No matter when you visit the country, a Norway packing list is essential to come up with if you’re backpacking in Norway.
The weather in the country varies depending on what time of the year you visit.
If you’re going in the winter, you will need warm clothes that you don’t necessarily need if you’re visiting during the summer months.
Packing for Norway can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be.
My guide will let you know what you should be taking with you and what you should be leaving at home!
If you’re wondering what to pack for Norway, this is the guide for you!
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Table of Contents
Norway Packing List
What to Wear in Norway
The clothes you need to pack for Norway will depend on when you go.
The weather is very different during the summer and winter. Temperatures in Norway plummet siting the winter months. You will need to pack warm weather clothes, otherwise, you will freeze.
If you’re visiting during the summer, you won’t need a lot of warm-weather clothes, but you should take one or two just in case.
A waterproof jacket is essential no matter what time of the year you visit. It can rain at any time in Norway and you don’t want to get caught without a jacket, as you will get drenched!
Beanie
You will need to include a beanie when packing for Norway if you’re going during the winter.
I forgot to take mine with me when I went in the winter, and I could have done with it when I did the Preikestolen hike!
It can get cold in Norway during the winter. You want to keep yourself as warm as possible, especially if you plan on being outside for long periods!
Don’t make the same mistake I did, and include your beanie when you go to Norway!
Gloves
Gloves are one item you will need if you’re travelling to Norway in the winter.
Again, this was another item that I forgot to take with me, and I regretted it the whole time I was outside hiking.
My hands were frozen by the time we got back to our car!
If you want to keep your hands warm while you’re enjoying Norway’s incredible scenery, a pair of gloves is a necessity!
Jacket
Whether you’re visiting Norway during the summer or winter, I would take a jacket with you.
The jacket you need will depend on when you go. You won’t need a well-insulated jacket during the summer, a waterproof one will suffice.
However, if you’re going to Norway in the winter, you will need a thick jacket to keep you warm on your travels.
The last thing you want is to freeze while you’re exploring the country, or get caught in a downpour!
Waterproof trousers
Waterproof trousers are a useful item to pack for Norway if you plan on going hiking.
While you might not need them during the summer, you will most likely require them during the winter.
The weather can be cold and wet during the winter. If you don’t have the appropriate clothes, you will get wet.
Waterproof trousers will keep you dry while you’re out enjoying the incredible scenery Norway has to offer!
Hiking shoes
A pair of hiking shoes are essential to include when considering what to pack for Norway.
If you plan on doing any type of hike, you will need to take a pair with you.
The hikes are spectacular, but they can be dangerous if you don’t have the right footwear.
This is especially true in winter when snow and ice can make the routes even trickier!
I would include a pair of hiking shoes if you plan on spending large periods outdoors!
Thermal socks
Thermal socks are an essential item to pack for Norway if you plan on visiting during the winter.
If you plan on hiking during this time, you will need to keep your feet warm due to the cold temperatures and prevalence of snow.
Normal socks are ok, but they don’t offer the warmth that thermal socks do.
While you might be ok with normal socks, thermal socks will ensure that your feet don’t freeze when you’re exploring the beauty of Norway!
Shirts
You will need a couple of shirts for your trip to Norway.
If you plan on going out and sampling the nightlife in Norway, a good shirt is a necessity.
While you need them going out, they can also be worn during the day, which them a useful and versatile item to pack.
One or two is probably enough, but that does depend on how long you are in Norway.
Shorts
You will need a good pair of shorts or two if you’re visiting Norway during the summer.
It can get hot during the summer months and you don’t want to swelter in warm trousers.
Shorts will keep you cool as you travel around this beautiful country.
I would take two pairs, perhaps 3 or 4 if you’re staying for longer.
That way you have more choices and won’t be wearing the same stinky clothes over and over again!
Accessories
Osprey Farpoint 40 L
Whether you plan on going to Norway for a few days or longer, the Osprey Farpoint 40 L is a versatile backpack that is ideal in both scenarios.
It is one of the best backpacks for travel because of its versatility and because unlike other backpacks, it is front-loading.
This means you can access your items from the front of the bag instead of having to rummage through the top to find what you want.
This Osprey is a convenient backpack that gives you enough space to take everything you want and more!
Eco Water bottle
Norway is an expensive country and you will end up spending a lot of money on water if you do not take an Eco water bottle.
Another reason to take a bottle with you is to cut down on your plastic usage.
Not only will you save yourself money, but you will be helping the environment too!
