If you have just arrived in Norway or if you’re planing your trip, you must be wondering which clothes to pack? Should I bring my coats or buy them in Norway? Is it really warm in the Summer? What of it rains? Worry no more. I have made a complete guide for you.
And I’m going to start by answering question number 1: Buy coats in Norway. Norwegians are specialists in cold weather outdoor life. They have the best wool base layer, the best waterproof and wind proof coats for Summer to Winter, in all grades of temperature.
Norwegian lifestyle means you spend a lot of time outdoors. People are encouraged to get fresh air and be active. Hiking and cycling are a must, just like brown cheese. More and more Norwegians cycle to work and to pick up their children in kindergarten. Besides, seasons in Norway are very defined. Wearing appropriate clothes make a difference between freezing and feeling comfortable. There’s so much I’ve learned since I moved to Stavanger almost eight years ago, that I am sharing with you my outfit tips.
What to wear in the Autumn. In the second week of September, we notice that Autumn is around the corner. The temperature decreases from 18ish C to 13ish C. It rains much more than in the Summer. It gets darker and sun goes down earlier. We must turn on the lights for breakfast. On the streets, trees begin to get red leaves. It’s the cold and flu season. One more reason to dress accordingly. As Norwegians’ most known saying: “There isn’t such a thing as bad weather, only bad choice of clothes.” In the middle of October, temperature decreases to below 10C. Then the scarf becomes a must.
Most days, the t-shirt is no longer enough. It gets warm in the sun and cold in the shadow. That’s why layers are so important. It’s time to wear fleece/sweater under the coat and to get headbands out of the drawer. Norwegians are more informal than Londoners, for example. I bought a nice trench coat last time I went to London which I almost never wear here in Norway. Let alone umbrellas. Rain usually comes together with wind in Stavanger. That’s why I have abandoned my umbrella and worn rain hooded jackets/coats.
My list from head to toe: Headband, singlet, long sleeve shirt, sweater, windproof jacket (rain jacket if it rains), scarf, casual pants (jeans, hiking, etc), socks (I wear thin wool socks, but you can keep wearing cotton if you like), low cut boots, running shoes, sneakers, hiking boots. Just normal shoes (you won’t freeze on your feet yet).
Reflective accessories are crucial for all pedestrians and cyclists to be seen by the drivers. Be that hats, vests, armbands, belts, etc.
Rain coats like this parka are the best. They protect from wind and horizontal rain, typical in Stavanger. My boss at school has one just like mine.
In the Winter. Wool is the best temperature regulator, sweat absorber and body warmer you can wish for. Wool sports clothes are natural, nice, thin and comfortable. I usually wear wool base layer underneath my hiking pants and jacket. Wool socks are a must have. I wear them almost year round, since Norwegians don’t wear shoes indoors, inside their houses, and I often feel cold on my feet. Merino wool is made by modern technique. It’s thin, soft and effective. You can find those items in every sports shop in Norway. It’s very good for children and wool keeps body temperature warm. Many children here wear wool singlets to keep they chest warm and prevent them from getting a cold. You find bodies, tops, pants made with mix fabrics like wool outside and cotton inside. This is good for those who are allergic to wool. As accessories, remember to wear scarf, gloves, hat. I like fleece necks to go skiing because the scarf can be too much volume. Remember warm hiking boots with fleece inside. If you don’t have one, try a wool sole inside your shoes. Bubble jackets are a must have. I have a thin and a thick one. The thin for Fall and the thick for Winter. I also have a water repellent Winter coat, which is perfect for wet Stavanger.
This wool singlet is definitely a must have. I wear them from Autumn and all Winter. Close to the body, soft, they absorb the sweat and keep my body warm. Today, I was talking to a Norwegian who owns a clothing shop and she was wearing exactly the same. They are usually expensive in Norway, so I think this price on Amazon is good.
Winter boots are life savers. In the Norwegian Winter we should be extra careful to keep our feet and head warm. I wear those boots with soft fur inside all Winter, in the city and at the cabin. In my first year, I bought a very cheep pair, as they were warm. They didn’t last long. Now I know better. Quality comes first.
In the Summer you don’t need much more than a t-shirt and a light jacket (water resistant), which may end up folded in your backpack when you go hiking. It depends on the wind and rain. When it’s sunny, shorts and t-shirt are best. Running shoes or tracking boots are perfect. Hiking pants are the best because they are somewhat water repellent, they get dry very fast, and are stretchy. I have two pairs very light and thin for Summer and part of Spring and Fall and two thick pairs that I wear in the Winter, also good as cross country pants.
If you’re walking in town, wear jeans and t-shirts, skirts, dresses, as you probably do in your homeland. Sneakers are extremely popular among youngsters here in Norway.
In the Spring. Spring is pretty similar to Fall. The difference is that the adaptation is reverse: from cold to warm temperature. I recommend cotton underneath and fleece or a wind/waterproof jacket. There are so many types to choose from. In the beginning I used to wear very thick jackets because I was afraid to feel cold along the way. Now I choose according to the day, temperature and activity. If you are hiking with adults, you’ll probably walk fast and feel warm after a while, so it’s ok to leave the house feeling a little cold, with a light breathable jacket. If you are walking with children, you’re probably going to make stops and not walk so fast all the time. Then I recommend warmer jackets. Running shoes or tracking boots are best.
There are thousands of beautiful sweaters to buy. I invest in sweaters as they are the most seen most of the year. Fancy shoes are not something I invest as everybody leaves their shoes at front door, when they visit friends. And as it rains often, it’s wise to spray water repellent on your new boots.
Parties. Precious piece of advice now. In Norway, it’s always warm inside houses and restaurants. Feel free to wear thin dresses, sleeveless blouses and a scarf or wrap. Don’t do like me at my first party here. I was wearing acrylic long sleeves dress. I got so warm, so warm that from time to time I had to go to the toilet, undress to get a little fresher. You can read about my biggest mistakes in Norway here. In Brazil it’s cold outside and inside in the Winter, that’s why.
Very good.