Making a packing list for winter in Europe and not sure where to start? I get it. As a seasoned European traveler with a love for winter getaways, I’ve traveled around a lot of the continent in December, January, and February. Needless to say, I have plenty of winter packing tips to share.
So, whether you’re traveling Eastern Europe, Western, or somewhere in between, here’s your ultimate Europe winter packing list.
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Where to Use This Europe Winter Packing List
This packing list is designed to keep you cozy in cold weather destinations like Copenhagen, Prague, Munich, or even chillier places like Tallinn and Helsinki. It covers everything you need to stay warm and stylish, no matter where your travels take you this winter in Europe.
This guide is ideal for anyone on a winter itinerary across Europe, or planning a long-weekend getaway to a new city.
While more southern cities like Barcelona and Rome experience cold winters (often requiring gloves and puffer coats), they aren’t as wintry compared to Central, Northern, and Eastern Europe. So, layering will be key for packing for both the south and north in one trip.
However, always check the weather of the destinations you’ll be visiting so you know what you’re in for.
Packing List for Winter in Europe
Now, let’s get you ready for Christmas markets, wintry streets, and cozy vibes. Here’s what to wear in Europe in winter.
Outerwear Essentials
This is going to be your outermost layer that will be seen the most in photos and outings, so keep this in mind when choosing style, comfort, and color.
You’ll want something insulated, waterproof, and bonus points for stylishness. I suggest a long puffer jacket or parka and a wool coat. When I travel, I usually bring two winter coats following that save method – puffer jacket and a wool coat.
Winter Puffer Coat
A proper winter puffer coat is going to provide tons of warmth and insulation, and its long style will help keep your bum and legs warm and cozy as well. They aren’t often the most attractive of coats, but they certainly do the trick (and everyone else will be wearing them too, so you won’t be alone).
You can choose a packable option like this one that can be folded up into a small bag. Otherwise, I wore this Mountain Warehouse coat for Tallinn and Helsinki, two very cold destinations, but I’m also able to wear it during winter in Barcelona.
Wool Coat
Then, a winter wool coat offers style as well as natural properties that help wick away moisture. I tend to wear the wool coat for dinner nights or for shorter excursions during the day, and use the puffer for everything else.
If you only have space for one coat, bring the puffer coat because it will provide the most warmth. If you get too hot in “warmer” destinations, unzip the jacket and/or remove a layer (sweater, base shirt, etc).
Both of my wool coats were thrift finds, so don’t be afraid to stop by your local charity shop or secondhand store. You can find amazing things!
To recap:
- 1 puffer coat
- 1 wool coat, optional
Layering Pieces
The key to packing for a European winter in multiple destinations is layering. You’re going to need a mix of pieces that are comfortable for the outdoor winter temperatures as well as items that will be cozy indoors by fireplaces and heating.
Luckily, these winter Europe packing tips will sort you out with all that.
Thermal Tops and Bottoms
Many places in Europe hover around freezing at the peak of winter. To prepare to explore cities in freezing temperatures, you’ll want to have some thermal base layers.
I recommend brands like Smartwool or Merino.tech for a more affordable alternative. You can get warm long sleeves and leggings for men and women.
Avoid wearing cotton as your base layer as cotton absorbs moisture and can make you colder in humid or snowy conditions. Instead, opt for merino wool or synthetic options like Uniqlo’s HEATTECH.
Sweaters
Can’t do a Europe winter packing list without a sweater! Whether you like thick fair isle sweaters or chic turtlenecks, I highly suggest packing your favorite sweater for your trip.
The only downside to sweaters is that they aren’t the most packable. Bring just one and wear it on the plane to save space.
You can also pack thin merino wool sweaters that offer all the warmth without the bulk. I usually bring one loose and cozy sweater along with two other fitted merino wool sweaters for traveling in a carry-on.
One Dressier Top (Optional)
If you are planning nice dinners or evening cocktail nights, you might like to pack your favorite “going out” blouse. Feel free to bring one! Even in the dead of winter you can wear a thin blouse if you are layering properly for the walk.
One Cardigan
Cardigans are an excellent option for a Europe winter packing list. They pair well with dressier tops, are easy to layer, and add some extra flair (and warmth) to your winter wardrobe.
For a winter cardigan, I always recommend wool or cashmere. Cotton will absorb moisture, and natural materials always take the cake over synthetics.
I understand that wool can be more expensive, but the quality will save you money . long run. Plus, you can find budget-friendly wool pieces online and at thrift stores. My go-to winter cardigans are both 100% wool and were thrifted for super cheap.
