Packing List for Every Season

Always Bring:

• Passport - passports expiring sooner than 6 months after your return date may cause problems at the passport control/immigration desk in the airport. Also, travel document requirements will be changing for some visitors in mid-2025. Be sure you are aware of the necessary travel documents well in advance of your arrival in Iceland.

• Charging Cables - USB-C, USB mini, USB micro, USB-A, etc. whatever your devices need.

• Personal Items - toiletries, medications, glasses, etc. Bring your own pain relievers, cold medicines and first aid supplies as well. Buying items at the pharmacy is not as easy as it may be in your country.

• Sweater - get an authentic, handmade Icelandic lopapeysa to wear anytime in Iceland! The Icelandic Explorer sweater made by my friend in the Westfjords is the best!

  

• Sandals / Thongs / Flip Flops - something to get you from the changing room to the hot spring

• Swimsuit - enjoy Iceland like the locals by relaxing in a local pool, geothermal spa, or natural hot spring. You may also rent a swimsuit from some pools and spas.

• Towel - to use at natural hot springs or to wipe off the rain / waterfall mist, get a quick-dry, thin, microfiber towel. Some pools and spas also charge an extra fee for the use of their towels.

• Reusable Water Bottle - Iceland has delicious glacier water! Always stay hydrated and avoid single-use plastic. You can fill up at all taps and in many rivers safely.

• Power Adapter and/or Converter - Iceland uses standard European outlets (two rounded prongs). If your electronics do not have the same prongs, you will need an adapter at the very least. An adapter allows for different shaped prongs to plug into the outlet. But, if your electronics are suited for 110 - 120 volts (for example, American hair dryers, curling irons) then you will need a converter since Iceland operates on 230 volts. Converters are usually adapters but adapters are not converters. Be sure to check your electronics before plugging them in.

• Drivers License - most rental car companies do NOT require an international drivers license, but bring your license anyway if you will be driving.

• Day Pack - a waterproof backpack or a rain cover for your pack is great for longer walks and hikes.

• Sunglasses - From endless daylight in the summer to the reflections of light off the snow in winter, the sun can be blinding.

• Hiking Boots - choose something waterproof, with good ankle support and traction

Winter Clothing (November - March):

• Coat/Parka - get something thick, warm, long, and weatherproof (windproof and waterproof).

• Pants - weatherproof hiking pants or insulated snow pants plus appropriate pants for going out to dinner, wandering around a museum, etc.

• Warm Mid-Layer - the Icelandic Explorer sweater! It will keep you warm, dry, and is a great piece for remembering your time in Iceland.

• Thermal Base Layer - long underwear, quick-dry, warm leggings and shirt

• Beanie / Knit Hat

• Gloves or mittens - warm, windproof, and with touchscreen capability

• Socks - thick, wool socks for hiking and maybe compression socks for long periods of sitting in a plane and long periods of driving

• Scarf or Balaclava - protecting your face from the cold wind will make the weather much more tolerable

• Microspikes / Crampons / Yaktrax - critical for hiking and walking paths that are snow-packed or icy

• Snow boots (optional) -  nice to have if you are walking in deep snow but not necessary if you are trying to pack light

• Headlamp (optional) - late sunrises and early sunsets mean that you may be sightseeing in low light

Spring Clothing (April & May):

• Jacket / Coat - Gore-Tex or waxed cotton, waterproof and windproof with a medium, warm lining

• Pants - waterproof and windproof, hiking pants are a good choice

• Warm Mid-Layer - the Icelandic Explorer sweater! It will keep you warm, dry, and is a great piece for remembering your time in Iceland.

• Thermal Base Layer - long underwear, quick-dry, warm leggings and shirt

• Beanie / Knit Hat

• Gloves - warm, windproof, and with touchscreen capability

• Socks - thick, wool socks for hiking and maybe compression socks for long periods of sitting in a plane and long periods of driving

• Scarf or Balaclava - protecting your face from the cold wind will make the weather much more tolerable

Summer Clothing (June - August):

• Jacket / Coat - Gore-Tex or waxed cotton, waterproof and windproof with either a thin or medium lining

• Pants - waterproof and windproof, hiking pants are a good choice

• Base Layer - thin to medium leggings or pants to wear under your waterproof pants and any shirt or thin sweater that is comfortable under your jacket

• Beanie / Knit Hat

• Socks - wool socks for hiking and maybe compression socks for long periods of sitting in a plane and long periods of driving

• Sleeping Aids (optional) - most accommodations, and campervans, have black out curtains but getting adequate rest during the midnight sun can be difficult, sleeping mask, sound machine, melatonin, etc.

• Netted Hat (optional) - to keep the small, irritating midges away that are around many waterfalls and lakes
  

Autumn Clothing (September & October):

• Jacket / Coat - Gore-Tex or waxed cotton, waterproof and windproof with a medium, warm lining

• Pants - waterproof and windproof, hiking pants are a good choice

• Warm Mid-Layer - the Icelandic Explorer sweater! It will keep you warm, dry, and is a great piece for remembering your time in Iceland.

• Thermal Base-Layer - long underwear, quick-dry, warm leggings and shirt

• Beanie / Knit Hat

• Gloves - warm, windproof, and with touchscreen capability

• Socks - thick, wool socks for hiking and maybe compression socks for long periods of sitting in a plane and long periods of driving

• Scarf or Balaclava - protecting your face from the cold wind will make the weather much more tolerable

Other Items to Consider:

• Camera Gear - drone, lenses, batteries, tripod (for the Northern Lights), selfie-sticks, etc. Check out this Travel Tip for my top tips on photographing the Aurora!

• Alternative Shoes - beyond your hiking boots, another pair of shoes for indoor activities, driving or short walks to the main sights

• Portable Device Charger - use your devices as much as you like without worrying about how much battery power you have left

• Extra Bag - reusable grocery bag, compact duffel bag, used for a variety things like laundry, groceries, and/or another back to bring bulky souvenirs home with you

• Hand Warmers - a small but nice luxury to have

• Binoculars - especially great for bird watching in the summer

• Walking Poles - to assist with challenging hikes

• Waterproof Phone Case - Keep your phone dry and take photos while in the rain and hot springs with a simple waterproof pouch

• Cash - nearly all establishments in Iceland accept credit cards (Visa and MasterCard) and many also accept Apple Pay and Google Pay but a small amount of cash may be preferred for small purchases. The easiest way to acquire cash is at the ATMs near baggage claim in the airport.

• Camping Comforts (if you’re renting a campervan) - depending on what your campervan rental company already provides, you can also rent items from Iceland Camping Equipment Rental 

IcelandCover Outdoor Clothing Rental in central Reykjavik is also a great resource for essential kit. They have quality items in a range of sizes and for all seasons.