A road trip around Norway is an unforgettable adventure, with stunning fjords, epic hikes, and breathtaking waterfalls. I spent 6 weeks exploring Norway at the end of summer – beginning of autumn and even then, the weather changed drastically. I went from swimming in a bikini in the fjords (which, the water was still freezing cold!) to being wrapped up in the thickest jacket you can imagine during the autumn, when out chasing the Northern lights. To make the most of your trip, it’s essential to be well-prepared for Norway’s ever-changing weather and diverse terrain. Here’s the ultimate packing list for a road trip around Norway, to make sure you have everything you need for your journey.
I’ve tried to keep this list concise, as packing light is a life-saver, but here are the things I would recommend. At the bottom of the list is a packing-guide for camping gear if you are planning to take your own car.
We booked our trip with Roadsurfers, and hired their Roadhouse for 14 days and it came fully equipped. I would highly recommend using Roadsurfers, their vans are great, comfortable, easy to drive (we hired an automatic!) and not too big (very ideal for someone who doesn’t like parking, like me haha).
Clothing & Footwear
- Waterproof jacket & pants – Norway’s weather can be unpredictable, so high-quality waterproofs are a must. We went on this incredible trip, hiking up a glacier and my top half got ABSOLUTELY SOAKED to the bone. My waterproof trousers worked great, but the jacket failed the test. Since then, I have purchased a good-quality waterproof jacket and it’s the best thing I have done.
- Insulated jacket – Even in summer, temperatures can drop in the mountains. I always travel with an insulated jacket, especially ones like this that can fold up into a bag for easy transportation. I usually end up tying it around my waist on hikes, but it’s great for when you’re at the top, or coming back down in the evenings.
- Base layers (merino wool or synthetic) – For warmth and moisture-wicking properties. I would recommend having both tops and trousers in base layers. Tops: Here is a cheaper one that is good. I also have a few merino wool base layer tops for night time / autumn & winter months as they are much warmer! Bottoms: Here is a pair of affordable base layer trousers. For merino wool base layer trousers I like these.
This is me SOAKED with my waterproof jacket that wasn’t actually waterproof (well, at least not for torrential rain lol!)
- Down jacket – depending on the time of year that you are visiting, I would highly recommend a down jacket. They offer added warmth and are great for the outdoors. I like this one, but anything of similar quality is good!
- Sports leggings – Comfortable and quick-drying. I always take 2 pairs of leggings with me on my trips, especially for hiking holidays. These are great because they have a pocket in the side for your phone.
- Convertible trousers/shorts – So I personally would not be buying these, but perhaps you have a male partner / friend who would greatly benefit from convertible trousers. Most of my male friends own a pair, as they are very versatile for varying temperatures. We also know how little items men tend to pack, so this is great for them – it’s 2 in 1!
- T-shirts & long sleeves – Take a good mixture of short sleeved and long-sleeved tshirts for your trip. Moisture-wicking fabric is ideal.
- Waterproof hiking boots – Essential for Norway’s rugged trails. I ALWAYS travel to mountainous destinations with a good pair of hiking boots. You will be wearing them a lot during your trip, so it’s important that you have a good quality, and waterproof pair of hiking boots. I cannot recommend the Columbia Hiking Boots enough! They have a lot of different colours and styles, and they are great!
Ultimate Packing List for a road trip around Norway
- Lightweight trainers – For evenings and casual wear. I wore my trainers a lot during the days that we didn’t go hiking up mountains. For example, going on walks around the parks, boat trips, picnics, visiting lakes, going on flat trails and also put them on to go to the supermarkets, bathrooms etc!
- Sliders or flip flops – I recommend taking a pair of sliders or flipflops if you are planning to stay in a campervan. They are so handy to have if you quickly want to step outside, go to the toilet, walking in and out of the van to keep your feet clean = inside of the van clean. You can get away without having these if you don’t have enough space, but they are good to have if you can. I always use Havaianas because they are the only flip flops that don’t wear down for me.
- Wool socks (multiple pairs) – Wool socks for hiking/walking help prevent blisters and keeps feet warm. For colder months, definitely invest in some Merino Wool socks, they’re a game changer!
- Gloves, hat & buff – Useful for chilly mornings and windy hikes.
- Swimsuit – For fjord swimming, hot tubs, or saunas.
- Casual outfits – Take a few casual outfits for exploring towns and cities.
- Sleepwear – Comfortable and suitable for varying temperatures. Something like this that is lightweight and long.