An Eco water bottle is an important item to pack for Norway in more ways than one!
Crampons
If you plan on hiking in Norway during the winter, crampons are a useful item to take with you.
There can be a lot of snow and ice on hiking trails during the winter. Even with the right footwear, you can lose your footing easily in these conditions.
By putting crampons on the bottom of your shoes, you will be able to grip the surfaces with more ease.
They aren’t an essential item, but they do help when if you plan to go hiking during the winter months.
Polarised sunglasses
A pair of sunglasses is a useful item to take to Norway for several reasons.
There is a lot of glare from the sunlight will driving in the country and you will want to keep your eyes protected from harmful UV rays while you’re out and about.
Polarised sunglasses are a good choice because they keep more of these rays than ordinary sunglasses do.
I like Oakley Frogskins because they last a long time and have re-clippable hinges, which means you won’t have to buy a new pair if they fall off your head!
Portable charger
One item that should be on your Norway packing list is a portable charger.
While you won’t be short of places to charge your phone, it’s important to be able to charge your phone while you’re on the move.
If you plan on exploring the beautiful outdoors in Norway, you want your phone to be charged in case of an emergency.
Taking a portable charger with you will allow you to keep your phone charged no matter where you go!
Playing cards
One of the things about travelling that most people don’t realise is that there is a lot of downtime.
You can’t always be out and about and sometimes you’re just sitting about not doing much.
Taking a pack of playing cards with you is a good way to provide you and your travel buddies with something to do when you’re not on the move.
You can play some of the best travel games with a pack of cards, which make them an ideal item to have in your bag.
If you want a different game, Monopoly Deal is an enjoyable game to take with you that will provide you with hours of fun!
Trtl Travel pillow
The Trtl travel pillow is a good item to consider when packing for Norway for several reasons.
Here’s why:
If you plan on travelling large distances in Norway, you’re going to be doing a lot of driving.
If you’re a passenger having the travel pillow will make it easier for you to rest your head against the side of the car and get some sleep.
The travel pillow can also double up as a scarf if you’re out and about in cold weather.
It’s a versatile item that you should consider taking with you to Norway!
Travel adapter
If you’re not coming from mainland Europe, one item you will need is a travel adapter.
Norway uses the standard type F plugs throughout the country.
Keeping your phone and laptop charged while you travel is important, especially if you’re working.
If you don’t take a travel adapter, you won’t be able to do this and have to buy one when you arrive.
Toiletries
After suncream
Depending on what part of the country you visit, there can be a lot of sun in Norway during the summer.
If you’re not careful you can end up getting sunburnt. That’s why you want to take some after suncream with you.
Even if you don’t get burned, rubbing it on your skin will keep it moisturised and in good shape regardless.
If you do get burnt, the aloe vera in the cream will soothe your skin and help alleviate the pain.
After suncream is one item you will regret not taking with you when you pack for Norway in the summer!
Bamboo toothbrush
Bamboo toothbrushes are one of the best ways to combat the ever-increasing consumption of plastic on the planet.
Plastic toothbrushes are terrible for the environment and regularly end up in landfills.
On the other hand, bamboo toothbrushes are made from a natural source and are biodegradable. Once you’re finished with the toothbrush, you remove the bristles and leave it to decompose. Easy!
By buying one you will reduce your plastic footprint and help the environment in the knowledge you won’t damage Norway’s beauty!
Lip balm
We know it can get cold in Norway during the winter, so you want to take care of your body as much as you can.
Overexposure to the cold will lead to your lips becoming dry and chapped. This happened to me while I was there.
Unfortunately, I forgot to pack lip balm.
Lip balm is a useful item to take to Norway. It will stop your lips from getting dry during the cold weather, which is something we can all agree is a plus!
Suncream
Summers can be hot in Norway and that means an increased risk of getting sunburn.
When considering what to pack for Norway, suncream is a vital item to take with you, especially if you’re going during the summer!
Sunburn is unpleasant and can lead to skin cancer if you do not take precautions in the sun.
By packing a bottle of suncream, you will be able to keep your skin protected no matter where you go in the country!
Solid shampoo
Shampoo is another item that comes in a plastic bottle.
One way to get around this is to take some solid shampoo with you instead.
It works just the same as a normal shampoo but comes in a solid bar and without the plastic which takes up space in your backpack and isn’t great for the environment.
If you want to save space and help the environment, packing some solid shampoo will go a long way to doing that!
Soap
Soap is more convenient to travel with than shower gel.
