How to dress in the Arctic

In the Narvik region, the fjord, the city and the high mountains are close to each other. This means that conditions can vary a lot throughout the same day. Sun and calm weather by the fjord can be replaced by wind, precipitation and lower temperatures as you move higher up in the terrain.

The most important advice is therefore simple: dress in layers, and adapt your clothes to the weather, the activity and the place you are going to.

Three teams that work

Layer upon layer makes it easy to regulate the temperature when the weather or activity level changes.

Inner: stay dry
Wear wool underwear or a technical inner layer that transports moisture away from the body. Wool is a good choice in Arctic conditions because it insulates even when it gets damp. Avoid cotton as an inner layer on cold and wet days, as the material retains moisture and can make you cold.

Mid-layer: keep warm
A mid-layer of wool, fleece or other insulating material retains body heat. How thick the layer should be depends on temperature and activity.

Outermost: protect yourself from the weather
The outer layer should protect against wind and precipitation. A wind- and waterproof jacket and trousers provide flexibility through changing conditions and can be worn for much of the year.

It can be a good idea to have an extra warm layer in your backpack, especially if you are going to be outside for a long time.

Dress for what you're going to do

The temperature only tells part of the story. Wind, precipitation, activity level and how long you will be outside affect how cold it actually feels.

If you are going skiing, snowshoeing or hiking, the body produces a lot of heat. Then it is an advantage to be able to take off a layer before you get sweaty and put it back on when you stop.

If, on the other hand, you are going to stand still for a long time, for example when photographing or waiting for the Northern Lights, you may need significantly more insulation.

A simple rule of thumb is therefore: dress for the activity, not just the temperature.

Keep hands, feet and head warm

On cold days, the cold is often first felt on the fingers, toes and face.

Wear warm socks and shoes with enough room for your toes to move. Shoes that are too tight can make your feet colder. Mittens usually retain heat better than gloves when the temperature drops, while gloves can be handy when you need more mobility.

A hat, neck or buff also makes a big difference when the wind picks up.

Good shoes make a big difference

If you are going out into nature, choose sturdy shoes that suit the activity and the surface. Mountain trails, wet terrain, snow and ice make different demands than a trip through the center of Narvik.

In winter, it can also be slippery on roads, pavements and parking lots. Crampons or other ice grip for the shoes can therefore be a very useful addition to your luggage, even if you are not planning a mountain hike.

Winter in the Narvik region

Winter can offer everything from quiet days with clear Arctic light to snow, wind and rapid weather changes.

A good starting point is:

• Wool underwear
• Warm midlayer
• Wind and weather protection outerwear
• Warm socks and winter footwear
• Hat and neck
• Mittens or warm gloves
• Crampons in slippery conditions

If you are going to be out in the evening in search of the Northern Lights, you should dress warmer than you would on an active winter trip. Feel free to bring an extra layer of insulation.

Sunglasses can also be useful in winter. On clear days, the snow reflects a lot of light, especially when the sun starts to rise higher in the sky.

Summer doesn't always mean summer clothes

Summer in the Narvik region offers long days and midnight sun, but the temperature and weather can still vary.

On hot days, light and breathable clothing may be enough down by the fjord. If you're going out to sea or up in the mountains, it's still smart to have both a warm layer and windproof and waterproof outerwear available.

Also bring sunglasses and sunscreen. You can be outside for many hours under the midnight sun, even on days when the temperature feels cool.

Spring and autumn: be prepared for the contrasts

Spring and autumn are transitional seasons where conditions can change quickly.

You can experience sun and mild temperatures by the fjord while there is snow higher in the terrain. Rain, wind and cooler air can also come close to each other.

Layer upon layer works especially well at this time of year. Bring clothes that make it easy to regulate the temperature throughout the day.

City trip or mountain hike?

In Narvik, you can move from the city center to mountain terrain in a short time. It also means that clothes that work well down in the city are not necessarily sufficient higher up.

Therefore, check the weather for the place you are actually going to, not just the conditions you see from the hotel window.

If you are going on a longer trip in the mountains, you should also be prepared for a change in the weather and bring the necessary equipment, extra clothes, food and drink. Choose a guided tour if you are unsure about the terrain, weather or your own skills.

Are you going on an organized activity?

What you need to bring varies from activity to activity.

On some adventures, you can borrow warm clothes, flotation suits, boots or other necessary equipment. At other activities, you are expected to arrive fully dressed for the conditions.

Therefore, always check the product description when ordering, so that you know what is included and what you need to bring yourself.

If you are unsure, ask the activity provider or the Tourist Information before the trip.

This is smart to pack

You don't necessarily need everything on the same day, but this provides a good starting point for a trip to the Narvik region:

• wool underwear or technical base layer
• Warm midlayer
• Wind and waterproof outerwear
• Warm socks
• hat, neck and gloves or mittens
• Sturdy shoes adapted to the season and activity
• crampons in winter
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• An extra warm layer for longer days outside

Weather is part of the Arctic

Arctic weather doesn't have to make the journey complicated. It is first and foremost about being prepared.

Check the weather forecast before you go out, dress according to the conditions and have the opportunity to adjust along the way. Then you are better equipped to spend your time outside, whether the day goes along the fjord, through the center of Narvik or up into the mountains.