
Don’t forget to pack these Iceland essentials
-
Swimming gear + towel
For Sunday in the Secret Lagoon and general hot springs action. And if you’re staying longer, swimming pools are like a religion in Iceland. They’re always outdoor and they have awesome hot tubs and cold plunge pools. Going to a swimming pool is the ultimate all-weather, child-friendly activity. One more thing: Icelanders take pre-pool showers very seriously. You need to have a proper wash without your swimsuit on - or risk embarrassing public admonition!
-
Outdoor jacket, warm sweater, gloves, hat
It might be chilly (average daytime temperature in August is around 12°C) and rain + wind are almost inevitable. A warm hat and gloves might be necessary at any time of the year. But hey - we’re in the middle of the North Atlantic, what do we expect, right?
-
Hiking boots ...
… are not essential if you’re just coming for the wedding weekend. But if you’re staying longer, do bring some decent footwear. Get some water resistent boots or waterproof your shoes with a spay - you’ll be glad you did.
-
A sleeping mask
It doesn’t really get dark in August. Sleeping can be quite difficult if you’re sensitive to bright light. Many guesthouses have decent blackout curtains but not all. A sleeping mask is a good idea.
-
Sunglasses
It might seem counterintuitive - but bring your shades if you’re going to be driving. Iceland is high up on the globe and it rains a lot, so the glare from the sun hitting wet roads can be intense.
-
Some non-outdoor clothes
Again - this might seem like a weird thing to point out. But it’s tempting to focus exclusively on practical outdoor gear … then end up in the middle of downtown Reykjavík dressed like a mountaineer and feeling very like a tourist. So pack some ‘normal’ clothes suitable for a more urban setting.