Answering 25+ of Your burning questions about Winter in Finland
Winter in Finland is magical but also full of questions! I have answered them for you - for a safe and amazing Finnish winter experience.
Ultimate Winter (Packing) Checklist for Finland: Stay Cozy and Prepared
This is the all-essential winter checklist for Finland!
With jaw-dropping temperatures and long dark period, but also stunning blue skies and bright sunny days, lots of snow and all the good stuff – Finnish winters can be a challenge. Especially for new and resident locals, or visitors, knowing what you need to have an enjoyable winter experience, is super important.
This is a list of input, suggestions and my personal recommendations and tips of over 13 winters in Finland – and loving every single one of them (truly)!
Top 3 things to remember:
– It’s worth investing in a few key pieces, and it will make all the difference
– Layering is important, figure out what works for you and make comfort a priority
– Extra important: feet, hands, ears, skin.
Table of Contents
Notes:
– These depend a lot on your planned activity and personal preference
– Mittens will keep your hands warmer than finger gloves. Gloves are still great for warmer days or quick outings
– Fingerless gloves with a flop-over mitten cover are the best thing you can invest in
– One good beanie is a must. Wool is the best.
– Buff or balaclava will save your day, trust me on this. A scarf is more optional for me.
– Sunglasses!! Winter sun and white snow reflecting it is harsh. A must on any winter checklist for Finland.
Accessories
- Mittens
- Liner gloves for mittens
- Touchscreen gloves
- Woollen gloves
- Buff/Snood or Neckgaiter
- Knitted woollen beanie
- Balaclava
- Sunglasses
- Ski goggles (for anything speedy - optional)
- Liner for beanie (optional)
- Woollen scarf (optional)
- Handwarmers (optional)
Icebreaker floppy Mittens
The perfect compromise for having nice and warm hands, but also quick access to your fingers for taking photos or blowing your nose. My favourites.
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Myssyfarmi Pipa Beanie
Myssy's beanies are my favourite, and the Pipa is a new favourite in my collection. This best-of-all model suits everyone and works in every season. If you're gonna get a new beanie: make it this one.
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Aarni Belle Sunglasses
My absolute favourites, any of the Aarni wooden sunglasses are always with me. They are light, beautifully crafted and a nice touch of nature to any outfit. Remember to protect your eyes also in winter!
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Woollen Balaclava
Great for outdoor activities or very cold days, for an extra layer under your beanie. A must-have for me!
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Base layers
- Woolen base layer bottom
- Woollen base layer top
- Undershirt for knitwear
- Sleeveless undershirt
- Woollen tights
- Mesh base layers (optional)
Notes:
– (merino) wool over everything, it keeps you warm and dry. Material matters.
– stay away from synthetic fibres and cotton
– mesh layers for every day are underrated
– you don’t need many of these. Woollen ones only need to be aired out for a refresh. Invest in 1-2 pairs and you’re sorted.
Svala Airbase base layer
The innovative airbase mesh base layer is so light you barely know it's even there - it keeps you perfectly tempered year-round.
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Cubus Merino base layer
A slightly more budget-friendly option are the merino base layers from Cubus - I also highly recommend their woolen loungewear!
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Svala Hybrid base layer
These merino and mesh hybrid base layers are a true Finnish innovation and made to keep you super warm and protected.
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Modal-cashmere layer
This ultra-light and super thin modal and cashmere top from Intimissimi is my holy grail for a base layer under my thick woolly, knitwear and jumpers. They provide extra warmth, are super soft and I don't have to wash my jumpers so often. Many colours and different models available.
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Notes:
– Some investments are worth it, winters are long here
– Second hand is an excellent option for all of these
– Remember to layer
Brand recommendations:
– North Outdoor
– R-Collection
– Uniqlo
Mid Layers
- Woollen Sweater
- Cardigan
- Flannell shirt
- Woollen dress
- Rollneck sweater (optional)
- Anorak pants
- Lined trousers
North Outdoor Merino joggers
Comfortable, light and warm, and great for layering - the North Outdoor all-day pants have been a staple for me on any winter trip, and at home.
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Marimekko Knitwear
Every winter, Marimekko releases some beautiful knits, that stand the test of time so well. The designs vary, I have their classic Unikko pattern sweater in several colours.
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North Outdoor Kuohu Sweater
My favourite Finnish brand for woollen sweaters! I can't wait to get my hands on this piece.
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Uniqlo HeatTech Trousers
The HeatTech line is a staple for those living in cold climates. I have these trousers in all the colours and I wore them daily for months!
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Footwear
- Waterproof lined boots
- Mid-weight woollen socks
- Liner socks (optional)
- Outdoor socks (eg. for skiing)
- Thick woollen socks
- Studded boots or shoes (optional)
- Slip-on studded shoecover
Notes:
– Studded shoes are great but I personally don’t wear them often. The studs are great outside but damage floors very easily
– Stick with reputable brands for shoes (preferably Nordic as they know what they are doing).
