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Planning a winter trip to Norway? Whether you’re dreaming of chasing the Northern Lights, sledding with huskies, or warming up in a glass igloo, winter is hands-down the most magical time to visit Norway.
During our 12-day winter adventure through Oslo → Kirkenes → Rotsund → Tromsø → Bergen → Flåm → Oslo, we experienced it all—snow, sunshine, and even rain—and quickly learned what really works (and what doesn’t!) when it comes to dressing for Norway’s coldest months.
So before you zip up that suitcase, here’s the ultimate Norway winter packing list to keep you warm, dry, and adventure-ready from the fjords to the far north.
Whether it’s -10°F under Arctic skies or damp and cozy in Bergen, I’ve got you covered with tried-and-tested tips from our own trip.
Why You’ll Love Norway in Winter
There’s something utterly magical about Norway when it’s blanketed in snow.
From watching the Northern Lights dance over the Arctic sky in Tromsø to soaking in icy fjord views from a cozy, glass igloo in Rotsund, every stop on our 12-day winter Norway itinerary felt straight out of a snow globe.
We bundled up for dog sledding in Kirkenes, wandered through colorful Bryggen in Bergen, and rode one of the world’s most scenic train journeys from Flåm to Oslo.
Winter in Norway is all about adventure, cozy comfort, and awe-inspiring landscapes everywhere you look.
A Broad Recommendation: Northern Lights season runs from the middle of November through the end of January, when nights are long in Norway. In fact, in parts of Northern Norway, the sun only briefly peaks out over the horizon or doesn’t rise at all this time of year.
Winter Weather in Norway: What to Expect
Winter in Norway is cold—especially the farther north you go.
The season typically runs from December through February, and temperatures can vary widely depending on where you’re headed.
Norway is a huge country, and some of the destinations you may be interested in visiting are likely above the Arctic Circle—brr!
Here are the average Norway winter temperatures by destination:
| Destination | Average Winter Temps (°F) | Notes |
| Oslo | 23–34°F | Cold, but manageable—dress in layers. |
| Kirkenes | 6–24°F | Deep Arctic winter—bring your warmest gear! |
| Rotsund | 16–32°F | Arctic chill—extra base layers a must. |
| Tromsø | 22–32°F | Great Northern Lights visibility; pack serious layers. |
| Bergen | 32–41°F | Coastal and damp; waterproof gear is essential. |
| Flåm | 28–42°F | Snowy, with icy fjord breezes. |
A Broad Recommendation: Daylight hours are short in winter, especially above the Arctic Circle, so plan outdoor activities for the brightest part of the day.
What to Pack for Winter in Norway
So what should you pack for winter in Norway?
When deciding what to wear in Norway in winter, layering is key. The wind and snow can make temperatures feel much colder than they look on paper.
You’ll also spend plenty of time outdoors—from exploring city streets to walking across icy docks—so choose warm, waterproof boots.
Here’s exactly what I packed—and what I’d pack again.
Base Layer (Thermals): Base layers are essential in Norway, especially when the sun goes down and temperatures drop below freezing. Your base layer should keep you warm and wick moisture away. I packed two pairs of my WEERTI Thermal Underwear for Women—they’re fleece-lined, soft, and fit perfectly under jeans or snow pants. Wool or synthetic fabrics work best (avoid cotton).
Mid Layer (Fleece or Sweater): On top of your base layer, you’ll want a fleece jacket or heavy sweatshirt to help trap warmth between your layers. I wore something similar to this The North Face Full Zip Fleece, perfect for layering and wearing around hotels. A down or fleece vest is also a great lightweight option.
Top Outer Layer: A puffy, wind-proof shell jacket like this Wantdo Women’s Quilted Winter Coat is perfect for Norway. I especially love that they offer so many different color options; pick something bold to stand out against that wintry Arctic landscape! I also brought my Women’s Thermoball Eco Parka for days that were warmer or we weren’t outside for as long.
Bottom Outer Layer: Snow pants are also a must for winter in Norway. These Postropaky Waterproof Ski Pants will keep you warm and dry even during snowy excursions. If you’d rather not use ski or snow pants, go with a pair of fleece-lined track/wind pants at a minimum; sweatpants and cotton pants aren’t wind or waterproof, and you’ll get cold if they get wet.
