What To Wear In Northern Norway In Winter (+ FREE Packing List)

Northern Norway is a winter wonderland and a bucket-list destination for many, but knowing what to wear can make or break your trip.

After struggling with navigating dozens of brands and products (and our current “everything is polyester these days” problem!), I’ve decided to write this guide to help you understand and easily find the right items to pack for your trip to Norway.

Keep reading to guarantee you stay warm and cozy during your winter trip to Northern Norway…

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What to know before going to Northern Norway in winter

The main thing to know before planning your trip to Northern Norway is that this region experiences a much longer winter period than the usual December-February seasons in countries further south.

Winter weather in Northern Norway starts as early as October-November and often goes on through March-April. Therefore, packing lists remain consistent throughout the season, and what you’d wear in Norway in December is similar to what you’d wear in March.

Don’t forget to check the weather forecast for the dates of your trip to know what to expect.

How should I dress for a trip to Northern Norway in winter?

The main secret to dressing warm in Norway is layers. Norwegians often say that “there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing” – and the best clothing certainly relies on layering appropriately.

Over the next sections, I will detail each item that you should wear when visiting Northern Norway in winter – starting from the innermost layers all the way to your outer shell. It can be tricky to research options, so I will also recommend specific brands and alternatives for different budgets.

This packing guide is suitable both for travellers spending time in cities, as well as for those partaking in outdoor activities such as whale-watching, visiting a Sámi reindeer ranch, dogsledding, chasing the northern lights, or snowmobiling.

By the end of this guide, you will have everything you need.

You can also click here to jump to the itemised packing list.

Layer #1: Thermal layer / Baselayer

Your baselayer will be your best friend during your winter trip to Norway, as you will wear it underneath everything else.

I used to suffer with the cold in the UK (which is very mild compared to the Nordics), but since I started wearing a baselayer underneath my outfits, I no longer dread leaving the house in winter! It is definitely a worthwhile investment beyond your trip to Norway.

The best baselayers are made out of wool. Wool is odour-repellent, moisture-wicking, and temperature-regulating – it keeps you cool when it’s warm and traps in the heat when it’s cold! Plus, it doesn’t smell after you wear it (yes, it’s true!).

Wool is the perfect material especially for those taking on outdoor activities such as skiing and snowshoeing, because it’s breathable and allows for sweat to evaporate. For those with sensitive skin, merino wool is ideal for being comfortable (not itchy!) and lightweight.

But everything is made out of polyester these days!

I hear you! When I did my own research, it was a nightmare to find clothes that were actually made out of wool.

Wool can be pricey, but clothing with up to 20% of synthetic fibres is not necessarily poor-quality. A small percentage of synthetic fibres can actually improve the items’ strength and durability.

A good brand I found for 100% merino wool baselayers is Icebreaker – they even sell merino wool underwear.

If you struggle to find good-quality clothing, I’d recommend getting the best baselayer you can find, and then shop around when you arrive in Norway if you need an extra set. Wool thermal wear is very common in Norway, and I found the prices to be very reasonable.

If you’re on a tight budget, Uniqlo‘s Heattech range is a very reasonable option. It’s not made out of wool, so you may need extra clean sets, but it’s perfectly suitable for city exploration and less-active days.

Layer #1: Socks

The rules for finding good socks for the cold Norwegian winters are similar to those for baselayers. Wool is the best material, as it allows for your sweat to evaporate, and they won’t smell! Seriously.

With good wool socks, you can get away with packing only a couple pairs of socks for a 1-week trip. 100% wool socks are hard to find, and they tend to create holes easily, so try to find socks with the highest-percentage of wool possible.

You can usually find good warm socks in the hiking section at sports stores.

I packed a couple pairs of 70% wool Heat Holders socks, and I love them! They’re thick, comfortable, and they never smelled. They also come in some fun colours, so you can be warm and look good.

Layer #2: Midlayer

To enjoy winter in Northern Norway to the fullest, you’ll need to wear a midlayer before your final outer layer. The midlayer should be thicker than your baselayer, but still allow you to wear a sweater on top.

