Iceland and Norway Packing Guide & List: Essentials For Every Season – Both for Land and Cruises!
Planning a trip to Iceland or Norway means packing for rapidly changing weather, outdoor adventures, and cool coastal climates even in summer. This complete Iceland and Norway packing list and guide covers year-round essentials, season-specific items, and cruise-specific must-haves to ensure you’re always ready for your Nordic adventure.
Check out my FREE Cruise Port / Travel Guides to help plan the perfect port days on your cruise – they’re all available here!
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Clothing Essentials
My favorite and a very apropos Norwegian saying is that there is no bad weather, only bad clothing.
When traveling through the Nordics, it’s a matter of being prepared and this means layers.
Layering Basics
Why? Layering with carefully chosen pieces is important because it allows you to adapt by adding or shedding layers. This is key with the constantly changing weather you may have throughout the day. Most importantly, buy items that will help keep you comfy and dry and keep these points in mind.
- Merino wool or synthetic base layers (tops & bottoms)
- Fleece or thermal mid-layer
- Moisture-wicking clothing
- Waterproof & Windproof Outerwear
- If your hands are often cold, invest in these Magnetic Hand Warmers Rechargeable 2 Pack, Electric Handwarmers
Base Layers
Why? Base layers are the foundation of smart and space saving dressing in cooler climes
- During summer, some will find that cotton or athletic will suffice for their tops (1-2 short-sleeved) + can forgo a bottom base layer.
- Moisture-wicking thermal tops (merino wool or synthetic) for those who get cold in summer / otherwise this is the choice for cooler spring/fall
- Thermal leggings or long underwear during the cooler seasons with thicker base layers in the winter
- Quick-dry underwear
- Merino wool socks (bring at least 3–4 pairs)
- Beautiful Tip: Why merino? Warm, odor-resistant, and perfect for multi-day wear.
Mid Layers
Why? A mid layer provides you with insulation – keeping you warm when needed but easy to shed when you need to cool down. Your mid layer is season dependent with lighter choices in summer, a mid-weight choice in shoulder season and heavier options during fall/winter
- A thicker thermal top can be worn as mid-layer during the summer to add a bit more but not too much warmth.
- Fleece jacket or lightweight down sweater (half-zip are a great feature that can provide extra wind protection)
- Wool sweater (great for evenings and port days)
- Insulated vest (optional but useful for layering)
- Beautiful Tip: You can always have two mid layers if you are unsure how cold you will be – again how thin/thick they are is dependent on weather. I love thumbhole styles as these keep my hands warm and keep sleeves in place (once you start adding/removing layers often, you will grow to love them as well)
Beautiful Tip: For those that love wearable souvenirs, mid layers are a great choice. While items such as Icelandic wool/lopapeysa sweaters are still pricey (since you’re in the Nordics after all!), they are considerably more affordable than pricey Norwegian or Iceland outwear.
Waterproof & Windproof Outerwear
Why? Icelandic and Norwegian weather can shift quickly, even in summer and you will need something to protect you from the elements.
- Waterproof hooded rain jacket: these are lightweight, pack down well and adult versions include packable carrying pouches – perfect for throwing into a day pack
- Lightweight windproof shell: these are heftier and worn as protection from wind as well as rain
- Packable down or insulated jacket: these are what you would choose when you need warmth in addition to protection from wind/rain/snow
- Thick down or insulated jacket: these are the styles you should opt for in winter (hooded, insulated and long enough to cover your rear)
- Beautiful Tips: look for “waterproof, breathable, seam-sealed” in product descriptions. I live in Colorado so I personally wear Arc’teyrx and North Face jackets that have lasted decades more than justifying the initial higher outlay.
Pants & Tops
- Waterproof or Water-resistant Hiking pants
- Thin/Zip Off/Summer options: Men’s Lightweight, Quick Dry, Convertible Hiking Pants / Women’s Lightweight, Quick Dry, Convertible Hiking Pants
- Lightweight/Quick Dry options Men’s Water Resistant Hiking Pants / Women’s Water Resistant Hiking Pants
- Fleece-Lined/Winter options: Mens Fleece Lined Outdoor Softshell Pants / Women’s Fleece Lined Outdoor Softshell Pants
- Insulated leggings or thermal tights
- Comfortable jeans or trousers
- Long-sleeve shirts: they offer sun protection + provide warmth
- Beautiful Tips: Don’t forget casual tops/short sleeved tees: the weather can vary dramatically and I have worn a t-shirt many days whilst in Iceland and Norway. I have heard many people lament that they wish they had packed one or two!