Waterproof Snow Boots: We wore our snow boots around 75% of our 12-day winter Norway trip and nearly the entire time we were in Northern Norway. The North Face Shellista Mid Boots are cute, cozy, durable, and have great traction on ice. You may also want to bring hiking or running shoes for your flights, but you won’t need much more in terms of footwear. Skip regular sneakers for sightseeing—your feet will get wet and cold fast.
Wool Socks: Of course, you’ll need some warm socks to wear under your snow boots. I brought along several pairs of MQELONG Wool Socks—they’re thick, comfy, and perfect under snow boots. They were also nice to wear around the hotel rooms in the evenings.
Scarf and Hat: Complement your outer attire with a warm scarf and a hat or ear warmer headband. I liked this Loritta Ear Warmer Headband that folds easily into your pocket and keeps your ears nice and toasty.
Gloves/Mittens: Waterproof gloves are an absolute must for your trip to Norway. These Tough Outdoors Waterproof Ski Gloves are insulated and easy to clean (even after reindeer feeding!). They’re also available in different sizes, which was important to me, since I have small hands.
Lightweight Liner Gloves: A pair of thin liner gloves are great to tuck under larger gloves or mittens to provide an additional layer of warmth. These Aegend Lightweight Liner Gloves are touchscreen-friendly, perfect for taking photos and using your phone in colder temps!
Balaclava/Neck Gaiter: Although some excursions provide balaclavas, you still may want to bring your own. We bought these KGC Neck Warmer Gaiters, windproof fleece that doubles as a face mask, but unfortunately, they didn’t arrive until after we left for our trip. We ended up borrowing balaclavas during our visit to the Snow Resort Kirkenes and just using our scarves throughout the rest of the trip.
A Broad Recommendation: If you have the right winter clothes, you’ll be able to enjoy your time in Norway come rain or shine (or snow, haha). If you’re traveling north of the Arctic Circle, pack one more base layer and pair of wool socks than you think you’ll need. For your base and middle layers, wool is warmer than cotton, and waterproof fabrics are your best friend in Norway’s winter weather.
Other essentials to pack include:
- Passport + copies of key documents (passport, debit/credit cards, insurance)
- Medications (sinus congestion, cough, upset stomach, etc.), first aid kit, feminine products
- Universal travel adapter
- Sunglasses + sunscreen (yes, even in winter—the snow glare is real!)
- Chapstick + overnight lip mask
- Sleep mask + ear plugs or noise canceling headphones for planes, trains, buses, etc.
- Reusable water bottle (it’s safe to drink the water in Norway!)
- Toiletries, tissues, hand sanitizer
- Swimsuit + sandals or slippers for saunas and hot tubs
- Wet bag or small dry bag for damp items
- Portable charger + cords
- Waterproof phone case + selfie stick or tripod
- Pajamas, nicer outfits/jeans for dinners, cozy sweaters
- Small bookbag or dry bag for excursions
- Camera + GoPro for Northern Lights photos
👉 Shop all of my winter essentials on Amazon!
What Not to Pack for Norway in Winter
Avoid wasting luggage space (or regretting soggy jeans!)—here’s what you can skip:
- Cotton clothing: It traps moisture and actually makes you colder.
- Heeled or non-waterproof boots: Streets can be icy, and traction is everything.
- Umbrellas: The wind in Norway will destroy them—pack a waterproof jacket instead.
- Heavy fashion coats: They’re not made for Arctic temps. Go for function over flair (you’ll still look cute, I promise!).
- Too many “just in case” outfits: Stick to layers you can mix and match.
Packing Tips for Flying to Norway in Winter
Long flights + Arctic weather = strategic packing time!
Here are a few tips to make your travel day smoother:
- Wear your bulkiest layers on the plane. Your boots, winter coat, and scarf can double as a pillow or blanket mid-flight—and save suitcase space.
- Keep your essentials in your carry-on. Pack your base layers, toiletries, and a spare outfit in case your checked bag is delayed (it happens!).
