If seeing a winter wonderland, the Northern Lights and Arctic adventure are on your wishlist, Tromso Norway is the destination for you. I recently visited this quaint city in the north of Norway and here’s everything you need to know. What to do when you get to Tromso, where to stay and what to pack to stay warm.
26 Best Things to Do in Tromso, Norway
If you’re looking for a rare combination of experiences that you just really can’t find anywhere else in this world, from Arctic adventures and wildlife, to charming city, Tromsø is your destination. And if you are a lover of the cold and snow, you’ll relish in all this destination has to offer.
Where Is Tromso, Norway
Norway is a long and skinny country next to Sweden. At the very top is a collection of islands and that’s where you’ll find Tromso. This island is called the Arctic Capital and is about 217 miles north of the Arctic Circle. So yes, it’s cold! But this is why it is one of the best places to visit for Northern Lights, arctic adventures and stunning scenery. If visiting in the summer, you can get to experience the Midnight Sun, where there is 24 hours of sunlight from May to July.
Is Tromso Worth Visiting
Tromso is a destination for adventure and outdoor activities. And if you’re not the type who enjoys either of those, I’m not sure you’d find this destination worth it. An arctic adventure is a very niche holiday to take, but if that’s something you’ve always wanted to do, this is your moment. With ample options of activities to enjoy, and beautiful mountain scenery, this is one incredible bucket list vacation.
Just a warning, though, the winter is quite cold–it is the Arctic after all! There’s loads of snow in the winter with temperatures in the single digits to low 30s Fahrenheit or negative 5 to 0 degree celcius. Summers are mild with temperature averages from the 50s to 60s Fahrenheit and 12-16 degrees Celcius.
What is Tromso, Norway Known For?
- Northern Lights
- Arctic wildlife
- Reindeers
- Sami culture
- Polar exploration history
- Midnight Sun
- Snowmoboling
- Dog sledding
When Is The Best Time To Visit Tromso, Norway
Winter (December-March)
Winter is the most popular time to visit Tromsø thanks to thepeak Northern Lights viewing and breathtaking snowy landscapes. Arctic activities like dog sledding, snowmobiling and whale watching are must-dos this time of year. Expect cold temperatures often between 10-30°F, polar nights cause limited daylight in early winter but improve as you near spring. This is the busiest time of the year with large crowds and high prices. Book your excursions well in advance and I would recommend dinner reservations when possible.
Spring (April-May)
Considered the shoulder season, spring is quieter as the snow begins to melt and the days start to get longer. While the Northern Lights season ends, you can still enjoy skiing, scenic fjord views and fewer crowds.
Summer (June-August)
The summer months bring the Midnight Sun, where the sun never fully sets and you’l lhave nearly 24 hour sof daylight for exploring. This is the ideal season for hiking, kayaking, fjord cruises and wildlife spotting. Milder temperatures (typically 45-60F) and a slightly busier crowd than spring.
Fall (September-November)
Fall is the other shoulder season when Tromsøbecomes quieter and the Northern Lights return as nights grow darker. Expect crisp cool temperatures, colorful leaves changing the Arctic landscape and fewer visitors than summer before the winter season begins.
How Many Days to Spend in Tromso, Norway
Depending on how many excursions you plan to do in Tromso, will really determine how long you should spend here. Since many excursions are 4-8 hours, you can sometimes be limited to just one per day, outside of Northern Lights at night. So if you have a long list of activities you’d like to do, you’ll need quite a few days. I personally did 4 full days, and found this to be the perfect amount of time.
What to Do in Tromso, Norway
Best Things To Do In Tromso, Year-round
Arctic Cathedral
One of the most recognizable landmarks, the Arctic Cathedral features a beautiful triangular design inspired by the Arctic landscape and is known for its stained glass windows. During the winter sunset, the cathedral lights can glow against the snowy mountains.
Polaria Museum
If you need a reprieve from the outdoors, visit the Arctic aquarium and experience center where you can learn about the Arctic ecosystems, climate change and marine life.
