What to wear in Lapland

Home to enchanting forests, frozen lakes and almost permanently engulfed in metres of glistening white snow, visiting Lapland is nothing short of a fairytale. And whilst this dreamlike land is indeed remote (did you know only 3.6% of the Finnish population live in Lapland?) It has fantastic transport links and experienced guided tours, making it easily accessible for families and solo travellers alike.

Whether you’re a keen adventurer seeking out a new sport like husky sledding, cross-country skiing or snowmobiling, or a family hoping to spot Santa Claus in his natural habitat, there’s something for everyone in this magical destination.

Are you planning a trip but you’re unsure of what to put on your packing list? Our experienced team here at Good Trip have pulled together a handy guide on just what to wear in Lapland. 

The weather

With bitterly cold temperatures and 200 days of snowfall a year, the most important thing to consider when planning a trip to Lapland is the weather. But don’t let the sub zero temperatures put you off visiting this enchanting place, as the Nords say, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.”

The winter season (December - March) brings constant flurries of snow, ice and temperatures anywhere from -3°C. to -16°C. This is of course when most visitors opt to visit Lapland if they’re looking for a winter wonderland trip, as the winter months bring the best snow conditions. Plus, the winter months offer the best chance of seeing the elusive Northern Lights, for those looking for a once-in-a-lifetime memory. 

The summertime is an equally fantastic time to head North. In Lapland’s summer season (June - August), the metres of snow melt away and the sun shines for pretty much 24 hours a day - and the locals fondly nickname it as “the land of the midnight sun.” 

Thermals

Thermals are your best friend in Lapland. Particularly in the winter, it’s really important to wear thermal underwear as a base to keep you toasty warm all day long. It’s then best to layer up with t-shirts or long sleeve tops, and as many jumpers or fleeces as you like, depending on what time of year it is and what sort of activities you’re doing. Our top tip would be to avoid anything made out of cotton, as it doesn’t insulate very well and may leave you feeling a little chilly. 

Footwear

Nobody likes soggy socks! It’s super important that your feet stay warm and dry in Lapland. We’d recommend wearing thermal socks, and investing in a good pair of walking boots that are insulated and have a good grip to tackle the snow. 

Accessories, Accessories

They say that most of your body’s heat is lost from your head. So keeping your noggin protected from the elements is essential when travelling to a place like Lapland. We say woollen beanies are best. It’s also vital to keep your hands warm (not just for throwing snowballs and building snowmen), so make sure to bring a good pair of gloves or mittens - and spares - to keep your hands toasty all holiday long. A scarf or snood should also be on your list so as not to lose heat around your neck either. 

Worried about forgetting something? Check out our handy packing list to get your Lapland wardrobe ready…

Good Trip Lapland Packing List:

  • Thermal underwear
  • Thermal socks
  • Long-sleeve top or t-shirt for layering
  • Thick jumper or fleece
  • Waterproof trousers
  • Thin, insulated jacket
  • Thick, waterproof winter coat
  • Insulated boots
  • Insulated gloves 
  • Thick scarf or snood
  • Woollen hat

…don’t forget!

Here at Good Trip, all of our products are manufactured ethically and sustainably, plus 2% of our profits are donated to charities around the world to help support those in need in the places we choose to travel. To view our full clothing collection, head to: https://goodtrip.co.uk/collections/travel-clothes