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What to Pack for Traveling in Europe in the Winter

01/06/2022 by Kristin 58 Comments

Packing for your winter holiday in Europe? This packing list is light yet stylish, with tips on layering and more. A complete list + a kit that you can shop for your winter clothes immediately!
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Think that Europe is only awesome during the summer? Think again.

With its festive Christmas markets, snowy forests, and general lack of tourists, Europe in the winter is more enjoyable than you might think. I was pretty scared of the cold at first, but realized that with one simple tactic, there’s no such thing as bad weather.

What’s my secret? Layering!

packing list for europe in winter
Traipsing down my street in Berlin in winter layers

Even my clothes from California worked perfectly in the European winter, much to my surprise. I was so happy that I could retain my fashion from home yet still keep warm despite the sub-zero temperatures.

Here’s my ideal packing list for Europe in the Winter:

Start off with some basic cotton undershirts. I happen to have 2 long-sleeve ones and 2 tank tops that I layer underneath heavier clothing. These are just cheapies I’ve had for years from the likes of Target and Forever 21.

Next I rely pretty heavily on leggings. I layer two pairs on particularly cold days. Pictured here is a pair I bought for €2 at the Turkish market near my place in Berlin. I couple these with other pairs I’ve acquired in China and back home in California, rotating each day to create a new look.

I also carry three sweater dresses with me at any given time. This basic one is perfect.

I also always have a chic wool jacket on-hand. It’s not lined, but since I’m layering, it keeps me plenty warm.

Perhaps most importantly, proper footwear is the key to staying warm. This is something I put a decent amount of cash into. Believe it or not these are Ugg brand! I was a bit afraid to wear them nonstop without breaking them in first, but they remained warm and comfortable, perfect for any weather and never a problem for my (semi-wide) feet. They have two styles that match this one pretty closely on sale now: The Adirondack and Elsa boots.

I’m also a big fan of my lace-up black boots, which you can find me in year-round. I find they’re the perfect accompaniment to almost every outfit (at least that I own). I got mine from Get the Label and they’re sold out now but here’s a similar pair.

packing list for europe in winter

Next we have to talk about the accessories, which are essential for warmth. Ever since I started posting my winter photos, the same comment keeps coming up over and over: “I love those rainbow gloves!” I love them too! I purchased mine from a woman in Nepal before my Annapurna trek, but if you want a similar pair, you can buy them on Amazon.

In this photo I’ve done something similar – layered cheapie leggings under more funky ones (I’m wearing my beloved Black Milk Galaxy ones here), along with a super warm high neck sweater dress and a thin, long-sleeved shirt underneath.

packing list for europe in winter

On my wrist are some white Tibetan prayer beads and around my neck I’m wearing a bronze Buddha amulet from Thailand. It’s also a good idea to always have several pairs of nice warm socks on hand, a thermal shirt or two (which are usually pretty thin and easy to pack), loose jeans that you can wear leggings under, and a thermal jacket in case it’s particularly cold.

jokulsarlon glacier lagoon
Opt for a red jacket if you want to pop in your photos!

I also have a heavier winter coat for when it’s mega-cold outside. It’s puffy, and has insulated me well even in temperatures under 30 degrees!

Finally, here’s a complete list for your easy reference:

  • 1-2 thermal shirts
  • 2 long sleeves basic cotton undershirts
  • 2 tank tops for layering
  • 3 pairs of leggings (a mix of basic and funky)
  • 3 sweater dresses (a mix of classic and funky)
  • 1 toggle-clasp wool jacket
  • 2 pairs of ugg boots: Adirondack & Elsa 
  • 1 pair of laced up black boots
  • 1 pair of gloves
  • Several pairs of warm socks
  • a pair of loose jeans
  • 1 heavy winter coat (if needed)

I thought winter would be super scary, but it turns out it’s absolutely beautiful and enjoyable, as long as you’re wearing the right stuff. If you need any additional motivation, I promise these 15 photos will make you want to visit Germany right now! I hope you liked this fashion-oriented post. Be sure to stay tuned for my next post on how to pack carry-on only even in the winter, with all of the aforementioned in tow!

