What to pack for Norway in winter can be tricky if you are not used to what I like to call “proper winter”. I grew up in Norway, and have had years of training on what to wear during the colder months, and as a result I often get asked what people should pack if they are planning to visit Norway in winter.
I mean, now I can also say that I literally wrote the book on the topic, so..
As a result of all those questions, I created this Norway winter packing list.
Having grown up here, I always go into the same speech about what to pack and bring, and naturally had to write a packing guide for it. I want to make sure you know exactly what to pack for your winter trip to Norway.
Hopefully, this list of ‘appropriate’ Norway clothing will have you all set and ready for your trip!
Regardless of which part of the country you are visiting, Norway in the winter can be extremely cold, but it can also be extremely wet (at least in the west). Norway is a large country, with vast distances, so what you need to wear and bring will differ a little depending on where you go.
A trip to Lofoten, for example, will require a different set of clothing than a trip to Bergen, but there are a few items that will get you far regardless (and some that are absolute must-haves no matter where you go). I’ve made sure to include absolutely everything you need in this packing list for visiting Norway in winter!
Of course, this winter packing list can also be used for other arctic destinations, such as Finland, Iceland and Sweden.
Table of Contents
What you need to know before visiting Norway in winter
As mentioned, there are quite a few differences between the various
Winter in Norway is quite a long season, and some would say it lasts a lot longer than the 3 months that are defined as ‘winter’. In some areas of the country winter is considered to start in October/November and end in April!
Thus, the weather in December is considered just as much of a ‘Norwegian winter’ as in March, and it’s good to be aware of this. So before you go, check the weather forecast and the average temperature at your destination, to know just what kind of winter weather to expect.
The best website for checking the weather in Norway (in my opinion) is Pent. This website compares the forecast from two of the biggest weather websites in Norway, so you can see what they both say, and decide on what to wear from there.
Side note: usually the meteorologists from those two institutes (Yr and Storm) differ a little, which is why I use Pent to check the weather. If they differ a lot, I usually assume the weather (and temperature) will be somewhere in the middle between the two forecasts.
Generally, the items on this packing list will get you far, and you’ll be all set for visiting my beautiful country in the winter!
Side note: I have a completely separate packing guide for those visiting Norway on a cruise for you here!
Why visit Norway in Winter?
Whilst summer is the main tourist season in Norway, winter tourism is picking up in certain destinations (some, a little slower than others).
Tromsø and Alta, for example, are mainly winter destinations, with Tromsø being a popular hub for northern lights tours.
Of course, one of the main reasons people visit Norway is to see the northern lights, and winter is the best time to see them. This is because it is dark most of the time, increasing your chances of seeing them.
Another reason people would want to visit in the winter is because there are less people and crowds, so you will have more of the picturesque landscapes to yourself. The fjords in winter, for example, are an absolute stunning sight to behold.
Those who love skiing or snowboarding travel to Norway during the colder months in order to hit the best slopes during prime time, but there are lots of other activities that are unique to Norway in the winter, such as dog sledding, snow shoe hiking and sleeping in a hotel made entirely out of ice (I’ve stayed there, and it was amazing)!
So, whether you are heading west to the fjords, or up north to the likes of Lofoten and Tromsø, you will find plenty of unique activities. Browse some of them below!
Everything you need to visit Norway in Winter!
Below you’ll find everything I can think of when advising people on what to pack for their winter trip to Norway, and I’ve tried to be helpful by sectioning it into ‘clothing’ (with Norwegian winter coats having their own little section, as they seem to be what people ask about the most), ‘accessories’ (including winter boots and shoes) and ‘gadgets’.
Naturally, the latter is not necessary for your Norwegian adventure but includes things that I have found to be quite helpful when travelling Norway in the colder months.
One, in particular, is extremely important, though – so if you only have one takeaway from this packing guide, please read the section about the Norwegian ‘Refleks’.
It is a must if you are to visit Norway in winter when it is dark for a significant amount of time during the day, and something that I have been quite surprised to find that is not very common outside of Scandinavia.
Side note: Scroll to the bottom of the post to go straight to the packing list, if you are not looking for a breakdown of everything you need first.
