Tromso, the city in my heart where I was born and have spent most of my life, is located at 69°North in the Arctic part of Norway. Although Tromso is relatively small with its 73 000 inhabitants it has much to offer visitors, with plenty of things to do all year round.
In the winter, people come to Tromso to witness the amazing northern lights that ripple across the sky in the dark winter nights. Surrounded by unspoiled wilderness of fjords and mountains on every side Tromso is a fantastic place to experience some of nature’s wonders such as the magnificent Northern Lights!
The summer is all about the midnight sun and the long bright nights, hiking, fishing, and basically just enjoying the beautiful nature that Tromso has to offer.
Tromso has a lot of accommodation options to choose from. If you haven’t yet decided on where to stay in Tromso, then click here to read our complete guide to our favorite Tromso areas and hotels.
Knowing what to bring for a trip to Tromso can be challenging due to the cold and shifting weather, but don`t worry. Here you get a complete packing list of what to pack for a trip to Tromso summer and winter.
Tromso is also, surprisingly for such a small city, famous for its party life and pubs. The city has more pubs per inhabitants than any other city in Norway and the main street Storgata is packed with happy partying people on Friday and Saturday nights. Maybe the University of Tromso’s 16 000 students has something to do with it.
Tromso has even been rated as the 3rd “Best Destinations in the World for Experiences” by TripAdvisor!! 🎉❤️ Tromso has totally earned its third place. The best Tromso experiences highlighted by the readers of TripAdvisor are Fjord Tours, Reindeer Feeding, and the Northern Lights. I couldn´t agree more! Tromso has something to offer for everyone all year round!
Here we give you the ultimate travel guide to Tromso with a complete list of the best things to do in Tromso all year round, winter, and summer! This list is written by a local who has lived in Tromso for 40 years! 🙂
How To Get Around Tromso
The Best Things To Do In Tromso All Year Round
1. Cable Car To The Mountain Floya
The cable car “Fjellheisen” is a true icon in Tromso, dating back to 1961, and loved by both the locals and tourists. In my opinion, it is the number one must-do-thing when visiting Tromso.
From the top, you get an amazing view of Tromso city and it`s beautiful surroundings of mountains and fjords. In the background, you can see Kvaloya, one of Norway’s largest islands, where I grew up. ♥
View from Floya Mountain
It is magical watching the northern lights dancing above the city in the winter, or see the midnight sun sparkling in the sea surrounding Tromso in the summer. So it is a great thing to do all year-round. Be sure to bring warm windproof clothes as it gets chilly at the top even in the summer months.
There is a nice cafe/ restaurant at the top where you can buy cold beer, hot drinks like tea, coffee, and hot chocolate, cakes, Norwegian waffles (they are the best!), ice cream as well as a light meal.
View from the top of the Cable Car
If you are the sporty type, you can walk up to the top. The walk is great and takes about 30-60 minutes. I really love this hike! You can either take the path to the right of the cable car house, or the new Sherpa build stair steps to the left of the cable car house.
To save your knees and shorten the walking time, you can take the cable car down and save half the ticket price. The mountain where the Cable Car stops is actually called “Storsteinen” (Big Rock, 421 m above sea level), while the actual Floya mountain (671 m above sea level) is a bit further up.
- Opening hours summer (15th of May – 15th of August): 10:00 – 01:00 every day
- Opening hours winter (16th of August – 14th of May): 10:00 – 22:00 every day
- Departs every half hour, the trip takes 4 min each way
- Ticket price: 170 kr for adult/ 60 kr for children (free if you walk)
- How to get there: You can drive a car over to the cable car in Tromsdalen (5 min). There is a big parking place at the bottom of the cable car. You can also walk over the bridge to Tromsdalen (30 min, 2,5 km), which is a beautiful easy walk where you pass the famous Arctic Cathedral. Just follow the signs. Another alternative is the bus, take bus no. 26, which departs near the main square (Stortorget).
- Nearby sights: You will pass the Arctic Cathedral on your way to the Cable Car. There is only a 15-minute walk from the Cathedral to the Cable Car.
- Fjellheisen webpage
2. Fjord Cruise & Fishing
Fjord Cruise
Taking a boat trip is an excellent way to experience the fjords, the arctic wilderness, and its animals up close. There are several tour operators in Tromso offering boat trips around Tromso Island and the surrounding fjords.
A popular trip is the 5 hours fjord cruise on board the classic wooden boat “Fjord Queen“. On this trip, you get a local guide showing you the stunning fjords and wildlife, lunch, beverages and snacks, insulated bodysuits, and you get to borrow fishing equipment if you want to fish from the boat. The boat leaves from the harbor right outside the Scandic Ishavshotel in the middle of downtown Tromso so it´s very convenient.
Click here for information and the latest prices on a Fjord Cruise
Fishing
Fishing has been a part of the culture of Norway and particular Northern Norway for decades and still is one of the country`s main sources of income. You can fish from the shore anywhere, but it`s extra fun to head out to the sea in a boat and go fishing.
