What to Pack for Europe in Winter (So You’re Ready for the Cold!)

Christmas markets, snowy mountain villages, and café stops that turn into passing entire afternoons watching the world go by over a cozy beverage. There’s plenty to love about a European winter, but figuring out what to pack can feel like a trip in itself.

Will one coat be enough? Do you need snow boots? And how are you supposed to fit warm clothes into a suitcase when you’re visiting several countries?

This Europe in winter packing list helps you build a practical wardrobe around your trip, with everyday travel essentials and extra gear for colder adventures. Whether you’re exploring Christmas markets in the cities, heading into the French Alps, or planning a winter escape to Iceland, here’s where to start.

Before You Pack: What Kind Of Winter Trip Are You Taking?

A Europe winter packing list needs some flexibility. A museum-filled, Christmas market exploring city break and a week of snowy outdoor activities call for different gear.

Before choosing your clothes, look at the places you’re visiting, your travel dates, and how much time you’ll spend outside. Check the forecast again shortly before departure so you can make any final swaps.

• City Breaks And Christmas Markets

For a trip built around sightseeing, restaurants, and museums, prioritize comfortable walking shoes, a warm coat, and clothes you can layer. Also think about what is waterproof, Ugg boots might seem stylish for winter, but when you’ve faced a wet day in Berlin or a snowy market in Milan you will regret your choices!

Think about your evenings, too. Wandering between market stalls or waiting outside for transport can leave you feeling colder than a brisk daytime walk.

A warm, presentable outfit that works for dinner is useful. A separate evening wardrobe for every night probably isn’t.

When your itinerary includes exposed coastlines and outdoor stops, weather protection deserves as much attention as insulation.

Our guide to what to wear in Iceland is particularly useful for planning this kind of trip. Include waterproof outerwear and footwear, then adjust the warmth underneath.

• Snowy Mountains And Colder Northern Trips

Ski holidays and trips with long periods outside need additional planning. Build your clothing around the activities you’ve booked and ask operators which specialist items they supply.

For a more detailed look at clothing for sustained cold, read our cold weather packing list.

• How To Keep Packing Within Budget European Airline Restrictions

European budget airlines famously have tight baggage allowances, dimensions are confusingly almost always different per airline, with Ryanair generally being the default smallest carry-on allowance. 

If you are flying in and out with a US or Canadian airline and not taking any intercontinental short flights, then you’ll be fine. But if you are packing for a Eurotrip and country hopping you’re going to need to pack smart.

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Our Europe in the summer packing list is packed with useful tips on how to manage this, so check it out before planning the specifics of packing for winter. It even covers how to pack your whole trip into carry-on bags! 

Europe In Winter Packing List

Planning out what to pack can be really overwhelming, so we have laid out the basics with our recommended, tried and tested items. You can then build on from there or niche down to your own preferences.

Backpacks, Suitcases, And Personal Bags

Once you have figured out what limits you have to work with then you can prepare the bags you are packing with. If you aren’t checking in a bag then go for the option that allows a carry-on bag PLUS a personal item, then pack smart! 

Also be mindful that you are probably going to need to wear your winter boots, coat and any other bulky items to save on packing space.

Here it can go down to personal preference to a certain extent, if you don’t want to carry a few heavy bags then opt for a small wheeled suitcase and a small backpack for your personal item. The backpack then can double up as your day pack when you’re out roaming each day. 

The ‘Personal’ Bag

Think of this as the handbag of your cabin baggage, compact, functional, not meant to hold a lot. But if you pack well this can be a really handy way to grab extra packing space. 

The New Outlander is a great multifunction bag to use as your personal item. It is packable and very lightweight but still holds a decent amount of gear. The tricky part is if you are taking a lot of gear (camera, video, and laptop) you’re going to need padded compartments, and they can get bulkier. In this instance work out what you can balance between the carry-on and the personal item. 

We also always bring the Victorinox Travel Organizer which is great to keep cards, travel documents, money, and pens all in one spot.  So, when you’re at the airport, just pull out this organizer and you’re good to go to check-in, go through customs, and get through the gate.

The Carry-On

To balance the load, a wheeled suitcase is a good option, just be aware that if you are going through old towns, you are likely to encounter uneven ground, and a lot of those cute old apartment buildings don’t have elevators.

Modern carry-on’s have nifty quick-access front compartments, power bank integration, cupholder, and built-in TSA locks.

