As someone who has been lucky enough to travel to Europe in winter many times, I know how challenging it can be to decide what to pack for your trip! I’ve created this perfect winter packing list for Europe based on my different trips and locations.
When packing for a winter trip to Europe, it’s important to keep in mind that conditions vary greatly based on your destination. I’ve included lots of recommendations for different destintations and you can customize it in the downloadable PDF! Here’s a comprehensive packing list to keep you warm, comfortable, and stylish during your winter travels.
If you want to download this, I have it for free for my subscribers! It’s an editable PDF perfect for helping you plan your trip.
Table of Contents
Tips for Packing for Europe in Winter
Before we get into the list (you can jump to it from the table of contents above), let’s talk about some tips for packing for winter that can help you as you think about what to pack and why! Here are some practical tips to help you pack efficiently and effectively for a winter adventure.
Note: Winter temperatures vary widely across Europe, from mild in southern areas of Spain and Italy to freezing in northern countries like Norway or Finland. Dress in layers so you can easily adjust to indoor and outdoor conditions, and check the weather for the exact country you are visiting!
1. Layering is Key!
Pack thermal tops and bottoms as a base layer if you’re visiting somewhere extra cold. Even for warmer winter destinations, bring a base layer, especially for tops. These will help regulate your body temperature and keep you dry, which is essential in the cold.
Bring warm sweaters or fleece jackets for insulation. Wool or fleece are ideal for really cold destinations and aren’t as bulky as other fabrics. These can also be worn a few times throughout a trip, so don’t overpack them!
Last, a waterproof and insulated winter coat or parka must protect you from the elements, especially if you’re expecting snow or rain. Trench coats are popular in cities like Copenhagen and Paris and are great for early or late winter with a sweater underneath.
2. Bring Versatile Accessories
Choose accessories in neutral colors (black, gray, navy, or beige) that you can easily mix and match so you don’t overpack. Or prepare for all your pictures to have your bold, colorful gloves or hat in them!
Wool or fleece-lined hat that covers your ears, insulated or waterproof gloves, a scarf or two, and if it’s going to be really cold, a neck gaiter or buff.
3. Choose Warm, Versatile Clothing
- Thermals: These can be worn under jeans or alone on warmer winter days.
- Wool or Cashmere: Lightweight yet warm wool and cashmere sweaters are great for layering and won’t take up too much space in your luggage.
- Neutral colors: Choose pieces that are easy to mix and match. Often neutral colors are best for this, but don’t forget to have fun with your travel outfits too!
4. Pack Appropriate Footwear
Insulated, waterproof boots with good traction are essential for walking in snow or rain. Make sure they are comfortable for long walks and choose one pair to bring rather than filling your suitcase with several pairs.
Along with boots, pack pairs of thick wool socks to keep your feet warm and dry. Plus, these are great for making sure your feet don’t get rubbed in your boots after walking all day!
If you’ll be spending time indoors or in areas without snow, bring a pair of comfortable sneakers is a must. You’ll see lots of Europeans wearing their sneakers and jeans in late winter.
5. Stay Moisturized
Cold air can dry out you out quickly so make sure you plan ahead to stay moisturized. Bring along lip balm with SPF, moisturizer for your face, and lotion/hand cream.
6. Avoid Bulky Items
Save suitcase space by wearing your heaviest items (like your winter coat and boots) on travel days. You can wear your coat on the plane, and it can double nicely as a pillow or blanket!
Use compression bags or packing cubes to save space in your luggage, especially for bulky items like sweaters and jackets. I swear by these!
Only bring the amount of toiletries you need in travel size containers! Larger toiletries are heavy and take up a lot of space in your bag. Then, pack a small, waterproof daypack or tote to carry extra layers or accessories while exploring. It’s useful for holding things like scarves, gloves, or a water bottle.
7. Keep Yourself Warm and Dry
Staying warm and dry is key! Especially if visiting a snowy or rainy spot in winter. The first time I visited Italy was in early March and I did not pack enough socks. I ended up buying more while there (oh and a jacket, but that’s a whole other story!).
Pack extra socks in case they get wet. Consider bringing disposable hand or foot warmers if you’ll be in particularly cold areas for long periods of time. Plus, a small, windproof umbrella is handy for rainy days.
8. Don’t Overpack
It’s tempting to pack more than you need, especially in winter when you may be worried about getting cold. Instead, focus on pieces that can be worn in multiple ways.
You can also plan outfits ahead to avoid overpacking. Focus on reusing pieces like jeans or base layers that won’t need washing after each wear. Check out my vacation outfit planner for more help planning your outfits!
Photo by American Green Travel on Unsplash
Best Bags and Organization Items
Yes, you need a packing list, but do you have a bag that will work well on your international trip? You’ll want something durable, easy to carry, and that you can use over and over. Here are my personal favorites.
