Winter in Scandinavia - What to Wear?

[California Dreamer]

We are planning to holiday in Scandinavia in the next Northern winter (in January). In addition to the capitals and fjords we'll be going into the Arctic Circle, up to Tromso and thereabouts.

I'm just wondering what to pack and wear. We'll be going from an Australian summer, so it will be a bit of a jolt, I suspect. I have a duck down hip-length parka, but not really much else in the way of cold weather gear. Can someone recommend what to take? I'm especially wondering about shoes, especially what you might wear when going out to a restaurant or elsewhere a bit dressy.

TIA.

 

[Galix]

Wool. That's the most important thing to pack. With a wool first layer (long sleeve t-shirt, over the calf socks and if you are very cold also boxers), plus a wool medium layer (pullover or buy a Norwegian jersey) + a normal winter jacket you'll be fine (the type anyone would wear going skiing).
Also don't forget gloves, a scarf and something to cover your head. This is considering worst case scenario in Northen Norway.

In Bergen for instance, which is in the south western part of Norway, during winter time I normally wear a wool long sleeve t-shirt, a shirt (cotton) a thin wool cardigan and a normal jacket, and I don't get cold. I reckon in Tromsø or the inner parts of the country you'll need a little extra.

Shoes are more tricky. You'll need definitely something to cope with snow, water and ice. My go to options are cordovan boots in the city, and winter mountain boots when going hiking in the mountain or the countryside. Rubber sole is a must.

And don't worry about your clothes when going out. Scandinavians tend to be practical people (specially outside Oslo and Stockholm), so you don't have to wear black cap toes in a restaurant. Actually I never saw it. You'll do fine with a pair of nice boots.

 

[Gus]

Consider picking up a traditional Norwegian Sweater while you are there. They will last you a lifetime. They are made from very heavy wool and come in almost any color combination you might like.

 

[williamson]

You will find interiors very well heated, so be prepared to discard layers when you go indoors. Also, the fjordland (around Bergen and to its north) tends to be wet rather than cold; at the time you are visiting there should be snow, but both the humidity and the temperatures are higher in the fjordland than in Oslo and the east.
Norwegians dress very practically and also very casually, and will probably tell you if they think you're inadequately dressed for the weather. This is not being forward or condescending, but being helpful and showing concern. Enjoy your time there - the country and the people are great.

 

[Kaplan]

A down parka will be great for this

- sounds like you've got that covered.

Boots like these will be dressy enough for most restaurants, etc:

If you're going somewhere really cold, consider a pair of pac poots from LaCrosse or Sorel:




Last two not my pics.

 

[Kaplan]



Also, the fjordland (around Bergen and to its north) tends to be wet rather than cold; at the time you are visiting there should be snow, but both the humidity and the temperatures are higher in the fjordland than in Oslo and the east.

Actualy, if it's more wet than cold a down parka may not be ideal. Then you're probably better off with a hardshell (in something like GoreTex) layered with insulating layers in wool and/or fleece.

 

[kasakka]

Really depends how much you can tolerate cold and where you will be spending time most. In the capitals it's not as cold. In Helsinki during the winter I typically wear a scarf, a warm coat, jeans and some warm shoes (I use thicker sneakers). Under that have some thick socks and layers of clothing depending on how cold it is. Outside the cities it gets a lot colder so just add more layers, preferably thick wool.

I really need to get some nice boots for the coming winter. I don't like how the "boot dress shoes" look, they remind me of early 1900s women's shoes.

 

[comrade]

I picked up a couple of long-sleeve undershirts made of non-itchy fine wool
when I was in Italy several years ago in March because, I unknowingly
"packed for Hawaii" . These would serve you well along with the other clothing already
mentioned.

 

[California Dreamer]

Thanks guys. I do have a woolen undershirt now that I think of it. Would RM Williams elastic-sided boots work? They have a leather sole, so I guess they'd slip a bit.

 

[California Dreamer]

Thanks guys. I do have a woolen undershirt now that I think of it. Would RM Williams elastic-sided boots work? They have a leather sole, so I guess they'd slip a bit.

 

[fredrikkm]

RM Williams boots will work just fine in most situations, but not if you're going hiking or something along those lines... Just use wool socks in them, and you'll be fine most of the time. Consider buying a pair of wool long johns to go with your undershirt. You won't have any problems finding warm clothes while you're here, so don't worry to much.

 

[Louis XIV]

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[IndianBoyz]

 

[Kaplan]



Kaplan, those boots look lovely, what are they?
Do you think they can cope with salt?

They're Cheaney FS029 (only available from their factory shop? Not sure...).

Obviously the leather is better off without the salt but I've worn them through the winter here in Copenhagen where salt and slush is unavoidable and they've held up fine. Just give them some leather conditioner and wax occasionally and wipe off salty slush when possible.

They have a Dainite sole which is great for a lot of conditions but not the best for traction on ice. The softer rubber of the pac boots above is better suited for that (on the other hand they'll wear out quicker on asphalt/pavement).

 

[Gus]

Something like this might get you in with the locals