How many of you plan to visit Iceland soon?! Well, look no more as I have a simple travel guide needed to ensure you are completely prepared. This past Spring we took a trip to Reykjavik, Iceland. It is perhaps one of the most beautiful places we’ve visited. Packing for Iceland can be tricky if it’s your first time, so look no more because I have you covered! Simple packing guide to the rescue!
What to Pack:
- Packable Waterproof Jacket
- Snow boots or Rain Boots
- Wool Socks
- Thermals
- Waterproof Pants
- Layers (Long sleeve shirts and sweaters)
- Accessories: Warm hat, Gloves, Scarf, Backpack, Water Bottle, Small Umbrella
- Snacks
- Swim wear (swim suit, flip flops, swim cap)
- Euro travel adapter
- Waterproof Phone cover (especially if visiting The Blue Lagoon)
1. Packable Waterproof Jacket
The most important item to pack is a waterproof Jacket or Coat. Initially, the thought of packing a jacket was dreadful, but luckily we found packable jackets that could fit in a carryon. If you a minimalist packer, having a packable jacket is key. Here are a few packable coats/jackets at Amazon, Athleta, and Northface.
2. Snow Boots or Rain Boots
When in doubt, pack rain boots. You will need them. It is cold and rains occassionally throughout the day so both are a must! Hubby and I wore our old faithful L.L. Beans. I have a couple pair, but these 7 inch boots were easy to pack and didn’t take up much space. With as much walking you will do during the tours, you will definitely need a comfortable pair.
Although L.L. Bean is my go-to, Hunter and Sperry are great options as well.
3. Wool Socks
This should be a no brainer but be sure to pack wool socks. With the cold and wet elements, you will need a good thick pair of socks. I wore L.L. Bean socks as they are the warmest pair I own. But if you get boots with any type of lining in them (mine were not lined), be sure to consider the thickness of your socks. You don’t want your boots too tight (that would make for an uncomfortable trip). Amazon has more budget friendly pairs here.
4. Thermals
One item I wish I had brought were a pair of thermals. A couple of times I wore jeans and wish I had a pair of thermals underneath them. So if you plan to wear jeans, I would advise wearing a pair of thermals underneath. A thermal top for layering is a great way to stay warm as well! Amazon has a great selection of them at a reasonable price.
5. Waterproof Pants
With many of the sites involving water, waterproof pants are a must have. If you plan to go on any sites, you will need water proof pants. Hubby and I purchased ours from Amazon.
6. Layers
You should definitely pack long sleeve shirts and sweaters. For a 4-5 day trip, I would advise taking 3 long sleeve shirts (1-2 if you plan to layer with thermals), 2 sweaters, and 1 fleece jacket. Everlane (here, here, here, and here) and J.crew (here, here, here, and here) have great long sleeve shirts and sweaters.
7. Accessories
Packing the right accessories is super important. So be sure you have a warm hat, gloves, a scarf, a water bottle, a small/packable umbrella, and a backpack to carry it all in.
Packing the right accessories will save you from spending extra money once you get there. Iceland is very, very expensive so be sure you pack the necessary accessories listed above. Amazon has great hats, gloves, and scarves at a reasonable cost.
Also, don’t forget to pack a small umbrella or rain jacket/poncho. It rains off and on throughout the day in Iceland. Amazon has a great selection of reasonably priced umbrellas and rain jacket/ponchos.
Literally, a bottle of water costs on average 3-5 USD, so bringing your own bottle and filling it with tap water is definitely a money saver. According to Guide to Iceland, “The tap water is safe to drink and persistent purchasing of plastic bottles of water by tourists is one of the greater aggravations amongst locals because of the fragility of their country’s environment.” So do the locals a favor and bring a water bottle. My post here has a link to a great collapsible water bottle that’s leak proof, BPA free, and FDA approved.
8. Snacks
Again, Iceland is super expensive! A meal for two people literally cost us close to 80 USD and we actually shared a dish (it was big enough to feed 2 people). The price includes dessert and 2 beers, but the meal was fish and chips (nothing too fancy). Luckily for us breakfast was included with our hotel stay due to our hotel rewards. Throughout the day you do tend to get hungry so packing snacks are a great idea. Smarter Travel has a list of snacks to pack that are tasty and travel proof.
9. Swim wear
If you plan to visit The Blue Lagoon, bringing a swim suit and flip flops is essential. They do provide hair conditioner to protect your hair from the salt water, but I wore a swim cap to protect my hair. Here are a few cute swim caps here, here, and here.
10. European adaptor
Basically you need a good adaptor while in another country. I think most hotels will have extra adaptors but to ensure you’re covered, you should bring your own. Here is a cheaper set of adaptors here. We’ve had the same set for a few years.
11. Waterproof phone cover
Another item I wish I packed was a waterproof phone cover. I wanted to take pictures while in the Blue Lagoon. I kept it safe in my robe instead. If you do plan to take pictures while sight seeing, having the waterproof phone cover is helpful as it does rain off and on quite a bit in Iceland. Amazon has few reasonably priced options here, here, and here.
What Not to Pack
- Multiple pairs of jeans. I only brought one pair and was perfectly fine.
- Cotton socks and outerwear. You will need wool socks and waterproof outerwear.
- Non-waterproof boots/shoes. Anything that can be damaged by water is a no go! LEAVE IT AT HOME!
