A cruise through the fjords of Norway is a journey in constant contact with the most rugged nature. The boats that make these crossings are very conditioned and don't be afraid, you won't feel cold at all, but another thing is when you go out to the side, feeling the purest air also has its drawbacks, but in absolutcruceros we want to give you some tips on how to dress and what to wear for your cruise through Northern Europe and the fjords.
To this you have to add a good moisturizer, sun protection, minimum protection 30, glasses, artificial tears or eye drops and lip balm, since the cold will mistreat your skin.
General considerations about the climate of Norway
In general, keep in mind that the weather in Norway is very changeable from day to day, and even on the same day, so the ideal is that you put in your suitcase different layers of clothing and then add or remove clothing throughout the same day even. There is a theory about this, the three-layer theory: underwear, warm clothes and outer covering, the only thing you have to combine is the material of the layers, depending on the season.
Even being at the same latitude as Alaska, Greenland and Siberia, Norway has a milder climate. The coldest areas are inland or far north, so you don't have to worry about it. Winters on the coast are relatively mild. And if we talk about the South, it is considered within the country as if it were an island paradise.
The fjords are perhaps most beautiful in spring, when the fruit trees are in bloom.
The fjords in summer, what clothes do I wear?
En June, July and August, the days are long and the nights short or they don't even exist, as it happens at the edge of the Arctic Circle, with its midnight sun from mid-May to late July.
El Norwegian summer has a fairly stable climate, but what is clear is that even though it is summer you will always need a warm sweater, a raincoat or an umbrella and comfortable boots for walking, and I recommend that they are waterproofand an windbreaker It is an ideal garment, because it is very light to wear and will protect you from the cold of summer, on the deck of the boat and on excursions. By the way, forget about the umbrella, it is useless, the hooded raincoat is much better.
The hottest month in the fjords is July, and the boats are equipped with a swimming pool, for the bravest there is the outdoor one, but there is usually the option of an indoor one with heated water, so put yes or yes the swimsuit.
Besides you must put a hat, gloves and scarf, better wool, and if it is already merino it is the best, even if it is not winter, because the nights are cold in all seasons. As for the socks that are made of wool, there is nothing worse than feeling cold feet.
And this is in summer, now pack your luggage for a winter cruise through the Norwegian fjords.
Norwegian fjords in winter, what to pack
If you are one of the brave who dares with the splendor of the fjords in winter, it is that you dare with everything. Despite climate change and the fact that winters are not as harsh as they used to be, the truth is that eWinter in Norway is cold, and that means your suitcase is going to be big, This is an advantage of the cruises that since you will not be changing from one accommodation to another, there is no problem with that.
We continue with the same advice as before dress in layers with warm clothing, with pure wool instead of cotton or polyester and keep in mind that protect you from moisture and wind. This last factor will make you feel cold higher than the temperature indicated by the thermometer. If you get wet that could be a problem, the first thing is to take off those wet clothes. Hence, it is essential that you go well equipped and warm, the last layer I recommend a good Primaloft or down coat with lots of padding.
And things that you don't even need to put on: dress shirts, jeans, or sports shoes, remember the Spanish saying "I'm hot, people laugh" and if you're cold you won't enjoy that magnificent cruise through the fjords at all .
Some very useful tips
Now I give you a couple of tips if you really are very cold or cold, there are some handwarmer very useful and inexpensive, which can "solve your life", but remember that they are not recommended for sensitive skin and cannot be used on frostbite burns or desensitized skin. These hand warmers fit inside the glove.
Although it seems silly, there is a method, the Buteyko method which shows that breathing differently warms your feet, I assure you that if you shorten the inhalation and expiration times, you will warm up sooner. Just take a breath through your nose and release it earlier than usual. After three minutes with the same procedure, your body will have received a surplus of oxygen that helps warm the body thermostat.
Well, up to here, I wish you a bag full of happiness in that wonderful Nordic landscape.