Packing for Europe in Winter + How to Avoid Over-Packing!

Packing for Europe in winter can be tricky, especially if you are a light packer (like me!) Clothes can be bulky and the weather can be intimidating making you feel like you need to pack EVERYTHING.

But I have squeezed 9 days of clothes for a Scandinavian Christmas in a carry-on suitcase!

With the right layers and outerwear you can certainly pack for Europe in the winter without needing two giant suitcases!

Don’t let the weather deter you from experiencing Europe in the winter!

Here is everything you need to pack including outerwear options, what tops to bring, bottoms, shoe options and other necessities to keep you warm and comfortable while exploring!

• Weather in Europe in the Winter
• What to Wear in Europe in Winter Overview
• Packing for Europe in Winter: Outer Layers
• Packing for Europe in Winter: Tops
• Packing for Europe in Winter: Bottoms
• Shoes to Pack for Europe in the Winter
• Other ESSENTIALS to Pack for Europe in the Winter!
• Recap of Packing for Europe in Winter

They key to packing for Europe in winter is good outerwear, base layers and accessories to keep you warm in the coldest of temperatures.

You also want layers. Europe is made for walking and walking miles in the cold can be hard. You can warm up and then cool off quickly. Plus entering shops, cafes and restaurants in your cold-weather gear is TOUGH.

Being able to strip a layer or two inside or to add a layer if the temperatures drop is essential to not being miserable!

Keep reading for outfit examples ⬇️ plus recommendations on coats, tops, bottoms, shoes and accessories!

Outfit Examples ⬇️

Honestly, the most important thing you will need in Europe in the winter are good outer layers. I’ve attempted a shorter, mediocre coat in Scandinavia in December (even with layers underneath) and it did NOT do the trick.

If you REALLY want to stay warm, long coats that cover the butt and thighs are a must. Even better if it drops below the knees!

I also recommend having at least one coat that is water proof. I know the long pea coats are cute, but if you stumble upon snow you are going to regret the wool.

I’ve owned two long, calf-length coats and they are SO WARM. However, I upgraded to a more fitted long coat last year because my first one was very wide and boxy.

Fitted, Long White Puffer!

I bought this long, white fitted coat for our Christmas market trip to Vienna last year and really liked the fit! (it was way less boxy/sleeping-baggish than my previous long puffer coat.)

(It is made smaller and more fitted, so you may want to size up if you want to put layers underneath!)

Buy this Coat!

I also purchased a longer, wool pea coat and loved it also. The downfall to the warm wool coats is that they can get heavy!

Packing tip: If you are someone who likes to travel carry-on only (like I often do), it can be tricky to bring two calf-length coats. I recommend packing the one that can fold up the tightest (my white fluffy one compressed well) and then wear the thicker one onto the plane (the thick wool coat of mine became a plane blanket!)

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If we are being real honest, you aren’t going to see your tops a lot. Unless you are taking your coat off to sit inside somewhere, most of what you are going to see is your outer layer anyway!

Sweaters can get bulky when packing, so minimize how many of these you pack.

Instead I ensure I have really good outer layers and then layer up thinner long sleeve shirts under my coats. The thinner long sleeves fit better under coats, roll up smaller in the suitecase and can be added/taken away if you get too hot or cold.

For a week in Europe in the winter, consider bringing no more than two thicker sweaters (I would really only bring one) and then bring around 4-5 thinner long sleeves that you can layer on top of each other if necessary.

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Obviously long pants and jeans are going to be what you need to pack for Europe in the winter. If you really want to look more fashionable (though I would personally not choose over warmth), you can get by with a long skirt as long as you layer heat gear base layers and have a LONG length coat.

But, in reality, pants are going to be better.

What pants, though? Whatever you find the most comfortable! Europe requires a lot of walking and wearing uncomfortable jeans for miles is the WORST.

You also need to be able to fit a warm base layer underneath your jeans, so opt for a looser fit or you are going to be super uncomfortable all day.

Aside from jeans, stretchy pants can be a great comfortable option. Especially if you opt for a black, wide leg option that can look kind of look like jeans when you have your long coat on.

Over-packing avoidance tip: You don’t need a pair of jeans for every day. A) You are going to have a base layer under your jeans (so to keep fresh, more base layers is more beneficial) B) You really won’t sweat much in Europe in the winter C) You aren’t going to see much of your bottom half anyway if you are wearing a long coat.

For a week in Europe in the winter, I would suggest packing 2-3 pairs of jeans.

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Shoes (and your coat) are going to be the most important thing you want to get right when you pack for Europe in the winter! Cold and/or wet toes will make you MISERABLE.

Plus, again, you are going to be walking A LOT.

So choose shoes that are warm, waterproof and comfortable. I know, this can be tough.

A light snow boot-type of shoe is a great choice if you can find one that isn’t too heavy (heavy isn’t comfortable for loads of miles.)

Also, leather sneakers can be a good option.

I took non-insulated rain boots one year and they were NOT a good option. My basic, white leather sneakers ended up being much warmer (with the right socks!)

For a week in Europe in the winter, I usually pack one pair of light boots and one pair of comfortable leather sneakers that will hold up to the rain or snow more than cloth sneakers.

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What else should you pack for Europe in the winter? Here are essentials you will want to add to your European winter packing list!

Base Layers- You are going to want a good top and bottom base layer when packing for Europe in winter! I typically have at least two base layer pants because I wear them every day under my jeans! Fleece-lined, heat gear (though usually expensive) or traditional thermals work great!

Gloves- I am a fan of the mittens with the finger flaps so I can free my fingers to do things like take photos or use my phone. I find mittens to be warmer than gloves, but whatever you prefer.

Warm Socks- Wool socks will be your best friend. They are warm, but also moisture-wicking in case you get wet or your feet get too warm while walking or on a heated train or bus.

Scarves- I love the chunky, plaid scarves. They are super warm and come in a variety of colors! They are a game-changer for staying warm and keeping wind off your neck and face.

Beanies- Once you find your scarf color of choice, find a beanie to match! I loved having a light blue beanie to match my green and blue scarf.

Hand warmers- If your hands are super sensitive to the cold (like my friend who has Reynauds!) then pack some hand warmers! You can either go with the individual packs of hand warmers that you shake to activate or battery-powered hand warmers.

Umbrella– If you are heading to Europe in the snow, be sure to pack an umbrella! Though a water proof coat can do a lot, it can often snow hard enough that you are going to want an umbrella to stay dry!

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The key to packing for Europe in the winter without overpacking is to have good, warm base layers and good, warm outer wear.

The key to surviving the winter weather comfortably is to make sure your digits stay warm; have the right shoes and have a gloves (at least two pair in case you lose one.)

If you want to spice up your outfit, it won’t be in your tops and sweaters; it’ll be with your scarves and warm accessories!

Considering visiting a European Christmas market? Here is a Scandinavian Christmas itinerary and how to spend 4 days in and around Vienna, Austria at Christmas!