Clothes to pack for Norway in Winter
Want to know what to pack for Norway in the cold? Here’s the clothing you can’t miss. The keyword here, regardless of whether you’re heading up to the freezing North or are visiting milder destinations further South, is layers.
It’s all about the layers. And Norwegians do layers well. We do layers in winter so well we actually have a saying that goes “there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing”. So there you are.
Since layering is so important, I have structured this starting from the innermost layer and going all the way out to your jacket. This way, by the time you get to the bottom of the guide, you’ll have everything you need!
Whether you are going dogsledding in Alta, northern lights hunting in Tromsø, road tripping in Lofoten or fjord cruising in Bergen – I hope you are taking notes!
#1 Thermal Wear / Baselayer
The first thing you need is a good thermal layer, which you will wear underneath everything else. Even though you may never have owned a set of base layers before, you’ll find that there are lots of great options when it comes to thermal (under)wear.
If you’re Norwegian, you’ll probably have a drawer full of thin, thermal sweaters and trousers, and even thermal boxers and underwear! We grew up on this type of clothing, called “ullundertøy” in Norwegian, which directly translates to “wool underwear”.
The best thermal wear is made from wool, and its main job is to keep the heat you produce in and close to your body. Amongst the most popular brands for this, Kari Traa is number one for women, with Devold and Dæhlie being popular with men.
Kari Traa is a Norwegian former Olympic Freestyle skier (she’s won gold, silver and bronze in the Olympics, in addition to winning the World Cup several times and, of course, being Norwegian Champion as well).
She started a clothing brand focusing on activewear and base layers, and it has become a favourite amongst many Norwegians. I genuinely recommend her wool clothes, and especially their socks! I’ll link to them below.
What I love most about Kari Traa’s sets, is that they are not only warm and comfortable, but also come in fun patterns – so you are not only cozy warm, but look great as well. Lots of Norwegians will just wear these sets inside during the winter to stay warm, to truly get that hygge feeling.
Insider tip: Kari Traa sizes run a little small (which is super annoying, to be honest). So make sure to size up!
#2 Midlayer
Moving on from the base layer, you obviously need another layer. This is where it will depend on where you are going.
For example, if you are visiting one of the cities in the south (such as Stavanger), you could be good to go with just your jeans and a warm sweater. On top of your base layer, of course.
But if you are heading further North, you’ll need a mid layer before your final layer (before your outer layer). A mid layer should thicker than your base layer, but not so thick that it can’t be worn under a sweater.
It is often made of fleece or wool, and usually looks nice enough so that you can take your sweater off when indoors. As mentioned, it is absolutely necessary in the north, but not so much in the south.
Fjällraven is a Swedish backpack brand (mainly), that also has some great options for mid layer sweaters and tops. They have a big selection on Zappos.
#3 A nice, warm sweater
It’s time for your final layer before the jacket (or parka) goes on. Whilst I have written an entire guide to Nordic sweaters in the past, I will briefly go through why this is necessary here.
The Nordic/Norwegian wool sweater is not just a fashion statement, but a piece of clothing that will keep you nice and warm during the winter. Thus, it is more than just a necessary layer to keep you warm, but also stylist (and a great souvenir from your trip).
There are several brands that are known for these sweaters, such as Devold, Rauma, and of course Dale of Norway.
Dale of Norway is an expensive, but
#4 Final Layer: Norwegian Winter Coats
Moving on, let’s talk about winter coats and jackets! There are lots of options when it comes to Norwegian outdoor clothing, both when it comes to kickass Norwegian brands and international ones.
If you’re looking for the perfect Norway coat, I hope you’ll find it in this section. A proper coat should be on any winter packing list, whether you are visiting Norway or any other cold country in the winter.
The jackets below should have you sorted, regardless of which section of Norway you are visiting. Personally, I have always loved the Canada Goose jackets, but there are also some great options for those who prefer jackets without fur, such as the Helly Hansen jackets (a Norwegian brand!).
Norwegians swear to what we call boblejakker in the winter, which literally translates to bubble jackets. These are puffy, insulated jackets filled with down or feathers, and often work well to keep you warm as long as the temperature isn’t sub-zero.