Organization Packing Items
- Hanging Toiletries Bag: Many parts of the world (including cruise ships on the high seas) will not come with tons of storage space or large countertops.
- TSA Approved Travel bottles: perfect so you don’t have to throw out your favorite self-care products at the security check.
- Toiletry Bag: Easy to pack and water-resistant, this is a great toiletry bag. Comes in several colors.
- Packing Cubes: Packing cubes are a great way to organize your bag and make the most of the space in a larger bag.
- Travel Compression Bags: Use these bags to save space in your bag when traveling.
- Pill organizer: Great option for a travel first aid kit if you don’t want to buy the travel size of each medicine you’d like to bring or have prescriptions you take.
- Jewelry organizer: Great for keeping all your little pieces easy to get to and organized on a trip. This is something I held off on buying for a long time but now love having on trips!
Carry On Options
- North Face Backpack: Plenty of pockets and room as an under-the-seat carry-on.
- Black Hole® Duffel Bag 55L: My personal favorite and current carry-on bag. This is a great option if you want to bring just one carry-on.
- Travel Vest: If you bring the duffle, a great alternative to a second bag is this travel vest.
- Small Duffle Bag: This bag will fit under the seat while you’re traveling and hold your essentials. You can easily put it on top of the hard case luggage linked above for easy carrying.
- Hard case roller bag: Durable and easy to clean, hard case luggage is another great option.
(Consider packing carry on only for your trip too – it’s a great way to save money if you’re taking multiple flights on your international trip and means less wait time at the airport!)
Checked Bags
- Hard case luggage set: consider getting a set with a carry-on and checked bags. Durable, easy to clean, and organization built in.
Essentials for International Travel to Europe
- Passport and visa: Ensure they are valid for the entire duration of your trip. Most places require your passport to be valid 6 months before the trip. Ensure you’re good to go!
- Travel insurance: Including health insurance, if not covered by your regular policy. Medical costs can be very different depending on the country you visit, it’s worth researching ahead of your trip what you need.
- Flight tickets and itinerary: Print or digital copies. I like to have a digital copy and send it to a friend/family for reference in case.
- Hotel reservations: Confirmation details.
- Money: Cash and credit/debit cards. Make sure you are aware of any foreign transaction fees. I recommend having some cash in local currency on hand before your trip (most banks will do this for you free of charge or for a small fee) and using ATMs (if they are reliable in the country you are visiting).
- Travel adapter and voltage converter: Ensure it’s suitable for your destination by researching the compatibility.
- Prescription medications: Carry enough for the entire trip. Keep these in your carry-on.
Clothing
- Thermal Base Layer
- Wool or Cashmere Sweaters
- Fleece Lined Tights
- Waterproof Winter Coat or Parka
- Waterproof Boots
- One outfit per day unless doing a hike or outdoor activity. Then, an extra outdoor outfit for that day.
- Underwear pair for each day
- Wool Socks
- Jeans or Warm Pants
- Sweatshirts or Hoodies
- Pajamas
Accessories
- Travel Umbrella
- Sunglasses
- Reusable Hand and Foot Warmers
- Neck Gaiter or Buff
- Scarf, Hat, and Gloves
Toiletries
- Lip Balm with SPF
- Moisturizer
- Hand Cream
- Tissues or Handkerchiefs
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Shampoo and conditioner (in travel bottles)
- Soap or body wash
- Deodorant
- Razor
- Hairbrush/comb
- Straightener Curler Combo
- Sunscreen
- Personal hygiene items
- Prescription glasses or contact lenses
- Travel Hair Dryer (must be dual voltage – read the reviews!)
Tech and Gadgets
- Phone and charger
- Laptop/tablet and charger
- Portable Charger with Fast Charging Technology:
- Camera for photos
- Adapter
- Noise-canceling headphones
- Phone
Miscellaneous
- Reusable ziplock bags: Useful for various purposes
- Travel-size sewing kit
- Travel-size first aid kit: add Blister Pads, Immodium, Pepto Bismol, Benadryl , and Advil
- Door Stop (for safety)
- Foldable Backpack (for day trips)
- Travel lock
In your Carry On (beyond electronics)
- Travel pillow/blanket (use code megelise for 15% off!
- Entertainment: Books, magazines, or e-reader
- Snacks
- Notebook and pen
Tips for Europe in Winter
Visiting Europe in winter can be a magical experience, with fewer crowds, festive holiday markets, and snow-covered landscapes. Off-season travel is one of my favorite ways to experience a destination!
However, winter travel also presents its own unique challenges, so here are some essential tips to make the most of your winter trip to Europe.
There will be no packing tips or tips on staying warm, you’ve gotten a lot of those above!
