The Complete Checklist For What To Bring To Scandinavia

The ultimate packing list of what to wear and bring so you’re covered when going on a trip to Denmark, Norway and Sweden!

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Wondering what to pack for a trip to Scandinavia?

Norwegians have a saying: there is no bad weather, only bad clothing! Keeping that in mind, you might be thinking, “So, what are the right things to wear on a trip to Scandinavia?” Well, wonder no more!

As someone who loves traveling to Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, I have a bit of experience in packing for Scandinavian trips. After 7 trips I can clearly remember the things I have been thankful I packed. I can also remember the moments when I was kicking myself for not being prepared!

What you decide to pack for a trip To Scandinavia can be pretty weather-dependent. Weather throughout Scandinavian countries can vary quite a bit. In general, the warmest it will be during the summer in places like Copenhagen or Stockholm is into the 70’s (Fahrenheit), but it can range anywhere from the 50’s to the 80’s. With that in mind, you can imagine that the rest of the year is a bit colder. Of course, the more northern areas can have much cooler temperatures year-round.

Below you’ll find my checklist for what to pack on a trip to Scandinavia. I separated the sections to help make it more manageable for you as you work through the process.

Here we go..

Essential Travel Items

Let’s start with your travel essentials. These are the items you will be packing no matter where in the world you’re headed!

• Passport Cover
• Luggage Strap and Tag
• Noise Canceling Headphones
• Hypoallergenic Sanitizing Wipes
• Charcoal Deodorizers For Suitcase
• Allergen Proof Pillow Covers
• Travel Adapter and Voltage Converter
• Laundry Detergent Sheets
• Dirty Laundry Bag
• Travel Shoe Bags
• Compression Socks for Flying
• Spandex Travel Belt or other Passport Travel Belt
• Electronics Chargers and Portable Charger
• Snacks or Meal Replacements
• For allergy sufferers, a travel air purifier

In addition to this list, I also recommend including copies of passports and other important documents. That includes copies of your travel companion’s passports as well. If you also created a food plan, make sure everyone has a copy to pack into their bags. In a perfect world, there will be sets of copies in both the carryon and the checked luggage – just in case!

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Toiletries

If you’re particular like me, what you put on your skin matters! That is why I recommend getting silicone travel containers to fill with products. It is the easiest way to guarantee I won’t have a reaction to the hotel’s soap or shampoo. Using the containers also saves you space so you wont have to bring the full size product with you.

• Silicone Travel Containers
• Shampoo
• Soap
• Toothbrush and Toothpaste
• Norwex Body Cloth
• Nail Clipper Set
• Dry Shampoo
• Deodorant
• Wet/Dry Hairbrush
• Vitamin C Skin Serum
• Lotion
• Sunscreen
• Toiletry Bag
• Hair Elastics
• Anti-Chafe Balm
• Lip Cream
• Cotton Swabs
• Makeup
• Hair Tools: Curling Iron, Straightener, etc.

Medications

Making your own travel first aid kit is super easy and so very worth it! Travel can be taxing on your body, so you never know when a cold or illness might come on. Being prepared will hopefully help you stay healthier or help you get better faster if you do get sick.

• Any necessary inhalers and epinephrine auto-injectors
• All prescribed daily medications
• Vitamins
• Clear Travel Bags
• Antibiotic Ointment
• Various Sizes of Bandages
• Benadryl
• Vitamin C
• Cold and Flu Medication
• Pain Medication
• Upset Stomach Medicine
• Cough Drops

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What To Pack For A Trip To Scandinavia

When planning for what to wear while in Scandinavia, think LAYERS. In my experience the weather can be unpredictable, so you want to have options. I recommend bringing tank tops, long sleeve shirts, sweaters and jackets that can be easily layered for your outfits.

I have noticed people dress very well in Scandinavia as far as the quality of their clothes. They also really embrace being active and spending time outdoors. It shows in that much of their style leans toward being more athletic and functional than purely stylish.