#5 Optional: snow pants (or shell pants)
If you are heading up north, and plan on spending a lot of time outdoors, consider packing snow pants (or just an outer layer called “shell pants”). These keep you dry, and in turn, warm.
Snow pants are basically what you would wear skiing, whilst shell pants are just a thin extra layer to keep your (non-waterproof) pants dry.
Not that this is not necessary if you are spending your time in southern Norway (i.e. Bergen, Oslo, the fjords). Also, if you head up north, many activities you join will provide you with thermal suits to wear over your clothing (such as if you go on a Tromsø dog sledding adventure).
Dressing for Winter in Norway: A local’s advice!
After speaking to a fellow Norwegian travel blogger, Ann-Mari, who actually lives in Finnmark (the northernmost county in Norway), I learned that too many visitors arrive in Northern Norway with good clothing, but not good enough.
She’s been on hikes with temperatures ranging from 2 degrees Celcius (approximately 35 degrees Fahrenheit) to -36 (-33 Fahrenheit), and so she knows a thing or two about dressing appropriately for winter in Norway! Here are some of the tips she shared:
- If you are visiting the North of Norway, and have planned activities such as dog sledding, reindeer sledding, ice fishing etc., make sure to bring aprons for your shoes (this is the translation Google gave me, but in Norwegian they are simply called ‘footbags’, and Amazon tells me they are ‘Overshoes’). These are protective ’skins’ you put over your winter shoes, and Ann-Mari recommends a brand called Neos. You can get them here.
- She also shares that the biggest mistake she sees people make is to buy shoes that are too small and wearing tight layers of socks in them. It is really important to have air in between your socks and shoes, as it helps isolate and keep your feet warm. Otherwise, you’ll be cold regardless of how expensive your shoes are.
- Another great tip for keeping your feet warm is putting extra
soles in them, to help isolate from underneath. These soles by Sara Duodji are actually used by the Norwegian military. - When it comes to jackets, she recommends Fjällräven and FXR (and other scooter brands).
- A side note she added; the native Sami people up North wear reindeer skins from head to toe, and they are seemingly never cold. So if you are able to get your hands on such an outfit, you’ll be good to go.
Must-Have Accessories for Norway in winter
Now that you’ve got your clothes and outfits cover (say it with me: layers), it’s time to move on to footwear and other accessories. I decided to include shoes under the accessories section instead of the clothing section for this post.
#1 Shoes and Socks
Proper Norwegian winter boots
First things first, they need to be
In addition to that, you need to do something to your shoes called ‘impregnering‘ in Norwegian. At first, I thought that there was no way the English word for this could be ‘impregnation’, but
Then, it’s on to the actual Norwegian winter boots you’re going to bring on your trip! Whether you go full-out and opt for Sorels (the boots recommended by most people), or prefer something a little less expensive, just make sure you stay warm.
I told you I would link to the Kari Traa socks, right? Well, here they are. These socks are not only insanely comfortable
They are perfect for hiking and other activities in the snow, but I also wear mine in the winter when it’s really cold outside and I’m just chilling in my apartment. I have several pairs of them, and absolutely love them.
#2 The perfect gloves or mittens
Amongst other accessories you need when heading to Norway for winter are the staples; hats, gloves and scarves. Gone are the days when you could lie to your mum and swear your hat was in your bag, because you’re heading somewhere cold and that lie just won’t hold up anymore.
Let’s start with gloves and mittens. Personally, I struggle with finding gloves I can handle wearing for a long time. I keep having to take them off to do something on my phone, or my hands get too sweaty inside them after a little while (this is especially with mittens.
Do note: mittens generally keep your hands warmer than gloves, as your fingers share the heat. So consider bringing a pair of both, so you can switch between depending on your activity.
In case you’re anything like me in this department, here’s your rescue: smart phone gloves! Seriously, these are absolutely
#3 Scarves and hats
Then it’s onto the scarves and hats. These come in all shapes and sizes, and a whole range of prices. A good hat (preferably wool and with a double/folded brim) will not only keep your ears nice and toasty, but also keep your body head from leaving your body through your head. So don’t underestimate a good hat.
Scarves (or neck warmers) are also key to keep your throat from getting too cold. No one wants to lose their voice on holiday, so make sure you pack a good scarf in addition to all your layers.
