Wearing layers is key to keeping warm on your European trip so include them in your winter packing list for Europe.
So you are going on a winter holiday in Europe. You’ve planned the perfect European itinerary. Travel and accommodation is all booked. You just need to pack now. But what do you pack for a winter in Europe? Winter in Europe can be a magical time. Despite the cold weather there are snow-capped mountains, Christmas markets and plenty of great food and drinks to be had inside by a fire.
As European winter weather can be quite extreme, visiting during this time calls for packing the right gear. Without it, you may not enjoy your holiday in Europe as much as you had hoped. If you’re planning on visiting one, two or more European countries in winter, it is essential you have everything you need before leaving home. This winter packing list for Europe will help to ensure you have all your bases covered so you can enjoy your European vacation.
Packing List for Europe in Winter + Packing Tips
The thing with visiting Europe in winter time is that you want to make sure you’re dressed for the weather. You will not only need to prepare for cold days but potentially for snow. There is nothing worse walking around, visiting the sites when you are dressed inappropriately and are cold. I remember arriving in Stockholm, Sweden one time to -15 degrees Celsius (5 degrees Fahrenheit). I have never been so cold because I didn’t pack correctly. So what should you pack for your upcoming trip? Well you are in luck, I’ve got you covered with all the essential to take. But first, here are a few of my tops tips for staying warm during your winter European vacation.
Tip 1: Wear layers
Similar to packing for a summer holiday in Europe, the key to Europe winter outfits is to wear layers. Wearing layers helps you stay warm during your European winter holiday. You will find that outside the weather is freezing but you go inside and it will feel like summer. The best way to deal with this is to wear layers so when outside you will be warm and when inside, you can peel off the layers and be comfortable indoors. I highly suggest to have an essential base layer of thermals. These include thermal leggings, singlets and long-sleeve tops and there are styles of thermals for women and styles of thermals for men. Thermals are designed to keep you warm. Without them, you may wear many more layers than necessary and look like the ‘Michelin Man’. One suggestion: ensure what you will be wearing over thermals fit when you have thermals on.
Check out these thermals for females and thermals for males.
Tip 2: Wear Neutral Colours
My second tip for packing for your winter European trip is to take clothes of neutral colours. After all, you don’t want to worry about clothes mis-matching while travelling. It is far easier to pack clothes of neutral colours that you will be able to mix and match. There is no harm in having some brightly coloured accessories like a scarf, jewellery or hat – which by the way, will keep you head warm. However, if you will be spending time in the snow you may want brightly coloured clothes so you don’t blend into the surroundings.
Tip 3: Research Average Temperatures of your Destinations
It can help to do a little research on average temperatures in different parts of Europe, particularly if you will be visiting a number of countries on your winter trip in Europe. If most of your destinations have snow then you will know to pack snow clothes however, if your destinations just have cold temperatures then you could leave the ski gear at home. To give you an example, you would need to pack warmer clothes for visiting Austria than you would for Spain. Because Austria has many high snow capped mountains while Spain being closer to the Mediterranean will be warmer and you wouldn’t need that waterproof coat in Spain like you would in Austria.
Tip 4: Choose the right luggage
Luggage is very important to carry all your items through Europe. And the type of luggage you take can make or break your trip. Taking the wrong type of luggage on your European vacation can really hinder you.
To choose the right luggage for you, consider the type of travelling you will be doing. Are you backpacking through Europe or going on an organised tour? In general, you have two choices – Travel Backpack or a Suitcase with wheels.
Both of these luggage options have pros and cons. A travel backpack is far easier to carry around particularly if you are getting on and off transport often. Ensure you get the right size as there is nothing worse than having an uncomfortable backpack on your back. A wheeled suitcase is also a good option but difficult to pull along when you are on the move over the many cobblestoned roads and long-winded European staircases.
Other luggage items that will help you pack appropriately include:
- Travel Wallet for your documents
- Day Pack or Cross Body Bag – one of these will be useful for carrying things around for a day of sightseeing
- Packing Cubes – these are great to sort your luggage
- Hanging Toiletry Bag – one of these will help you keep all your toiletries in the one place
- Money Belt – these are useful to hide your valuables such as your passport and credit cards but I now use a more stylish messenger bag.
The Ultimate Europe Winter Packing List
Now you know my packing tips, here are the winter packing essentials for Europe. I’ve divided the following into what to wear in Europe for ladies winter and what to wear in Europe for men winter for your convenience. Whether you are backpacking through Europe or going on an organised tour, my packing list for Europe in winter is adaptable for both types of travelling.
