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Iceland packing list.

Iceland has four seasons in a single afternoon. This is the list from people who actually live here, what you need, what you don't, and what to buy when you land instead of overpaying at home.

Published 14 July 2026 · Icebreaker · Curated with The Reykjavík Grapevine

The non-negotiables

Waterproof shell jacket

Iceland is wet. Not just rain, wind-driven rain that goes sideways and finds any zip you left open. A properly waterproof outer shell (Gore-Tex or equivalent, taped seams) is the single most important thing in your bag. Bring a real one, not a "water-resistant" one.

Base layers (merino wool or synthetic)

Two sets of thermal base layers, top and bottom. Merino is warmer per gram and doesn't smell after multiple wears. Avoid cotton for base layers; it holds sweat and gets cold when wet.

Mid layer (fleece or wool sweater)

An Icelandic wool sweater (lopapeysa) is both a functional mid-layer and a souvenir. If you don't want to buy one, any fleece or wool jumper works.

Waterproof hiking shoes or boots

Even if you're not hiking, you'll walk on wet lava fields, wet grass, and wet pavement. Waterproof shoes are worth it. In winter, bring boots with real grip. Reykjavík pavements can freeze into skating rinks.

Swimsuit

Not optional. Icelandic pool culture is central to the country, every town has a geothermal pool, and if you skip it you missed the point. Bring a swimsuit even if you're only here for two days. Pools rent them, but bringing your own is cheaper.

European Type F plug adapter

Iceland uses standard European plugs (two round pins, 230V, 50Hz). If you're coming from the UK, US, Canada, Australia, or Japan, bring an adapter. Airport shops sell them for 2,000 ISK if you forget.

Winter (October–April) extras

• Insulated puffy or down jacket, worn under your shell in the coldest months
• Warm hat, wool, head is the biggest heat-loss surface
• Buff or scarf, for the wind
• Waterproof insulated gloves, not just knit gloves
• Wool or thermal socks, bring several pairs
• Ice cleats (crampons), slip-on rubber cleats. Buy at any petrol station for ~3,000 ISK when you land. Essential in January–March.

Summer (May–September) extras

• Eye mask, the sun doesn't set in June and early July. Even blackout curtains leak.
• Sunscreen, the sun is weak but you're outside all day. Bring some.
• Insect head net, only if you're hiking around Mývatn in the north (midges are aggressive there mid-June to August).
• Sunglasses, for glaciers and long driving days.

Camera / tech

• Camera with manual controls, for aurora photos in winter. Your phone will work but a real camera with a tripod is worth it if you can.
• Tripod, for aurora and long-exposure waterfalls.
• Power bank, cold weather kills phone batteries fast.
• Offline maps, mobile coverage is patchy in the highlands and along parts of the ring road.

What NOT to pack

• Water bottled water. Icelandic tap water is among the cleanest in the world. Bring a reusable bottle instead.
• An umbrella. The wind will break it within an hour. Use a proper hood.
• Formal clothing. Icelanders dress up for very little. Even nice restaurants are smart-casual at most.
• Cash. Iceland is almost entirely card-based. Contactless works everywhere, including buses and public toilets. Currency exchange is a waste of money.
• A lot of shampoo/conditioner. Most hotels provide it. If you need specific products, bring travel sizes.

What to buy when you land

• Ice cleats at any Olís or N1 petrol station (~3,000 ISK, winter only)
• Lopapeysa (Icelandic wool sweater), buy from Handknitting Association of Iceland (Handprjónasamband) on Skólavörðustígur if you want a real handmade one, or Álafoss / 66°North for machine-made
• Snacks for road trips at Bónus (cheapest supermarket, pink-piggy-on-yellow logo), not the tourist convenience stores
• Local eSIM for data, the Icebreaker app has an integrated Síminn eSIM offer that activates on arrival

FAQ

Do I need to pack a swimsuit for Iceland?

Yes. Every town has a geothermal pool and Icelandic pool culture is central to the country. Public pools require a full nude shower before entering. Pools rent swimsuits, but bringing your own is cheaper.

What kind of plug adapter does Iceland use?

European Type F (two round pins), 230V, 50Hz, same as most of continental Europe. Bring an adapter if you're coming from the UK, US, Canada, Australia, or Japan.

Do I need snow boots for Iceland?

Not in Reykjavík, the pavements are cleared and much of downtown has geothermal snow-melt under the streets. For winter day-trips, waterproof hiking boots with good grip are essential. Add slip-on ice cleats for January–March.

Should I buy my rain jacket in Iceland or bring one?

Bring one. Iceland-made outdoor gear (66°North, Icewear, Cintamani) is excellent but expensive, a proper shell can cost 40,000–60,000 ISK. A €100–150 jacket from a European outdoor retailer works just as well. Buy Icelandic gear as a souvenir, not out of necessity.

Can I drink tap water in Iceland?

Yes. Icelandic tap water is among the cleanest in the world. Bring a reusable bottle and refill. Bottled water is a waste of money and plastic.