What to Pack for Norway: Complete Packing List

What to Pack for Norway 2026: Complete Packing List

Norway packing is layers for any season + waterproof everything + sturdy footwear. Northern Lights chasing needs serious cold-weather gear; summer fjords need thermal mid-layers.

Quick Pack List Summary

Norway packing is layers for any season + waterproof everything + sturdy footwear. Northern Lights chasing needs serious cold-weather gear; summer fjords need thermal mid-layers.

Norway Packing List by Category

Essentials

EU Type C/F plug adapter

Passport + photocopies

NOK 500-1,000 cash (Norway is highly cashless but small towns accept cash)

Reusable water bottle (Norwegian tap water = bottled quality)

Crossbody bag

Power bank (long flight + train days)

Clothing (Summer Jun-Aug)

Wool base layer — Norwegian summers go from 22°C sunny to 8°C rainy in hours

Lightweight waterproof + windproof rain jacket

Quick-dry hiking pants

Sturdy hiking boots (waterproof)

Light fleece for fjord cruises (always cool on water)

Swimsuit for fjord swimming (brave + brief, 10-12°C water)

Wool hat + light gloves for late-night summer (cool)

Clothing (Northern Lights Trip Nov-Mar)

Down parka (-20°C rated) — Tromsø/Lofoten standing outside for hours

Insulated waterproof snow pants

Thermal base layers (merino wool)

Heated insoles or 2 pairs wool socks

Insulated waterproof boots

Wool hat + neck gaiter + ski gloves

Hand warmers + face mask

Tripod for aurora photography (most rentals or bring your own)

Tech

Phone with NSB app (Norwegian Railway) + DNT (hiking trails)

Camera with extra batteries (cold drains them fast)

SIM/eSIM (Telenor NOK 200/month)

What NOT to Pack

Cotton hiking clothes — dangerous when wet in cold

Stilettos (cobblestones + ice + rain)

Excessive alcohol (Norwegian tax makes Vinmonopolet 300-400% markup — buy duty-free at airport)

Hair dryer (provided everywhere)

Pro Tip: Norway has “Right to Roam” (allemannsretten) — you can camp anywhere on uncultivated land for FREE. Pack tent + sleeping bag rated for 0°C + bear-resistant bag for food. This saves $200/night accommodation in fjord country.

Planning your Norway trip? See our Norway travel guide, best time to visit, destinations index, or our Ultimate Bucket List.

Norway Packing FAQ

What clothes do you need in Norway?

Layers: merino wool base + fleece mid + waterproof shell. Even summer needs all 3. Cotton dangerous when wet in cold.

How cold is Norway for Northern Lights?

Tromsø Nov-Mar averages -5 to -15°C. Aurora hunts stand outside 2-4 hours. Down parka -20°C rated essential.

Do you need waterproof boots in Norway?

Yes — fjord trails muddy + rain frequent. Quality waterproof hiking boots (broken in) prevent blisters + frozen feet.

What plug adapter for Norway?

EU Type C/F — same as Germany, France. UK/US plugs don’t fit directly.

Can you swim in Norwegian fjords?

Yes but cold — 10-12°C in summer. Brave swimmers do quick dips. Lakes (warmer 15-20°C) more pleasant.