Footwear for Iceland & Norway
Walking & Hiking Shoes
Recommended features:
- Waterproof hiking shoes or trail runners
- Good ankle support
- Non-slip soles
- Beautiful Tips: Always break in your hiking shoes / trail runners prior to your trip! If you are looking to invest in a great pair of hiking shoes, head to your local REI! The associates do not work on commission there and I find that they are typically people who love the outdoors and really know their stuff.
Extra Footwear
- Casual sneakers: For on the ship & town days
- Flip-flops or water shoes: Lightweight, waterproof sandals for geothermal baths: Crocs Women’s Kadee II Sandals / Crocs Unisex Flip Flop
- Traction cleats (winter & shoulder seasons): These become necessary even in cities/towns with sidewalks becoming icy or snowcovered
- Mid height rain boots: I bought these boots on a whim for my Northern Lights cruise and they have been amazing. I have worn them on hiking (albeit shorter 5 km/3 miles hikes) in Norway, venturing on the beaches of Lofoten Islands (no worries if waves lapped over them, my feet stayed warm and dry) to walking tours and horseback rides in the rain whilst in Iceland plus are more comfortable than my sneakers.
- Insulated boots (October–April)
- Personally I opt for my Sorel Snow boots most often in winter but these are a more affordable option: Women’s Tall, Fur-Lined Snow Boots
Day Bag & Useful Activities/Travel Gear
- Lightweight backpack or daypack like the Osprey Daylite Expandable 26+6 Travel Pack to carry the rest of this stuff
- Swimwear and Crocs Unisex Flip Flop if your day includes hot springs, saunas, thermal pools
- Reusable water bottle – seriously the water in Iceland is incredible. Be kind to your wallet and the earth! Owala Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle is great as it doesn’t leak, lid to keep the spout clean and wide opening makes it easy to clean and add ice plus keeps drinks cold!
- Travel coffee thermos – Contigo SNAPSEAL Insulated Stainless Steel Travel Mugs keeps your coffee morning warm which will really be appreciated when you’re on a whale watching tour and in the crisp Nordic mornings
- Binoculars (nice to have but not necessary): to look at waterfalls, fjords but especially for wildlife watching
- Reusable shopping bag – especially useful if you’re a shopper and these are foldable and machine washable!
- Magnetic Hand Warmers Rechargeable – I find that if my hands aren’t freezing that I will be much more comfortable
- Compact umbrella: optional but useful. Others may prefer ponchos for warmer days with brief storms
- Drybag : Great for boat tours & waterfalls to keep your stuff dry
Tech and Photography Gear
- Phone with offline maps downloaded – if you are renting a car, don’t forget a phone holder that will make navigation easier (PS DO NOT SPEED in Iceland, it will be a very costly mistake)
- Extra camera batteries & memory cards
- Universal travel adapter: This one is especially useful as it has 1 universal outlets plus 3x USB-A & 2x USB-C ports! Or this Baseus Universal Travel Adapter that has a retractable USB-C cable which is still going strong for me
- Power bank: I use this one in general since I am so dependent on my phone when I travel plus did you know that cold drains batteries faster?
- Waterproof phone pouch: Comes highly recommended + friends have used this successfully. Funny enough I have these but have never used them (I use my GoPro when I am filming in water)
- Lens cleaning cloth (mist from waterfalls!)
Cold-Weather Accessories (Yes Even in Summer)
Many cruise travelers underestimate Iceland’s chill – this is especially true if you are on a boat excursion.