– I always double sock: silk-cotton mix liner sock + mid-weight woollen sock = perfect formula
Brand recommendations:
– Helsingin Sukkatehdas
– North Outdoor
– Marimekko (for cute ones)
– Cubus
Pomar Saana felt boots
Not only beautiful, these felt boots will keep your feet warm and dry thanks to natural materials and Gore-tex technology. The perfect winter companion.
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Pomar Oras Shoes
These warm-lined lace-up boots have kept my feet both dry and toasty thanks to Gore-Tex - the colour contrast is so nice, great for city days and hikes both!
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Icebug Woolpower shoes
A winter boot that's so versatile as you can use it in every day settings but also take it to the woods in wintertime. They also come in a studded version for the extra slippery days.
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Partioaitta Merino Socks
These come in tons of fun designs and colours. Wonderful quality merino wool. I have at least 10 pairs by now!
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Sorel Winter boots
The classic choice for proper winter temperatures - for a reason. Keep your feet warm and dry!
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Shoe snow grip
If you don't want to invest in Icebug studded shoes, these are a good alternative. Just slip them on your boots.
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Woolly socks
Thick, woollen socks are a must-have, both for warm feet at home or to wear in your boots. These are a heavy knit model and excellent.
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Notes:
– One. good. coat. = must. For most versatility, look at 3-1 winter parkas with a detachable down lining
– Pay attention to the sleeves, hood and pockets when you buy
Outerwear
- Insulated coat
- Down jacket or parka
- Anorak jacket
- Woollen coat
R-Collection Down Anorak
This down version of the classic R-Collection anorak is a great addition to your winter wardrobe - it's great for an active day out.
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Joutsen Mysi Down Coat
The down jackets from Joutsen are truly an amazing investment piece. Made from responsibly sourced down, ethically produced and incredible quality, these jackets will last you forever. (similar linked)
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Makia Isla Coat
For everyday parkas and coats, Makia is the most popular choice for locals. Their pieces are classic and functional, but will still look great in an urban setting. I love my Makia coats!
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Peak Performance down jacket
A good down jacket is super good to have, and an investment that will last you for years.
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Homewear & Sauna
- Flannell pyjama
- Slippers or padded socks
- Down slippers (optional)
- Swimwear
- Bathrobe
- Gloves and slippers for ice swimming (optional)
- Sauna hat (optional)
- Bag for wet things
Notes:
– Sauna in wintertime is my favourite thing ever, winter swimming is absolutely worth a try! It’s even better with a couple of bits to upgrade your experience.
– Some nice-to-haves for sure, but we do spend a lot of time indoors during winters, so staying cozy and warm is just as important here!
Neoprene socks
Protect your toes and base of your foot from the ice and cold, and these are great if you want to try or practise winter swimming more regularly. Regular slippers will do, but you can wear these in the water.
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Sauna hat
Protect your head while in the sauna, the icy water or the hot tub in winter - these are so cute and underrated to have. A regular beanie will do too!
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Bathrobe
A cozy bathrobe will upgrade your sauna experience by a lot - so cozy to cuddle up after an icy swim or after a long shower on a frosty day. I bring one with me on all trips and I wear it every time.
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Down slippers
These down slippers are definitely more of an optional thing to have, but I do love mine. Nothing better to wear in to bed when you have cold feet. Great gift also!
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Notes:
– This has nothing to do with vanity or beauty: skin protection is a non-negotiable for everyone. Cannot be missing on any winter checklist for Finland!
– Wear SPF every day. UV rays are always present and it’s the easiest way to protect ourselves from skin damage.
– Water-based products can freeze and crack your skin. Either opt for a wax- or oil-based moisturiser or SPF, or add a face oil to your routine.
Cosmetics & Skincare
- Sun protection
- Face oil
- Protective lip balm
- Thick face cream (wax- or oil based, or add face oil)
- Protective hair oil
- Face mask for sauna
- Hand lotion
- All-purpose salve
Mossa Lip balm
Nourishing yet non-greasy untinted lip balm, perfect for your coat pocket.
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Frantsila herbal balm
A gentle and smooth multi-purpose balm that's great to have with you at all times - for lips, dry or sore skin spots and everything else.
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Lumene sunscreen SPF 30
Sun protection is essential year-round, even in the depth of winter, it's a must. The sun in the North is strong, especially when you spend a lot of time outdoors. This product is protecting you both from the rays and the elements.
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Lumene Vitamin-C Oil-cocktail
This has been my staple for years and is my holy grail product, I love the texture and smell. It's nourishing and gives a beautiful glow. I use it in the morning before my SPF.
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Others
- Tissues (winter = runny nose season)
- Clear balm for lips and any sore bits (as backup)
- Finnrexin (the cold-killer before you get sick)
- Powerbank and cable (batteries deplete so fast)
- Spare pair of socks (because you never know)
Notes:
– Just some of my personal must-haves that I carry with me 🙂
More on winter
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