Winter Vest
A thin, warm vest will help keep your core warm without adding any extra weight, or space in your suitcase. Something like this packable vest will do the trick.
To recap:
- 1-2 thermal layers
- 2-3 lightweight sweaters (none bulky unless you’re wearing it on the plane)
- 1 optional dressier top
- 1 cardigan
- 1 optional winter vest
Bottoms for Winter in Europe
Since our main source of heat comes from our core, we can be a little more lenient with bottoms when it comes to what we wear for winter in Europe. Here are my packing recommendations.
Thermal Layer
Reiterating from above that a pair of thermal leggings will make all the difference underneath a pair of denim jeans, etc. Remember to choose merino wool for the best comfort. I use these Merino.tech thermal bottoms for the affordability, and I like that they come in different weights (I use midweight for the most versatility).
Jeans, Trousers, etc
Whatever type of bottoms you’d like to wear on their own or over a pair of thermals. That could be a comfy pair of denim jeans, baggy trousers, corduroy pants, etc.
You will need at least two different pairs when packing for a week-long winter in Europe trip.
Dress or Skirt
To dress up any outfit, add a dress or skirt to your Europe winter packing list. I love the idea of a longer dress with thermal tights underneath. Besides, you can layer on a cardigan, a thin sweater underneath, or a bulky sweater over top to complete a winter look.
There are so many options with a dress, making wintry dresses a great staple piece that can be worn multiple times during the trip in different ways.
Snow Pants
If you plan on visiting really snowy destinations in Europe like Helsinki, Tallinn, Lapland, the Alps, etc. then a pair of snow pants are going to be handy.
Plus, if you plan on doing any outdoor excursions – cross-country skiing, ice canoeing, sledding, hiking – you will want to have a warm, waterproof outer layer on your legs.
If you are only focusing on major cities that aren’t frequently covered in snow, you can skip on the snow pants.
To recap:
- 1 thermal leggings
- 2-3 pants/trousers
- 1 optional dress or skirt
- 1 pair of snow pants for snowy destinations
Shoes and Footwear
Not only will you be walking around a lot, your feet will also be colder, so what shoes you pack for winter in Europe are super important.
Waterproof Boots
I highly recommend a quality pair of waterproof boots for Europe. I have three pairs of waterproof boots that I cycle among for traveling in winter destinations.
That includes a stunning pair of water-repellent Vivaia ankle boots, Sperry duck boots, and a pair of GORE-TEX boots I bought from an Austrian brand called Högl.
Water Repellent Sneakers
Sometimes you don’t want the added bulk of a pair of boots. So, if you have room in your suitcase, add a pair of water-repellent and weatherproof sneakers. Check out Sorel, Vessi, Skechers, and other similar brands.
Even if you aren’t visiting a snowy destination, winter in Europe can be rainy, so water resistant shoes is a must.
Thermal Socks
Another bonus of ordering the Merino.tech thermal layers I mentioned is that each piece comes with a pair of warm, merino wool socks. And you’re going to need some good socks for your winter in Europe packing list!
They don’t need to be extremely thick, just warm and NOT cotton. Merino wool wicks away moisture and has natural anti-odor properties – win, win.
Bring enough socks for the first five or six days of your trip, then take time to either hand wash or launder them with your underwear.
To recap:
- Waterproof boots
- Water resistant sneakers
- 5-6 warm socks, not cotton based
Cold-Weather Accessories
I feel like the word “accessories” make them seem optional, but these winter pieces are a MUST HAVE in your suitcase for winter in Europe.
Touchscreen Winter Gloves
Choose HEATTECH from Uniqlo, merino wool, suede – whatever your vibe is. However, I do suggest prioritizing a pair with touchscreen fingers (typically just for the pointer fingers).
Traveling to new cities and destinations will require pulling out your phone to check Maps, travel tips, etc. It will be super annoying to have to take your gloves on and off to be able to use your phone. Besides, I don’t know about you, but my fingers don’t work properly when they’re really cold and exposed to freezing temperatures… keep your gloves on!
Beanie, Balaclava, Ear Warmers
My ears are extremely sensitive to winter weather. I will not go outside on a windy or chilly day without something covering my ears. If you don’t want your ears to freeze off in the winter conditions of Europe, please bring a beanie, ear warmers, or even a stylish balaclava hood.