The best hats and scarves are wool, so keep that in mind when browsing.
Gadgets & other necessities for winter in Norway
Now onto the fun part of this winter packing list! Once you’ve got your clothing all set for your trip, it’s time to look beyond that. Some items are often overlooked when people are packing for a visit to Norway in the winter months, but they should have been the first things to make it into your bags.
I am starting with the most important item on your
#1 LIFE SAVING: A ‘refleks ‘ / reflector
This is incredibly important, and I am really surprised that this isn’t as popular in other countries as in Norway (and Scandinavia). Basically, the ‘refleks’ is there so that cars can see you in the dark. And when you live in a country where it’s dark for the majority of the day in the winter, it’s is not only necessary, it’s literally life saving.
The ‘refleks‘ doesn’t really have a good translation into English (other than reflector), as Norwegians use the term to describe several items. The term is used for the reflective slap wraps you can put around your arm, reflective ankle bands and wrist bands, dangling round disks that you can attach to your pockets and clothes, and of course, the high visibility yellow vests you often see authorities wear.
Basically, the refleks is there to save your life, so PLEASE make sure you don’t visit Norway without one (or several). If you get one while you are here, they make for great souvenirs too!
I’ve been searching through Amazon to find some examples of these, and it has been practically impossible. I don’t understand why these aren’t as mainstream abroad. In Norway you’ll find that EVERYONE wears them in the winter, and lots of companies give them away for free with their logo on it.
At this very moment, I think I have about 12-15 different versions of refleks lying around my various coat pockets and drawers.
We even have reflective thread, and there are several brands that make winter hats and scarves with reflector thread sown into them! It’s absolute genius, especially for children (who often don’t want to wear the reflex, or forget to do so).
Anyway, I eventually cracked the code, and was able to find lots of options on Amazon, so you can get the
You can also go all out and get this reflective windbreaker jacket, or simply get some reflective tape (great for putting on the heel of your shoes, for example)!
#2 Handwarmers
Moving on, there are some other helpful gadgets to get you through winter in Norway – especially up north. The next on the list is a handwarmer.
These (surprisingly cheap) little packets are incredible, especially if you are prone to getting cold hands. It is incredibly painful to be so cold you can’t feel your fingers, and these little helpers are absolute gold in those situations.
You can get them from this link, and the way they work is that you simply crack them a few times to activate the heating element in them, and then you can keep them in your pockets (with your hands, of course), and stay warm! You’re welcome.
Tip: if you are heading up to northern Norway in the winter in order to see and photograph the Northern Lights, these are an ABSOLUTE MUST. You will get incredibly cold during hours of waiting for the perfect shot (or lights), so having a few of these in your pockets is necessary. Even if you don’t have a fancy camera, here’s how to take photos of the northern lights with just your smartphone!
#3 Spikes / Cleats / Crampons
These are sold in packets of two, and you simply strap them to your shoes. They may not be necessary if you are visiting Oslo or Bergen, but if you are heading further north in Norway, or are planning to do any hikes while you are there, they are a necessity (also, you might need them if you are hiking in either of those cities).
In short, they work like the spikes on your car (if you have those where you’re from), and help you get a proper grip on the ground as you are walking. Ice? No problem!
#4 Lip Balm & Hand Cream
One thing I know for certain after growing up in Norway is that your skin does not love the cold. Your face (especially your lips) and hands need extra protection from the cold to prevent them from getting extremely dry and damaged.
Trust me, you do not what to experience cracked skin on your knuckles.
So make sure you pack a good lip balm for your visit to Norway, and also a thick skin cream. There are several brands of skin cream that have been developed especially for the colder climate in Norway, such as the Norwegian Formula (available at Target).
My favourite lip balm for the cold
Side note: I actually found it on Amazon here!
I am sure there are loads of other items, gadgets and pieces of clothing that should be included when packing for winter in Norway, such as a headlamp if you are planning on hiking after dark or a simple tripod if you are hoping to get some good shots of the Northern Lights.
Either way, I hope this list included a few things that you weren’t aware of, and that it has helped you plan your trip to Norway!
