Is it too dark to see anything?

It is dark, but the snow reflects what little light exists, creating a beautiful 'blue hour' glow. It is perfect for photography, just keep your shutter speed low.

Do I need special gear for the cold?

You need layers. A windproof shell is more important than a thick, non-breathable parka. You will get sweaty while walking, and sweat turns to ice if it can't escape.

Planning a Winter Trip to Scandinavia

Focus on three specific hubs—Tromsø for Northern Lights, Abisko for dry arctic weather, and Copenhagen for city culture—to avoid burnout. Prioritize high-quality base layers over heavy coats and expect only 4 to 6 hours of daylight, meaning you must front-load your outdoor activities to the morning hours.

Book Northern Lights Tours in Advance. If you are heading north of the Arctic Circle, don't rely on luck. Book your chase tours for your first or second night. If the weather cancels your first attempt, you have the rest of your trip to reschedule.
Optimize for Daylight. In December and January, the sun rises around 10:00 AM and sets by 2:30 PM. Schedule your outdoor photography, husky sledding, or hiking for 10:30 AM. Use the dark afternoons for museum visits or cafe culture.
Use Regional Trains and Ferries. Don't rent a car unless you have experience driving on ice. The rail network between Oslo, Stockholm, and Copenhagen is reliable. In Norway, use the Hurtigruten coastal ferry to see the fjords without navigating frozen mountain passes.

Is it too dark to see anything?: It is dark, but the snow reflects what little light exists, creating a beautiful 'blue hour' glow. It is perfect for photography, just keep your shutter speed low.
Do I need special gear for the cold?: You need layers. A windproof shell is more important than a thick, non-breathable parka. You will get sweaty while walking, and sweat turns to ice if it can't escape.