Planning a trip to Norway during the summer but don’t know what to pack? Keep scrolling to check out my Norway packing list for summer!
This summer Norway packing list was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
I just got back from a 10-day trip to Norway where we visited Bergen and the Lofoten Islands. I did this trip with my aunt and we joined an Into the Wild Adventure tour when we got to the Lofoten Islands (that had a set itinerary).
I’ve done tons of Europe trips during the summer but I was really tripped up on what to pack for Norway because I knew I’d be doing more adventurous stuff versus sightseeing.
I’m writing this post because I wanted to share my tips after visiting Norway in summer about what I actually appreciated packing (and what I regretted not bringing).
What Bag to Bring
Since I knew we’d be moving around in a van and I was told that the ground was uneven, I decided to try doing a backpack instead of my usual roller bag.
After a bunch of research, I decided to get the Cotopaxi Del Dei backpack. Cotopaxi uses scrap fabric so if you order it online, it’s a mystery as to what you’ll get. I’m not a fan of the color orange, so I went to REI in person to pick one that had lilac as the prominent color.
What sold me on this bag is that it opens up like a traditional suitcase so I didn’t have to dig through everything to find what I was looking for.
It also had lots of zippered compartments (perfect for packing cubes) and I kept finding hidden zippered areas throughout my trip.
If you want to do carry on only, I highly recommend this backpack.
But honestly, I wished I would have brought my BEIS roller bag because it got heavy carrying this bag as well as my personal item (a smaller backpack) and stuff I bought at Duty Free in the airport.
Clothing Essentials
Okay, let’s talk about clothing because I think I packed (and re-packed) so many tips before this trip to Norway!
So Much Wool
For pants, I brought two pairs of Woolx Piper leggings (black and brown), one pair of Woolly leggings (blue), and a pair of lightweight hiking pants (also blue).
For shirts, I brought three wool short-sleeved t-shirts, one wool long-sleeved t-shirt, one wool tank top, my favorite wool long sleeve base-layer, and one Faherty lightweight sweatshirt.
I also brought a pair of wool base-layer leggings and wool shorts to wear for pajamas. I ended up not wearing the leggings at all but the shorts were good for the nights I had a shared room.
And I bought a pair or lightweight hiking shorts at Target the day before the trip when I saw how warm it was going to be in Norway in July.
I also brought a swimsuit to wear for the saunas and the beaches and it worked out great.
Rain Gear
Norway is notorious for being rainy, even in the summer. I’m from Seattle so I don’t melt in the rain but I figured I should be prepared so I wouldn’t be walking around in wet clothing.
I brought a packable rain jacket that was essential for our kayaking trip (I kept getting splashed). I also brought rain pants that I never used but they would have come in handy had it been rainy to protect my wool leggings.
Jacket
I was really worried about being cold, so I ended up buying a lightweight Cotopaxi puffer that was on sale. I did use it on the plane and one night, so I’m glad I had it.
Shoes
Since I was doing carry-on-only, I narrowed it down to two pairs of shoes. I had waterproof Keen hiking shoes that were awesome for the hikes I did. My lightweight waterproof Vessi sneakers that I’ve worn all over the UK also came in handy.
I mostly brought wool hiking socks but I did throw in a couple pairs of thin socks to wear on the plane.
Were There Things I Regretted Not Packing? Yes!
The weather was really warm in Bergen and I wished I would have had a summer dress for sightseeing. We didn’t really do adventurous stuff and I felt lame walking around in my wool leggings.
I also wished I would have brought a pair or jeans for going out to dinner or for the airplane home. Even though I love in leggings at home, I just feel more put together with jeans when I’m traveling.
And finally, I wished I would have brought some sort of sandal. People in our group had Tevas and I wanted a pair for when we went to the beach or did the sauna. It was really hard being in either hiking shoes or my sneakers anytime we went anywhere.
What I Bought in Norway
The biggest souvenir I wanted was a Dale of Norway sweater. I found a cute pink one and I ended up wearing it a few different evenings during the trip when the weather was chilly.
I also got a thin wool sweater from a souvenir shop in Bergen that I wore for a boat ride and on some of the airplane flights.
And I got a Lofoten ball cap (to protect myself from all the sun). I also bought a Norway beanie for chilly beach days and hiking.
Finally, I bought two t-shirts because I was sick of re-wearing my clothes.
Hiking Gear
I did a lot of “scenic walks” that were light hikes but I also did Reinebringen, which is pretty intense.
I loved using this lightweight backpack as my day bag. It’s got two large pockets as well as two drink holders.
I also brought along some granola bars, my prescription sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, an extra layer, and this cute flat water bottle. I usually grabbed a bottled drink at a convenience store that I also had with me.
Cabin and Accommodation Comfort
On this trip to Norway, we stayed in both hotels and fishing cabins. If you are primarily staying in cabins and have extra room in your luggage, I’d recommend some indoor slippers as the floors get cold.
If you’re staying with others, you might want a pair of cozy pajamas to wear around the cabin, as well.
For toiletries, I grabbed this container set and it was perfect for bringing along my favorite skincare items to keep my face from freaking out during travel.
And I highly recommend this eye mask to help with the midnight sun. And some pairs of ear plugs in case there’s cabin noise.
Photography and Tech Essentials
Even thought I’m a blogger/content creator, I stopped bringing my mirrorless camera on trips because I find my iPhone so much more convenient.
But if you are really into photography, Norway is definitely the place to bring your nice camera! Just remember your lenses, batteries, and probably a waterproof cover.
You’ll also want to make sure to bring portable battery packs (you’ll be taking way more photos and videos that you expect), charging cables for all technology (including wireless headphones), and a European plug adapter.
Personal Items
I mentioned this before, but you’ll want sunscreen and insect repellent during the summer. Definitely remember any prescription medication.
You might also want to grab bandages, blister treatment, medication, etc. And if you’re prone to yeast infections, migraines, colds, etc you should just bring the medications with you.
You’ll also need your passport and credit/debit cards. We didn’t need any cash.
Norway Packing List Wrap-Up
I hope this helps you figure out what to pack for your upcoming Norway summer trip! You’ll be happy to know that there are lots of stores in Norway (yes, even in the Lofoten Islands) in case you forget something.
Looking for more Norway content? Check out How to Spend 7 Days in Lofoten Islands, Norway: A Complete Summer Itinerary, Ultimate Guide to Planning a Trip to Norway’s Lofoten Islands: Essential Tips, When to Visit, and Must-See Highlights, and 3 Days in Bergen: Your Complete First-Timer’s Guide to Norway’s Gateway City!