Norway Winter Packing List (itemised)
Now that I’ve gone through everything in detail, I am sure you are looking for a simple, clear and itemised list of what to pack for Norway in the winter. The list below is for a week-long trip. Of course, if you plan on doing laundry in your hotel, or are going for a longer trip, you need to assume you need a little more or a little less of each item on the list.
What you need to pack for your winter trip to Norway:
- 1-2 good base layer sets consisting of thin wool trousers and a thin wool sweater
- 2 mid layers sweaters (preferably fleece) – if you are going up north
- 2 good, warm sweaters
- 1 jacket, suitable for cold temperatures
- 1 set of gloves (consider bringing a set of mittens as well, which will keep you extra warm)
- 1 warm hat
- 1 scarf or neck warmer
- 7 wool socks
- 7 pairs of underwear
- 1 pair of impregnated outdoor shoes
- 1-2 packets of hand warmers
- 2-3 reflectors per person (you should have at least one on either side of your body – remember that you can never be too visible at night)
- Spikes/cleats if you are planning on hiking
- A thin waterproof jacket that you can add over your layers in case of rain
- A good lip balm
- Thick hand and face cream
What to pack for Norway every month of winter
A lot of people ask me specifically what to pack for Norway in October, December and so on.
Since this packing guide for Norway in winter is more general, I trust that it will be helpful regardless of which winter month you are traveling.
However, below I have tried to break down the months a little, to give you a little extra nudge. For most of the month, the list is pretty much the same as above, with a few minor edits.
What to pack for Norway in October
October is technically Autumn, but if you are traveling to the cooler parts of the country, you’ll find that the winter packing list above works – with minor changes.
- 1-2 good base layer sets consisting of thin wool trousers and a thin wool sweater
- 2 mid layers sweaters (preferably fleece) – if you are going up north
- 2 good, warm sweaters
- 1 jacket, suitable for cold temperatures
- 1 set of gloves (consider bringing a set of mittens as well, which will keep you extra warm)
- 1 warm hat
- thin wool socks
- 2-3 reflectors per person
- A thin rain coat (October is a very rainy month)
What to wear in Norway in November
The list below covers pretty much everything you need to pack for Norway in November. The days are getting much shorter at this point, so don’t leave the reflectors at home!
- 1-2 good base layer sets consisting of thin wool trousers and a thin wool sweater
- 2 mid layers sweaters (preferably fleece) – if you are going up north
- 2 good, warm sweaters
- 1 jacket, suitable for cold temperatures
- 1 set of gloves (consider bringing a set of mittens as well, which will keep you extra warm)
- 1 warm hat
- 1 scarf or neck warmer
- 7 wool socks
- 7 pairs of underwear
- 1 pair of impregnated outdoor shoes
- 1-2 packets of hand warmers
- 2-3 reflectors per person (you should have at least one on either side of your body – remember that you can never be too visible at night)
- Spikes/cleats if you are planning on hiking
- A thin waterproof jacket that you can add over your layers in case of rain
- A good lip balm
- Thick hand and face cream
What to pack for Norway in December
The December packing list is pretty much the same as November, with the addition of a Christmas sweater!
If you are visiting Norway in December, make sure to familiarise yourself with our Christmas traditions before you go. I also highly recommend you check out my guide to visiting Norway for Christmas to avoid mistakes.
- 1-2 good base layer sets consisting of thin wool trousers and a thin wool sweater
- 2 mid layers sweaters (preferably fleece) – if you are going up north
- 2 good, warm sweaters
- A fun, Christmas sweater
- 1 jacket, suitable for cold temperatures
- 1 set of gloves (consider bringing a set of mittens as well, which will keep you extra warm)
- 1 warm hat
- 1 scarf or neck warmer
- 7 wool socks
- 7 pairs of underwear
- 1 pair of impregnated outdoor shoes
- 1-2 packets of hand warmers
- 2-3 reflectors per person (you should have at least one on either side of your body – remember that you can never be too visible at night)
- Spikes/cleats if you are planning on hiking
- A thin waterproof jacket that you can add over your layers in case of rain
- A good lip balm
- Thick hand and face cream
What to wear in Norway in January
January is the coldest month in most places in Norway, so what I said above about wool and layers is extra important this month.
