Planning a trip to the Arctic to see the Northern Lights is often a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and being prepared ensures you’ll spend as much time as possible watching the world-famous Aurora Borealis and enjoying the amazing winter snow sports rather than worrying about what to wear!
The lights themselves are visible across much of Finnish Lapland, the remote wilderness of the Lofoten Islands and Swedish Lapland throughout the winter months. Regardless of where you’re going, proper packing is a great way to make the most of your adventure.
Staying warm in freezing weather conditions and being ready for impromptu Aurora excursions and wildlife encounters when the cloud cover disappears are vital, and we’ve created this quick guide to cover everything Arctic travellers need to know before departing.
Why Layering Is Key When Dressing for the Arctic
It’s common to assume that you’ll need extremely heavy coats, gloves and hats. Indeed, proper thermal wear can be a way to remain snug when the temperatures drop dramatically during the Arctic nights. However, the trick is to concentrate on layering, rather than bulk.
Check before you pack whether thermal Arctic wear is covered, or whether snowshoes, snow boots, and other items are included or available to hire. Otherwise, we’d suggest you bring high-quality thermal base layers, with super-insulating middle layers made from natural fibres like fleece and wool.
While outer layers should be windproof and waterproof to keep you protected from snow and icy winds, it’s the layers underneath that make such a difference!
Here’s a list of clothing essentials:
- Thermal base layers: tops and bottoms
- An insulated jacket and trousers
- Waterproof outerwear
- Thick woolly socks
- Hats, scarves and gloves, ideally with a thermal lining
- Proper waterproof thermal boots with a good grip tread
If you’re planning some of the brilliant winter activities in the Arctic like dog sledding, snowmobile safari adventures or husky sledding through the forests, you’ll often be given specialist gear, but confirming this in advance is recommended, especially if you’re likely to need items like crampons for icy terrain.
Day vs Nights on an Arctic Holiday: What You’ll Need Around the Clock
Northern Lights holidays aren’t only about nighttime Aurora hunts. Your days will often be filled with unforgettable Arctic experiences, such as exploring frozen lakes and learning about the fascinating Sámi culture in remote villages.
During the day, you’ll want slightly lighter, but still warm, clothing that is flexible enough for activities and moving about. At night, when you’ll spend more time sitting or standing watching the Northern Lights, a bit of extra warmth will never go amiss.
We’d suggest adding these items to your packing list:
- Hand warmers: rechargeable is best
- Extra thermal layers for longer Aurora viewing trips
- Comfy outfits for relaxing in your hotel or Aurora cabin
- Swimwear if you’re staying in a wilderness hotel with saunas or hot tubs
Some of our most popular Northern Lights holiday packages include a night at an Aurora camp or glass igloo, where you can enjoy the magical Northern Lights from underneath the comfort of a glass roof, but it’s best to bring outdoor layers in case you want to step outside for a closer look.
Packing Cameras and Photography Gear to Capture the Aurora Borealis
The natural phenomenon is caused by charged particles that interact with the Earth’s magnetic poles, and getting the spectacle on camera is a way to ensure you’ll always be able to look back on the highlights of your trip.
Although you could take photos on your phone, keen photographers might want a little more specialist equipment, including:
- A mirrorless or DSLR camera
- A sturdy tripod for longer exposures
- Spare batteries: remember the cold drains them faster
- Extra memory cards
- A wide-angle lens for capturing the full Arctic night sky
Guests who are joining an Aurora hunt with local guides are strongly advised to ask them for tips. Guides are well-versed in how to capture the perfect shot of the elusive lights or secret beauty spots that offer panoramic views over the frozen landscapes.
Recommended Extras for a Relaxing Arctic Adventure
Aside from clothing and cameras, there are some extras that could potentially make Northern Lights holidays even better, especially if you’ve not travelled to the Arctic or very cold destinations before or are travelling with kids. You could consider:
- Sunglasses that keep your eyes protected from the reflections on the snow on bright days
- Binoculars for wildlife watching, including whale watching on boat tours
- A reusable water bottle for each guest to stay hydrated in the crisp, fresh air
- Potentially snacks and warm drinks for longer excursions, although our hotelier partners can provide these for you
- A small backpack that you can bring everything along in for snowy wilderness tours
Itineraries that include destinations like Lake Inari or stays in Aurora cabins and wilderness hotels will include some added extras, but having all you need to hand will ensure you’re always comfortable, whether venturing out or unwinding in your accommodation.
Travel Essentials for Journeys to and From the Arctic
Here at the Baltic Travel Company, we endeavour to make every holiday smooth and stress-free, but there are a few practicalities to consider before you land at your chosen destination.
Most of our Northern Lights holidays, including our ever-popular three-night escapes, include return flights, airport transfers to destinations like Ivalo Airport, and financial protection for your peace of mind.
What you can do to ensure your flights go to plan is to create a checklist including the following:
- Your travel documents and insurance information
- Details of your Northern Lights holiday packages and final destination
- Information on inclusions such as full board, equipment hire and excursions so you can easily see which additional trips or guided tours you might want to book
- A small budget for any optional activities that are payable locally
Many of the properties we hand-pick are just a short walk from key viewing areas for the lights, ensuring you won’t need to travel far to see the Arctic night sky. This increases your chances of seeing the Northern Lights as many times as possible during your stay.
Well-packed bags will ensure you’re ready for every magical moment your Northern Lights holiday brings, whether you’re looking forward to staying in a glass igloo, the thrill of heading out on a husky safari or simply embracing the silence of the remote wilderness.
Ready to experience the magic of the Northern Lights for yourself? Get in touch with Baltic Travel Company today and let our travel specialists help you plan an unforgettable Northern Lights adventure tailored to you.
References:
https://www.visitnorway.com/things-to-do/nature-attractions/northern-lights/packing-tips/
https://www.arcticdirect.co.uk/how-to-dress-for-the-arctic/
This entry was posted on Monday, June 8th, 2026 at 9:23 am; on the subject of Northern Lights.