If you’re carrying a lot of camera gear, you should definitely take a look at Shimoda and their line of photography and adventure-driven backpacks.

Currently, we’re using the Shimoda Action X V2 with a Large Mirrorless Core. For more urban pursuits, the Urban Explore is excellent. Just be careful with weight limits especially if you’re flying a low-cost carrier such as Ryanair.

As an alternative, we’re also big fans of the Peak Design 30L Travel Backpack which is packed with features for camera gear. You’ll also need to pair this with a camera cube. For more space, consider the 45L variant.

The Check-In Bag

Having a good check-in is also really important for any trip to Europe but a big part of it will depend on the style of trip, how much you need to pack, and your own preferences. Of course, if you’re in the carry-on only camp, skip this part!

Suitcase

As we mentioned above, suitcases in Europe can be tricky especially with the number of stairs and cobblestone roads. That said, suitcases can totally still work in Europe and will be the best choice, especially if you already have a backpack as a carry-on.

The two main types of suitcases are hard-side or soft-side. The current trend is for hard shell suitcases because of their styling, but the drawback is that they get scratched easily and are usually not expandable. Fabric-exterior suitcases may not look as cool, but they have more give when it comes to packing more in.

The other feature to consider is how suitcase open up. Some have one top lid cover, revealing a large space. There are others that open up like a book, revealing two separate compartments that can be individually closed off or at least separated by mesh.

Our current favorite is the Db’s Ramverk check-in luggage in the medium size, a hard-sided suitcase that opens like a book. This is what you see in the photo above and we’ve used it on recent trips including throughout Hokkaido, our 7 days in Shikoku, and week in Hong Kong.

Hiking Backpack

For many trips to Europe, a hiking backpack makes a lot of sense because it gives you complete mobility, which is great for when you’re making a dash to make a train, or simply moving about with local transit where you’re going up and down stairs a ton.

What if you have a day backpack and a big backpack, you ask? Well, you simply wear one in the back and the other in the front.

Your best bet for picking out a backpack will be to visit your local MEC if you’re in Canada or REI if you’re in the US. Going in-store is really helpful because the staff can offer suggestions and most importantly, figure out the right size and settings for your body frame.

The volume you’re looking for is 40L to 65L and a feature to look out for is the trampoline back panel for ventilation.

Duffel Bag

Modern duffels built for travel are a great option as well, especially if you prefer a bag that you can quickly sling onto your shoulder or back. Travel duffels have the distinct advantage of being able to store a lot more and also have a much wider opening than your standard top-loaded backpack.

The best one on the market is the Peak Design Travel Duffel which comes in 4 sizes – 35L, 50L, 65L, and 80L. The beauty of this bag is that you can hand hold it, sling it around your shoulder, or convert the straps to work as a backpack.

Useful Packing Extras

Some airports have plastic bags for you to put your 100ml liquids into but prepare in advance by having one of these ready with all your mini bottles and tubs. Something like this is also useful with the bottles designed to fit snugly within the liquids bag.

Make use of stuff sacks. For t-shirts we love the Eagle Creek organizer that allows you to cram SO MUCH into one nice little neat package. It’s all thanks to the technique of rolling your clothes (see our video). Then simply throw it into the backpack and with the handle at the top, all you have to do is pull it out.  

The stuff sack mesh bags are also critical to any backpacker. Get them set up in different colors and that way you keep your pack organized and don’t have to dig through piles of clothes inside the bag.

Need PJ’s or that button up shirt? Just pull out the blue bag. Need underwear or socks? Just pull out the orange bag. It makes life so much easier.

• Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube: This packing cube was one of the best discoveries. This helps keep clothes nice and tidy.
• Color Coded Mesh Bags: Any mesh bag will do but make sure they’re color coded. 
• Compression bags: You can get pretty crafty with these and pack them tight before slipping into your personal item bag. Just still be aware of the weight, smaller doesn’t mean lighter! You don’t want to tip over the 10kg limit when you arrive at the gate.
• A separate laundry bag helps contain worn clothes, while a small waterproof pouch is useful for transporting damp swimwear until you can take it out to dry.

What Clothes To Pack For Europe In The Winter

Depending on where in Europe you are visiting, you can play around a little with levels of stylishness. For cities such as Barcelona, Berlin, and Milan aim to look a little more groomed, Italians in particular are known for being VERY well put together so try to blend in a little. Have some fun with it! 