Europe Winter Packing List: Womens Clothes and Shoes
- Thermal Underwear – When temperatures in a European winter are hovering around zero, thermals are your best friend. They are the best base layer to keeping you warm. There are leggings, singlets and long sleeve top options. I find leggings and the singlet perfect for being a tourist, but if I am spending a lot of time in the outdoors I will wear my long sleeve thermal top under a shirt. These are the ones I mean.
- Underwear – take your regular underwear that you like to wear. At least a weeks worth before you need to wash them.
- Fleece vest – A fleece vest can be worn over a shirt to keep your back and chest warm. It can be a stylish accessory for indoors when it may be too warm for a jumper.
- T-shirts – 1 or 2 t-shirts will come in handy. They can add extra warmth underneath your clothes or can be warn as a stylish accessory over them!
- Long-sleeve shirts – Long sleeve shirts are just the best as a top or base layer for outdoors or can be worn on their own for when indoors.
- Long pants – To mix and match your wardrobe bring several pairs of pants to go over your thermal leggings. These could be dressy jeans, leggings and a pair of nice casual pants. Maybe even a pair of waterproof pants if you intend doing winter sports or just having fun in the snow.
- Sweaters/Jumpers – A couple of lightweight sweaters/jumpers will be handy to wear to keep you warm.
- Waterproof jacket – European weather can be unpredictable. You could encounter a sunny day which turns into a rainy or snowy day. Having a waterproof jacket will see you are kept warm and dry no matter what weather you encounter.
- Beanie – A beanie or is a must to wear during a cold European winter trip. Covering your head will keep you warmer.
- Gloves and a Scarf – Waterproof gloves will help keep you hands warm and dry. A scarf will not only keep you warm but can be prove to be a very stylish accessory.
- Good pair of walking shoes that are preferably waterproof and that have very good grip. You will need good grip because you may be walking on a different types of wet, icy and slippery surfaces. Don’t forget several pairs of socks to keep your feet warm. As well as a good sturdy pair of walking shoes a pair of sneakers is a good option also for the days that aren’t wet.
- Pyjamas – As most accommodation will have central heating you don’t need to bring pyjamas that are too heavy. Just bring your regular pyjamas.
Europe Winter Packing List: Mens Clothes and Shoes
- Thermal Underwear – When temperatures in a European winter are hovering around zero, thermals are your best friend. They are the best base layer to keeping you warm. There are leggings, singlets and long sleeve top options. I find leggings and the singlet perfect for being a tourist, but if I am spending a lot of time in the outdoors I will wear my long sleeve thermal top under a shirt. These are the ones I mean.
- Underwear – take your regular underwear that you like to wear. At least a weeks worth before you need to wash them.
- Fleece vest – A fleece vest can be worn over a shirt to keep your back and chest warm. It can be a stylish accessory for indoors when it may be too warm for a jumper.
- T-shirts – 1 or 2 t-shirts will come in handy. They can add extra warmth underneath your clothes or can be warn as a stylish accessory over them!
- Long-sleeve shirts – Long sleeve shirts are just the best as a top or base layer for outdoors or can be worn on their own for when indoors.
- Long pants – To mix and match your wardrobe bring several pairs of pants to go over your thermal leggings. These could be dressy jeans, leggings and a pair of nice casual pants. Maybe even a pair of waterproof pants if you intend doing winter sports or just having fun in the snow.
- Sweaters/Jumpers – A couple of lightweight sweaters/jumpers will be handy to wear to keep you warm.
- Waterproof jacket – European weather can be unpredictable. You could encounter a sunny day which turns into a rainy or snowy day. Having a waterproof jacket will see you are kept warm and dry no matter what weather you encounter.
- Beanie – A beanie or is a must to wear during a cold European winter trip. Covering your head will keep you warmer.
- Gloves and a Scarf – Waterproof gloves will help keep you hands warm and dry. A scarf will not only keep you warm but can be prove to be a very stylish accessory.
- Good pair of walking shoes that are preferably waterproof and that have very good grip. You will need good grip because you may be walking on a different types of wet, icy and slippery surfaces. Don’t forget several pairs of socks to keep your feet warm. As well as a good sturdy pair of walking shoes a pair of sneakers is a good option also for the days that aren’t wet.
- Pyjamas – As most accommodation will have central heating you don’t need to bring pyjamas that are too heavy. Just bring your regular pyjamas.
