Scandinavian Winter Travel Planning

How cold is it in Scandinavia during winter, and how should you prepare? This guide explains what winter conditions are really like, how locals live with the cold, and what to consider when planning and packing for a Scandinavian winter holiday.

Practical information for travelling in Scandinavia during winter

In Scandinavia & Finland, winters are long and cold, with significant snowfall in northern regions. Temperatures vary widely depending on location, from south to north and from coastal to inland areas. The coldest conditions, and often the clearest skies, are typically found far inland and in the far north.

The Gulf Stream plays an important role in shaping Scandinavia’s climate. Coastal areas of Norway, in particular, benefit from warmer air currents, making them noticeably milder than other regions at the same latitude elsewhere in the world.

That said, winter travel does mean cold conditions. On some days, particularly in northern and inland areas, temperatures can drop to –20°C or even –30°C. This is entirely normal for the region.

What surprises many visitors is how well daily life continues regardless of the weather. Locals remain active throughout winter, heading outdoors for work, school and recreation – and visitors can comfortably do the same with the right preparation.

A commonly shared saying sums it up well:
“There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.”

What is winter travel really like in Scandinavia?

• Homes, hotels and public buildings are designed for winter and are always warm inside - usually warmer than you would be used to!
• Transport is reliable and well adapted to snow and ice
• Outdoor activities continue throughout winter, often enhanced by snow and light conditions
• Comfort depends far more on clothing choices than on temperature alone

Winter travel in Scandinavia is less about enduring the cold and more about dressing correctly for it.

What should you consider when packing for a Scandinavian winter?

Rather than thinking about individual outfits, it helps to focus on a few key principles:

Keep your head, hands and feet warm
These areas lose heat most quickly, so quality hats, gloves and socks are essential.

Dress in layers
Layers allow you to adapt easily between cold outdoor conditions and warm indoor spaces.

Choose winter footwear carefully
Warm, insulated boots with space for thick socks are one of the most important investments for travellers from warmer climates.

Wait before buying ice grips
Ice conditions vary depending on weather and location. Ice grips are easy to purchase locally in supermarkets, hardware stores and outdoor shops, and can be fitted properly over your boots once you arrive.

For a detailed breakdown of how to layer correctly and which clothing materials work best in snow, see our Snow Clothing Essentials guide.

How do you pack smartly for winter travel?

You will receive a full packing list with your travel documents, but it’s worth thinking about how winter travel works in practice. Luggage can feel fuller due to bulky clothing, and most travellers wear the same outer layers daily while rotating base layers.

For practical advice on luggage, ice grips and real-world winter travel tips, see our guide to packing for a winter holiday in Lapland.

Is winter clothing provided or available to rent?

On most 50 Degrees North winter activities, such as snowmobiling, husky sledding or guided outdoor excursions, insulated winter overalls are usually provided as part of the experience. These are designed to keep you warm during extended time outdoors and remove the need to purchase specialist activity gear.

However, you will still need your own winter clothing for everyday travel, including moving between accommodation, transport hubs and destinations, as well as for evenings and non-activity time. This means bringing your own warm jacket, trousers, boots, hats and gloves suitable for general winter conditions.

Rental options outside of activities are limited and can vary by location, so we recommend arriving with at least one complete set of winter clothing. In some destinations, additional rental services are available, and your Scandinavian destination specialist can advise on what is included in your itinerary and what you should bring yourself.

For detailed guidance on what to wear in snow and how to layer correctly, see our Snow Clothing Essentials guide.

Images: Lapland Guest House