Your Ultimate Packing Guide for a Winter Trip to Finland (or the Nordics!)

Planning a winter trip to Finland or the Nordics? From chasing the Northern Lights to relaxing in saunas, this magical destination promises adventure and unforgettable experiences. But what should you pack to brave the cold and make the most of your journey? I’ve got you covered with this comprehensive packing guide—and don’t miss my YouTube video for detailed tips and demonstrations!

Why Packing Smart Matters for a Winter Adventure

Winter in the Nordics is breathtaking but demands preparation. With temperatures often plunging below -10°C (14°F), packing the right items ensures you stay warm, comfortable, and ready to explore. Let’s dive into the must-haves!

Your Winter Packing Checklist fo Finland

Essential Items

These items are necessary for everyone, regardless of the activities planned:

Clothing

• Wool under vest/thermal underwear

• Warm/thermal leggings/trousers

• Thick sweater

• Scarf or neck warmer

• Beanie (must cover ears; bring a second if you're doing an ice bath)

• Warm gloves (layer lighter gloves underneath for extra warmth)

• Warm socks (2 pairs for outdoor use, 1 for indoors)

• Thin socks (natural material for layering)

• (Winter) boots (with ankle protection; avoid trainers or slippery shoes)

  

  
  

Accessories

• Refillable water bottle (thermal preferred)

• Lip balm and hand moisturizer

• Power bank (cold weather drains batteries fast)

Extra Items and Accessories

• Turtleneck (optional but cozy)

• Sunglasses and sunscreen (if sunny)

• Headlamp or tiny keychain light

• Avoid jeans or fancy clothes—sporty and comfy attire is the way to go!

Activity-Specific Items

Planning to enjoy winter sports, aurora hunting, or traditional saunas? Add these to your list:

For Outdoor Adventures

• Tripod and remote for camera/phone (essential for aurora photography)

• Ice spikes or crampons (thin, non-glacier type)

• Winter insoles (if not using snow/winter boots)

• Camera bag with padding (plus extra batteries)

  
  

  

  ice spikes/grippers

For Sauna Experiences

• Flip flops (for public saunas)

• Sauna accessories (like essential oils, towels, or birch branches—easily purchased locally)

  
  

For Ice Swimming (Avanto)

• Second beanie 

• Extra gloves 

• Swimming shoes

• Swimsuit

  
  

Pro Tip: Bring antihistamines if you're prone to allergies—you never know when you'll encounter reindeer hair!

What You Can Buy Locally

Not everything needs to fit in your luggage! Here’s what you can easily purchase once you arrive in Finland:

• Safety reflectors (a practical souvenir to hang on jackets or backpacks, and a necessity on your trip)

• Ice spikes (available at supermarkets and sports stores, listed below)

• Thermal underwear (from full sets to individual pieces)

• Hand/foot/back warmers (to put inside your shoes or gloves)

• Sauna accessories (available in most supermarkets)

Items You Can Rent

Why carry bulky items when you can rent them?

• Snow boots and overalls

• Sport-specific gear (like skis, snowmobiles, or snowshoes)

• Some tours provide boots, overalls but also gloves and other essentials—check before you pack!

Pro Tips for an Unforgettable Trip

1. Plan for Aurora Hunting

   • Bookmark aurorawebcams.com and follow @lorenzmira_lapland for updates.

   • Combine activities like snowmobiling with aurora tours for a win-win no matter the clouds.

2. Stay Comfortable Indoors

   • Finnish accommodations are warm; pack lightweight pajamas/a t-shirt.

3. Stay Safe While Exploring

   • Download the HSL app for public transport in Helsinki.

   • If driving, beware of icy roads and reindeer!

Be Luggage-Smart

• Norwegian Air: Decent carry-on size max 10kg, no weight limit on personal items.

• Finnair: Stricter limits, with an 8kg combined weight cap.

Finally, here is a list of Stores and Supermarkets you might find useful once landed:

• Muji

• Clas Ohlson

• K-Supermarket

• Prisma

• XXL

• Intersport

• Stadiumson K-Supermarket Prisma XXL Intersport Stadium

Useful tores Muji Clas Ohlson K-Supermarket Prisma XXL Intersport Stadium

Watch the Video for Even More Tips!

This blog post covers the basics, but my YouTube video dives deeper, showing you specific items, tips for staying warm, and how to pack like a pro. Don’t miss it!

With the right preparation, your winter adventure in Finland or the Nordics will be cozy, safe, and unforgettable. Use this guide to pack your bags, and you’ll be ready to create magical memories.

See you under the Northern Lights!

Rahel