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May 12, 2023

5 Essential Items To Pack When Visiting Norway

No matter what kind of visit you're planning to Norway, there are some must-have

No matter what kind of visit you're planning to Norway, there are some must-have items you'll be ... [+] glad you packed.

Norway is a country in which spending time outdoors is an essential part of getting the most out of your trip. Whether that's enjoying one of the country's world-famous hiking trails or simply relaxing on deck as your coastal cruise ship meanders past breathtaking scenery.

But spending time outdoors in a country with famously changeable weather can easily be less enjoyable without the right clothing and equipment. While the season will dictate some of your packing, some items will prove useful at any time of the year.

As the popular Norwegian saying goes, "there's no such thing as weather, only bad clothing." Norwegians don't let bad weather stop them from enjoying the outdoors, and neither should you.

The keys to packing clothing for Norway are to choose function over fashion, and pack plenty of layers.

Long wool underwear and a waterproof, windproof outer layer are the most important elements. Bring a variety of insulating middle layers including t-shirts, sweatshirts, zip-up fleeces and a warm, wool sweater.

If you plan on hiking, take more socks than you would ordinarily pack so you can double up when necessary and change if you encounter wet terrain.

A waterproof and windproof outer layer is required clothing when visiting Norway at any time of ... [+] year.

Finally, don't forget a wool hat, scarf and mittens. Loop scarves or neck warmers are ideal.

If you’ve never visited Norway before, it's hard to get across just how compelling the scenery is. On a fjord or coastal cruise, not a minute will go by without you reaching for your smartphone or camera to take a picture. Needless to say, this near-constant use will quickly drain your battery.

Even if you have a charger and power adapter with you (Norway uses EU standard 2-pin sockets), you may not have access to a power socket exactly when you need it. As such, taking a high-capacity power bank with you is a wise move.

In the winter, batteries will drain even faster. At this time of year, it's worth insulating your spare battery or power bank inside a woollen glove or similar.

Sneakers are fine for walking around museums or exploring downtown, but head on out into the fjord region and you’ll need better footwear. At least one pair of hiking shoes or boots that is waterproof or water-resistant are essential, even if you’re not planning on undertaking serious hikes.

Norwegians grow up outdoors and what they consider an ‘easy walk’ may still require footwear that's fit-for-purpose. Even well-maintained hiking trails can be rocky and slippery.

While these will take up space in your luggage, they are non-negotiable for Norway's hiking trails. Fill the boots with spare socks and other small items to maximize space.

Good quality hiking footwear is essential if you plan on doing any walking outside the cities in ... [+] Norway.

You should also take along spare socks and a pack of blister plasters on any hike, even short ones.

No matter what time of year you’re visiting Norway, consider bringing sunglasses and sunblock.

Although temperatures are rarely high, the long summer days means you may be exposed to the sun's rays for many more hours than you’re used to. When the sun lingers low in the sky on summer evenings, sunglasses are an essential item.

In the winter, the sun's rays can reflect off white snow and do just as much damage to the eyes or skin as in the summer. On a sunny, winter day, it's absolutely possible to get sunburned when the temperature is at or below freezing.

With so much time spent outdoors, staying hydrated is a must. Bottled water is expensive enough in Norwegian supermarkets, but the prices go even higher at gas stations and convenience stores on street corners.

Buying two 17.5-ounce bottles of water from a convenience store every day for a week will set you back approximately $40, a crazy amount when you consider that tap water in Norway is perfectly safe to drink, even in cities.

Take a reusable water bottle that you can refill in your hotel, on your cruise ship or even from a mountain stream. Not only is it better for the environment, it’ll save some money too.