What to Wear in Lapland: Layers, Boots and Rental Shops in Rovaniemi

"What should I bring so I don't freeze in Lapland?" That's the question we get from you most often. In January and February, temperatures here can easily drop well below −20 °C. But with the right clothing, you'll enjoy the Arctic winter, whether you're strolling around Rovaniemi or spending the evening outside waiting for the northern lights.

In this article, we'll go layer by layer through what to pack, what not to forget, and how to do it all more cheaply thanks to rental shops right in Rovaniemi.

1The layering principle

One thick jacket isn't enough. What keeps you warm is several thinner layers with air trapped between them, each with its own job. The base layer wicks moisture away from your body, the mid layer holds in the heat, and the outer layer protects you from wind and snow.

Layers have a practical advantage too: when you walk into a heated café or bus, you can easily take something off and avoid sweating. Sweat is your worst enemy in the cold, because wet clothing stops keeping you warm.

2Base layer: warmth from the inside

The foundation is thermal underwear made of merino wool or a moisture-wicking synthetic fabric. The best gear you own should go right next to your skin.

• Long-sleeved thermal top – ideally merino, which stays warm even when slightly damp and doesn't smell.
• Thermal leggings – always wear them under your winter trousers, even if it seems like "only" −10 °C outside.
• No cotton next to your skin – it soaks up moisture, dries slowly and leaves you chilled. So leave the cotton T-shirt under your thermal layer at home.

3Mid layer: holding in the heat

Over your thermals, put on a warm fleece or a wool sweater. This layer does the main insulating work and can be added or removed depending on the weather.

On really cold days, it's worth adding another insulating layer, such as a thin down or synthetic vest or jacket. You'll notice the difference most during activities where you don't move much, like sleigh rides or waiting for the northern lights.

4Outer layer: protection from Arctic weather

Your outerwear should shield you from wind, snow and frost. Wind can make it feel many degrees colder, so being windproof matters more here than you might think.

• Warm insulated winter jacket – long enough to cover your lower back, with a hood.
• Insulated winter trousers – regular ski pants are a good start, but for longer stretches outdoors, warmer ones are better.
• Windproof and waterproof outer fabric – snow will fall on you and you'll be rolling around in it, so your clothes shouldn't get soaked through.

5Accessories: where you lose the most heat

Your head, hands, feet and neck are where you'll feel the cold first. So don't skimp on accessories – they often decide whether you enjoy your outing or run for warmth after half an hour.

• Warm hat that covers your ears – ears get frostbitten very quickly.
• Insulated gloves or mittens – mittens are warmer because your fingers warm each other. We've found it useful to wear thin liner gloves underneath, so you can still do things like take photos.
• Thick wool socks – one good pair is better than wearing two pairs.
• Scarf or neck gaiter – protects your neck and can be pulled up over your chin and nose.
• Balaclava – for severe cold or wind, for example on a snowmobile.

Pack spare gloves and socks in your backpack. If they get damp while you're playing in the snow, a dry pair to change into will save the rest of your day.

6Winter boots: the most important thing

Cold feet can ruin even the best trip. Choose insulated winter boots with a good sole that grips on both snow and ice. The pavements in Rovaniemi are often slippery, and ordinary city shoes just won't cut it here.

Don't buy or rent boots that are a tight fit! Your toes need a little room so blood can circulate and insulating air stays between the layers. Try boots on with a thick wool sock.

One more thing about safety: if your toes or fingers start tingling or hurting, or you lose feeling in them, don't wait – go and warm up. The same goes for whitish patches on your cheeks or nose; these are the first signs of frostbite. Only go out onto frozen rivers and lakes with a guide or where it's explicitly safe.

7Don't want to buy? Rent it

If you're only coming to Lapland for a few days, there's no need to buy expensive winter gear you may never use again at home. Rovaniemi has rental shops offering complete Arctic sets. They usually include a jacket, trousers, winter boots and mittens.

Winterent

Winter clothing rental from €39 per day. You'll find it at Jaakonkatu 3, Rovaniemi (view on map), website: winterent.com.

Rovaniemi Insider

Winter clothing rental from €35 per day. Located at Korkalonkatu 36, Rovaniemi (view on map), website: rovaniemiinsider.com.

Both rental shops are in central Rovaniemi, so they're easy to reach on foot or by local transport (more in our article Getting Around Rovaniemi). Before your trip, check their websites for exactly what's included in the set, current prices and opening hours. In peak season, it's worth booking ahead.

Even if you rent your gear, bring your own thermal underwear, wool socks and hat. You'll want your own things next to your skin, and they come in handy right after you land, before you get to the rental shop.

8Practical information

• Coldest months: in January and February, temperatures regularly drop well below −20 °C.
• Layers: thermal underwear (merino or synthetic) → fleece or wool → insulated, windproof and waterproof jacket and trousers.
• No cotton next to your skin: it soaks up sweat and leaves you cold.
• Accessories: hat covering your ears, mittens or insulated gloves, wool socks, scarf or neck gaiter, balaclava for wind.
• Boots: insulated, with a good sole for ice, not a tight fit.
• Rental shops in Rovaniemi: Winterent (Jaakonkatu 3, from €39/day) and Rovaniemi Insider (Korkalonkatu 36, from €35/day). Check set contents and opening hours in advance.
• In your backpack: spare gloves and socks, a thermos with a hot drink.
• Safety: if your fingers or toes tingle or go numb, or white patches appear on your face, go and warm up. Only go onto the ice with a guide.