*Thanks to Get the Label for providing me with these awesome black boots after my last pair finally succumbed to the dust at Burning Man! I can’t be without my black boots!

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I'm Kristin, and my vision of a better world is one where more women are empowered and living out their dreams. Solo traveling is the best method I've found to become the best, bravest version of me. This site is all about how YOU can have the adventure of a lifetime in an easy, fun, approachable way, so that you can feel empowered, too. Want to learn more about me?

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Comments

  1. Katie says

    01/06/2015 at 6:01 am

    I love the leggings, so cute! And I definitely agree with you on footwear, it’s never fun trying to explore a city when you can’t feel your feet!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      01/06/2015 at 6:24 am

      Thanks! I’m obsessed with them. Definitely not fun exploring when your feet are hurting or frozen. No such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing!

      Reply
  2. Bethany Dickey says

    01/06/2015 at 7:33 am

    This was so helpful! I live in Canada where it’s obviously cold, but I’m hopefully headed to Belgium and Prague in a few weeks and will be using these tips 🙂 Can’t wait for the carry-on post as that’s what I’ll have to do!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      01/07/2015 at 11:42 am

      That’s coming next! Video included!

      Reply
  3. Emily says

    01/06/2015 at 7:55 am

    Funky leggings really make things less drab during the grey winter months. I love the Milk Galaxy ones!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      01/07/2015 at 11:42 am

      Totally!

      Reply
  4. Marie @ Marie Away says

    01/06/2015 at 9:26 am

    Leggings and sweater dresses are my definite staples for winter (and spring, and fall). Unfortunately, winter in Canada calls for fleece-lined pants and parkas -sigh-.

    Reply
  5. Susanne says

    01/07/2015 at 6:17 am

    Love the leggins from the first photo 🙂

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      01/07/2015 at 11:40 am

      They were cheapies too!

      Reply
  6. Raymond @ Man On The Lam says

    01/07/2015 at 1:33 pm

    I’m in Portugal right now and it’s chilly, chilly, chilly! Only managed to go carry-on only a couple of times, but never in winter. I blame my giant feet and giant shoes for taking up so much space. 🙂

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      01/08/2015 at 3:22 am

      I just wear my boots in transit and put the smaller pair in the carry-on bag. You do give up variety but whatever. It’s worth it when considering the ease and savings on checked baggage.

      Reply
  7. Diana Edelman says

    01/08/2015 at 3:22 am

    Please style me when I come to Berlin. Also, great tips!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      01/08/2015 at 5:13 am

      I’d love to! That kind of thing is so fun for me <3

      Reply
  8. Kristin says

    01/08/2015 at 5:13 am

    You know what? You can anyway 😉

    Reply
  9. Amanda says

    01/08/2015 at 5:12 pm

    So cute! I really need to add some sweater dresses to my wardrobe… but I have the toughest time finding cute ones that fit my (rather curvy) body right! Totally agree with the fun leggings, though – I got some really cute leg warmers this year, which also work great to layer over leggings.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      01/10/2015 at 1:05 am

      I love leg warmers! Forgot all about that until your comment.

      Reply
  10. Kristin says

    01/10/2015 at 1:05 am

    Thank you! True now that I’m in South Africa I’m in a state of perma-sweat

    Reply
  11. Camels & Chocolate says

    01/10/2015 at 6:34 am

    OK, a) you are adorable and b) I want everything that you are wearing in that top photo! So when you’re sick of it and ready for a clothing swap, let me know 😉

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      01/12/2015 at 3:32 am

      Haha thank you and I’m open except for I can’t part with the boots nor the rainbow gloves!

      Reply
  12. Alex says

    01/10/2015 at 7:16 am

    Um, YOU’RE ADORABLE. I overpack for summer on the beach in Central America… I shudder to think of the damage I could do with packing a winter wardrobe.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      01/12/2015 at 3:30 am

      Haha thank you 🙂 I just really like not having a huge bag!

