Wondering what to pack for a trip to Norway? Your packing list will obviously depend on how you plan to tour the country. There is a difference between sightseeing in Oslo and going on an adventure in the forest and mountains!

It’s the striking scenery that appeals most about Norway, but surely there’s more to it than fjords, Instagram-friendly mountain peaks and northern lights over picturesque fishing villages. A trip to Norway can include so many different experiences and therefore so many different ways to pack.

Packing list for Norway – examples and suggestions

You will probably stay in Norway for more than a few days. We’re also guessing you’ll want to discover Norway’s stunning scenery in one way or another. We also think you’ll make a stop in some major or minor city.

In our packing lists on this page, you can see how to pack whether you’re going hiking, cruising, road tripping or doing something completely different on your way to Norway. Our packing list for a trip to Norway is complete with everything you could possibly need for your trip. Have a good trip!

Packing list especially for a road trip

  • Snacks
  • Water bottles
  • First Aid Kit
  • Air purifier/fragrance diffuser
  • Cooling bag
  • Warm blanket
  • Research game/card game
  • USB charger
  • Sunglasses
  • Map book
  • Caffeine pills
  • Wet wipes/wipes
  • Plastic bags
  • Tote bags (good for everything!)
  • Lightweight backpack for excursions
  • Toilet paper

Clothing for hiking in Norway

Clothing for a cruise in Norway

  • T-shirts
  • Long-sleeved shirt/jacket
  • Knitted sweater/cardigan
  • Shirt/blouse
  • Dress/maxi dress
  • Leggings
  • Chinos/long trousers
  • Shorts
  • Jeans
  • Waterproof trousers
  • Bathwear
  • Exercise clothes
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Puffer jacket
  • Waterproof shoes
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Men’s shoes/heels
  • Trail shoes/hiking boots
  • Thin hat
  • Sun hat/cap
  • Windproof gloves
  • Underwear

Packing list for weekend in Oslo – summer

  • Shorts/skirt
  • T-shirts/tops
  • Shirt/blouse
  • Long sleeve sweater
  • Wind- and waterproof jacket
  • Leggings
  • Jeans
  • Sneakers/jogging shoes
  • Sandals/flipflops
  • Dress shoes/High heels

Weekend packing list for Oslo – winter

  • T-shirts with a Zee and Co campaign code)
  • Underwear
  • Functional trousers
  • Jeans
  • Leggings
  • Shirt/blouse
  • Fleece sweater
  • Winter jacket
  • Gloves
  • Hat
  • Warm socks
  • Winter shoes/boots
  • Finishes

Pharmacy and hygiene

  • Haircare
  • Skin care
  • Deodorant
  • Razors
  • Oral hygiene
  • Toiletry case
  • Stick with SPF
  • The medicines you need
  • Hand sanitiser
  • Wet wipes
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Sanitary products
  • Chafing plasters
  • Painkillers
  • Lenses and lens solution

Good to have on the go

Documents and money

  • Passport
  • Tickets and travel documents
  • Driving licence (if you are renting a car)
  • Bookings (mobile or printed)
  • A small amount of cash in Norwegian kroner
  • Credit/debit cards
  • Copy of travel insurance

Pack smart for your trip to Norway – bonus tips!

Packning

As you can see, you’ll need to pack a few different things depending on your trip to Norway. At the same time, there are some things that just have to be included, regardless of the type of trip.

Above you’ll find comprehensive packing lists for cruises, road trips and hikes, along with gadgets and other essentials. Our hope is that you can take real advantage of each packing list for a trip to Norway. Below you can find some useful bonus tips!

What to pack for a cruise in Norway?

There are many thousands of visitors to Norway who choose to explore the country on a cruise. The question is, what do you need to pack for a shorter or longer trip on one of the giant ships?

There are a few things to think about, namely:

  • How long the cruise is
  • What weather to expect
  • What activities you want to take part in when you go ashore
  • What stops are made
  • What activities are available on board

A seven-day cruise where you’ll be on board all the time is obviously different from a two-week cruise with stops for hiking and sightseeing almost every day.

Our advice is to carefully review the points above and pack accordingly.

Let’s take an example. You book a twelve-night cruise on a major cruise ship that sails from southern to northern Norway. The time of year is late summer. Almost every day there is an opportunity to go ashore for a few hours.

A suggested packing list might be:

  • Leisure clothing for relaxation on the ship
  • Weatherproof clothing for sightseeing
  • Fancier clothes for dinners
  • Clothing for short hikes
  • Bathing suits for ship’s pools
  • Training clothes for the ship’s gym

Remember: The weather is incredibly unpredictable

Imagine you’re on a hiking trip to discover one of the country’s many amazing places. It’s summer, the temperature is around 16-18 degrees and the sun is shining brightly from above.

Five minutes later, the sky opens up and both hail and heavy rain pour down. Completely without warning! The contrasts could not be greater!

In many places in Norway, the weather can change from minute to minute. It is therefore important to always be prepared. This means packing clothes that will keep you warm and dry at home and not forgetting them when you go out on tour.

Pack good gear for adventure

If you want to explore fjords, hiking trails or perhaps mountains and fells in the best and most comfortable way, you need good clothes and good equipment. You can see which items you should pack in the packing list above. What equipment can we recommend?

A good backpack for hiking is of course a must. It should be lightweight, waterproof and comfortable to wear. Please test it thoroughly before your trip. Check that it holds what you need and that it fits well on your back.

What other equipment can be recommended? Here are suggestions to make your walks and adventures even more memorable.

  • Liquid bladder/liquid system
  • Walking sticks (indispensable in the mountains)
  • Compass and maps (preferably wrapped!)
  • Windbreak/tarp
  • Whistle
  • Water filter
  • Walking sticks
  • Guidebook/travel guide
  • Equipment for making fire
  • First Aid Kit
  • Plasters and chafing plasters
  • Toilet paper

As you can see, it’s both stuff you’ll use a lot and stuff you’d rather not have to use at all. Both parts are important on the adventure.