If you love the athleisure look, you’ll probably feel right at home. If athletic wear isn’t exactly your style, plan to pack comfortable, functional clothing. Things that are easy to move in and will continue to look good, even if the weather doesn’t.

When choosing what to pack for a trip to Scandinavia, I try to stick with a neutral color palette. This makes it really easy to mix and match my clothing. In my opinion, black almost always looks helps me look more put together. Often it can easily go from day to night with just a swap of accessories.

As far as accessories, that is where I like to add my color and texture to my outfits when traveling. Scarves are a great way to add more style without taking lots of space in your suitcase!

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Outerwear

All types of weather are possible in Scandinavia! That is why packing good outwear is so important. I personally prefer a jacket with a warm layer and a waterproof layer. It makes it easy to just wear what you need and cuts down on packing space. If you already have a warm coat and a rain coat, that is also a good option. If you are planning to go to Scandinavia during the warmer months, I would also suggest bringing a lighter spring jacket to layer.

 

• Cold weather jacket with waterproof outer layer or a winter jacket and a rain coat
• Optional: Lighter Spring Jacket

Related: How To Not Let The Rain Ruin Your Vacation

Shoes

You’re going to be doing a lot of walking, so plan for that in your shoe choices! Comfortable booties that can be dressed up or down are a must when traveling to Scandinavia.

In addition, you will want to pack comfortable walking shoes. You may also want athletic shoes and hiking boots if you plan to take any outdoor adventures during your trip.

• Booties
• Comfortable Walking Shoes
• Athletic or Tennis Shoes
• Optional: Hiking Boots

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Tops

As I mentioned above, your focus should be on pieces that are easy to layer. Tank tops, long sleeve shirts and sweaters are all a good idea. Packing this way will give you the best options when deciding what to wear each day.

• Tank Tops
• Long Sleeved shirts for layering
• Sweaters
• Cardigans
• Dressy Top/s

Bottoms

Comfortable pants are going to make a big difference when walking around in Scandinavia. I like to pack a few pairs of leggings and at least one great pair of jeans. It is also nice to have some pants that can be dressed up when heading out for dinner, such as moto leggings or faux leather leggings.

• Jeans
• Athletic Leggings
• Other Pants: Moto Pants or Faux Leather Pants

Dresses

Just because Scandinavia might be more casual in general, doesn’t mean you wont need to dress up. I recommend bringing at least one dress, whether it be a sweater dress or a sun dress. That way you are prepared if you decide to head out to a Michelin Star restaurant in Copenhagen or out on the town in Oslo.

• Sweater Dress or Sundress

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Accessories

Accessories are my favorite place to bring color and texture to my outfits. I like patterned scarves or faux fur to dress things up. While you may not need a hat or gloves in the summer in Copenhagen, if you’re heading up to the north of Norway, you should probably throw them in your bag. In my mind, it is better to be too prepared than to miss out on experiences because I don’t have the right clothing.

• Gloves
• Hat
• Scarves
• Travel Umbrella
• Sunglasses

Necessities

You won’t want to forget these items! I like to pack a variety of styles of bras and socks for various activities. You may even want to pack a swimsuit in case you’re planning to take a dip during your trip.

• Pajama Set
• Sports bras and other everyday bras
• Underwear
• Tall socks (for hiking boots)
• Ankle socks
• Tights
• Optional: Swimsuit

Conclusion

I hope this checklist helps you know what to pack for a trip to Scandinavia! It is a great guideline for you to know you’ve packed everything you might need for a trip to Denmark, Sweden and Norway. A trip to Scandinavia is always on my “to-do” list and I can’t wait for you to enjoy all that it has to offer. Just remember to keep it simple! Pack smart and you’ll be ready for whatever comes your way.

Are you planning a trip to Scandinavia or have you visited in the past? What was the hardest part about packing for your trip?

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