      Reply
  13. Heather @ Ferreting Out the Fun says

    01/15/2015 at 1:02 am

    I’m impressed you remain so stylish in the cold! I live in Latvia and can agree that layering is key. Though I usually have on considerably more layers so my silhouette resembles a Super Mario Brothers goomba 🙂

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      01/21/2015 at 11:43 pm

      Haha thanks for the kind words

      Reply
  14. elle says

    01/19/2015 at 9:22 pm

    I love this post! It’s really helpful! What do you think the average weather should be to pack what you have packed? I’ll be visiting New York and Chicago in March which I know won’t be as cold as a Europe winter….but I’m wondering what I could leave out of this list (such as snow boots) if temperatures won’t be below freezing.

    Thanks for another great post!

    Elle

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      01/21/2015 at 11:37 pm

      You should be able to pack what I did and have it work out. If there’s no snow then the boots are still helpful in rain and they’re cute and warm.

      Reply
  15. Anand Shah says

    01/21/2015 at 2:25 am

    I love your blog and my sister like your dresses you wore in first photo. Not only that but all. 🙂

    Reply
  16. RC @ Allianz Travel Insurance says

    01/30/2015 at 2:04 am

    Hi Kristin,

    This is very useful for me, a big preparation before going to Europe during winter because it is very different here in Asia, I guess i will enjoy for the first couple of days of winter there since I never experience before. 🙂 But i’m surely there are major adjustment for me especially the weather,time difference, and the culture there. Oh I need to do some shopping then for my winter cloths and of course I love the boots you were in the first picture. 🙂

    Reply
  17. Michelle @ The Restless Reporter says

    02/04/2015 at 5:03 am

    I agree, winter in Europe can be absolutely beautiful, but if you aren’t warm it’s just not worth it. I’m spending the winter at Bornholm, a beautiful Danish island, and after having spent the last two winters in the tropics I’m struggling with the cold (though the snow is so beautiful, it’s quite photogenic).

    Reply
  18. Kristin says

    02/06/2015 at 1:52 am

    Thank you! Spend it on traveling!

    Reply
  19. Jenny @ Till The Money Runs Out says

    03/06/2015 at 6:35 pm

    I agree, it’s all about the layers! When Tom and I were traveling in Europe in the winter we found that our carry on bags were even lighter and emptier than usual, becuase we were basically wearing almost everything we owned at all times!

    Reply
  20. Darren Bush says

    03/18/2015 at 7:45 am

    Hi Kristin,

    You’ve really provide a great and deep list of things we need to keep with while travelling in Europe. I like this stuff to much.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      03/19/2015 at 6:55 am

      Thanks Darren!

      Reply
  21. Kiara Kapoor says

    03/25/2015 at 1:43 pm

    Love the gloves…Leggings and scarf are the sure stuff in winters.I just love your 1st look, so comfy and cool.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      03/31/2015 at 8:30 am

      Thanks Kiara!

      Reply
  22. Pankaj Verma says

    03/30/2015 at 7:06 am

    Hey Kristin, You really did a great task by describing the post in very understandable manner. I like your way of writing too much.

    Reply
  23. Lucy says

    04/03/2015 at 7:10 am

    I’m from England so you’d think I would know how to cope with Winter easily….wrong! This post has taught me stacks and I can’t believe I’ve never thought of just layering cheaper leggings under jazzier ones. Thanks for sorting out my Winter wardrobe:)

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      04/06/2015 at 3:49 am

      Glad you found it helpful! We’re all struggling through the cold times together 🙂

      Reply
  24. Howard Johnson says

    04/14/2015 at 2:02 pm

    Ohh yeah, this is hell of an info.!! SO So So glad to find this just before a week for my first trip to Europe;
    God Blesss you

    Reply
  25. Joseph Tramontana says

    04/19/2015 at 12:50 am

    Hi Kristin, You have shared a great list and its interesting stuff. Thanks!

    Reply
  26. Traveling Rockhopper says

    05/03/2015 at 1:31 pm

    winter is some European countries can be quite mild, but in others extremely cold…

    Reply
  27. Diamond says

    05/25/2015 at 12:01 am

    What a great sense of fashion. Very nice dresses.