This is a general idea of how much you need to pack and what our go-to items tend to be. You don’t need to go wild with loads of options, stick to a theme, and then it’s easier to mix and match your outfit. 

Something to keep in mind is that it also gets quite cold in parts of Europe in the winter, so you’ll want to find a nice balance between style and staying warm. But also know that a big puffer jacket is a staple basic in most of Europe in the winter, so don’t think you need to travel with a stylish wool coat – when it’s cold its cold!

Base Layers

Thermal tops and leggings are useful because they add warmth without taking up much space. Choose a comfortable fit that lets you move freely. Before packing, try your thermals underneath the trousers and tops you plan to wear, tight combinations can make a long sightseeing day uncomfortable.

You may wear them every day on a colder trip, while on a milder city break, they might only come out for evenings.

Sweaters And Fleeces

Bring two versatile pieces you can rotate. A simple sweater works well for sightseeing and dinner, while a fleece is useful for more active days.

Avoid filling your suitcase with bulky knits that all serve the same purpose. Check that each one fits under your coat before committing to it.

A Winter Coat That Fits Your Itinerary

Your main coat will probably be the thing you wear the most, so choose it around the trip you’re actually taking.

For city sightseeing, consider comfort, useful pockets, and enough room for a sweater underneath. For outdoor adventures, pay closer attention to the hood, coverage, and protection from the elements.

Try the complete outfit together. A coat that feels roomy over a T-shirt may feel restrictive over winter layers.

Trousers And Thermal Bottoms

Two pairs of everyday trousers are a sensible starting point. Choose styles you can wear repeatedly and pair with all your tops.

Jeans can work for city sightseeing, but don’t make them your only option if your plans involve wet outdoor conditions. Add suitable weatherproof trousers for activities that call for them, particularly if you are doing more snow activities rather than city trips.

• 1-2 Thermal bottoms: Especially useful for colder outdoor days
• 2 Everyday trousers: Make sure your thermal bottoms fit underneath

Warm Socks

Pack socks that work with your boots, then test the combination on a proper walk before departure. This is not the time to try new shoes and socks combinations! Avoid squeezing extra-thick socks into footwear that no longer fits comfortably. Keep a dry spare pair available on wetter days.

• 4/7 Pairs warm socks: Pack enough to change out of damp pairs

Underwear And Sleepwear

This is one that will always come down to personal preference but just keep in mind what is comfortable under thicker clothing and how many pairs of underwear you are likely to use on your trip.

For sleepwear keep in mind that beautiful old buildings often aren’t well insulated so nights can be colder than you realize. Buildings in England and parts of Northern Europe tend to be better equipped for the cold, but places like Spain and Italy have stunning architecture that are sometimes even colder inside than outside! Pack cozy sleepwear to avoid risking chilly nights.

• 7 Pairs underwear: Adjust around what laundry access you will have on your trip
• 1 Set sleepwear: Choose something comfortable for your accommodation

Hat, Gloves, And A Neck Warmer

These small items deserve space in your day bag, especially if you plan to be out most of the day. Choose gloves you can manage your phone and bag with. For colder trips, consider a warmer outer pair or mittens, and test whether you can use them together comfortably.

What Shoes Should You Pack For Europe In Winter?

Start with one reliable pair of walking boots suited to your itinerary. Look for a comfortable fit, appropriate weather protection, and soles suitable for the surfaces you expect to encounter. Break them in before your trip.

Do You Need Snow Boots?

Consider them when snow, prolonged cold, and substantial outdoor time are central to your plans. They may be unnecessary for a trip focused on milder cities and indoor attractions.

For a ski holiday, remember that your footwear for walking around the resort serves a different purpose from rented ski or snowboard boots.

What To Pack In Your Day Bag

Think of this as your day kit for a busy day of exploring. This is where you can throw in extra layers, snacks, and anything you need quickly. Don’t overpack for the sake of it and also leave room for any shopping you might do while you are out.

A general good idea of where to start is these items:

Try the bag on over your winter coat and check that you can reach the pockets easily. Also good to remember that zippers and pockets should be secure to avoid any pickpocket incidents.

Documents And Booking Information

Keep your passport, payment cards, and essential travel information accessible.

Save offline copies of accommodation details, transport bookings, and important contact information. A backup payment method stored separately can also be useful.

