Iceland Packing List (for Summer and Winter)

It can be difficult to predict what kind of weather you will get on your trip to Iceland. So it is best to just be prepared. I've made a list of things you might not have thought about and also just a "regular" packing list, so you don't have to worry about it.

Unexpected things to pack on your Iceland trip

First of all, some items you might never have thought about.

• Swimsuit (all year). Yes, Iceland is not a tropical beach destination, but I can guarantee you, you will almost daily need a bathing suit. There are hot tubs, spa's and pools everywhere! And you can use them summer and winter. Check out all my favorite hot tubs, spa's and pools here.

• Sunscreen (summer). Sure, it's not always sunny, but the sun is brutal up here. I have burned my skin so often because I underestimated the sun here. So don't make that mistake too!

• Mosquito head net (summer). No, there are no mosquitos in Iceland, but there are midges and these little creeps try to crowl into your eyes, nose and ears if you don't stop them. So at some places (like Myvatn) it is good to have a head net on warm and windless days.

• Mosquito repellent (summer). Since a few year there are biting midges on Iceland. They are only around in summer (half June - July). Mosquito repellent will help you not get eaten alive by them.

• Sleep/eye-mask (summer). From half April until the end of August is does not get completely dark anymore. So if you like to sleep in the dark, you will need an eye mask. I actually use and eyemask and keep it in place with a buff. So I can highly recommend that.

• Crampons / spikes (winter). In winter it can get really icey and slippery, so if you don't want to slide too much it's best to bring crampons / small spikes for under your shoes. You can buy them in most supermarkets in Iceland.

Iceland packing list (all year)

I mainly wear wool or fleece when I am traveling through Iceland. You want things that dry quickly when wet (fleece) or that are still warm when wet (wool).

• Thermal underwear (leggings and a shirt)

• Warm (woolen) socks

• Waterproof hiking boots

• Fleece jacket/lightweight wool sweater

• Rainproof/windproof jacket

• Rain pants

• Gloves

• Scarf

• A buff

• Hat

• Swimsuit

• Sunglasses (the sun can be pretty intense in all seasons)

• Earplugs (when there's (snow) storms you'll be very happy with these at night)

• Camera (plus memory cards, spare batteries, tripod for northernlights)

• Travel adapter (Iceland uses the standard Europlug socket with two round prongs and Northern European electrical standards (50 Hz/220 volts) so converters may be required for small electrical appliances)

• Quick-dry towel (for visiting spa's, pools and hot springs. You can rent towels in the spa's as well)

• Reusable water bottle. Or just buy one bottle and use that to refill. You can drink the (cold) water from the tap everywhere and refill your bottles with that.

• My guide. You will find all my personal recommendations in this guide. You can just buy the map by itself, or invest a bit more and also get all included itineraries!

Forget something for your Iceland trip?

In case you forgot something, or you didn't want to buy it because you will only use it once on your trip to Iceland... You can also go to IcelandCover Outdoor Clothing Rental. They have all outdoor clothing for rent. Which is ideal if you are coming from a warm climate and will only use these clothes ones. It is a durable and environmentally friendly options and I love it.

You can use my code "Elisainiceland" to get a 10% discount!

If you prefer to buy some new things, you can also go to Icewear. They have high quality outdoor clothing for a reasonable price. Most of my clothes are from this place and I am a big fan of their fleece leggings. They are super comfortable and warm.

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Need more help planning your Iceland trip? Just book a video call with me and you can ask me anything about your upcoming trip!

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