1. Plan for less daylight
- Check Daylight Hours: In some northern European countries, daylight hours can be very short during winter. Plan your outdoor activities for the daytime and reserve evenings for eating and relaxing.
- Wake Up Early: Make the most of the daylight by getting an early start, especially if you have specific sights you want to visit. Plus, you’re more likely to get clear skies earlier in the day.
2. You’ll enjoy fewer crowds and cheaper prices
- Fewer Crowds: Winter is the off-season for many destinations, meaning you can enjoy popular tourist spots with fewer crowds and often at lower prices. Take full advantage and see everything with fewer crowds.
- Lower Accommodation Rates: Many hotels and accommodations offer discounts during the winter months, except during the Christmas holidays. This past winter, I was able to find hotels at one-third the price!
3. Enjoy the holiday season
- Christmas Markets: Many European cities, especially in Germany, Austria, and France, have charming cities with Christmas markets from late November until early January in some places.
- Winter Festivals: Look out for winter events and festivals, like Carnival in Venice or Hogmanay in Edinburgh (New Year’s Eve celebrations).
- Ice Skating: In winter, cities like Paris, Vienna, Amsterdam, and Prague set up beautiful outdoor ice skating rinks.
4. Prepare for Weather Delays
- Check the Weather Forecast: Snowstorms or icy conditions can cause transportation delays, especially for flights or trains. Stay informed and allow extra time in your schedule for unexpected delays.
- Flexible Itinerary: Have a backup plan in case extreme weather cancels or postpones outdoor activities.
5. Stay comfy with great food and drinks
- Seasonal Dishes: Winter is the perfect time to indulge in hearty local dishes like Swiss fondue, French raclette, or Hungarian goulash. Check ahead for the tasty seasonal dishes where you’re headed.
- Cafés and Pubs: Take breaks in cozy cafés or pubs to warm up with hot chocolate, mulled wine (glühwein), or other traditional hot drinks. One of my favorite things about many European countries is the cafe culture.
6. Plan lots of indoor activities
- Museums and Galleries: Winter is a great time to explore indoor attractions, such as the Louvre in Paris, the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, or the Vatican Museums in Rome. These places are often less crowded in the off-season.
- Castles and Palaces: Europe is full of beautiful castles and palaces that you can explore during winter, such as Neuschwanstein in Germany. I made my entire trip this winter to Europe around castles and palaces!
7. Enjoy winter specific spots and activities
- Skiing and Snowboarding: Europe is home to some of the world’s best ski resorts. The Alps (France, Switzerland, Austria, and Italy) and the Dolomites (Italy) are popular destinations for winter sports. You could plan a whole trip around this honestly!
- Snowshoeing or Dog Sledding: For a unique winter experience, try snowshoeing or dog sledding in the Scandinavian countries or the Alps.
- Winter Landscapes: Snow-covered cities and countryside offer beautiful photo opportunities. Early morning and late afternoon light can create stunning photography conditions.
- Northern Lights: Winter in Europe, especially Northern Europe and Iceland, brings the opportunity for seeing the Northern Lights!
8. Be mindful of potential closures
- Check for Holiday Closures: Many attractions, shops, and restaurants may be closed around Christmas and New Year’s. Plan ahead if you’re visiting over the holiday season to ensure the places you want to visit will be open.
- Maintenance and Construction: Some attractions are closed or partially closed during the off-season for maintenance or construction. Check ahead of your trip about what might be closed!
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I hope this packing list has inspired you and helped you think about what you need to pack for Europe in winter! I love visiting Europe no matter the season and I’m sure you will too.
Excellent packing list, so many useful items. Will definitely buy some of the things listed here.
Glad it was helpful! I am always trying to think through all the necessities before a trip.
As Canadians with a cold winter at home, we often choose to head to hot climates to escape. And we have a good packing list for that! But when we head off for real winter travel, we could use a few reminders. Most are things we have at home. But might not think to pack. And the big winter footwear always makes packing so much harder. Hand and foot warmers are something we should maybe invest in.
I’m sure as Canadians you’re pretty used to packing for cold weather! I agree though – having everything laid out, always helpful for reference.
Great tips on what to pack for Winter travel in Europe. I like layering and wearing thermals inside. Wearing thick socks inside boots is a great idea to avoid the boots hurting the feet inside. Parkas and rain proof jackets take up so much space. Umbrella is a good idea!
It can end up being a lot of things you only use once so better to plan ahead as much as you can and stay organized.
I really like travelling around Europe in winter. Recently I have been to Barcelona in January and it’s been amazing.
Ah that sounds wonderful!
This is so perfect. i always get nervous about trips to colder regions because I don’t know how to pack.
It is too easy to forget something that can make you more comfortable on a winter trip!