- Thermal hat or beanie
- Touchscreen-friendly gloves
- Neck gaiter or scarf
- Consider getting this combo if you need to buy all three items: Beanie Hat, Neck Gaiter + Touchscreen Gloves Set for Men and Women
- One thing, many wish they would have packed? Hand warmers! Flying with the disposable type in your carry-on? Be prepared that EVERY.SINGLE.PACK will be tested/swabbed – I found out the hard way when I couldn’t find my rechargeable ones and didn’t threw this in my bag =/
- Go with an eco friendly choice: Magnetic Hand Warmers Rechargeable 2 Pack, Electric Handwarmers
Packing for Icelandic Geothermal Baths & Pools
For Blue Lagoon, Mývatn Nature Baths, other lagoons or local pools:
- Swimsuit
- Crocs Women’s Kadee II Sandals / Crocs Unisex Flip Flop: Lightweight, waterproof
- Hair ties – something to keep it out of the water (especially for Blue Lagoon!)
- Microfiber travel towel: I have had and used this one for years now and it’s still going strong! Beautiful Tip: Not so fun fact, many lagoons do not provide complimentary towels -instead of renting one, bring your own and use that money instead to pay for your pricey drinks
- Waterproof phone pouch
Toiletries & Health Essentials
- Touchland Hydrating Hand Sanitizer Spray or Germ-X Original Hand Sanitizer: For those moments when you can’t wash your hands but need them clean + travel sized
- First Aid Kit: This tiny version is perfect for travel and includes so many items for many different scenarios (ie bandaids, gauze, moleskins for blisters)
- Don’t forget any medicines you regularly take or might need (ibuprofen/acetaminophen/Pepto, etc). This Essential Travel Medicine Kit is pretty handy with a lot of what you may have already been bringing. Note that I came down with COVID my first time in Iceland (after our cruise) and I couldn’t find many cold/flu remedies (lol everyone else had been sick so used up what I had brought along)! But they do have better cough drops than we do!
- Motion sickness aids: Some of my family members and friend are prone to motion sickness even on large cruise ships, others need help with small boat rides (excursions), these are what they use. Beautiful Tips: the key is to use these before feeling sick/symptoms start. Things that can help you feel better: focus on the horizon + get some fresh air + rest
- Tablets: Dramamine (I love this compact size and keep one in my first aid kit and another in my dive bag) / my diving buddy swears by Bonine
- MQ 28ct Motion Sickness Patches: My brother and his family used and loved this patches when we were on our northern Europe cruise including stops in Norway and Iceland
- Sea-Band Anti-Nausea Acupressure Wristband: Natural aid that is also reuseable
- Other natural remedies include Dramamine Advanced Herbals Kids Ginger Gummies or Nausea Relief Inhaler
- Heavy moisturizer as cold + wind dries skin.
- Sunscreen: Midnight sun/summer daylight = long exposure. A great choice for a combo of items: Sun Bum Road Tripper Kit with travel sized lotion, a full sized face stick and lip balm
- SPF lip balm: wind protection for an oft neglected body part! Sun Bum SPF 30 (coconut flavored) and Banana Boat Sport Ultra SPF 50 Lip Balm Twin Pack
- Instead of buying travel sized containers, I pack my faves in these TSA Approved Silicone Travel Containers for Toiletries. I have been using them for 18 months and they are very easy to fill and clean and most importantly have not leaked.
- Eye mask: Again midnight sun! Many find it very difficult to sleep at night even with curtains drawn. I love and use this sleep mask that comes with ear plugs and a carrying pouch
- Ear plugs: For those like me that prefer total quiet at night, I always pack a pair for travel. I always check and book staterooms that should be quiet based on the ship layout but have found some cabin locations to be surprisingly noisy – normal culprit is close to crew access points that I wasn’t aware of =( I like these as I use ear plugs often
- Flashlight: For those that don’t like to turn on bright bathroom lights at night
Seasonal Packing Tips for Iceland & Norway
Note that you should always pack a waterproof/resistant + windproof jacket, just that depending on the season, it might be lighter or insulated =)
Summer (June–August)
- Best for: Midnight sun, hiking, wildlife viewing, and the warmest conditions
- Still pack warm layers but also have a t-shirt or two as the weather can drastically vary!
