in Iceland
Make Geothermal Icelandic Rye Bread
8 Incredible Things to do in Iceland
Leave a Reply