Packing List & Clothing
Summer (June–August)
- Layers: T-shirts + long-sleeve shirt + light jacket. It can get cool in the evenings and by the water (10–15°C even in July).
- Rain jacket: Always have it with you — Finnish weather changes quickly.
- Hiking boots: Waterproof and ankle-high for national parks and trails.
- Mosquito repellent: DEET 30%+, sufficient supply. Head net for Lapland/lake district.
- Sleep mask: Essential due to the midnight sun (it never gets dark!).
- Swimwear: For lakes and saunas (public saunas: swimwear sometimes required).
Winter (November–March)
- Thermal underwear: Merino wool as a base layer (keeps warm even when damp).
- Fleece/down: Insulating middle layer.
- Wind and waterproof outer jacket + pants: Against wind and snow.
- Winter boots: Insulated, waterproof, with good soles (Sorel, Columbia, Baffin). Most activity providers in Lapland supply thermal overalls and boots.
- Gloves: Thick mittens + thin inner gloves (for photography).
- Hat + balaclava: Protect ears and face.
- Hand warmers: Disposable warming pads for gloves and boots.
- Power bank: Smartphone batteries discharge rapidly in the cold.
All Year Round
- Travel adapter: Type C/F — German plugs fit, no adapter needed!
- Water bottle: Tap water is drinkable everywhere.
- Sauna towel: A small sitting towel for the sauna + flip-flops.
💡 Tipp
In Lapland, most activity providers (dog sledding, snowmobiling, Northern Lights safaris) supply complete winter gear: thermal overalls, boots, gloves, and balaclavas. Therefore, you don't need to buy your own extreme winter equipment — just good thermal underwear and a warm jacket for the journey there.