Trømso University Museum
Dive deeper into the history and culture of Northern Norway from the Sami people, Arctic wildlife and Northern Lights. A great museum to better understand the region you’re visiting.
Raketten Bar & Pølse
A tiny hot dog stand is one of Tromsøs most beloved food spots. It’s been serving locals since 1911, surviving both World Wars. Try a classic Norwegian hotdog (the reindeer and beef is the most popular) topped with crispy onions, red cabbage, and mustard.
Explore Downtown
Explore the charming downtown Tromso area that’s filled with colorful buildings, cozy cafes, boutiques and stunning harbor views.
Fjellheisen Cable Car
On Mount Storsteinen, take the Fjellheisen cable car to the top for an incredible viewpoint. Panoramic views of Tromso and the fjords. This is also a great activity to do in the winter to spot the Northern Lights. It’s about a 2-minute ride up to the top.
Arctic Sauna Experience
Enjoy a relaxing sauna and dip into the Arctic waters for a peaceful and unique experience in Tromsø. Yes, this is something you can do year round, so pack your swimsuit even if you come in the winter months.
Arctic Food Tour
I personally love a food tour whenever I travel, it’s a great way to experience a lot of local cuisines and ingredients in a short amount of time. Sample reindeer, arctic char, local cheeses, cloudberries and more while learning about the Norwegian cuisine.
Best Things To Do In Tromso, Norway In Winter
Dogsledding
Dogsled through the snowy Arctic landscape and drive your own team of huskies through the wilderness. Many tours include warm drinks and lunch and a time to meet the dogs afterward. We booked this tour and really enjoyed it.
Reindeer Farm
Visit a traditional reindeer camp where you can feed reindeer and learn about life in the Arctic. These tours often include stories about Sami traditions and include warm drinks in a traditional Sami tent.
Sami Culture Experience
Typically a part of a reindeer tour, the Sami people are the indigenous people of the land. They’ll share their reindeer herding traditions, history and culture.
Cross Country Skiing
Take in the scenery with some cross country skiing. Book a guided tour so you can use their gear and know where to go.
Snowmobiling
Head deep into the Arctic wilderness for a thrilling way to experience the Norwegian landscape. Our tour had an incredible hot lunch for us afterwards.
Northern Lights Chase
Tromso is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, and there are guided aurora chases to help you find the clearest skies and most incredible views. These tours are done at night and often include a professional photo of your experiences. I would recommend a small group tour that feels more intimate and less chaotic.
Fjord Boat Tour
Take a winter fjord cruise to see snow-covered mountains, fishing villages and Arctic wildlife right from the water.
Whale Watching
From November through January, humpback and orca whales migrate into the fjords around Tromso. Head out early in the morning for a chance to see these incredible animals in their natural habitat.
Snowshoeing
A peaceful outdoor activity, snowshoeing is a great way to explore the Arctic landscape and snowy forests. Many of these guided hikes also include scenic viewpoints over the fjords.
Best Things To Do In Tromso Norway In Fall
Eat Local Produce
Fall is peak harvest season in Northern Norway, making it a great time to try local ingredients like Arctic berries, mushrooms and incredible seafood and traditional reindeer dishes at Tromso’s top restaurants.
Kayaking
Paddle through the calm fjords surrounded by the colorful autumn landscape and rolling mountains. Kayaking tours often provide dry suits so you can stay warm while exploring.
Moose Safari
Head into the forest outside of Tromso with a local guide to spot moose and other Arctic wildlife. Fall is one of the best seasons for wildlife viewing as animals prepare for winter.
Best Things To Do In Tromso Norway In Spring
Spring in Tromso still feels a lot like winter, making it a great time to still enjoy those snow activities but with the benefit of longer daylight, slightly milder temps are fewer crowds.
Best Things To Do In Tromso Norway In Summer
Bike Ride Tours
Explore Tromso by bike along the waterfront, the city center and across the bridges with views of the mountains and fjords.
