What to Pack for a Lapland Holiday

Lapland in winter is colder than anywhere most UK travellers have been, and what you pack decides how much of it you enjoy. The average winter temperature in Finnish Lapland is around minus 14°C, it can drop to around minus 30°C, and the wind on the fells and near the coast makes it feel colder still.

Lapland covers the northern parts of Finland, Sweden and Norway, and this guide applies to all three. Where you stay and what you do depends on you and your budget, so I plan each Lapland holiday around your wishes. This guide is for a winter trip. For the best months, see Where to Go and When.

Below is a detailed checklist of what to pack, with the reason behind each item.

What to Pack for Lapland

1. Warm Clothing:

Thermal base layers: Start with moisture-wicking, insulating base layers in merino wool or a technical fabric. Cotton holds sweat and leaves you cold.
Insulated jacket and trousers: Choose a windproof, waterproof coat with a hood, and warm trousers. Add a loose middle layer such as a wool jumper or fleece, because loose layers trap more warm air.
Warm winter boots: Waterproof, insulated boots are a must. Buy them a size larger than usual so there is room for two pairs of socks.
Gloves, mittens, and a hat: Protect your extremities from the cold. Thin liner gloves under mittens let you use a camera or phone without bare hands.

Many guided winter excursions include the loan of thermal suits and boots. Check what your excursions provide before you buy anything new, and ask me if your trip details do not say.

2. Accessories:

Scarf or neck gaiter: Keep your neck warm. A balaclava or buff also blocks wind chill on activity days.
Sunglasses: Snow can be blinding, so protect your eyes.
Hand and foot warmers: Great for extra warmth in extreme cold.
Headlamp or torch: Deep winter brings polar twilight in Finnish Lapland. Around Rovaniemi the sun may be above the horizon for as little as two hours a day, and further north it does not rise at all.

3. Luggage:

A sturdy, waterproof suitcase or backpack.
Smaller bags for day trips and activities.

4. Electrical Adapters:

Finland, Sweden and Norway use two round-pin sockets (types C and F) at around 230 volts, the same voltage as the UK. You need a plug adapter, and your phone and camera chargers will work as normal.

5. Medications and Toiletries:

Any prescription medications you may need, in your hand luggage.
Toiletries: Bring travel-sized toiletries, as well as lip balm and moisturiser, because cold air dries the skin quickly.

6. Camera and Binoculars

Capture the beautiful scenery and wildlife. Cold drains batteries, so bring spares and keep them in an inside pocket. If you are travelling for the aurora, my northern lights guide explains what to expect.
Binoculars for bird watching and spotting reindeer.

7. Travel Documents:

Passport: UK passport holders can visit Finland and other Schengen countries without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180. Your passport must be issued less than 10 years before you arrive and have at least three months left after you leave the Schengen area. The EU is also introducing new border registration and checks for UK passport holders, so I confirm the current rules for your dates.
Travel insurance documents: A GHIC gives you access to state healthcare in Finland, but it does not replace travel insurance. Check that your policy covers cold-weather activities and medical evacuation.
Printed itinerary and reservation confirmations.

8. Cash and Credit Cards:

Cards and contactless payments are used almost everywhere in Finland, and some cafés and shops no longer take cash. Take a debit or credit card that works abroad, and a small amount of local currency if you like. Sweden and Norway have their own currencies, and I confirm what you need for your route.

9. Snow Activities Gear:

If you plan to partake in snow activities like sledding or skiing, bring appropriate gear or rent it locally.

10. Swimwear:

If your Lapland holiday includes a visit to a spa with saunas or hot tubs, or maybe some ice-swimming, bring swimwear.

11. Entertainment:

Books, magazines, or other entertainment for downtime.

Layers matter more than any single item. You can add or remove them as the weather, the wind and your activity change, and on the coldest days a spare pair of socks and liner gloves are the two items you will be glad of. Bring your curiosity as well, for the snow, the long evenings and the northern lights.

Planning Lapland With Me

I understand that your time matters, and that you want a trusted expert to plan the holiday you have in mind. This is a personal service from start to finish. I plan the route and book every part of it, and if anything changes while you are travelling, you call me and I deal with it.

As a travel agent I have 30 years of adventure travel experience, and I have visited around 80 countries myself, so my advice comes from experience and not from a brochure.

There is a belief that travel agents cost more. Booking with me does not. Many suppliers charge the same price whether you book direct or through me, and others sell to the trade only, on contracts with competitive pricing. Either way you pay no more for having me plan and book the trip, and your booking carries ABTA and ATOL protection where stated on your booking. You can read more in why book with me.

If you have specific questions about your Lapland holiday or need more guidance, I am here to help you plan it.

Call or WhatsApp 0117 452 1159 or email bridget@worldclassadventures.co.uk

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