- Average temperatures:
- Iceland ~ Day: 45 – 60°F (7 – 15°C) / Night: 40 – 50°F (4 – 10°C)
- Norway ~ Day: 50 – 70°F (10 – 21°C) / Night: 45 – 55°F (7 – 13°C)
- Summer specific packing must-haves
- Lightweight moisture-wicking base layers for those that run cold
- Light insulated jacket or fleece for all
- Midnight sun → sleep mask
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Lightweight touchscreen-friendly gloves recommended
Shoulder Season (April & September)
- Best for: Fewer crowds, moody landscapes, and better cruise pricing
- Shoulder season brings cool evenings, changing conditions, and stronger winds and unpredictable weather.
- Average temperatures:
- Iceland ~ Day: 40 – 55°F (4 – 13°C) / Night: 30 – 45°F (-1 to 7°C)
- Norway ~ Day: 45 – 60°F (7 – 16°C) / Night: 35 – 50°F (2 – 10°C)
- Shoulder season specific packing must-haves:
- Thermal base layers (top and bottom) – how thick depends on how cold you get
- Medium-weight fleece or insulated jacket
- Water-resistant hiking pants
- Gloves, beanie, and neck gaiter
- Beautiful Tips: September may bring early northern lights, particularly in northern Norway and Iceland. Snow is possible in higher elevations even when cruise ports remain snow-free.
Fall & Winter (October – start of April)
- Best for: Northern lights, winter scenery, and snow-based excursions
- Autumn can be deceptively short / snow starts early so I bunched the two seasons together.
- Cold temperatures are amplified by wind chill – especially on any water activities.
- Average temperatures:
- Iceland ~ Day: 20 – 40°F (-6 to 4°C) / Night: 10 – 30°F (-12 to -1°C)
- Norway ~ Day: 15 – 40°F (-9 to 4°C) / Night: 5 – 25°F (-15 to -4°C), colder inland and north
- Winter season specific packing must-haves:
- Thick, thermal base layers / thick mid layers
- Heavy insulated parka: Men’s Snow Winter / Women’s Hooded Long Parka
- Insulated, waterproof boots: Women’s Tall, Fur-Lined Snow Boots
- Traction cleats (even in the city for icy sidewalks)
- Thick gloves (for many, touchscreen-friendly), scarf, and warm hat + Magnetic Hand Warmers Rechargeable 2 Pack, Electric Handwarmers
FAQs: Packing for Iceland & Norway
- Do I need waterproof gear in summer? Yes. Rain and wind are common year-round.
- I will never wear this stuff again. Can I buy gear locally? Yes but prices are significantly higher than Amazon or U.S. retailers. Iceland and Norway are pricey!
- Is it safe to bring camera gear near waterfalls? Yes but waterproof protection is strongly recommended.
What NOT to Pack
- Heavy umbrellas: wind makes them useless
- Non-waterproof jacket: as your only jacket.
- Excess cotton clothing: cotton is slow drying
Overweight baggage fees are frustrating but combat them with this lightweight, compact and digital Travel Inspira Luggage Scale
Cruise Specific Packing Tips
Cruise Cabin & Organization Items
These save space and improve comfort.