Electronics

If you aren’t packing a whole tech section like us (travel blogger life!), these are solid basics to keep you covered with everything you need. 

• Phone And Charging Cable: Your phone may handle maps, tickets, bookings, and photographs, so make charging it straightforward. Pack the cables you need and label similar ones if that helps keep them organized.
• Waterproof phone case: This soft case is great because it’s extremely easy to roll away and still provides you touch control if you put your phone inside. Only bring this if you think there’s a chance you’ll go out into the water (i.e. kayak or canoe).
• Plug Adapters for UK and EU: It is good to have a random assortment of plug adapters on hand; we have plenty we’ve collected over the years. Always do your research beforehand but in Europe you’re mostly dealing with these two types of plugs. Universal adapters are good, but the problem is with all the devices you have you’ll need multiple. An individual travel adapter like this is more useful.
• Chargers and Cables: We pretty much throw all the random cables, chargers, and power bank into a Peak Design Tech Pouch and stash away in our day pack or suitcase. The organizer is really helpful to stop cables getting tangled and keeps them all in one place.
• Power Bank: We have so many power-hogging devices these days so it’s critical you have a quick-charge and small battery power bank that has both USB-C and USB-A outlets.
• Shaver: There’s been a lot of advancements in portable shavers. This palm-sized and USB-chargeable shaver is a great one to have in your packing list.
• Smartphone: You’re probably not going to forget this but make sure you have this loaded up with the apps you need for the trip, offline Google maps saved, and your eSIM such as Airalo set up. We use the Peak Design Everyday Case.
• Headphones: Download something for flights and train journeys before leaving reliable Wi-Fi. Headphones and an eye mask take up little room and can make longer journeys more comfortable.
• Optional camera gear: Bring equipment that matches the photos you want to take. A compact setup is easier to carry throughout a long day than a bag full of lenses you rarely use. If photography is a major part of your trip, include spare batteries, storage, and protection for your equipment. Our cold weather packing guide discusses the extra challenges of using gear in the cold.

Toiletries And Personal Essentials

While you can pick up most things when you get to Europe, if you are hopping on and off flights between a few destinations you could be wasting a lot of liquids. So, get those travel sized bottles ready and remember your essentials.

But also, do keep your toiletry bag compact and familiar, winter trip isn’t the ideal time to experiment with several new products.

Useful items include:

• Hair stuff: Gel, hairspray, putty – whatever is your go-to. 
• Face cleanser: We love the Cetaphil Face Cleanser, but pack whatever works for you.
• Body wash, shampoo and conditioner: Unless you have super sensitive skin or unruly hair an all in one works pretty well.
• Face cream & Body moisturizer: Cold weather can be hard on your skin so pack a good face cream and body moisturizer to sooth before and after facing the cold.
• Chapstick: Also keep those lips protected from the cold! If you are skiing, then you need one with sun protection.
• Toothpaste and toothbrush: Those toothpaste tabs can also work well if you are short on liquid space. It can be a bit overkill, but a portable Sonicare toothbrush is great, just charge to full before you leave.
• Nail Clippers: Hangnails are the worst! Don’t forget to pack your favorite nail clippers. These are allowed on carry-ons according to the TSA.
• Emergency medication: Have a supply of meds like bandaids, Reactine and Immodium. Better to be prepared than caught short and scrambling around looking for a pharmacy. 
• Hanging Toiletries case: Once you’ve got your liquids through security you can transfer it to a more user-friendly bag. The Peak Design Small Wash Pouch is our go to. It is simply designed and has a great set up of pockets, zippers and elastic holders. The must-have feature for any toiletry’s organizer is the hook. Hanging your bag is always a better option than letting it sit on the sink, especially if you’re using hostel bathrooms.

Extras For Winter Activities

Skiing And Snowboarding

Build a separate activity checklist that includes suitable outerwear, gloves, socks, goggles, and any equipment you’re bringing.

Confirm rentals in advance and check exactly what is included. For destination planning, start with our guides to Chamonix and the French Alps and Val Thorens in winter.

Northern Lights Evenings

Plan your clothing for waiting outside as well as walking. Keep your warm accessories within reach and leave room in your bag for any extra layers your outing requires.

Check the operator’s equipment list before buying or packing specialist gear.

