The Golden Circle attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year, making it one of the most popular tourist routes in Iceland. No wonder! It is a perfect starting point for your Iceland adventures and a great introduction to the island’s fascinating landscapes and geological history.

Iceland in the winter is beautiful and unpredictable in the same measure. Beautiful sunshine illuminates the vast snow-covered landscapes one day, and hail and strong winds throw a spanner into your plans the next. In this guide, we’ll go through the top items you need in your luggage for your Iceland winter trip. The best part? They’re nothing fancy and you can easily fit them in a carry-on.

So you’ve decided to visit Iceland in the winter. You’re all excited, expecting peaceful snow-covered landscapes and ready to see the northern lights. While both those things may become true for you, there is a lot more to Iceland in the winter. Let’s run through some things you should know before your trip.