Toiletries to Pack for Your Winter European Vacation
Once you have all your clothes chosen to take on your trip to Europe during winter it’s time to consider other items such as your toiletries. The toiletries you use now will be the toiletries you will want to take. To keep them all together and be easily accessible I suggest you carry them in a hanging toiletry bag. Having a toiletry bag with a hook will come in extremely handy to hang up your toiletry bag in all different sorts of bathrooms. I would suggest you ensure to include in your toiletry bag a number of items.
- Sunscreen – definitely take a tube of sunscreen. Even in winter the sun has some bite to it, particularly on the snowfields. Or ensure your moisturiser has sunscreen in it. If you are planning on skiing or snowboarding in Europe, read my packing list for a holiday in the snow.
- a good Moisturiser – Winter weather of wind and snow can be very drying on your skin so definitely have a good moisturiser.
- lip balm – as just said, winter weather of wind and snow can be very drying on your lips, so a lip balm will come in very handy to stop your lips from drying out and splitting.
- Hand sanitiser.
- Baby wipes – these come in very handy for when you need to wipe your hands and there is nowhere to wash them nearby.
- Hair brush and comb.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Feminine hygiene products
- Medicines you require for the duration of your holiday.
Packing for Europe in winter: Electronic Travel Essentials
- Mobile phone – one of these will not only allow you to keep in contact with peeps and take photos but you can download some very useful apps to help you travel. Apps for booking hostels or hotels or a table at a restaurant. Plus, a European eSim.
- Waterproof Smart Phone Bag.
- Dry Bag for wet clothes. I often use a plastic bag as my dry bag was stolen.
- European Travel Adaptor for your electronics.
- External Battery Charger or Power Bank – to charge your electronics while on the go.
- Camera/photography gear.
- Laptop Computer – if you are a digital nomad and working online as you travel Europe.
Europe Packing List Winter: Other Useful Things to Pack for Europe
- Sunglasses – The sun still shines in Europe in winter and you may need them for the glare from the snow!
- Beanie – If you are spending a lot of time outdoors, don’t forget to bring a beanie to keep your head warm.
- Reusable water bottle – one of these is a great way to save money on expensive bottled water. It will help you stay hydrated having access to water.
- Insect Repellent – yes, unfortunately, those pesky critters are even in Europe.
- First Aid kit
- Head Lamp or Torch – one of these is great for rummaging through your backpack at night and also for those times you need to go to the toilet in the middle of the night!
- Sink Plug or Stopper
- Anti-theft locks – to keep your things safe in your accommodation and on your body
- Sealable Lunch Bags
- Laundry powder and travel clothes line
- Tissues
- Toilet Paper
- Face Masks
- Antibacterial wipes and / or hand sanitizer
- Blanket – a small blanket will come in handy if you travelling through Europe in winter on overnight trains and buses. It can get a little cool sometimes overnight.
- A neck pillow will come in handy for those long train, bus and plane journeys.
- Fold up umbrella or raincoat for those unexpected showers.
- Travel Journal and pen – if you want to write about your European trip, which many of us do, add a travel journal to your summer Europe packing list or perhaps start a travel blog.
Packing List Essentials for European Travel: Paperwork and Financial Stuff
• Passport and visas. Ensure to have the appropriate visas in your passport. Read up on the European Shengen Visa here.
• Cash, debit and credit cards.
• Drivers license and international drivers license if planning on driving.
• COVID vaccine card and/or negative COVID test (if required).
* Travel Insurance.
* Have accommodation booking confirmations and entrance ticket confirmations printed out or in your electronic wallet.
READ MORE: What to Wear on a Plane
Do You Need to Bring all this?
No, you don’t need to bring everything on this packing list to Europe winter with you. There are plenty of stores in Europe where you can purchase things. I suggest you lay everything out on the floor and look at each item to ensure you will need it for your European travels. Packing light will help you travel better.
Now Get Packing for your winter in Europe
I have used this exact packing list for winter holiday European visits. If I discover I need anything else I just buy it along the way. Congrats on choosing Europe to travel through and I hope you have the best time! Knowing you have all the essentials in your Europe packing list I’m pretty sure you will! I’d love to hear from you if you have any other items you would include or have found useful while travelling Europe. Please leave comments below.
For more European travel inspiration:
1 Month European Central Europe Itinerary
How to Spend 3 Days in Paris
Greek Island Hopping
Eurail/Interrail Pass
Check out these packing lists for travel:
Working Holiday Packing List
Tech Gear Packing List
Wearing neutral colors is a great idea. However, I personally love donning bright-colored jackets and cardigans.
Some people would be surprised that you still need some layers one when visiting warmer countries like Spain in the winter. I sometimes forget! Great tips you’ve put together.