    Reply
  28. Izy Berry says

    06/05/2015 at 3:32 pm

    I love your galaxy legings!! great post i really love your style

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      06/06/2015 at 8:00 am

      Thanks Izy!

      Reply
  29. Jemima Provencal says

    06/28/2015 at 9:38 pm

    Everybody must appreciate your work. Its really a great post and you’ve shared every point very clearly.

    Reply
  30. Gladis says

    09/19/2015 at 1:36 am

    Awesome resource on winter travel! I love being outdoors in the snow during winter. It’s so pretty!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      09/19/2015 at 10:39 am

      I’m starting to like it too! It’s just all about layers and being warm 🙂

      Reply
  31. Kristin says

    09/19/2015 at 9:32 pm

    OH dear they’re out of sizes, aren’t they? This page has the most similar ones: http://amzn.to/1KtPHIg, these are also pretty similar http://amzn.to/1V3KxOu

    Reply
  32. Jon Boyd says

    11/09/2015 at 2:23 am

    Great post, Kristin! I love your packing list. Your outfits are awesome! Wish you a terrific time 🙂

    Reply
  33. madz says

    11/17/2015 at 11:00 am

    Would it be ok to wear running leggings to Europe during winter

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      11/19/2015 at 10:45 am

      I’d double them up in case.

      Reply
  34. Tanya Shearer says

    02/03/2016 at 7:30 pm

    Kristin, what bag do you use to travel with, I’m looking for a good bag but not a suitcase since I’m not sure I want to take a lot when I go to Europe. Thanks!!!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      02/05/2016 at 6:33 am

      I alternate between an REI vagabonding 40L and a Pacsafe 55L (but that one I have to check) http://amzn.to/1SxmPIJ <-- that's an affiliate link

      Reply
  35. Courtney says

    10/19/2016 at 2:21 pm

    You are so cute! Love your style. I’m going to Europe for a three month trip, starting in Armenia to visit my sister, then November in Copenhagen/Berlin, December through southern Germany and Venice/Florence/Rome, and January headed from South France to Paris then London to finish up. Your blog has been super useful in visualizing how these layers can look and a good reminder that I should plan to pick up some things over there.

    I’m currently working on my website, where I will be writing about the food, health + nutrition (and maybe ag) policies of the countries I visit. I’m a dietitian and am hoping to make this kind of a career move. I love looking at your page and the useful advice you have about starting blogs and such.

    My website is not current at the moment but should be by 11/1… So excited!

    Thanks for all the help!

    Reply
  36. Crystal Le says

    11/08/2016 at 7:56 am

    I love that you imbue so much color and personality into your travel clothes! Typically when I travel, I bring basics and muted colors so it all matches so it doesn’t look like a cluster…

    You have totally figured out the magic equation. I’m down for the challenge for my next trip! 🙂

    Reply
  37. Kateryna says

    11/15/2017 at 7:15 am

    Hi,

    Thanks for the tips. We are going to Norway and Sweden this winter. Many call us crazy because in winter they go South and we are going North :)) We are from Lithuania.

    I am looking for good skiing pants for my husband. I want it to be a Christmas present for him. I’ve looked online and found these Mammut Bormio HS Pants .

    I am not a very frequent skier myself wear same pants 5 years in a row already :))

    Could you tell your opinion on the pants mentioned above? Is the price worth it?

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      11/15/2017 at 7:19 am

      My Ski pants were like 15€ and they’ve worked super well for me even in -30, so I actually don’t think that’s an area where you need to spend big. It’s all about warm ski underwear!

      Reply
  38. Michelle says

    12/26/2018 at 7:13 pm

    Hi! We are a family of 6 heading to Europe this winter for 10 weeks and plan to only pack backpacks ?. I am loving your packing cube! What size cube do you use for your backpack? Any particular brand you recommend? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      12/26/2018 at 8:47 pm

      Yep! https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/packing-cube-review/

      Reply

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