Swedish Lapland Packing List: What to Pack for a Trip to the Arctic Circle
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Swedish Lapland stole my heart. Snowy forests. Crystal-clear lakes. Northern Lights swirling overhead. But let me tell you—it’s cold. The weather can turn on a dime, and if you’re chasing auroras at midnight, you need to be bundled up. This Swedish Lapland packing list covers exactly what to wear so you can stay cozy while soaking up all that Arctic magic. From city exploring to wilderness adventures, here’s what worked for me.
What’s the weather like in Swedish Lapland in the Late Fall/Early Winter?
Swedish Lapland in fall (September-November) is a wonderland of crisp air and golden forests, shifting into snowy magic in late October/November. Expect highs of 35-50°F (1-10°C) and lows below freezing at night. If you’re chasing the Northern Lights, this is the best time to go, where the nights are cold, crisp, and clear. This Swedish Lapland packing list will guide you to staying warm while you’re out chasing them too so you don’t have to cut your epic viewing experience short.
What should you wear in Swedish Laplan?
Layers, layers, layers. Locals master the art of cozy-chic: think wool sweaters, leggings, and warm boots. Function beats fashion here, but you can still look cute in photos with the right pieces. Pro tip (we learned from the pros LOL), when you enter a building, unzip your jacket. You’ll be much warmer when you return to the bitter cold outdoors!
Dressing Tips for Swedish Lapland
Daytime Exploring
Thermal base layers
Wool sweater or fleece
Waterproof outer layer
Northern Lights Chasing
Insulated parka
Warm hat, gloves, scarf
Snow boots
Swedish Lapland Packing List
Shoes + Boots
Waterproof snow boots
Sneakers for the city or around your hotel if it’s not snowing heavily (obsessed with these Adidas)
Wool socks (seriously a game changer, especially for northern lights viewing)
Jeans + Pants
Thermal leggings (these are essential, especially for nighttime layering)
Fleece-lined pants or jeans
Cute sweater dress + fleece tights for formal dinners
Tops + Sweaters + Jackets
Base layers—think long sleeves or t shirts like these
Wool sweaters—these will keep you extra warm
Insulated parka—I love this one from Colombia
Rain jacket (for early fall trips. Here’s my rec!)
Scarves + Accessories
Hat, gloves, scarf (x2 if you’re shooting photos outside. Get this cute matching set!)
Hand warmers—boy do I wish I’d bought some of these, especially for the Northern Lights chasing. My hands remember the numbness even as I’m typing this!
Sunglasses (low sun angle can be blinding, especially if you’re out driving)
Toiletries
All your normal toiletries
Heavy moisturizer
Lip balm—the wind is brutal and will crack your lips
Conditioner (our hotel didn’t have it?!)
Electronics
Camera with spare batteries (cold drains them fast!)
Tripod for Northern Lights—you need them to get a clear photo with your camera. My husband got some INCREDIBLE ones with just his iPhone 15 though
Travel adapter—this one has you covered
Kindle or book for cozy evenings by the fire
Swedish Lapland Outfit Ideas
Here’s what I wore on our Swedish Lapland trip to help inspire your Swedish Lapland packing list! It was cold, and I usually only take pictures of myself outside, so your visuals will be a bit limited, I’m afraid.
Final Thoughts on What to Wear in Swedish Lapland in Late Fall/Early Winter
Has this Swedish Lapland packing list got you excited to visit? Bundle up, embrace the coziness, and you’ll be ready to chase auroras and explore stunning landscapes. Bring your sense of wonder—Lapland delivers pure magic.
For a full itinerary, including why you should visit ASAP, check out my post Swedish Lapland Travel Guide!