Make sure to pack your Kari Traa wool baselayers, your woolen socks and your hand warmers (especially for outdoor activities).
- 1-2 good base layer sets consisting of thin wool trousers and a thin wool sweater
- 2 mid layers sweaters (preferably fleece) – if you are going up north
- 2 good, warm sweaters
- 1 jacket, suitable for cold temperatures
- 1 set of gloves (consider bringing a set of mittens as well, which will keep you extra warm)
- 1 warm hat
- 1 scarf or neck warmer
- 7 wool socks
- 7 pairs of underwear
- 1 pair of impregnated outdoor shoes
- 1-2 packets of hand warmers
- 2-3 reflectors per person (you should have at least one on either side of your body – remember that you can never be too visible at night)
- Spikes/cleats if you are planning on hiking
- A thin waterproof jacket that you can add over your layers in case of rain
- A good lip balm
- Thick hand and face cream
What to wear in Norway in February
February is still cold, so I recommend following the same winter packing list as before. Luckily, the days are getting longer now!
- 1-2 good base layer sets consisting of thin wool trousers and a thin wool sweater
- 2 mid layers sweaters (preferably fleece) – if you are going up north
- 2 good, warm sweaters
- 1 jacket, suitable for cold temperatures
- 1 set of gloves (consider bringing a set of mittens as well, which will keep you extra warm)
- 1 warm hat
- 1 scarf or neck warmer
- 7 wool socks
- 7 pairs of underwear
- 1 pair of impregnated outdoor shoes
- 1-2 packets of hand warmers
- 2-3 reflectors per person (you should have at least one on either side of your body – remember that you can never be too visible at night)
- Spikes/cleats if you are planning on hiking
- A thin waterproof jacket that you can add over your layers in case of rain
- A good lip balm
- Thick hand and face cream
What to pack for Norway in March
March is technically Spring, but in the touristy areas of Norway, we pretty much have two seasons: high season and low season. Thus, March is considered part of the low season (aka winter season).
- 1-2 good base layer sets consisting of thin wool trousers and a thin wool sweater
- 2 mid layers sweaters (preferably fleece) – if you are going up north
- 2 good, warm sweaters
- 1 jacket, suitable for cold temperatures
- 1 set of gloves (consider bringing a set of mittens as well, which will keep you extra warm)
- 1 warm hat
- 1 scarf or neck warmer
- 7 wool socks
- 7 pairs of underwear
- 1 pair of impregnated outdoor shoes
- 1-2 packets of hand warmers
- 2-3 reflectors per person (you should have at least one on either side of your body – remember that you can never be too visible at night)
- Spikes/cleats if you are planning on hiking
- A thin waterproof jacket that you can add over your layers in case of rain
- A good lip balm
- Thick hand and face cream
There you have it! I hope that you are now super prepared to visit Norway in the winter, and that you know exactly what to wear and what to bring. I know you are going to have an amazing time, as Norway is one of the best countries in the world to visit (in my humble, biased opinion)!
Read next: The best time to visit Norway or The Best things to do in Iceland
What to Wear in Norway in Winter
Now that you have completed the packing guide/list for visiting Norway during the winter, I thought I’d briefly cover exactly what to wear in Norway in Winter.
Of course, everyone is different, so you may find that you need an extra layer (or maybe one less layer) than what I mentioned below.
To be fair, If you have read the entire post by now, you will know the layers and outfit I am about to describe below, but if you’ve skipped to this section – I hope it is helpful!
Here’s what to wear in Norway in winter:
- A baselayer of wool (this can be skipped if you are not doing a winter activity or spending a long time outdoors, or if you are in the south and it is not below freezing temperatures)
- A mid layer, can be fleeze or any other fabric
- An outer layer, ideally a nice sweater
- Jeans or normal trousers IF you are not spending long outside, not playing in the snow or doing any winter activities
- Outdoor trousers (padded, waterproof ones) if you are doing winter activities or spending time in the snow
- A winter jacket
- Wool socks (important, as I have already mentioned, Kari Traa has the best ones)
- A hat, scarf and gloves
- A great Scandinavian backpack if you are bringing a lot of stuff for the day – these are often made for Norwegian temperatures, and will protect your stuff
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