- Bring compression packing cubes. They make fitting bulky sweaters and jackets much easier.
- Hydrate constantly. Winter air and cabin air are both dry—bring a reusable water bottle to refill post-security (and to use for warm tea or coffee during your trip).
- Charge your devices fully before boarding. Outlets can be scarce on older planes, and you’ll want your phone for boarding passes and arrival directions.
Winter Photography Tips for iPhone Users
You don’t need fancy camera gear to photograph Norway in winter (though it’s not a bad idea to bring yours along if you already have some!).
I took all of my pictures on my iPhone 11 Pro, and they turned out beautifully.
Here’s what worked best:
- Use Night Mode for Northern Lights and low-light scenes—hold steady for a few seconds or use your selfie stick or tripod for extra balance.
- Wipe your lens often—snowflakes and fog can blur your shots.
- Bring a portable hand warmer. Cold weather drains phone batteries fast!
- Switch to RAW format (on newer iPhones) for more editing flexibility.
- Capture reflections in icy water or glass igloos—they make for magical, mirror-like photos.
FAQ: Norway Winter Packing & Travel Tips
Q: How cold does it get in Norway in winter?
It depends on where you go! Expect 20–30°F in southern cities like Oslo and Bergen, but subzero temps (0–10°F) in Arctic areas like Kirkenes and Tromsø.
Q: Can you see the Northern Lights in Norway during winter?
Yes! The best viewing season runs from November through January—especially above the Arctic Circle in Northern Norway.
We visited in early February and still saw the Northern Lights on three different nights!
Q: What’s the best coat to wear in Norway in winter?
A waterproof parka or insulated puffer with a hood. Make sure it’s windproof and covers your hips for warmth.
Q: Is it okay to wear jeans in Norway in winter?
You can, but only with a thermal base layer underneath—jeans alone aren’t warm or waterproof. I wore leggings under mine some days too!
Q: Do I need special boots for Norway?
Yes, waterproof snow boots with good traction are a must. Streets and trails can be icy even in the cities.
Q: Can you rent winter gear in Norway?
Yes, some Arctic excursions and hotels offer rental snowsuits or boots, but it’s always best to bring your own base layers and coat for comfort and fit.
Plan Your Own Winter Norway Trip
Now that you know what to pack for Norway in winter, check out these related guides to help plan your perfect Arctic adventure:
- Snow Resort Kirkenes, Norway: What It’s Really Like to Stay in an Arctic Ice Hotel
- Things to Do in Kirkenes, Norway in Winter: 1-Day Arctic Itinerary + Travel Tips
- Lyngen North Glass Igloo Review: The Best Northern Lights Hotel in Norway
- 3-Day Tromsø Winter Itinerary: Top Things to Do + Northern Lights Guide
- One Day in Bergen, Norway: The Perfect Itinerary & Best Things to Do
- Twenty-Four Hours in Flåm, Norway in the Winter
- A Sunday Afternoon in Oslo, Norway in the Winter
- 12-Day Winter Norway Itinerary: See the Northern Lights & Best Winter Destinations
- What to Pack for Norway in Winter: The Ultimate Norway Winter Packing List
Final Thoughts: Winter Norway Packing List
Packing for Norway in the winter might seem intimidating, but once you’ve got the right layers, it’s easy to stay warm and comfortable.
Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights, exploring colorful cities, or relaxing in a glass igloo, you’ll be ready for anything Norway throws your way.
Have you been to Norway in winter? What are your must-pack items for the Arctic? Share your tips in the comments below.
Ready to plan your own winter Norway adventure? Don’t forget to pin this post for later or share it with your travel buddy!
XOXO Sara at Travel A-Broads
Sara is the founder of and voice behind Travel A-Broads, a travel blog designed to empower women to explore the world boldly and safely.
A Sr. Manager of a Data Engineering team (aka math nerd) by day and travel enthusiast by night, Sara shares practical tips, curated itineraries, and inspiring stories from her adventures across 5 continents and 28+ countries and helps curious, independent women plan smarter, travel farther, and feel more connected along the way.
Read more about Sara’s journey here, and start planning your next adventure today!
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