What To Pack For Iceland In The Winter
what to pack for iceland in the winter
Iceland is one of my favorite countries. And while winter travel can be tricky at times, it is truly a magical season to visit Iceland.
But you need to pack well so you aren’t cold, wet and miserable.
Each winter, I host group trips here with my company Wanderlust Group Trips, so after several winters in Iceland I’ve learned what to pack and what not!
If you’re traveling on your own to Iceland in the winter, you may also want to invest in crampons.
These will help you stay sturdy on the slick ice. However, if you are doing a glacier trek, these are most likely already included! They are included on my trips as well.
Key things to pack for Iceland in winter:
- Shoes: The best shoes for Iceland are waterproof and comfortable with rugged soles
- A rain jacket
- Waterproof pants – you won’t be warm if you’re wet! So make sure you have gear you can wear outside in the event it rains
- Base layers- the key to being warm is LAYERS! If you have any merino wool, that makes for an amazing base layer
- Mittens
- Warm hat
- Crampons
- Neck Gaiter/Scarf
- Warm socks
- Swimsuit for the Blue Lagoon/hotel pools
- Waterproof case for your phone to protect it at any geothermal lagoons & from snow
- Conditioner & hand lotion
- If you’re looking for great travel headphones, I love these warm cozy ones for sleeping on flights/long bus rides etc.
- Dramamine if you’re prone to motion sickness
- If you want to try to photograph the Northern Lights with a DSLR camera, a tripod is necessary. This is one I have (it’s super sturdy and high quality!) but there are many cheapers ones on the market.
What To Pack For Iceland In The Winter
Pro Tip: The best way to stay warm in a winter destination is the 3 W’s: Wicking, Warmth, Wind.
| WICKING |
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| The base layer (also called thermal wear or long underwear) helps keep you dry by wicking moisture away from your body. This next-to-skin layer, often made of wool or polyester, works best when snug fitting. |
| WARMTH |
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| Like the batting in your house, this layer insulates you from the cold. Depending upon the weather and your activity, you may choose to wear one or more of these layers. Wool and polyester fleece work well for warmth. |
| WIND |
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| Your outer shell blocks wind, sheds rain or snow and holds body heat in your warmth layer while still allowing perspired moisture to escape. Breathable tight-weave synthetics like Supplex® nylon or long staple Ventile cotton work well. |
More on Iceland:
- ICELAND ON A BUDGET- 18 TIPS
- ICELAND GROUP TRIP HIGHLIGHTS 2022 – WEEK ONE
- SNORKELING BETWEEN TWO CONTINENTS IN ICELAND WITH TROLL EXPEDITIONS
For more travel gear recommendations, shop my Amazon storefront!
