I planned a visit to Reykjavik in January with a friend. We really wanted to see the Northern Lights! And the best time for that is in the middle of winter. Of course, that far north, that means it’s pretty chilly! So what should you pack for Iceland in Winter?
Here’s what I took…
What to pack for Iceland in Winter
Pack thermal underwear for Iceland in Winter
I really feel the cold. It’s a curse of being a little bit too skinny. And so for anywhere that might be sub-zero in temperature, I’ll be taking my thermals!
There’s a chance you’ll be ok without these, especially if you have thicker trousers, but I recommend you take a thermal base layer just in case. You can wear any trousers over the top and be toasty warm.
If you’re keen to see the Northern Lights, you’ll be standing out in the cold and dark for a few hours and you’ll be glad of any warmth you can get!
Take some Hygge socks to Iceland
Hygge is a Danish term that means ‘cosy’. I’ll always remember a danish friend of mine walking around in Morocco (which was NOT cold!) in what she called “hygge socks” (warm wool socks). I thought it was funny until I visited her in Copenhagen. It snowed and we all rushed to purchase our own hygge socks!
I recommend packing them for Iceland in Winter as well!
Keep warm in Iceland with wool sweaters
If you’re visiting Iceland in Winter you’ll need some decent jumpers/sweaters. Check your labels and make sure you’re taking sweaters with a high wool content. A lot of sweaters from high street stores are acrylic or similar and they just won’t keep you warm.
Merino wool sweaters can be a good choice as they are super warm and also thin and lightweight. Or you could take a couple of warm fleeces instead.
Take a ski jacket or a down jacket and waterproof
Probably the most important thing on this list – you’re going to need a warm coat. A very warm coat. I recommend a skiing jacket as they are lightweight, waterproof and made for sub-zero temperatures.
Another option is a good down jacket, but do bear in mind that these don’t fare well in the rain or snow – so take a waterproof to wear over the top also.
Pack snow boots for Iceland in Winter
Don’t forget to think about your feet! Bizarrely, the weather is so cold that the ice isn’t slippy. However, you’re going to want to wear something warm over your hygge socks! I recommend taking a pair of snow boots as the are warm, waterproof and have really good grips on the bottom.
Hat, scarf and gloves
There’s always room for accessories! Make sure you take a wool or fleece hat (that covers your ears!). Iceland can get quite windy, especially out in the national parks. You’ll also need some good gloves – probably ski gloves – and a scarf to keep your neck warm.
And that’s it – everything to pack for a trip to Iceland in Winter! Have an awesome time and I do hope you get to see the Northern Lights – it’s pretty special!