Planning a trip to Iceland is exciting—but knowing what to pack can feel overwhelming. Weather changes quickly, seasons overlap, and you might experience sun, wind, rain, and even snow in a single day. This Iceland packing checklist will help you stay warm, dry, and comfortable, whether you’re exploring waterfalls in Borgarfjörður, sailing from Stykkishólmur, or wandering the streets of Ísafjörður.
As you plan, it’s also worth thinking about where you’ll stay. At Ourhotels.is, we welcome travelers all over West Iceland, including Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður (near Borgarnes), Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords—perfect bases for your Icelandic adventure.
**1. Clothing: Layering Is Everything**
Iceland’s weather is unpredictable year-round, so the key is layers you can add or remove easily.
– **Base layer (next to skin)**
– Merino wool or synthetic long-sleeve tops
– Thermal leggings or long johns
These are especially useful if you’re heading north and west, for example when staying at Ísafjörður Inn and exploring the Westfjords’ dramatic fjords and coastal trails.
– **Mid layer (insulation)**
– Fleece jacket or lightweight wool sweater
– Insulated vest (optional but handy)
A warm mid layer is ideal for evenings, whether you’re relaxing at Hvítá Inn after a day in Borgarfjörður or strolling around Stykkishólmur’s harbor.
– **Outer layer (weather protection)**
– Waterproof and windproof shell jacket with hood
– Waterproof shell pants
Iceland’s wind and rain can pick up quickly, especially near the coast and waterfalls. A good shell will keep you comfortable on day trips from Stykkishólmur Inn around Snæfellsnes or while exploring the countryside around Hvítá Inn.
– **Everyday clothing**
– Comfortable T‑shirts or long-sleeve tops
– Jeans or casual pants for evenings
– A nicer outfit if you plan to dine out in towns like Borgarnes, Stykkishólmur, or Ísafjörður
**2. Footwear: Keep Your Feet Warm and Dry**
You’ll likely walk on gravel, wet grass, and sometimes muddy paths.
– **Waterproof hiking boots** with good ankle support
– **Warm socks**, preferably wool (bring several pairs)
– **Comfortable indoor shoes or slippers** for relaxing at your hotel
After a day of hiking or sightseeing, it’s a relief to slip into something cozy back at Ourhotels.is properties like Ísafjörður Inn or Hvítá Inn.
**3. Seasonal Extras**
Your Iceland packing list will change slightly depending on when you visit.
– **For winter and shoulder seasons (roughly October–April):**
– Insulated winter jacket (down or synthetic)
– Warm hat (beanie), scarf or buff, and gloves or mittens
– Thermal socks and possibly an extra base layer
These are essential if you’re chasing the Northern Lights from Stykkishólmur Inn or Ísafjörður Inn, where clear, dark skies can offer incredible aurora displays.
– **For summer (roughly May–September):**
– Light hat or cap for sun and wind
– Light gloves (it can still be chilly)
– Sleep mask (for the midnight sun)
The long summer days are perfect for exploring the Borgarfjörður region from Hvítá Inn or taking boat tours from Stykkishólmur, but the bright nights can make a sleep mask very useful.
**4. Swimwear and Hot Spring Essentials**
No Iceland packing checklist is complete without swim gear. Geothermal pools and hot springs are part of everyday life here.
– Swimsuit
– Quick-dry towel (many hotels provide towels, but a spare is handy for spontaneous dips)
– Flip-flops or sandals for pool areas
From local swimming pools in Borgarnes to hot pots in the Westfjords, you’ll be glad you packed these. When you stay at Ourhotels.is locations like Stykkishólmur Inn or Ísafjörður Inn, our staff can point you to nearby pools and hot springs.
**5. Accessories You Shouldn’t Skip**
– **Daypack** (20–30L) for snacks, water, and extra layers on day trips
– **Reusable water bottle** – Icelandic tap water is excellent and free
– **Sunglasses** – the low sun and reflections off water or snow can be intense
– **Sunscreen and lip balm** – even on cloudy days, UV can be strong
– **Travel adapter** (Iceland uses standard European plugs, type C/F, 230V)
– **Power bank** to keep your phone and camera charged on long days out
These items are especially useful if you’re driving between Ourhotels.is locations—say, from Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður to Stykkishólmur Inn, then onward to Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords.
**6. Tech and Photography Gear**
– Smartphone with offline maps downloaded
– Camera with extra batteries and memory cards
– Tripod (especially useful for Northern Lights photography)
– Waterproof or weather-resistant camera bag
The landscapes around Stykkishólmur, Borgarfjörður, and Ísafjörður are incredibly photogenic—think colorful harbors, dramatic coastlines, and wide-open valleys—so you’ll want your gear ready.
**7. Documents and Practical Items**
– Passport and driver’s license (if renting a car)
– Credit/debit cards (Iceland is largely cashless)
– Printed or digital confirmations for your stays at Ourhotels.is (Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, Ísafjörður Inn)
– Travel insurance details
– Any necessary medications, plus a small first-aid kit (plasters, painkillers, motion sickness tablets if you plan boat tours from Stykkishólmur)
**8. Optional but Very Useful Items**
– Small binoculars for bird and whale watching, especially around the coast near Stykkishólmur and Ísafjörður
– Packing cubes to keep your layers organized as you move between hotels
– Lightweight microfibre towel for extra flexibility on the road
– Notebook or travel journal to record your experiences
**9. Packing Tips for a West Iceland Road Trip**
If you’re planning to explore West Iceland and the Westfjords, a smart route might include all three of our locations: Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður (near Borgarnes), Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords. To make packing easier:
– Pack **one small bag** with your daily essentials and layers so you don’t have to unpack everything at each stop.
– Keep **rain gear and a warm layer** at the top of your luggage or in your daypack—you’ll use them often.
– Use **waterproof packing bags** or dry sacks for electronics and important documents, especially if you’re out on boats or near waterfalls.
Staying at Ourhotels.is properties across West Iceland gives you a comfortable base while you explore some of the country’s most beautiful regions. Hvítá Inn is ideal for discovering Borgarfjörður’s lava fields, hot springs, and waterfalls. Stykkishólmur Inn puts you right by the harbor and the gateway to Breiðafjörður’s islands. Ísafjörður Inn places you in the heart of the Westfjords, surrounded by steep mountains, quiet fjords, and endless hiking opportunities.
With this Iceland packing checklist and a thoughtful route through West Iceland, you’ll be ready for whatever the weather brings—and free to focus on the landscapes, culture, and experiences that make Iceland unforgettable.
