Íslenska
TIPS FOR WHAT TO PACK FOR A TRIP TO ICELAND
Pack for activities! Start by studying your itinerary to see what you’ll be doing on your trip to Iceland. Most outdoor activities (horseback riding, caving, hiking, glacier walking, etc.) will require basically the same gear (with the outfitter providing any specialized gear that’s required – helmets, crampons, etc.) You’ll need to wear heeled boots, such as hiking boots, moisture-wicking socks, long pants, and long sleeve shirts. You’ll also want a lightweight, waterproof but breathable shell for rainy or misty days, and a few wool (not cotton) or fleece sweaters for cooler days and evenings. You should consider bringing a hat, scarf and gloves all year round. There are also many opportunities to purchase Icelandic woolen goods!
Be prepared for anything A day that starts out rainy and cold can become warm and sunny by mid-afternoon (or vice versa) and when it’s pleasant in the city it may be frigid twenty minutes away, so always plan on wearing layers and being ready for a range of conditions. A light, breathable, waterproof shell jacket that can be layered with a wool sweater or cardigan, and a scarf and hat will prove invaluable.
Packing list for hotel-based tours:
Clothes for cold/cooler outdoor weather: warm trousers, a woolen pullover or fleece sweater, a warm wind and waterproof jacket and rain pants, woolen socks and an insulated bottom layer, like thermal underwear. Remember, the weather in Iceland is known to be unpredictable.
A hat, scarf and gloves that are made from material that will dry overnight are great protection in Iceland’s unpredictable weather and strong winds.
Sturdy comfortable (hiking) boots are necessary for walking in Iceland’s nature. Make sure your feet will be warm and dry – otherwise it is not fun. All sightseeing tours in the countryside involve some short walks here and there. To maximize your experience to explore these many nature sites, good walking boots or shoes that may get dirty and wet are important.
Buildings are often very warm, so bring light indoor clothes – t-shirts, lighter shirts and blouses.
Bathing suit if you like to swim or just want to relax in a hottub. Swimming pools heated with geothermal water are found all over the country. Towels & bathing suits can also be rented at most swimming pools.
Binoculars, especially if you’re a bird watcher, but bird watching season is mainly May-August!
Sunglasses and a bit of sunscreen are helpful – the air is very clear in Iceland so when the sun shines, it is very bright.
A camera with lots of film or memory cards. Many travelers say that they shoot twice as many pictures in Iceland than in other destinations.
If you like a drink every now and then, consider stopping at the duty-free store on arrival at Keflavik Airport because alcoholic beverages are very expensive in Iceland. The same applies to tobacco.
Here two blogs with general & practical information about Iceland:
Crash Course Iceland and Basic Travel Tips for Iceland