The bar lasts for a long time and it takes up less space than shower gel. This frees up more space in your backpack for more important items.
One thing I would advise is buying a container to store your soap to keep it separate from your other items.
Soap is much better for the environment than shower gel and cheaper too!
Including it on your Norway packing checklist is a great way to help the environment and save money!
Deodorant cream
Deodorant cream is one of the items I take with me no matter where I go.
Unlike normal deodorant, which you get in plastic, the cream comes in a tin.
All you do is unscrew the tin, dip your finger into the cream, and rub it under your armpits!
It’s very simple to use and lasts longer than ordinary deodorant!
As well as the items mentioned, I have listed some more below that you can’t leave off your packing for Norway checklist!
Other
Camera
A camera is one of the most important things to take to Norway.
The country is beautiful, and while you should be soaking in your surroundings, it would be a shame not to take any photos.
While most smartphones have decent cameras nowadays if you want to elevate your photography you should invest in a good camera.
I’m a big fan of the Nikon D5500. It’s a DLSR camera and the quality of your photos will be much better than what you would get on your smartphone.
If you want to get some amazing shots of Norway, buying a Nikon camera is the way to go!
Kindle
I love reading books when I travel, but there is one downside.
They take up a lot of space in your backpack!
If you’re going to Norway for a short period, this isn’t much of an issue. However, if you’re going on a longer trip, it can be a problem.
A Kindle is a great way to get around this problem. You can download and buy as many books as you want and they will all be stored on your Kindle.
The Kindle itself is lightweight and portable and won’t take up too much space in your backpack!
They are certainly more convenient to travel with than books!
Laptop
If you’re going to be in Norway for a long time and need to work and travel, taking a laptop with you is essential.
Norway is a well-connected country when it comes to wifi, so you won’t have any trouble doing work or speaking to loved ones in most parts of the country.
One of the top laptops for travel is a MacBook. They are lightweight, portable and won’t take up too much space in your backpack.
They are also powerful laptops that will allow you to perform most tasks while you’re on the road.
Travel Insurance
As a wise man once said, “If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.”
Even though Norway is a safe country, you can never take any chances.
Your luggage could get lost, you could have an accident, or you could end up in a spot of bother.
By taking out a travel insurance policy, you have peace of mind in case anything does go wrong. I use SafetyWing as they are geared towards backpackers and adventurous travellers.
Insurance may seem like an unnecessary expenditure, but you never know when you might need it!
Lonely Planet
If you need an idea of what you can do in Norway, getting the Lonely Planet guide is a good place to start.
The guides are full of information on what you can do around the country, where to go, and where you should stay.
One of the best parts of the books is that you often discover new places you had never heard of before!
Purchasing the Lonely Planet guide is a good idea before you go, so you can do some research and have an idea of where you want to go in Norway!
What Not to Pack For Norway
I am a firm believer that one of the cardinal sins of travelling is to pack too much.
The last thing you want to be doing when you are travelling around Norway is to be taking a backpack with too many items.
Packing light is a good way to avoid this scenario. By taking fewer items you ease the strain on your back. If you need an item you can always buy it when you are on the road.
Half of the items you take with you are rarely used. Below are a few items I would leave off your Norway packing list.
- Flip-flops – Norway isn’t renowned for its beaches, so you won’t need to take flip-flops with you. Even during months in the summer, I still wouldn’t pack them, as there isn’t much use for them. The only footwear you need is a pair of hiking shoes and some comfortable shoes for day-to-day stuff.
- Suitcase – I am firmly against travelling with suitcases. They are impractical, clunky and depending on how big they are, you may have to put them in the aircraft’s hold. Travel with a daypack or a 40 L backpack depending on how long you are in Norway.
- Books – I love to read, but travelling with books isn’t very practical. If you’re visiting Norway on a short trip, one or two books won’t take up too much space. However, if you’re going on a longer trip, they will. I would recommend taking a Kindle with you if you want to do some reading while you’re in Norway.
- Shoes – I am not recommending you don’t take any she’s, that would be madness. Simply that you only need one or two pairs. Shoes take up a lot of space in your backpack, and the more you take, the less likely you are to wear them all. Take some hiking shoes and another pair and you will be fine.
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Tom is a travel addict who first left England to spend a year Down Under. Not satisfied with this, he then went to New Zealand, about as far away from home as he could get. He is now planning his next adventures in Europe and Canada while maintaining this blog. Check out the about me page to learn more!