How to dress for winter in Norway: The complete clothing & accessory guide (with free printable!)
If you’ve just moved to Norway, you’ve probably already heard this famous saying: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” And as soon as winter arrives, you’ll understand exactly what that means.
Figuring out how to navigate winter in Norway can be… confusing. You’ll see locals walking around in freezing temperatures seemingly unbothered, while you’re trying to do the penguin shuffle without slipping.
What’s the secret? It’s layers, materials, and knowing what to wear, when!
New to Norwegian winters? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
While Norwegian children are given a checklist before they start kindergarten (barnehage), we thought that internationals deserve one too! Unlock Norway’s 2-page guide to dressing for winter in Norway is extremely practical, visual, and shows you what to actually buy in Norwegian stores.
Download the PDF to learn what to wear and how to layer like a local—from wool base layers to reflective accessories—with real example images from Norwegian stores, a description of when to use it, and the Norwegian translations of each item.
Understanding the Norwegian layering system
If you take away one thing from this guide, it should be this: layers are everything.
Norwegians don’t just always wear one big coat—they layer! This was honestly one of the most important lessons I learned after moving here. Each layer has a purpose, and together they keep you warm, dry, and comfortable no matter what the weather throws at you.
Base layer: wool, wool, wool!
As we say in Norway, “ull er gull” (or wool is golden). Wool keeps you warm even if it gets damp and wicks away moisture, so you never feel clammy. And… (apologies if this is TMI) but it really doesn’t get smelly, either! Even if you don’t wash it every single time…
Your base layer is what sits closest to your skin, and it’s the single most important part of your outfit. Choose 100% merino wool or a wool blend for both your top and leggings.
Make sure you avoid cotton: it absorbs moisture and stays wet, which will make you cold fast.
I get it, wool can feel itchy or uncomfortable if you’re not used to it. Look for ultra-soft merino blends or bamboo base layers.
Tip: Match your materials to your activity. For everyday commuting or walking, 100% wool is great. For skiing, hiking, or running, try technical fabrics that wick moisture and dry fast.
Middle layer: insulate warmth and trap heat
Your middle layer is your insulation, it traps heat between your body and your outer layer. Popular options include:
Wool sweaters: classic and breathable (look up “Mariusgenser” for the traditional Norwegian sweater look!)
Fleece sweaters/jackets: light, soft, and quick-drying
Thin down or synthetic jackets: great for extra-cold days or for layering under a skaljakke (see below).
Tip: A zip-up fleece or light wool sweater gives you flexibility—you can open it up when you’re on the bus or layer down when indoors. This is so important for me, who immediately gets overheated when I walk from -15 degrees indoors to +15!
Outer layer: shield against wind, snow, and rain
Your outer layer should be windproof and waterproof, depending on what you’re using it for. You might want to look for one of the following:
Waterproof shell jacket: Best for wet, coastal areas (Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger) or when you’re going for a walk outside and might work up a bit of a sweat.
Insulated parka: Best for colder inland areas (Lillehammer, Tromsø, Trondheim). You’ll also want to make sure it’s long, and covers your thighs and butt.
Ideally, your winter jacket should have taped seams and adjustable cuffs to keep moisture and wind out.
TLDR; Wool goes closest to your skin, a middle layer adds insulation, and a windproof outer layer keeps everything dry.
Clothes & gear you’ll need for winter in Norway
Remember: Dressing in layers is the secret to surviving a Norwegian winter. Each layer has a specific job: to trap warmth, manage moisture, and protect you from wind and snow.
In the PDF, we explain the following, along with Norwegian words for each thing and helpful example images:
Wool base layers (top + bottoms)
Fleece or light down midlayer
Waterproof outer shell
Warm boots with spikes
Wool socks
Mittens versus gloves
Beanie
Buffs vs scarves
Accessories like sitting pads and reflexives
Winter wardrobe FAQs
Can I buy winter clothes before moving to Norway?
You can, but it’s often better to wait until you arrive. Local stores stock gear made for Norway’s weather, and you’ll find better advice and quality for the same price.
Avoid buying too much gear abroad unless you’re from a country with similar winters. Norway’s stores sell wool and technical fabrics made for Norwegian conditions, so you’ll get better quality, fit, and durability. Prices are often comparable, and you’ll also get advice from staff who actually understand the climate.
Where should you buy winter clothes for Norway?
Most examples in our printable guide come from XXL.no and SportOutlet.no (unless otherwise specified). These are popular national chains with a wide range of affordable options.
For sustainable and budget-friendly shopping, check out Finn.no and Tise, two great secondhand platforms where you can find great-quality winter clothes for much less. We also recommend checking out secondhand stores like Fretex and Uff once you’ve arrived, so you can save money and also figure out what you like first.