Gear & Equipment: Ultimate Packing List for a road trip around Norway
- Backpack (20-30L) – Affordable backpacks – ideal for day hikes. Second option: ideal for day hikes.
- Dry bag – Perfect for kayaking, waterfall hikes, and keeping electronics dry. I always travel with a dry bag because I’m near water a lot. This is a small 5L one, great to keep your car keys, phone, wallet dry when out on the water. If you have a professional camera like I do, you’ll want to get a bigger one. 10L is enough 😉
- Camping gear (if camping):
- Sleeping bag (appropriate for Norway’s temperatures) It’s important to get a good quality sleeping bag, especially for Norway. The temperatures range from warmer to freezing, and you need to be prepared.
- Sleeping pad – it’s funny, my first camping trip in Norway (see: visiting Bunes beach blog here) I didn’t even know that a sleeping pad was necessary. Luckily for me, I made friends with a local who told me “It’s the most necessary piece of equipment! It doesn’t matter how good your sleeping bag is, if you don’t have the sleeping pad, you’re going to freeze!” and thankfully, lent me his lol. So, if you’re planning to go camping, this is ESSENTIAL.
- Camping stove & fuel – this has great reviews and is very affordable!
- Lightweight cookware & utensils
- Rechargeable Headlamp – I used this a few times on my trip, especially when doing sunrise and sunset hikes! Very handy to have.
- Multi-tool or Swiss army knife
- Fire starter/lighter – this you can buy anywhere!
- Reusable water bottle– Norway’s water is drinkable, so you can fill up your own bottle in most areas. I LOVE that these have a straw. If you don’t like the straw idea, this is another great one.
- Thermos flask – Great for keeping tea or coffee warm on hikes. You can of course use your reusable water bottle, but I prefer to keep these separate.
- Sunglasses & sunscreen – Even in cool temperatures, UV exposure can be high.
- Quick-dry towel – Useful for swimming, kayaking, or rain showers. I bought my microfibre towel in 2020 and still use it now. It’s great.
- Portable charger/power bank – Essential for keeping devices charged on the road. I take mine everywhere and it’s a life saver.
- Car phone mount & charger – For easy navigation.
- First-aid kit – Include blister plasters, painkillers, and any personal medications. Here is a mini travel size first aid kit.
- Bug spray – Especially important in summer near lakes and forests. I always buy these ones with DEET to make sure the mosquitos stay away too!
- Notebook & pen – For journaling or planning routes.
Food & Cooking Essentials
- Non-perishable snacks – Nuts, dried fruit, granola bars, and chocolate for hiking fuel.
- Instant meals – Great for quick and easy dinners.
- Spices & condiments – To add flavor to camp meals.
- Collapsible cooler – Helps keep food fresh longer.
- Reusable cutlery & dishes – Eco-friendly option for eating on the go.
- Dish soap & sponge – For cleaning cookware.
Adventure-Specific Items
- Snow gear (if visiting in winter) – Microspikes or crampons for icy trails, insulated gloves, and extra layers.
- Snow boots – HIGHLY RECOMMEND FOR WINTER. The first time I went north in the winter I only had my hiking boots and thought I’d be fine. I had good socks, but it’s safe to say I was naïve and I had the worst time everytime I stepped outside. The cold up north is COLD. Winter boots are a MUST. I got mine from Decathlon and they cost around 80euros and I love them. Here are some more affordable ones or a similar price range to mine, from Columbia.
Miscellaneous & Extras
- National park maps & hiking guides – Offline maps are useful as some areas lack cell service.
- Cash & credit card – Some remote places may not accept cards.
- Binoculars – Ideal for spotting wildlife like eagles, moose, or whales.
- Lightweight hammock – Great for relaxing in scenic spots.
- Earplugs & sleep mask – Useful during summer when it stays light late at night.
- Books or Kindle – For downtime in the evenings.
- Reusable shopping bags – Norway encourages sustainability and charges for plastic bags.
- Laundry detergent sheets – Compact and useful for washing clothes on the go. I also bring a tote bag to put my laundry in so I can keep it separate from my other clothes.
Final Tips: Ultimate Packing List for a road trip around Norway
- Pack in layers to stay comfortable in Norway’s unpredictable weather.
- Leave no trace – respect nature and take all trash with you.
- Download offline maps before your trip for navigation in remote areas.
- Always check weather conditions before heading out on hikes or water activities.
With this packing list, you’ll be ready for an unforgettable road trip through Norway’s stunning landscapes, whether you’re hiking to breathtaking viewpoints, kayaking in the fjords, or chasing waterfalls. Safe travels!