How to pack for a Norwegian Coastal Voyage

Destination Specialist

July 18th

Pack lightly but smartly for a Norwegian Coastal Voyage. This guide will help you plan what to bring for your Havila or Hurtigruten voyage, in any season.

The coast of Norway changes in temperature depending on how far north you go: the further north, the colder it gets. In the south, Bergen is mild and often wet, and as you travel north the weather cools. Wind makes a big difference to how cold it feels out on the water, even in summer. For current conditions we recommend the Norwegian Meteorological Institute's yr.no weather service, and for expected daylight hours, Time and Date. To understand how the seasons feel across the year, see our guide to the Kystruten, Norway's coastal route.

A note on luggage: think about the size of your suitcase, as it may not fit inside some of the smaller cabins. There are storage rooms on board where you can leave larger luggage for the voyage, and a laundrette you can use along the way. For a sense of the cabin sizes on each ship, see our guide to cabins on Hurtigruten and Havila.

What to pack for a Norwegian Coastal Voyage, whatever the season

Binoculars
Camera and memory card
Comfortable everyday shoes
Woollen sweater or fleece
Passport and/or ID card (this also applies to Scandinavian citizens)
Sun protection
Sunglasses
Credit cards
A hooded, waterproof, windproof jacket that zips up: ideal for cool, wet or windy days out on deck and on local boats and ferries
Mid-layer jacket
Windproof and waterproof trousers
Woollen underwear
Swimwear: don't miss the chances to use the hot tubs and saunas on board

Both operators keep dress relaxed and casual: the Hurtigruten dress code is informal with no need to dress up for meals, and Havila is the same, with no formal nights.

Only in winter, spring and autumn

It can get cold along the coast at these times of year, so pack warm clothes:

Winter boots with good grip
Thick winter jacket
Warm hat and gloves
Woollen socks
Scarf
Woollen sweater or fleece

You can buy ice grips on arrival if the pavements are icy, whether you need them depends on the conditions.

Only in summer

A Norwegian summer is affectionately called a "green winter" by locals, but it covers a wide range of weather from June to August. Recent years have brought unusually warm weather in late July and August, while June and early July can feel more like spring, with cool, overcast days.