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A dream destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers, Norway’s flowing fjords, majestic mountains and scenic coastal roads make it the perfect place for an epic road trip. Whether you’re driving along the Atlantic Road, exploring the Lofoten Islands, or chasing the Northern Lights, having the right gear is super important for a smooth and enjoyable trip.
Packing for Norway can be challenging due to the country’s famously unpredictable weather, natural terrain and remote locations. In this Norway packing list guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about what to pack for Norway, from essential clothing to tech gear, handy items and offline maps. Our packing list for Norway is designed to help you enjoy your adventure to the max – let’s go!
A Handy Packing List for Norway
A successful Norway road trip starts with renting a campervan and packing wisely. Save yourself the trouble of planning out what you need to pack for Norway by checking out our packing list guide below.
Clothing For All Seasons
The main thing to know about Norwegian weather is that it’s unpredictable, even in summer. You may experience sunshine, rain and strong winds all in one day!
So, how do you dress while in Norway? Well, proper layering is the key to staying comfortable throughout your trip. We highly recommend bringing a waterproof outer layer to protect you from any showers, as well as enough layers to keep warm in winter. Here’s a clothing packing list for Norway to give you an idea of what we suggest to bring:
- Base layer – A breathable base layer (such as merino wool) will keep you warm and dry.
- Mid layer – A sweater or fleece is necessary for insulation in the colder seasons.
- Outer layer – A waterproof and windproof jacket will be one of the most important items you bring on your trip, especially if you plan to hike or explore Norway’s beautiful fjords.
- Hiking pants – Comfortable, water-resistant and breathable hiking pants are ideal for outdoor activities across Norway.
- Hat, gloves and scarf – Nights can be chilly, even in summer, and especially in the mountains.
- Swimsuit – If you plan to experience Norway’s traditional saunas or take a dip in a fjord, don’t forget your swimwear!
- Underwear and socks – Make sure to pack enough underwear and socks for your trip, plus a few extras in case your socks get wet when visiting a waterfall.
- Hiking and comfortable shoes – You’ll need waterproof hiking boots for exploring Norway’s rugged terrain. Make sure to also bring some comfortable shoes like sneakers for driving and city walks.
Camera Items to Capture Norway’s Beauty
From magical aurorae dancing across the sky to lush forests lining the fjords, Norway provides endless opportunities to capture stunning images. Here’s a specific Norway packing checklist for any keen photographers:
- Camera – A DSLR camera is ideal for capturing high-quality photos.
- Lenses – A wide-angle lens is perfect for landscapes, while a zoom lens helps to capture wildlife and distant mountains.
- Tripod – You’ll need a tripod for long-exposure shots, especially for night photography and capturing waterfalls.
- Extra batteries – Cold weather can drain batteries quickly, so we recommend bringing extras with you.
- Drone – Aerial photography in Norway can be truly stunning. Just make sure to check the local area’s drone regulations before flying. Some regions have restrictions due to animals in the area or environmental conditions.
- Memory cards – It’s good to have a spare memory card so you don’t have to worry about having enough room for all your amazing shots.
Other Essentials: Must-Have Items for a Smooth Trip
Aside from clothing and camera gear, there are other essential items that will make your road trip in Norway more comfortable, including:
- Reusable water bottle – Tap water in Norway is clean and safe to drink, so it’s a great idea to bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce plastic waste.
- Snacks – If you plan to travel to remote areas, it might be hard to find shops for food, so we recommend bringing some snacks and groceries with you.
- Sunglasses – The sun in Norway can be strong, especially when driving through snowy or coastal regions, making sunglasses an essential.
- First aid kit – It’s a good idea to bring a basic first aid kit with you, including painkillers, bandages, motion sickness tablets (for ferry rides) and any personal medications.
- Sunblock and lip balm – Even in cold weather, UV rays can be strong, especially near water or snow.
- Cash – Cards are widely accepted across Norway, but having some Norwegian Krone in cash can be handy when visiting the country’s small towns.
Internet, Maps and Offline Navigation
For sure you’ll need a reliable internet connection and good navigation tools for your Norway road trip. It’s important to keep in mind that many areas, especially in the mountains and rural regions, have poor or no network coverage, so here are a few things to remember to add to your own Norway packing list:
- SIM Card or eSIM – If you’re traveling from outside Europe, consider getting a local Norwegian SIM card for data, or downloading an eSIM if you prefer. This will be useful to save money on data, which you’ll definitely need for navigation.
- Offline maps – Google Maps is super useful for navigation, but, if you plan to travel to some remote areas, we highly recommend downloading offline Google Maps for your trip, so you can still navigate even if you have no signal. For specific hiking maps, you can use apps like Outdooractive and AllTrails.
- Physical map – A printed road map is a lifesaver if your phone runs out of battery or loses signal.
- Portable WiFi – A mobile hotspot can be useful for multiple devices, especially if you’re planning to travel to some of Norway’s beautiful, secluded natural areas. Many hotels, restaurants and tourist centers offer free WiFi, but it’s not possible to use it for navigation, so you might like to explore the option of bringing a portable WiFi solution with you.
Other Useful Items for a Norway Road Trip
- Camping gear – Wild camping is allowed in Norway in many locations – in fact, it’s actually enshrined in Norwegian law as the ‘Right to Roam’. If you plan to go camping, you’ll need to either rent a campervan in Norway, or bring a lightweight tent, sleeping bag, flashlight and cooking supplies.
- Travel pillow – A travel pillow is a great idea to keep you comfortable during long drives, as well as on any flights you need to take to begin your Norway adventure.
- Binoculars – If you’re a keen birdwatcher or wildlife enthusiast, binoculars are a brilliant item to bring along on your Norway road trip, especially when travelling through the country’s incredible natural areas. You might be able to spot reindeer, moose and eagles!
- Picnic blanket – For trips to Norway during warm weather, picnics are one of the best ways to spend your time in the great outdoors. Bringing a lightweight and foldable picnic blanket will serve you well for all your outdoor adventures.
Is Your Norway Packing List Ready For the Adventure of a Lifetime?
Now that you know what to pack for Norway, you’re all set for an amazing road trip with a rental campervan! Whether you’re capturing stunning landscapes, hiking through mountains, or simply enjoying the scenic drives, being well-prepared will make your adventure even more enjoyable. We look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful country soon!
