IcelandTravel guide

What to Pack for Iceland

Good packing is about flexible layers and equipment suited to your actual itinerary. Use this list as a base, then adapt it to the season, forecast and activities.

01 / Guide

Layered clothing

Choose layers that combine well and dry easily.

Base layer

Manages moisture next to skin.

Mid layer

Insulation matched to cold and activity.

Outer layer

Wind and rain protection with room for layers.

02 / Travel advice

Footwear

Match footwear to terrain and walking distance, break it in and pack dry socks. A city visit and mountain hike do not require the same shoes.

03 / Travel advice

Rain and wind protection

A waterproof shell is useful year-round. Do not rely on an umbrella alone, and carry a hat and gloves when season or forecast warrants them.

Read the weather guide
04 / Guide

Winter and summer

Season changes priorities but never rules out cold, wind or rain.

Winter travel

Add warm insulation, winter footwear, hat, gloves and reflective visibility.

Summer travel

Pack a sleep mask, sun protection and layers for cool evenings.

05 / Travel advice

Hiking

Route, length and conditions determine equipment. Navigation, food, water, spare layers and basic emergency gear should reflect the risk.

Hiking in Iceland Safety in Iceland
06 / Travel advice

Highlands

A remote journey demands more self-sufficiency than a day trip near services. Confirm road, communications, weather and the route-specific equipment list.

Highlands guide
07 / Travel advice

Swimming and hot springs

Swimwear, a towel and suitable footwear are often enough. Follow shower and site etiquette, and remember that not every hot spring is safe for bathing.

Natural hot pools
08 / Travel advice

Road trips

Keep a charging cable, offline-capable navigation, warm spare clothing and delay supplies accessible inside the vehicle.

Driving guide
09 / Travel advice

Cameras and electronics

Protect devices from moisture and cold, bring suitable chargers and keep spare batteries warm. Fly a drone only where permitted.

10 / Travel advice

What you probably do not need

Avoid specialist gear your itinerary does not require and too many heavy garments that do not layer. Check what accommodation, rental companies or tour operators provide before packing.

From the places database

Outdoor places to prepare for

Places are drawn from published hiking and nature categories. Cards do not indicate current conditions or required equipment.

Akrafjall LoopAkrafjall Loop · West IcelandAkrafjall Loop is a hiking route of approximately 14 km. Estimated hiking time is 6 hours to 7 hours. The recorded elevation gain is approximate…Álftanes – BessastaðatjörnÁlftanes – Bessastaðatjörn · South West IcelandÁlftanes – Bessastaðatjörn is a hiking route of approximately 6 km. Estimated hiking time is 2 hours. The recorded elevation gain is approximate…Arnarfell við ÞingvallavatnArnarfell við Þingvallavatn · South IcelandArnarfell við Þingvallavatn is a hiking route of approximately 3 km. Estimated hiking time is 1 hours to 2 hours. The recorded elevation gain is…Bakkafjörður Village WalkBakkafjörður Village Walk · North IcelandA short and easy circular walk around Bakkafjörður, passing the old school, harbour and village surroundings.Bláhnúkur HikeBláhnúkur Hike · High IcelandBláhnúkur Hike is a hiking route of approximately 4 km. Estimated hiking time is 3 hours. The recorded elevation gain is approximately 330 m, wi…BotnssúlurBotnssúlur · West IcelandBotnssúlur is a hiking route of approximately 12 km. Estimated hiking time is 6 hours. The recorded elevation gain is approximately 850 m. This…
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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Do I need waterproofs in summer?

Windproof and waterproof outer layers are useful year-round.

What shoes should I bring?

Match them to terrain and activities, with grip and support where needed.

Should I pack swimwear?

Yes, if pools or suitable natural hot pools are in your plans.