What to Wear in Reykjavik: Three-Layer Shell System, Pool Shower Rules & Crampons

There is an old saying in Reykjavík that if you dislike the weather, wait five minutes. Because fast-moving North Atlantic pressure systems bring sudden wind gusts, horizontal showers, and rapid sun breaks in July as well as January, leave umbrellas at home (they turn inside out within minutes on the Sæbraut seafront) and dress in a modular three-layer system.

1. The Three-Layer System & Footwear for Waterfall Spray and Winter Ice

• Base, Mid-Layer & Windproof/Waterproof Outer Shell:
  1. Base Layer (Next to Skin): Lightweight merino wool or thermal polypropylene leggings and long-sleeved tops (avoid jeans and heavy cotton on day trips, which trap cold moisture in waterfall spray).
  2. Insulating Mid-Layer: A fleece jacket, packable down puffer, or an authentic Icelandic lopapeysa knitted from unspun dual-coated lopi sheep's wool, which naturally repels mist while locking in warmth.
  3. Outer Shell: A breathable windproof and waterproof hooded shell jacket (Gore-Tex or equivalent) and water-resistant shell trousers, essential when walking behind the misty curtain of Seljalandsfoss or facing the spray at Gullfoss.
• Waterproof Boots & Slip-On Ice Cleats (November to April): Wear broken-in waterproof ankle hiking boots with deep rubber lugs. Between November and early April, carry a pair of inexpensive slip-on rubber microspikes / ice cleats (manbroddar) in your coat pocket so you can walk confidently across glazed pavement patches around Hallgrímskirkja and frozen viewing paths at Gullfoss and Geysir.

2. Swimsuit, Towel & Showering Etiquette at Icelandic Geothermal Pools

• Why You Must Shower Without Swimwear Before Entering Any Pool: Because Reykjavík's 18 municipal pools (including Sundhöllin and Laugardalslaug), Sky Lagoon, and Blue Lagoon circulate natural geothermal water with very little or no chemical chlorine, strict national hygiene rules require every bather to undress completely and wash thoroughly with warm water and soap in the gender-segregated showers before putting on a swimsuit. Free soap is provided at every shower, and private modesty cubicles are available at Sundhöllin, Laugardalslaug, Sky Lagoon, and Blue Lagoon.