- Magnetic hooks: Did you know that cruise cabin walls are metal? I find these to be really useful even if traveling solo – to keep wet jackets out of the closet and there are never enough towel hooks! They are even handier once you start sharing tiny cruise staterooms with others
- Power strip (non-surge, cruise-approved): One of the wildest things to me is the lack of outlets in a cruise stateroom. Combat that with this version that has a 6 foot extension cord as well as 3 AC outlets and 3 USB A Charging Ports & 1 USB C Charging Port
- Wrinkle-release spray: Due to fire concerns, you are not able to have an iron in your ship cabin. This travel bundle includes travel sized Downy Wrinkle Releaser Spray + Shout Wipes
- Packing Cubes: Even for a Nordics cruise, I’m #teamcarryon and packing cubes keep me organized. I have multiples of this set since I keep gifting parts of it away
- But I have been eyeing these Aerotrunk Compression Packing Cubes that compress up to 50%
Cruise Specific Toiletries & Health Essentials
- Motion sickness aids: Some of my family members and friend are prone to motion sickness even on large cruise ships, others need help with small boat rides (excursions), these are what they use. Beautiful Tips: the key is to use these before feeling sick/symptoms start. Things that can help you feel better: focus on the horizon + get some fresh air + rest
- Tablets: Dramamine (I love this compact size and keep one in my first aid kit and another in my dive bag) / my diving buddy swears by Bonine
- MQ 28ct Motion Sickness Patches: My brother and his family used and loved this patches when we were on our northern Europe cruise including stops in Norway and Iceland
- Sea-Band Anti-Nausea Acupressure Wristband: Natural aid that is also reuseable
- Other natural remedies include Dramamine Advanced Herbals Kids Ginger Gummies or Nausea Relief Inhaler
- First Aid Kit + Medicine Kit. Unfortunate reality is that the close quarters are akin to petri dishes, I always pack cold/flu meds (not included in that medicine kit) along with meds if I encounter stomach bugs + electrolytes
- Touchland Hydrating Hand Sanitizer Spray or Germ-X Original Hand Sanitizer: For your day packs and on the plane
- Lysol To Go Bundle: 1.5 Ounce Disinfectant Spray and Disinfecting Wipes Flat Pack: To combat what seems like the ever present norovirus on ships – PS Hand sanitizer is not effective against norovirus, you need to wash your hands
- Eye mask: Midnight sun! Many find it very difficult to sleep at night even with curtains drawn. I love and use this sleep mask that comes with ear plugs and a carrying pouch
- Ear plugs: For those like me that prefer total quiet at night, I always pack a pair for travel. I always check and book staterooms that should be quiet based on the ship layout but have found some cabin locations to be surprisingly noisy – normal culprit is close to crew access points that I wasn’t aware of =( I like these as I use ear plugs often
- Flashlight: For those that don’t like to turn on bright bathroom lights at night
- Heavy moisturizer & body lotion as cold + wind dries skin and I hadn’t realized that cruise lines rarely stock lotion (yes on Holland America+Princess vs no on NCL +Virgin Voyages!)
- Instead of buying travel sized containers, I pack my faves in these TSA Approved Silicone Travel Containers for Toiletries. I have been using them for 18 months and they are very easy to fill and clean and most importantly have not leaked. I love that these are such an affordable option since I often leave my condition filled containers in hotels/airport lounges!
Norway and Iceland Cruises Cruise Packing FAQs
- Do I need formal wear for a cruise? This is more dependent on the cruise line than the itinerary. Some have eliminated formal nights such as Norwegian Cruise Lines but others such as Holland America still have white nights.
- I will never wear this stuff again. Can I buy gear in Iceland instead? Yes but prices are significantly higher than Amazon or U.S. retailers. Iceland and Norway are pricey!
- Is it safe to bring camera gear near waterfalls? Yes but waterproof protection is strongly recommended.
Check out my FREE Cruise Port / Travel Guides to help plan the perfect port days on your cruise – they’re all available here!
Final Packing Advice for Norway and Iceland
When visiting Iceland and/or Norway, packing smart means being prepared with the right clothing and gear. Prioritize waterproof layers, comfortable footwear, and versatile clothing to fully enjoy your time in these incredible Nordic countries.
- book activities via GetYourGuide(GYG) or Viator & day/spa/pool passes with ResortPass
- combine that with using a shopping portal to earn cashback or miles
- Stay connected/informed with T-Mobile or Airalo
- Read this for info on GYG and this for why I use Viator and this for more on ResortPass
- Details on using Rakuten for cashback and here’s for AA eShopping
- Here’s why I love T-Mobile & the deets on using Airalo
About Author
Rosemary is a travel hacker, points nerd and female solo traveler who’s explored 70+ countries without a trust fund, sugar daddy, or sponsored content. Every mile, upgrade, and trip is completely self-funded using a mix of points, miles, and cash or earned with elite status. And she shows you the receipts along with a mildly concerning amount of spreadsheets. Through firsthand experience and plenty of trial and error, she teaches everyday travelers the art of travel hacking and how they too can travel for cheaper, better, and more often. While Rosemary doesn’t take herself too seriously, she does take award travel (and searching for the best ice cream) seriously – because seeing the world shouldn’t be reserved for the rich, the retired, or content creators with brand deals.
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