Packing for glacier adventures in West Iceland is part of the fun—but it can also be confusing if you’re not used to cold, changeable weather. Whether you’re heading out on a glacier hike, ice cave tour, snowmobile trip, or simply exploring icy viewpoints, what you wear will make the difference between an unforgettable day and an uncomfortable one.
Staying at Ourhotels.is properties like Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, or Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords puts you in perfect range of some of Iceland’s most spectacular glacier landscapes. Here’s how to dress so you can enjoy them fully.
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### Think in Layers, Not Single “Warm” Pieces
Icelandic weather changes quickly—sun, wind, snow, and rain can all happen in one outing. The key is a flexible layering system you can adjust throughout the day:
**1. Base layer (next to skin)**
Choose moisture‑wicking materials like merino wool or technical synthetics. Avoid cotton—it stays wet and makes you cold.
– Long-sleeve top
– Long underwear/thermal leggings
**2. Mid layer (insulation)**
This is your warmth. You can add or remove it depending on conditions.
– Fleece jacket or wool sweater
– Light down or synthetic insulated jacket in colder months
**3. Outer layer (shell)**
This protects you from wind, snow, and rain.
– Waterproof and windproof jacket with hood
– Waterproof pants you can pull over your base or hiking pants
When you stay at **Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður**, you’ll likely be heading out early to explore glaciers and waterfalls in West Iceland. Having these three layers ready by the door makes it easy to adapt to whatever the day brings.
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### Choose the Right Footwear for Ice and Snow
Glacier terrain can be slippery, uneven, and sometimes slushy. Good footwear is essential for both safety and comfort.
– **Waterproof hiking boots** with good ankle support
– **Sturdy soles** that work well with crampons or microspikes (often provided by tour operators)
– **Warm, moisture‑wicking socks**, ideally wool or wool blend
– Consider **sock liners** if your feet get cold easily
If you’re staying at **Stykkishólmur Inn**, you might combine a glacier or snow tour with coastal walks and village exploring. Waterproof boots mean you can go from icy viewpoints to wet harbor paths without worrying about cold, damp feet.
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### Keep Your Hands, Head, and Neck Warm
You lose a lot of heat from your extremities, especially in windy glacier environments.
– **Warm hat or beanie** that covers your ears
– **Buff or neck gaiter** to protect your neck and lower face from wind
– **Gloves or mittens**, ideally waterproof or with a waterproof shell
– Consider **liner gloves** so you can handle your camera or phone without exposing bare skin for too long
In the Westfjords, where **Ísafjörður Inn** is located, wind can be strong even on clear days. A good hat and neck gaiter make glacier viewpoints and winter fjord walks much more comfortable.
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### Protect Yourself from Wind and Sun
Glaciers reflect a lot of light, and Icelandic wind can be surprisingly strong even when temperatures don’t look extreme on paper.
– **Sunglasses** with UV protection to shield your eyes from glare off snow and ice
– **Sunscreen** for face and any exposed skin, even in winter
– **Lip balm** with SPF to prevent chapped lips
– **Windproof outer layers** (jacket and pants) to cut the chill
Guests at Ourhotels.is often underestimate the sun on bright glacier days. Packing sunglasses and sunscreen is just as important as packing warm clothes.
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### What to Wear Under Your Outer Layers
Your “everyday” clothes still matter. Aim for comfort, breathability, and quick-drying fabrics.
– **Hiking or outdoor pants** (no jeans—once wet, they stay wet and cold)
– **Long-sleeve tops** in wool or synthetic blends
– **Avoid cotton hoodies and sweatpants** for glacier days
If you’re staying multiple nights at **Hvítá Inn**, **Stykkishólmur Inn**, or **Ísafjörður Inn**, it’s smart to rotate base layers so you always start the day dry and warm.
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### Dressing for Different Glacier Activities
**Glacier hikes & ice cave tours**
– Full layering system (base, mid, shell)
– Waterproof pants and jacket
– Warm hat, gloves, and neck gaiter
– Sturdy waterproof boots (crampons usually provided by the tour)
**Snowmobiling on glaciers**
– Extra warm mid layer (down or synthetic jacket)
– Thicker gloves or mittens
– Balaclava or buff under the helmet
– Many operators provide overalls, but you still need warm layers underneath
**Winter sightseeing near glaciers**
– Same layering principles, but you can often go slightly lighter on the mid layer in milder weather
– Still bring hat, gloves, and waterproof outerwear—conditions can change quickly
From **Stykkishólmur Inn**, you might combine a glacier day with exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. From **Ísafjörður Inn**, you can pair winter fjord views with snowy hikes. In both cases, dressing in layers lets you move comfortably between car, town, and glacier.
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### Pack Smart: Glacier Clothing Checklist
Use this as a quick packing guide for your stay with Ourhotels.is:
– [ ] Thermal base layers (top and bottom)
– [ ] Fleece or wool mid layer
– [ ] Insulated jacket (down or synthetic, depending on season)
– [ ] Waterproof, windproof shell jacket with hood
– [ ] Waterproof pants
– [ ] Waterproof hiking boots
– [ ] Wool or technical socks (plus spares)
– [ ] Warm hat/beanie
– [ ] Gloves or mittens (plus liners if you get cold easily)
– [ ] Neck gaiter or buff
– [ ] Sunglasses
– [ ] Sunscreen and lip balm
– [ ] Small daypack to carry extra layers, water, and snacks
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### Warming Up After Your Glacier Day
One of the best parts of glacier adventures in West Iceland is coming “home” to a warm, comfortable base.
– At **Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður**, you’re perfectly placed between glaciers, hot springs, and waterfalls—ideal for a hot shower and a relaxing evening after a cold day out.
– **Stykkishólmur Inn** lets you combine glacier experiences with charming harbor walks, local restaurants, and views over Breiðafjörður Bay.
– **Ísafjörður Inn** in the Westfjords offers a cozy retreat after exploring dramatic fjords, snowy passes, and remote viewpoints.
By choosing Ourhotels.is and dressing correctly for glacier activities, you can focus on what really matters: the crunch of snow under your boots, the deep blue of the ice, and the feeling of standing in one of the most powerful landscapes on Earth.
