What To Pack For Iceland This Winter

Liam Davies

(Updated: )
2 min read
What To Pack For Iceland This Winter

Are you coming to Iceland this winter? Not sure what to bring with you? Well, below I will make some recommendations on what to bring with you. Remember this is for the winter period, where temperatures can drop to below -10°c in bad conditions. So we want you to be prepared for all possibilities. It's better to be too prepared than not prepared at all.

  • Windproof jacket
  • Rainproof jacket and trousers
  • Warm jumpers
  • Thermals - Leggings, underwear, shirts and socks
  • Wool socks
  • Gloves
  • Warm hat
  • Scarf
  • Hiking boots - Preferably winter/waterproof ones
  • Hiking trousers
  • Backpack
  • Swimsuit/shorts - Check out the swimming pools during the evening, it may be cold outside but relaxing in the hot tubs makes it so much better!
  • Towel
  • Shampoo/shower gel - They're very expensive to buy here
  • Remember to bring any vouchers for tours/rentals, as most will need to be printed out

During the winter months bringing a large, warm jacket is a must. Particularly I would recommend a parka jacket or something similar. I have one, and it's like my best friend during the winter months. I spend more time with my parka than my family or even my partner. It has protected me in all kinds of weather and situations (I feel like I'm writing wedding vows for me and my jacket...)

You may be thinking that I am crazy after seeing swimsuit and shorts on the recommended list, am I right? Well, yes I am crazy. But that's for completely different reasons. Going to the swimming pools in Iceland during the winter is very magical. Don't get me wrong, when you first walk out the doors into the cold you will be thinking "kill me now". But once you settle into one of the hot tubs and take in the fresh winter air, you will experience being relaxed like you've never experienced it before.

I particularly recommend heading to Grafarvogslaug or Lágafellslaug, both of them have tremendous views from the pools. Grafarvogslaug has a great view of the area whilst at Lágafellslaug you have a tremendous view of Lágafell (a hill, or if you're from the UK you would class it as a mountain).

If you plan on camping during the winter months then remember to bring some warm clothing for sleeping in. Even if you have rented a camper with 'cabin heating system' the nights can be pretty chilly, so it's better to have extra clothing in case you are too cold. Be sure to check what is included with your rental as not all vehicles come with sleeping bags/blankets. However, some vehicles do have the option to include them in the extra's section for a small cost. If you don't see this option then it may be worth either bringing your own sleeping bags or renting them from Icelandic camping equipment.