Traveling to Norway in summer and wondering what to wear? I know how overwhelming packing for Norway can be… In this guide, you can find our experience-based tips on what to wear and what to pack for Norway in summer. Find out!
Packing for any trip to the Nordics somehow always stresses me out. Packing for an active summer vacation in Norway is simply not as straightforward as packing for a beach destination.
So when we had to pack our bags for the two-week road trip in Norway in August, I was wondering what to wear in Norway in summer and how to pack light, yet be ready for all types of weather.
As we kept checking the ever-changing weather forecast, we realized that we would need clothes for pretty much all seasons for this summer trip to Norway. There was rain with temperatures of 6-12°C (42-54F) in one place and sunshine with temperatures over 24°C (75F) in another…
Our experience with the weather during a recent 2-week trip to Northern Norway and Lofoten Islands was exactly the same. We went from wearing t-shirts and shorts one day to sweaters, jackets, long pants, and even gloves literally a day later…
So here is acomplete packing list for Norway in summerbased on our experience during several trips. You may get lucky and you’ll have warm and sunny weather the whole time in Norway in summer, but I wouldn’t count on it too much. It’s better to travel well prepared so that you can enjoy everything that Norway has to offer no matter the weather. Find out!
Good to know: This is not a packing guide for fashionista’s looking for a cool Scandinavian look for their summer trip to Norway. This is a packing list for active travelers who plan to explore Norway beyond Oslo, see the fjords, visit the charming towns and villages, and do some hiking.
If you are visiting Norway on a cruise, this packing list will work as well, but you may want to pack a few nice outfits for dinner.
What to Wear in Norway in Summer
Here are just a few items of clothing that you really should consider packing for Norway in summer months (June, July, and August)
1. Layers of t-shirts and sweaters.The best way to travel light and be prepared for all kinds of weather in Norway is to layer your clothes. We had several days, especially along the fjords in Flamand when hiking to the Pulpit Rock, when we started out with 3 layers, went to 1, and then back to 3 or even 4 again.
This is what we packed:t-shirts, several light tops with long sleeves, alight fleece jacket, and awarm fleece hoodie.We also took a few simpleshirts and blouses to wear at dinner.
2. Rain jacket.Make sure you always have a rain jacket with you in Norway, because sometimes the rain comes completely unexpected and in no time you can get soaking wet.
Before our trip, we were wondering whether a light rain jacket would be sufficient or if we needed a warmer insulated jacket in summer months. Despite the rain and the wind and rather cold temperatures, we were ok with the light jackets (sometimes in combination with two fleece sweaters underneath).
This is what we packed: we each have a lightVaude Escape rain jacket(also for kids).These are our favorite rain jackets and we have been using them on every trip for the last 6 years. As the kids grow out of one, we immediately buy a new one. They’re worth every cent.
3. Jeans, shorts, and hiking pants.Depending on what you plan to see and do in Norway, you should pack some smart pants or jeans and hiking pants for outdoor activities. I’d definitely take shorts because when the sun is shining it feels really hot, even though the temperatures are not as high.
This is what we packed: casual pants, jeans, and hiking pants. On one of our summer trips to Norway, we never actually needed shorts because we were extremely unlucky with the weather (it was an exceptionally bad couple of weeks, the locals told us). But I’d definitely pack them – normally, Norwegian summers are warm enough to wear shorts. We wore shorts and t-shirts on various occasions when we visited the Lofoten islands in July.
4. Sneakers and waterproof hiking shoes.What kind of shoes to pack for Norway depends highly on what you plan to do. In general, light sneakers or walking shoes are best for sightseeing. However, if you plan to go hiking, you really need good hiking boots.
Most hiking trails (Pulpit Rock, Florli 4444, almost all of the hikes in Lofoten, etc.) are very wet, so ideally you wear waterproof hiking boots. I don’t think you really need sandals in Norway, but water shoes might come in handy if you are planning to go kayaking and the tour company doesn’t provide them (which they probably will).
We never really missed rain boots in Norway, but we sure were glad we had waterproof hiking shoes.
This is what we packed: one pair of light walking shoes for everyday use and one pair of waterproof hiking boots each for hiking. These hiking boots are our favorites!
5. Buff.Mainland Norway is not as cold in summer as e.g. Iceland or the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard. So normally you don’t really need gloves, shawls, and winter hats. However, a buff is extremely handy to have and we did use it quite a few times during the trip, especially during fjord cruises.
This is what we packed: BUFF original.
6. Sunhat and sunglasses.Sun can be really harsh in Norway in summer so don’t forget sun protection. Those few moments when it was sunny during our trip, it felt really warm.
What to Pack for Norway in Summer
These are the travel essentials that will make your Norway summer trip more comfortable.
1. Sleep mask.If there is one thing you have to take to the Nordics in summer, it’s a sleep mask. It might be less important in August, but it’s a must in May, June, and the beginning of July. The days are endless and the midnight sun makes it impossible to sleep, especially because many accommodations don’t have black-out curtains.
2. Swimsuit and a quick-drying towel.There are many places where you can swim in Norway (weather permitting), so it’s always handy to have your swimwear with you. A quick-drying travel towel is nice to have too.
3. Day backpack.A light day backpack is very handy in order to carry all those extra layers of clothes you may or may not need during the day. Don’t forget the rain cover – we used it quite a few times.
4. Reusable water bottle.Tap water is safe to drink in Norway, so don’t forget to pack a reusable water bottle. Not only is it good for the environment, but it will save you quite some money as well.
5. European electricaladapter.Just as the majority of continental Europe, Norway has 220-volt electricity and uses type C/E/F electricity plugs.
