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If you’ve ever landed in Oslo in December and felt that first cold gust hit your face, you know winter in Norway doesn’t play around. It isn’t the kind of cold where you toss on a cute jacket and call it a day. It’s the “did I pack correctly or did I make a mistake?” kind of cold.
After a few winter trips through Scandinavia—train rides through snow-covered valleys, long walks through Christmas markets, fjord tours where the wind lashes your cheeks—I’ve collected a handful of rules that always save me. Consider this your simple, no-nonsense packing guide for a winter trip north.
1. Pick a warm base layer
You’ll need something close to the skin that doesn’t cling in weird ways or trap sweat. Merino wool is perfect for this, and the lighter sets are easy to wash in a hotel sink. Don’t skip this step thinking your coat can do all the work. If your base layer is wrong, nothing else helps.
2. Bring one fleece that actually works
Fleece isn’t just “lounge at home” material. In Scandinavian winter, it’s what keeps you warm between layers. If you’re spending the day sightseeing, whether you’re ducking into museums, waiting for trains, or walking along icy streets, you want something light, warm, and easy to peel off indoors.
They’re comfortable, hold up in the cold, and they layer cleanly under a puffer or parka. Pick a neutral color and you can wear it every day of the trip without even thinking about it.
3. Invest in a real winter coat
A proper coat is non-negotiable. It needs a hood, decent insulation, and pockets that zip so your gloves don’t fall into the snow when you’re distracted by a reindeer sausage stand. Down works great, but the synthetic options today are surprisingly warm and pack down small.
4. Gloves that let you use your phone
You’re going to take photos. A lot of them. Fjords at sunrise, cobblestone streets lined with lights, pastries you absolutely didn’t plan on eating but did anyway. Get gloves with touchscreen-friendly fingertips. Otherwise you’ll end up pulling your gloves off every ten minutes, and cold hands make a long day feel even longer.
5. A hat that covers your ears
Don’t bring a flimsy accessory you bought because it matched your coat. Bring the hat that actually protects you when you step out of a cozy café into wind that feels like it traveled straight from the Arctic.
6. Footwear with grip
You’ll walk more than you expect. The streets can be icy, especially in Bergen and Tromsø. Choose boots with enough grip to keep you upright and enough room for thick socks. Waterproof is best. If your socks get wet, your day’s done.
7. A scarf you can wrap twice
Scarves in Norway offer portable insulation. You’ll want something you can wrap once for comfort and twice if you’re heading somewhere coastal. Wind near the water hits differently (former sailor here, trust me!).
8. Bring something cozy for nights in
Yes, you’ll explore, but winter nights come early. After you’ve walked through Christmas markets, watched the lights shimmer on the water, and eaten more ginger cookies than intended, you’ll want something warm to change into at your hotel or Airbnb. This is where fleece earns its second moment. Cozy up next to a fire!
9. Don’t forget moisture care
Scandinavian air in winter can dry your skin fast. Pack lip balm and a simple moisturizer. They weigh nothing and save you a lot of discomfort.
10. Pack less than you think
Winter clothes take space, so choose pieces that work together. Two good base layers, one fleece, one coat, two sweaters, one pair of sturdy boots, and accessories that can handle the cold. You don’t need five outfits. You need a few smart layers that play well with each other.
Whether you’re wandering through Oslo’s Christmas market, chasing northern lights in Tromsø, or simply navigating snowy streets, these layers will keep you warm without turning your suitcase into a burden.
If you want one item that handles most situations and doesn’t add bulk, the adidas fleece link above is the one I reach for. The rest? Keep it simple, keep it warm, and enjoy winter the way Scandinavians do: fully prepared and still having fun.
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