Midlayers are often made out of fleece or wool, and they are normally stylish enough that you can wear them indoors without a coat or a sweater.

I bought my trusty fleece from The North Face, but other reliable brands include Columbia and Patagonia. For some decent budget-friendly options, look at Decathlon and Uniqlo.

Layer #2: Snow Trousers / Shell Trousers

Going back to this section where we discussed Northern Norway’s strong winds… It is very important to wear snow trousers outside that not only keep you warm but that are also both waterproof and windproof.

I got mine from The North Face, whereas my partner got his from Schöffel. For more affordable options, I highly recommend looking at Decathlon.

Note: If you go on outdoor activities such as dogsledding, you will also usually be provided with thermal suits to wear over your clothing.

Layer #3: Wool Sweater

If your midlayer is already a thick fleece (like my toasty The North Face fleece), you may be able to skip this layer. However, if your midlayer is a lighter fleece that’s meant to go under a sweater, then this is very important.

Norwegian people have a saying, “ull er gull“: wool is gold. The reason Norwegian wool sweaters are so ingrained in the local culture is because they are a necessary layer to keep you warm during the winter.

Norwegian wool sweaters are seen as investments, and it is common for them to be fashionable, with fun patterns and colours.

Outside of Norway, it can be hard to find 100% wool sweaters (again, everything is polyester these days!). Dale of Norway is a household name, but my top tip is to shop around once you get to Norway – I found many cute hand-knitted wool sweaters in vintage shops around Tromsø.

Layer #4: Snow Boots / Winter Boots

Snow boots (or winter boots) are one of the most important items that you will wear in Northern Norway, and they should be of good quality.

Most importantly, your winter boots must be waterproof and have good grip – this is non-negotiable, as you’ll be walking on snow. The best snow boots are also windproof, which is important for protecting your feet from the cold.

Sizing-wise, you should account for some room for thick socks, which may require sizing up. Your feet should not be dangling around inside your boots, but you need some space to allow for appropriate isolation and keeping your feet warm.

I got my failproof snow boots from Fubuki, which is a Japanese brand and sold in multiple sports shops around Norway. My partner got his from The North Face, and obviously Sorel is a global favourite.

Layer #4: Down Jacket

The final item of your main clothing layers is a good down jacket. It must be windproof and at least water-resistant.

Down jackets are an investment, and they are essential in cold destinations (whether you go to Norway, Iceland, Sweden, Finland, Alaska, etc.). Therefore, if you buy a down jacket ahead of your trip, make sure that you pick a style/colour that you can wear and re-wear over the years.

Both my partner and I got our down jackets from The North Face, but there are quite a few good brands out there. Among the top choices, you obviously have Canada Goose, and I still have my eye on a colourful Holzweiler coat for a later investment.

Once again, Uniqlo also have options for those on a lighter budget – especially if you’re only going on a short trip and not wearing it much afterwards.

Must-Have Accessories & Gadgets

#1 Gloves, Mittens, and Hand-warmers

Keeping your hands warm is super important during the Norwegian winter, but in today’s day and age it can be tricky to find the right gloves that you can keep on for a long period of time because you need to use your phone.

There are many brands now selling touch-screen gloves, which range from thin gloves to thicker ones.

I found the perfect combination for me on my last trip to Norway, by wearing merino wool touch-screen glove liners inside a pair of cute hand-knitted wool convertible mittens (you can find many on Vinted or in vintage shops around Tromsø).

Since I could remove the cover, I could use my phone without having to remove my gloves. Once I was done, I would just flip the cover back over my fingers. If you partake in outdoor activities, you’ll want to wear waterproof gloves or mittens.

You can also buy hand-warmers for emergencies, should your hands get cold and you need to warm up quickly. If you’ll be out chasing the Northern Lights, I recommend getting a pair of rechargeable hand warmers – they charge like a phone and last for several hours once turned on.

#2 Scarves, neck warmers, and headwear

Scarves and beanies (or other headwear) come in various materials, shapes, and sizes. These accessories are my favourite to get in fun colours, because they’re usually light to pack and I can mix and match them on different days.

