Are you planning to visit Iceland in winter? It’s best to be prepared for all conditions in the land of ice and fire! How to dress, which coats and jackets to choose, which shoes to wear, not forgetting gloves, thermal layers and even protection for your camera equipment…
Here’s our advice on what to pack to stay warm, safe and comfortable in Iceland in winter!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
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What to bring to Iceland in winter: General advice
Tip 1 – Opt for layering
It’s all about layering. This is the essential rule of survival in Iceland. The weather is constantly changing, and it’s impossible to watch the weather and plan what to wear. So you need to have several layers on hand. Whether to block the wind, protect against rain or snow… You need to be able to put on or take off as the weather changes.
Tip 2 – Thermal underwear, gloves, hat and scarf, absolutely!
Yes, we’ve used them all! When the wind starts blowing and the cold scorches, you’ll be much more comfortable wearing all this. And don’t forget the nights spent chasing the northern lights! It’s not hot at all when you’re not moving.
Tip no. 3 – Essential rain pants
No, it’s not very sexy, but it definitely made our experience more comfortable. As soon as it starts to rain, the overtrousers are easy to put on. Not only is it very unpleasant to wear wet (and therefore frozen!) pants, but the overtrousers allowed us to sit anywhere to take photos without fear of getting dirty or wet.
Tip 4 – Waterproof hiking boots
We find that waterproof hiking boots are the best choice for a trip to Iceland. So you don’t have to worry about slippery roads or deep snow. We really appreciated having them on our feet when we took photos near the water. We could concentrate on our images, even with our feet in the water!
Tip 5 – Opt for cleats
In winter, paths to waterfalls and other points of interest can be snowy or icy. It’s handy to carry cleats to add to your shoes if you need extra stability.
Tip 6 – Protect your camera too
Whether you have an SLR camera or use your phone, between the rain and the drizzle of the waterfalls, make sure you protect it, with Rain Sleeves for example.
WHERE TO STAY IN Iceland
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
- Where to stay in Iceland (coming soon)
- Where to sleep in Reykjavik (coming soon)
- Best 5-star hotels (coming soon)
- Where to sleep on the South Coast (coming soon)
- Where to sleep on the Golden Circle (coming soon)
- Where to sleep on the Snaefellsnes peninsula
What to wear to visit Iceland in winter?
Which coat to bring?
In winter, a good parka that covers the thighs is the best option for staying warm. It’s a good investment, especially if you’re planning further trips to cold countries such as Norway, Finland, Canada or Antarctica.
Which shoes to wear?
We think you need to invest in good waterproof hiking boots that will keep your feet warm and dry. And that’s not all! You’ll need to equip them:
- Thick socks! Don’t forget to adjust the size of your shoes, as it’s sometimes a good idea to layer your socks too.
- Cleats to slip on when you need them.
- Snow gaiters, because nothing is more unpleasant than snow getting into your shoes!
Waterproof rain pants
We’ve said it before, but we’ll say it again: these overtrousers will be your best friend on your trip. It slips easily over your warm pants, so you don’t come home soaked to the skin or… freezing! Not sexy, but practical.
You can also opt for waterproof ski pants. They’re not as big as they used to be, and they’re easy to hike with.
And for warmth?
We strongly recommend that you bring thermal underwear to keep warm and allow you to concentrate on the beauty of the surroundings.
And above all, don’t forget your extremities: head, hands and feet. This is often where you feel the cold the most. You’ll need..:
- Thermal tights and T-shirts: a good base for underwear
- A good pair of gloves: it’s up to you whether you want them thick or whether you want to be able to take photos with slightly thinner gloves with Touch Screen fingertips. And why not layer them?
- A good hat: make sure it’s warm enough, otherwise, like us, you’ll have to buy one on the spot. The one we brought was far too thin!
- A scarf that stays in place and protects your neck all the way up. We opted for a Neck Warmer rather than a traditional scarf.
- Several pairs of socks that can be layered.
- Instant hand warmers that can also be slipped into shoes a few minutes before putting them on.
- A survival blanket. You never know what might happen: a fall, car trouble… These sheets take up very little space and warm right up!
UNFORGETTABLE ACTIVITIES IN winter
- Visit an ice cave
- Glacier hiking
- Whale watching (from Reykjavik, Husavik or Akureyri)
What photography essentials for Iceland?
If you’re a bit serious about your photography, here’s our list of photo equipment to capture the beauty of the landscape like a pro:
- Cameras and lenses
- Full of batteries
- Plenty of memory cards
- A clip to hold the camera on your backpack strap, freeing your hands and taking the strain off your neck
- Waterproof protection for your camera (because of the rain and drizzle from the waterfalls)
- A tripod (especially for photographing the northern lights) and a cable for taking photos with your gloves on.
- Polarizing filter adapted to your lenses (but that’s for all destinations)
- ND filters for waterfalls and waves around icebergs
- A red headlamp so you can see what your camera is shooting at night without disturbing other photographers who are also capturing the Northern Lights.
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What to take with you to Iceland: other tips
In addition to the clothes and photo equipment, you’ll appreciate having with you:
- A diary: so you don’t forget anything and keep a record of all your memories
- An adapter: Icelandic plugs are C/F type (2 round holes).
- A pair of binoculars
- And above all: a good travel guide like this one, which includes all our favorite places in Iceland:
OUR GUIDE TO PLANNING A Dream trip
- 6 maps that make planning easier
- + 75 pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- + 115 photos to help you choose
A list of things to remember in Iceland
- A warm, windproof and waterproof coat
- Waterproof overtrousers
- Pants suitable for walking
- Warmer layers of clothing
- Thermal underwear for cold days and night-time activities
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Crampons to attach to your shoes
- Swimsuit for the hot springs and Blue Lagoon
- Warm socks
- A bonnet
- gloves
- A warm scarf that won’t blow away in the wind
- Sunglasses
- And of course, your underwear…
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO iceland IN WINTER
- Best of
Iceland’s winter landscapes
Best things to do in Iceland in winter
The most beautiful waterfalls
Ice caves
Best excursions from Reykjavik
- Practical advice
Getting around (coming soon)
How to rent a car in Iceland
Winter driving tips
Where to stay in Iceland in winter
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 1 week – 10 days (to come)
- The must-dos
Reykjavik in winter
Golden Circle in winter
South coast in winter
Snaefellsnes in winter
Silver Circle in winter (coming soon)
Lake Myvatn in winter
Eastern Fjords in winter
Seljalandsfoss in winter
Jokulsarlon in winter
