Iceland is one of the most sensitive areas to global climate change because of its location within the North Atlantic storm track and its position at the present-day boundary between polar and Atlantic surface- water masses. Even relatively minor changes in circulation patterns are likely to be archived in the sedimentary record in this sensitive boundary region. Therefore, further research on the paleoceanography of Icelandic adjacent seas is an important component in the study of global climate change. Sea ice extent is one of the prominent characteristics of the area around Iceland, and it plays a significant role in the global climate system. Additionally, the adjacent seas around Iceland have widespread tephra layers, which provide reliable chronological data for paleoceanographic research. In this study, we reviewed current paleoenvironmental information and sea ice changes in the Icelandic adjacent seas since the last deglaciation, and then discussed the advantages and disadvantages of different paleoceanographic records, which are based on a diverse range of proxies. Furthermore, the deficiencies of different paleoenvironment and sea ice proxies are also discussed. Finally, we suggested future paleoclimatic research in the region to address the paucity of long-term paleoenvironmental records, such as the sea ice record.