Beach Picnic
Yes, Tromso has beaches. Pack a picnic and head to a nearby island like Sommarøy for white sand beaches, turquoise water and stunning Arctic scenery. But no, it won’t feel like the Caribbean with the temperatures, but it will be beautiful.
Hike Mount Storsteinen
Hike up Mount Storsteinen for panoramic views of Tromso, the fjords and mountains.
See The Midnight Sun
From late May to July, the sun never fully sets in Tromso which creates the incredible phenomenon known as the Midnight Sun. Watching it from a mountain viewpoint or beach is a must do in the summer.
Summer Fjord Tour
Enjoy calmer waters and beautiful mountain scenery on a fjord tour. Spot seabirds and wildlife along the coast, too.
Midnight Sun Kayaking
Kayaking under the Midnight Sun is one of the most unique ways to experience Tromso.
Where To Stay In Tromso, Norway
There was simply just one hotel on our radar for our adventure to Tromso and it was The Dock 69°39 by Scandic. Located just steps away from the walkable downtown area, this hotel is beautiful, modern and perfectly located for our trip.
The rooms were beautiful, and ours faced the water and Arctic mountains. You could potentially see Northern Lights right from our room. The rooms are quaint, and I would recommend upgrading at least to the Superior room for a bit more space.
We enjoyed a buffet breakfast one morning which had a ton of great options to choose from. Plus, right next door is Vervet Bakeri where we grabbed coffee, pastries and sandwiches on our trip.
Getting To Tromso
Getting to Tromsø is easier than you might expect for a city located above the Arctic Circle. Most travelers fly into Tromsø Airport (TOS), which has frequent connections from major Norwegian cities like Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim. If you’re traveling internationally, you’ll typically connect through Oslo or Copenhagen before taking a short, roughly two hour, flight north to Tromsø. Once you arrive, the airport is just a 10–15 minute drive from the city center, making it incredibly convenient to reach your hotel or start exploring right away.
I don’t think there’s a need for renting a car for your trip to Tromso. All of the tour companies that we booked through provided transportation. And staying within the city allowed for easy walkability in the downtown area. If you plan on doing your own exploring, a rental car would be recommended. Uber and taxis are readily available as well.
You could easily tack on another Scandinavian city to visit on your trip. We did two nights in Oslo, which I personally would not recommend. The city was not a favorite of mine. Instead, I wish we had spent a few days in Copenhagen, a favorite Nordic city of mine.
If traveling from the United States, here are some of my tips for long flights to make them a little more tolerable. And these are my go to Amazon travel essentials that I simply swear by and wouldn’t leave home without.
What To Pack For Your Winter Getaway To Tromso, Norway
You’re probably wondering, especially if you’re not coming from a cold winter climate, how on earth do you pack and stay warm for this winter getaway. I’m here to tell you that this is a very important factor in your packing and trip planning. There is nothing worse than being cold while out exploring. And trust me, it’s because I was COLD. Okay, less dramatic here, my feet were cold. But once your feet get cold, you just fall apart and everything feels more miserable.
Packing for Arctic temperatures means quality layers, wool fabrics as well as outerwear that has wind and water proof capabilities. Here’s everything I suggest packing for your winter vacation in Tromso.
- Wool sweaters and layers
- Thermal underwear
- Wind proof fleece lined pants – snow pants work great here.
- Wind proof and water resistant down coats
- Wool socks
- Snowboots
- Beanies, balaclavas, hats, scarves etc
- Warm gloves
- Crossbody backpack or bag
- Hand warmers
I personally had all of these things, except wool socks and I think that’s where I went wrong. I find all things wool super itchy. So I opted for Heattech socks from Uniqlo, but it just did not do the trick. I wish I layered a wool sock over a regular one to stay warm as this was really my one and only issue with how warm I felt. All of your outdoor winter excursions usually provide thermal suits which make a big difference. But having good layers, especially warm feet, really helps to keep you comfortable and dry.
There you have it, everything you need to know about visiting the Arctic destination, Tromsø, Norway. You’ll see breathtaking views, experience one-of-a-kind adventures and hopefully catch the Northern Lights.