For really cold destinations, I often pair a beanie with a pair of earmuffs and I’m in absolute bliss. I bought a pair of amazing wool earmuffs from a street market in Helsinki, and they’ve become my favorite winter accessory.
So, don’t worry if you don’t pack the warmest beanie or ear warmers. If you are visiting Europe during Christmas markets and winter events, you will easily be able to find a wonderful souvenir that will also keep your head warm.
Christmas markets are full of local vendors selling their goods, and this largely includes scarves, hats, and gloves.
Scarf
A scarf adds a lot of dimension to a winter outfit. Pack a warm and cozy one for your trip to Europe this winter.
Plus, scarves can be folded up to use as a neck pillow or spread out as a blanket to keep your warm and cozy on trains and planes.
I suggest bringing just one scarf and if you want to buy one as a souvenir, then fantastic!
To recap:
- Touschreen winter gloves
- 1-2 beanie, balaclava, earmuffs, etc
- 1 scarf
Toiletries
This section is largely up to yourself and your personal preferences. However, winter in Europe can be cold and windy, so bring some items to prevent cracked skin. Some essentials I would recommend include:
- Lip balm
- Winter face moisturizer
- Moisturizing sunscreen (because sun protection is still a thing in winter!)
- Salve for any cuts, raw or cracked skin, etc
Keep the lip balm in your bag during the day in case you need it. The salve will also be handy to have nearby if your nose feels raw or your hands are dry.
Beyond those, consider the normal stuff you use on a daily basis. Try to minimize it as much as possible if you are traveling in a carry-on. For example, don’t bring an entire eye shadow palette and multiple lipsticks. Choose just one or two.
Some basic toiletries to add to your Europe winter packing list include:
- Travel-size toothpaste, toothbrush, floss
- Make-up or other face products
- Razor, if needed
- Shampoo, conditioner (opt for solid bars for a travel-friendly alternative)
- Body soap (bonus points if your shampoo bar doubles as body soap)
- Hair brush
- Deodorant
- Quick-dry towel for saunas, showering at hostels, etc
- Mini first-aid kit
Optional Packing Items for Winter in Europe
This section covers just a few other items you might like to bring on your winter Europe trip. A lot of these will depend on your personal travel style and preferences.
- European eSIM for data abroad (this one has unlimited data)
- Camera of your choice + charger, memory card, etc
- Tripod for travel photos solo or with your partner
- Umbrella (if you are visiting rainy destinations)
- Condoms (better to be prepared and safe)
- Anti-theft crossbody bag
- Reusable water bottle
- Waterproof Kindle + charger
- Travel plug adapters (universal ones are best)
- Swimsuit, for saunas or spa visits (you can also go nude at many saunas in Europe)
- Reflector tag (as the sun often sets around 3:30 pm some countries require pedestrians to wear reflector tags on their coats or purses)
- Packing cubes
Don’t forget travel insurance! I recommend SafetyWing as it’s affordable and among the top insurance options.
What to Avoid When Packing for Winter in Europe
I’ve touched on much of this throughout this packing guide, but just to put it all together here. Avoid these packing mistakes for winter in Europe:
- Cotton-based layers
- Cheap boots that aren’t water resistant
- Gloves that don’t have touchscreen capabilities
- Big, chunky sweaters
FAQ – Europe Winter Packing List
These are some of the most frequently asked questions from women making a packing list for Europe in winter.
How do you pack light for two weeks in Europe?
Packing light is all about layers and versatile pieces! Avoid bringing bulky sweaters and choose thin, but warm merino wool ones instead. Wear your bulkiest shoes at the airport. Bring only one winter coat and one packable coat. Pack 2-3 pants, 3-4 tops, 1 dressier piece, 1-2 beanies, 1 pair of gloves, 6 warm socks, 1 pair of boots, 1 pair of sneakers, 1 winter coat, 1 packable vest for extra cold destinations, and 1 packable waterproof coat.
How do you layer for winter in Europe?
For the top: Merino wool base layer, sweater, optional thin vest, long coat, beanie, gloves.
For the bottom: merino wool base layer, pants, wool socks, booties.
What to pack for Christmas markets?
A red, green, or white sweater is perfect. Pair that with a warm, long coat as well as a beanie and gloves. European Christmas markets are outside, but sometimes have heaters or fires to help keep visitors warm. Plus, you can get a warm mug of mulled wine to stay cozy.
Thank you for reading this packing list for Europe in winter! Please comment down below any questions or thoughts you may have. I’ll get back to you there as soon as I can 🙂 Happy winter travels!
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