Lakes and Auroras of Finland

Practical information about Scandinavian Hotels

Beds and room types. Hotel rooms across Scandinavia are typically furnished with twin beds that can be pushed together to form a double. Single rooms tend to be smaller than doubles and usually have a shower rather than a bath. Purpose-built triple or family rooms are uncommon. If three people are sharing, expect a standard double room with an extra bed added, which means noticeably less space than a purpose-built triple would offer.

Luggage. Porters are rare at Scandinavian hotels. You will generally carry your own bags, so pack with this in mind, particularly on itineraries with frequent hotel changes.

Wi-fi. Free wi-fi is standard across the vast majority of Scandinavian hotels at all price points.

Tea and coffee. Unlike hotels in many other parts of the world, Scandinavian accommodation at the 3-star level rarely provides in-room tea and coffee facilities. There may be a kettle, but often nothing to go with it. Many hotels do offer complimentary tea and coffee in the reception area or lobby, so it is worth asking on arrival. If this matters to you, it is worth checking with us beforehand or bringing a small supply of your own.

Lunch in winter. On itineraries that include lunch during the winter months, expect a warm soup with bread rather than a full cooked meal. This is entirely typical across the region and often very good.

Remote hotels in Lapland. At more remote properties in the far north, the hotel or lodge where you are staying will be your only realistic dining option for dinner. This is entirely normal and nothing to be concerned about. Menus are typically limited to one or two main course choices, but the food is generally home-cooked and reflects the local landscape and ingredients well.

Laundry. Self-service washing machines and dryers are typically located in the basement. If you are staying in apartment-style accommodation and cannot find them, ask at reception.

Recommended Scandinavian Winter Tour Packing List

This is a general packing checklist for Scandinavian winter travel. You don’t need everything every day, but these items cover most winter conditions across the region.

If you’re new to winter travel, start with our guide to travelling in Scandinavia during winter to understand what conditions are really like. For practical advice on managing luggage and day-to-day winter travel, see our Lapland winter packing advice, and for detailed guidance on what to wear and how to layer, read our Snow Clothing Essentials guide.

Outer layers

• Warm windproof and waterproof jacket and trousers, large enough for thick layers underneath
• Rain trousers in waterproof, breathable material

Base and mid layers

• Two pairs of long woollen underwear (merino wool in different thicknesses works well)
• One to two warm woollen jumpers, or a jumper and a fleece
• Woollen or fleece trousers

Accessories for warmth

• Warm windproof hat
• Warm gloves or mittens (mittens are often warmer than gloves)
• Waterproof outer gloves or mittens to wear over warm gloves
• Warm scarf
• Hand warmers

Footwear

• Warm, sturdy winter footwear with good grip
• Two to three pairs of warm woollen socks
• Optional: Nordic Grip anti-slip soles for walking on ice (buy in destination if needed)
• Slippers or Uggboots for indoors (note: it's generally frowned upon to wear shoes indoors)

Everyday and practical items

• Backpack for day trips (around 30 litres)
• Clothes for indoors, such as shirts, T-shirts and jeans or cotton trousers
• Thermo water bottle or insulated cover

Health, documents and electronics

• Personal medication
• Travel documents (including insurance)
• Photo ID
• Camera, memory cards and charger
• Chargers for other gadgets
• Extra camera batteries (cold conditions drain batteries quickly)
• Adapters
• Notebook and pencil

Sun and eye protection

• Sunscreen and lip salve
• Sunglasses