We are going to Norway this summer, however I started thinking of what to pack last summer, Women’s Norway Packing Guide. So you might be wondering why I was already thinking about packing. Well, there are a few reasons. First, by starting early, I’m hoping to avoid any impulse purchases and stick to what I actually need. I already have a rain jacket and a few other essentials on my list, so it’s mostly about filling in the gaps. Second, spreading out purchases like hiking shoes throughout the year helps me manage the cost without feeling rushed. We will be gone for two weeks.
This is an updated post to my first one. I still like everything I have in the first post. In this post, you will see many overlaps. However, as time goes by, I am narrowing down what I actually am going to want to wear. Here is the Women’s Norway Packing Guide!
Link to the first post on Norway packing.
Things to consider
When it comes to packing, there are a few key factors I’m keeping in mind. For one, I know Norway’s weather can shift from cold to warm and back to cold in a single day. Living in the Midwest, especially during spring, I’m familiar with the unpredictable nature of this kind of climate, so layering is definitely the way to go. But we’re not just visiting Norway – we’ll also be stopping in Denmark. Since those will be city stops, I’m factoring in the need for slightly different outfits for urban settings as well. Another thing I’m thinking about is packing light. I plan to bring a carry-on size suitcase and a backpack, and my goal is to avoid overpacking. Below, I’ve outlined what I’m thinking of bringing.
If you’re looking for packing ideas for your under-the-seat carry-on, check out this post. I also did some research on the best bags for personal items – here are a few options I found, including the one I have! Amazon options for personal item bags (link).
Tops
I’m planning to pack 4-5 basic tees and one long-sleeve shirt for our trip to Norway and Denmark. The tees will be perfect for layering, especially in the warmer parts of the day or when we’re exploring cities. The long-sleeve shirt is more of a backup for cooler evenings or unpredictable weather—plus, it’ll come in handy if we find ourselves near the coast or in the mountains where the breeze can be a bit chillier. I like to keep things simple and versatile, so I can mix and match with the rest of my wardrobe, depending on the day’s activities.
Links: Athletic Blue Tee, Blue tank top, Brown Tee, Beatles Tee, Athleta Tee Beige (another option), Long-sleeve, Amazon long-sleeve, Amazon Shirts (pictured below), Amazon 2 Shirts
Jackets/Layering
Before our trip to Norway and Denmark, I thought I would bring a plaid shacket, a beige layering shirt, and a rain jacket, but as packing day got closer, I changed a few things. I ended up bringing a brown rain jacket, a brown sweater, and a denim shirt, and I was really happy with those choices. We were incredibly lucky because it hardly rained at all, but I still carried my rain jacket almost every day, usually draped over my purse just in case. While it worked well, it wasn’t very packable, so for my next trip I would choose a lightweight rain jacket that folds into its own pouch or small bag and can easily clip onto a purse or backpack. I’ve linked a few packable options that I think would be great for travel. I’m also linking a lightweight travel jacket that I bought for a trip to Arizona—I liked it so much that I bought one for my daughter, too. It’s comfortable, easy to pack, and perfect for layering while traveling. My denim shirt ended up being one of my favorite pieces because it was lightweight enough to wear over a T-shirt or under my jacket, and it could easily be dressed up or down for exploring both Norway and Denmark. The brown sweater was perfect for cooler mornings and evenings, and together these versatile layering pieces kept me comfortable without overpacking. If you’re planning a trip with unpredictable weather, I’d recommend focusing on a few pieces that mix and match easily, rather than packing lots of extra clothes.