Hot Springs And Spa Visits

Bring swimwear if pools or hot springs are on your itinerary. Check whether your accommodation or booked experience supplies towels.

A small bag for wet swimwear is useful when you’re moving on soon afterward.

• Swimwear: For pools, spas, and hot springs

Where To Go In Europe In Winter

We love to travel in the winter and have explored a lot of Europe in the colder months. Use our destination guides to help shape your route, then adjust your packing list around the exact places and activities you choose.

• Iceland is a strong choice for travelers interested in dramatic landscapes, hot springs, and winter outings. Start with our Iceland packing list and guide to the best time to visit Iceland. Prioritize weather protection and check your booked activities’ clothing requirements.
• France – Chamonix And Val Thorens: For a mountain-focused winter holiday, explore our Chamonix ski trip guide and Val Thorens winter guide. Separate your everyday village outfits from the clothing and equipment needed on the slopes. Paris is more of a city trip so pack those stylish comfortable shoes and dress pants!
• Austria: If you like the idea of combining city sightseeing with a mountain stop, our 7-day Austria itinerary connects Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck. Use it for route inspiration, then check winter opening times and transport arrangements for your dates. Choose clothes that work for city walks and add activity-specific layers for mountain excursions.
• Germany: For a city break with seasonal appeal, our where to stay in Berlin guide includes a mention of the Lucia Christmas Market. Bremen and Bremerhaven are also lovely classic German towns that are extra beautiful to explore if it snows. Pack comfortable walking footwear and an outfit you can adjust when moving between outdoor sightseeing and indoor stops. Check market dates separately when planning your trip.
• Italy: There is something special about Italian winter, delicious, sweet treats, picturesque markets, and buildings that look even more beautiful in a snowy sky. Base yourself in Milan for Northern Italian charm and traditional markets. Pack good walking shoes and something extra warm, it gets really cold nearer to the Alps!
• Sweden: Our guide to the most beautiful places to visit in Sweden includes the Icehotel, while the Sweden travel guide provides broader destination inspiration. Build your packing list around your actual route, particularly if you’re combining cities with northern outdoor experiences.
• Finland: For ideas ranging from Helsinki to Lapland, browse our Finland travel guide. If your plans include winter excursions, confirm the clothing provided by each operator and what you need to wear underneath it.
• Latvia: Latvia is another option for combining a city stay with outdoor time. Our day trips from Riga guide include cross-country skiing ideas. Check conditions and equipment arrangements before setting out and pack a change of clothes if your day involves getting active.

How To Pack Light For Europe In Winter

Now that you have planned the main part of your trip and have a good idea of what to pack it is time to work out how to fit it all in! Winter packing is a new skill to master!

• Plan Complete Outfits: Lay out your clothes and check that your tops, trousers, and warm layers work together. Remove pieces that only work with one outfit unless you need them for a specific occasion.
• Wear Your Bulkiest Items: Travel in your main boots and carry or wear your coat. Keep enough room in your bag to manage extra layers comfortably once you’re indoors.
• Arrange Laundry: For trips longer than a week, check where you can wash clothes. Laundry access can reduce the number of everyday items you need to carry.
• Share Where It Makes Sense: Traveling with someone else? Consider sharing suitable toiletries and charging equipment rather than packing duplicate full-size kits.
• Leave Room For Purchases: If shopping or Christmas markets are part of the plan, leave some space from the start. A suitcase that only closes with effort at home gives you little flexibility later.
• What To Leave At Home: Reconsider anything bulky that duplicates something you already packed:
  • Several coats for the same conditions.
  • A different sweater for every day.
  • Shoes without a clear purpose.
  • Full-size toiletries for a short trip.
  • Camera equipment you’re unlikely to carry.
  • Specialist activity gear already included in your booking.

Keep the items you need for your itinerary, even if they take up space. Packing light should still leave you properly equipped.

Ready To Pack For Europe In Winter?

Hopefully this has given you everything you need to plan a wonderful trip! Start with your route, choose clothing for your outdoor plans, and build a small wardrobe you can comfortably repeat.

Then check your bookings, test your footwear, and try everything in your bag before departure. A little preparation at home leaves you more time to enjoy the winter trip you’ve been looking forward to. Winter in Europe is a really underrated time of year to travel so you’ll no doubt enjoy it away from the summer crowds!

Let us know where are you heading this winter, and what always makes it onto your packing list!

Frequently Asked Questions