The best material to look for, once again, is wool. However, if you struggle to find wool accessories, just pack the warmest ones you have.

Knitted beanies are great for keeping your ears warm and to prevent heat loss through your head. Big scarves are great for light activities, while merino wool neck warmers are the best choice to wear while out on activities such as whale-watching, dogsledding, or snowmobiling.

#3 Reflectors / “Refleks”

Reflectors (“refleks“) are reflective items that are widely worn by Norwegians, especially in winter when it’s dark for the majority of the day.

They can range anywhere from arm bands to pendants, charms, and vests (similar to hi-vis running vests). There are even scarves, hats and sweaters with reflective thread sown into them.

The purpose of reflectors is so that drivers can see you in the dark. They’re particularly important (and potentially life-saving) if you’re staying away from main towns and cities. You can easily find them for sale in Norway.

#4 Spikes / Cleats / Crampons

Spikes (or cleats/crampons) are common in Northern Norway and important for walking on icy surfaces to prevent slipping and falling. They become a necessity in icy conditions and if you plan to go hiking.

If you’re not sure whether you’ll need them, you can wait and buy them once you arrive in Norway, as they’re sold in many shops.

#5 Swimwear and flip flops/sliders

Yes – really! Make sure to pack swimwear if you’re visiting Northern Norway during winter, as you can’t miss visiting a sauna and trying a cold plunge.

You may be able to use towels from your accommodation, but don’t forget to bring flip flops or sliders with good grip – walking barefoot on snow is no fun (and trust me, I learned the hard way!).

#6 Other essentials

These are not necessarily clothing items, but I wanted to highlight them as they’re important for a visit to Northern Norway.

Lip balm and a good thick hand cream and moisturiser are essential when travelling to cold destinations to prevent dry and cracked skin. You can also buy them in grocery stores in Norway (Norwegians swear by Lypsyl lip balm).

If you plan to go hiking, a headlamp is a safety necessity for the long dark hours during winter.

Though it might not be sunny often, when it is, it can be very uncomfortable dealing with the sunlight reflecting off the snow (particularly if you go skiing). Make sure to pack a pair of sunglasses.

Finally, if you plan on photographing the Northern Lights, don’t forget to pack a sturdy camera or phone tripod! Also, don’t forget that batteries drain faster in the cold, so make sure to pack backup batteries and extra chargers.

Itemised Winter Packing List for Northern Norway

Now that we’ve gone over the details for each of the layers, I’ll leave here an itemised packing list with everything you’ll wear during your trip to Northern Norway.

This list is tailored for an average 1-week trip, so feel free to adjust based on the duration of your own trip.

What to pack for a winter trip to Northern Norway:

• 1-2 base layer sets (bottoms and shirts – preferably wool)
  
• 2 fleece midlayers
  
• 2 warm sweaters (preferably wool)
  
• 1 pair of windproof and waterproof snow trousers
  
• 1 pair of regular trousers or jeans (if you’ll spend more time indoors and not in contact with snow)
  
• 1 windproof and water-resistant down jacket, suitable for cold temperatures
  
• 1 set of touchscreen gloves or mittens (preferably waterproof)
  
• 1 pair of touchscreen glove liners (optional – preferably merino wool)
  
• 1+ warm beanie/hat
  
• 1+ warm scarf and/or neck warmer
  
• 2-3 pairs of wool socks (7 if not wool)
  
• 7 sets of underwear
  
• 1 pair of snow/winter boots
  
• 2-3 packets of hand warmers (or preferably 1 pair of rechargeable hand warmers)
  
• 2-3 reflectors (you can buy them in Norway, too – aim to wear at least one for either side of your body)
  
• Spikes/cleats/crampons (if you are planning on hiking – you can get them in Norway, too)
  
• Lip balm
  
• Thick hand cream and moisturiser
  
• Headlamp (if you plan on hiking)
  
• Camera or phone tripod (if you go northern-lights chasing)
  
• 1 pair of sunglasses
  
• 1 set of swimwear (to wear in the sauna)
  
• 1 pair of flip flops or sliders with good grip (to wear for a cold plunge)