Links: plaid shacket, rain jacket, beige shirt, blue stripe shirt, Denim Shirt (Could replace shacket with a cardigan), 4 Amazon raincoat options, Amazon Choices
Shoes
For shoes, I was trying to keep things practical, comfortable, and versatile. Before the trip, I planned to bring a sturdy pair of hiking boots for our outdoor adventures in Norway, especially since I thought we would be exploring some amazing trails. I did pack the hiking boots, but honestly, I never wore them. We ended up not doing any real hikes, and since it barely rained, I also didn’t need them as a backup for wet weather like I originally thought. Looking back, I would have been completely fine with my Keens, which would have worked for walking, sightseeing, and the lighter outdoor activities we did. I also bought a pair of tennis shoes that came highly recommended for travel, but after trying them out, I decided they weren’t the right fit and ended up donating them before we left. I’ll link another option instead—one that I think would be a better choice for long days of walking. I also packed a pair of easy-to-pack flats for dinners and evenings out. They were great, and I only wore them once, but I loved that they took up almost no room in my suitcase. Honestly, if I had brought a pair of Tevas, I don’t think I would have needed a dress shoe at all. I also packed a pair of Old Navy flip-flops for walking around the house and easy slip-on use, and I’ll link another travel-friendly option because if you brought a comfortable pair of sandals like these, you could skip the dress shoes altogether. If I were packing for this trip again, I would keep it simple and bring my Keens, a comfortable walking shoe, and either the flats or a versatile pair of sandals. Comfortable shoes really are the most important thing when you’re spending your days exploring!
Links: hiking shoes, flats, sandals (I have these and love them, I am thinking of buying a new pair), Sandals (I like these too, maybe a little more fashionable), Teva Sandals (this might be my first pick), Flip-flops
Pants
When it came to pants, my packing plan changed quite a bit before we left—and even more after seeing what I actually wore. Originally, I planned to pack mostly quick-dry pants for all the outdoor activities I thought we’d be doing, and I even decided against bringing jeans. Looking back, I honestly can’t remember if I ended up packing the jeans because I don’t have any photos of myself wearing them! I did bring my lightweight plaid pants, and they were a great choice. I also planned to pack brown leggings for hiking, but I left those at home since our itinerary ended up being less focused on hiking than I expected. Throughout the trip, I found myself reaching for my Amazon beige pants with the black stripe more than almost anything else—they were incredibly comfortable and worked for sightseeing, travel days, and casual dinners. I wore the plaid pants on the flight over because they’re so comfortable, and on the trip home I changed into a cozy brown sweater set, which was perfect for traveling. If I were packing for Norway and Denmark again, I would keep it much simpler and bring my Amazon pants with the black stripe, the black quick-dry capri pants pictured below, and one pair of lightweight hiking pants. Those three pairs would have easily covered everything we did while keeping my suitcase lighter and making outfit planning much easier.
Links: Wide-leg Sweatpants, Athleta Joggers (Amazon Joggers), Blue pants were from Athleta, no longer available, Jeans (mine are sold out here; some options, drawstring, wide-leg, Amazon), Brown Leggings, Free People pant (sold out) Amazon look-alike) Amazon Choices
Dress
I’m planning to bring one dress for nights out or nicer dinners. I love this particular one because it has pockets. If I end up feeling like having a little more variety, I might add a second dress, but for now, I think one will be enough. Another thing I like is that the sleeves are long just in case it’s cooler outside. It’s versatile enough to dress up or down depending on the occasion, and since it’s lightweight, it won’t take up too much space in my suitcase either!
Link: Dress I wore (No longer available) Another dress, shirt dress, Black Dress (I’m thinking this one might be more me)
Accessories and other items
For accessories, I’m keeping it simple but functional. I’ll be bringing a crossbody purse for easy access to essentials while exploring the cities, plus sunglasses to protect my eyes from the bright Scandinavian sun. I’ll bring two sunglasses.
Regarding basics, I’m packing seven pairs of underwear and 3-4 bras to ensure I have enough for the trip. I’m also throwing in a swimsuit, just in case we have a chance to dip into beautiful water. Wool socks to wear with hiking boots (2 pair). For pajamas, I’m going to wear the lightweight sweatpants listed above and a T-shirt.
Links: Socks, blue sunglasses, sunglasses, swimsuit, purse, sling purse, underwear, bra, T-shirt, Lounge set
Conclusion
Overall, I’m trying to keep my packing light, practical, and versatile for our Norway and Denmark adventure. With a focus on layering, comfortable shoes, and a few key accessories, I feel confident I’ll be prepared for whatever weather or activity comes my way. I’ve planned out the essentials while leaving room for flexibility, and I’m excited to see how everything comes together as the trip approaches. Hopefully, this gives you some ideas if you’re planning a similar trip! Feel free to check out the other posts linked for more travel tips and packing ideas.
Other Blog Links: My first packing list
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