6. Mosquito spray.I read that Scandinavia is a real mosquito paradise in summer. We encountered some mosquitoes in Norway, but nothing really significant (I guess it highly depends on where exactly you go and how the weather is). In any case, it’s a good idea to pack a good mosquito spray when visiting Norway in summer months.
7. Sunscreen lotion.As I said, even if it’s not very warm, the sun can be really harsh in Norway in summer, so a good sunscreen lotion with a high SPF factor is a must.
8. Face lotion and lip balm.We have a Facebook travel group for traveling to Iceland and Scandinavian countries and every time somebody asks what people wish they packed to the Nordics, people mention face lotion, moisturizing cream, and a good lip balm. The air is very dry in the Nordics and moisturizers are really essential in any season.
9. Portable charger (power bank).A portable charger has become a real must-have travel necessity for us. Also in Norway, we used it daily. We use our smartphones all the time (as GPS with Google Maps, as a camera, video camera, etc.) and they are usually empty long before we reach our hotel for the night.
10. Camera gear.Unless you use your smartphone for pictures, don’t forget your camera gear, including extra batteries and plenty of good memory cards. Everything is so expensive in Norway, so better bring all you need from home.
LEARN MORE: How Expensive is Norway (with Price Examples)
11. Umbrella.Usually, we never pack an umbrella when traveling, but we could have definitely used one a few times in Norway. If you have a good rain jacket and plan to stay outside the cities most of the time, then you don’t really need an umbrella. But in town (and especially one like Bergen where it rains 230 days a year) agood windproof travel umbrella can be really useful.
12. Hiking poles.If you are planning on doing lots of hiking in Norway, hiking poles might be good to have. Most popular hiking trails are quite strenuous with lots of steep descents and trekking poles make it so much easier on your knees. We own these lightweight collapsable trekking poles. They’re so compact and easy to pack that we now pack them for all trips where we plan to do any hiking. If you are only planning to use them on a few occasions you may want to check out this budget alternative.
So, these are our tips for what to wear and what to pack when traveling to Norway in summer. If you are planning a trip, you may want to check our other articles for many different destinations in Norway. Take a look below!
More tips for visiting Norway:
- Summer itineraries:
- Lofoten:
- Cruises:
- Stavanger:
- Flam:
- Tromso:
- Svalbard:
- For more inspiration, see our Norway Travel Guide.
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As an experienced traveler with extensive knowledge of Norway and its varying weather conditions, I understand the challenges of packing for a summer trip to this beautiful Nordic country. My expertise comes from firsthand experience, having explored Northern Norway and the Lofoten Islands during a two-week road trip in August, encountering diverse weather patterns ranging from rain and cool temperatures to warm and sunny days.
In this comprehensive guide, I will share valuable insights and tips on what to wear and pack for a summer vacation in Norway. My recommendations are based on practical experience, ensuring that you are well-prepared for the unpredictable weather that Norway often presents.
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Layers of T-shirts and Sweaters:
- To navigate the ever-changing weather, pack layers, including t-shirts, light tops with long sleeves, a light fleece jacket, and a warm fleece hoodie.
- Personal experience includes days along the fjords in Flam and hiking to the Pulpit Rock, where we alternated between 3 layers, 1 layer, and back to 3 or 4 layers within a single day.
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Rain Jacket:
- Always have a rain jacket, as rain can be unexpected. Light rain jackets, such as the Vaude Escape, proved effective even in combination with fleece sweaters for colder days.
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Jeans, Shorts, and Hiking Pants:
- Pack smart pants or jeans for casual wear and hiking pants for outdoor activities.
- Consider shorts for warmer days, as Norwegian summers are generally warm enough.
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Sneakers and Waterproof Hiking Shoes:
- Choose light sneakers for sightseeing and waterproof hiking boots for hiking, especially on wet trails like Pulpit Rock, Florli 4444, and hikes in Lofoten.
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Buff:
- While Norway in summer is not extremely cold, a buff proved useful, especially during fjord cruises.
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Sunhat and Sunglasses:
- Protect yourself from the harsh sun in Norway during summer by packing a sunhat and sunglasses.
Moving beyond clothing, here's what you should pack for a comfortable and enjoyable trip:
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Sleep Mask:
- Essential for dealing with the endless daylight in Norway during the summer months.
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Swimsuit and Quick-Drying Towel:
- Be ready to swim in Norway's beautiful spots, weather permitting.
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Day Backpack:
- A light day backpack with a rain cover is useful to carry extra layers of clothing.
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Reusable Water Bottle:
- Tap water is safe, so bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
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European Electrical Adapter:
- Norway uses type C/E/F electricity plugs, so pack the appropriate adapter.
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Mosquito Spray:
- While mosquitoes may not be significant, it's wise to pack mosquito spray for certain areas and conditions.
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Sunscreen Lotion:
- Protect your skin from the sun's intensity with a high SPF sunscreen.
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Face Lotion and Lip Balm:
- The dry Nordic air makes moisturizers essential, including face lotion and lip balm.
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Portable Charger (Power Bank):
- Keep your devices charged, especially if using them for navigation and photography.
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Camera Gear:
- If not relying solely on your smartphone, bring your camera gear, extra batteries, and memory cards.
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Umbrella:
- While a good rain jacket is crucial, an umbrella can be useful in cities with frequent rain.
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Hiking Poles:
- For extensive hiking, collapsible trekking poles can ease strain on your knees.
In conclusion, this packing guide is tailored for active travelers exploring beyond Oslo, focusing on experiencing Norway's natural beauty, fjords, charming towns, and hiking trails. Whether on a road trip or a cruise, these tips will ensure you're well-equipped for a memorable summer adventure in Norway.
