Even the most well versed of traveller will have likely found themselves succumbing to the mad scramble of last-minute clothes-flinging and suitcase-wrestling, while attempting to zip up and lock luggage. In fact, even the lightweight packing connoisseurs of the world will likely concur that when it comes to figuring out what to pack, for Sweden based travels you don’t want to be caught out. Shorts and flip flops won’t really fly when it comes to scaling the harsh Swedish Lapland terrain, nor will winter warmers and puffer jackets in the height of the Stockholm summer…
Gothenburg and the West Coast
Gothenburg is a vibrant city that’s home to top-class breweries, a thriving local art scene and live music galore. It is a must for those looking to discover something new, but knowing what to pack for Sweden based fun here is an essential. It can help to know that the hottest month here is July, with an average temperature of around 16°C, making it the best time to brave the waters and take a dip in the sea as the surrounding ocean warms to a toasty 17°C. The rainiest month of October sees around 92mm of rain fall, while December is the coldest month averaging at a frosty 0°C. This makes packing the following paramount:
- A warm jacket, hats and gloves (especially for those colder months)
- Warm layers for the colder seasons and slightly lighter ones during spring and summer
- A small umbrella (because you never know)
- Swimwear and suncream
For those journeying further afield who are interested in the hikes and trails found throughout the west coast and surrounding archipelagos, we recommend:
- Rain proof clothing and warm layers
- Hiking boots, these can be rubber boots or hiking shoes but preferably waterproof
- Outdoor clothing suitable for hiking
- Extra pairs of socks (in case you get wet because there really is no worse feeling than soggy feet)
- Binoculars (at least 6x32 recommended to see as much as possible)
- Head lamp (remember charger or extra batteries)
- Water bottle
- Protection against mosquitoes (especially during the warmer spring and summer months)
Stockholm
The weather is usually pleasant and mild in the summer here, so we recommended packing casual summer clothes, like a jumper, a light jacket or a raincoat. The winter can be snowy and somewhat rainy, pack layers to adjust to temperature changes and protect against the bitter wind is recommended. It can also help to be prepared for rain with a sturdy umbrella and a wind- and water-resistant coat.
Swedish Lapland
When it comes to Swedish Lapland, we find it’s best to over prepare, as you might just find yourself experiencing all four seasons in a day. So, we recommend:
- A warm jacket (preferably insulated and waterproof) and a warm hat, gloves and scarf
- Thermal top and bottoms
- Warm shoes (again preferably insulated and waterproof) that’re able to grip different terrains, and warm woollen socks
- Waterproof or snow proof trousers
- Fleece layer or warm woollen jumper
- Sunglasses
- Heat pads for hands and feet can be a quick and useful way to warm up
- Torches for those staying in more remote areas