On some boat trips, they even cook your self-caught fish onboard and you can have it for lunch. Super fresh and yummy! One of these tours is the 5-Hour Polar Fishing Adventure. Everything you need is included like fishing gear and insulated bodysuits. You also get lunch.
I would say that chances are pretty good that you will catch some fish, both cod and coalfish are common but you can get lucky and catch more exotic fish like halibut and wolffish.
Click here for information and the latest prices on a Polar Fishing Boat Trip
Hella
Every summer we head out to a place called Hella on Kvaloya (a 45 min drive from Tromso Center). Hella is a very popular fishing spot where a big and very strong current makes it excellent for catching some wolffish and coalfish. Hella is the best place to catch some fish in Tromso. It is also a great place to go camping and the views are spectacular.
Hella has many old houses that originally was located in Tromso City so it feels kind of like an outdoor museum. Hella is also a nice and popular place to go camping, and you can actually book a night in one of the old houses.
Click here for information and the latest prices on a Rib-boat trip to Hella from downtown Tromso
- How to get to Hella: Drive to Kvaloya towards Straumsbukta (45 min). Google Maps direction. Or book a Rib-boat trip from downtown Tromso (click on the link above).
3. The Arctic Cathedral
The Arctic Cathedral, or Ishavkatedralen in Norwegian, is a real landmark in Tromso. It is on every postcard and is THE image of Tromso. It was built in 1965 and designed by a famous Norwegian architect called Jan Inge Hovig. Fun fact: He was married to the famous Norwegian TV-chef Ingrid Espelid Hovig, who revolutionized the Norwegian kitchen and cooking skills in all Norwegian homes.
The Cathedral has the shape of an iceberg, and in front, there is a stunning glass mosaic which sparkles with incredible colors when the sun shines through it. Some say that the shape of the Cathedral is inspired by the small island Håja on the outside of Tromso (you will see it if you drive out to Sommaroy island).
You can easily spot the Arctic Cathedral from the city harbor of Tromso Center, but if you want to see the stunning mosaic you have to head over the Tromso Bridge and step into the church. It’s an easy walk (30 min) with a beautiful view of the harbor and the city.
During summer (1st of June – 15th of August), there are organ concerts in the church every day at 14:00, and Midnight Sun Concerts at 23:00. At winter (9th of February – 12th of March) there are similar concerts called Northern Lights Concerts in the church. These are also at 23:00 every week from Thursday to Sunday. The doors open 22:30, the best seats get taken first. The Midnight Sun Concerts and Northern Lights Concerts are a great and a wonderful way to see the church.
A visit to the Arctic Cathedral is perfect to combine with a cable car trip (above). You can, for instance, do the cable car first, and head down to catch the Midnight Sun/ Northern Lights Concert after.
- Opening hours summer (1st of June – 15th of August): 09:00 – 19:00 (Sundays 13 – 19)
- Opening hours winter (16th of August – 31st of May): 14:00 or 15:00 – 18:00
- Ticket price entrance: 50 kr
- Ticket price Organ concert: 70 kr
- Ticket price Midnight Sun concert/ Northern Lights concert: 170 kr for adult, 50 kr for child
- How to get there: You can drive a car over to the cable car in Tromsdalen (5 min). There is parking just next to the church. You can also walk over the bridge to Tromsdalen (30 min, 2,5 km), which is a beautiful easy walk. Another alternative is the bus, take bus no. 20, 24, 26 or 28. They all leave close to the main square.
- Nearby sights: The Cable Car (no. 1 in this guide)
- The Arctic Cathedral Webpage
4. Polaria Arctic Experience Center and Aquarium
Polaria is kind of a museum but also so much more. It is a combination of an experience center and an aquarium where you will learn about the Arctic nature and animals, including several nice films like the one about the Northern Lights.
The highlight at the Polaria is in my opinion when they feed the seals and make them do tricks. I really loved it! Great fun for kids too. There are two feedings per day, 12:30 both winter and summer, and 15:00 during summer and 15:30 during winter. So make sure to be there at one of these times! It is great fun! The rest of the aquarium consists of arctic fish of all kinds like the king crab, cod, and wolffish.
Just next to Polaria is the old seal hunting ship M/S Polarstjerna, covered by a glass shelter. Here you can walk around on the ship and get a feel for how it must have been to live the life of a seal hunter.
On your way out of Polaria, you walk through a really nice gift shop where they sell local handmade products made of seal skin, reindeer bones, wood and so on. They also have a nice cafeteria open every day.
- Opening hours summer (18th of May – 31st of August): 10:00 – 19:00
- Opening hours winter (1st of September – 17th of May): 10:00 – 17:00
- Ticket price: 130 kr adult/ 65 kr child
- How to get there: A short walk from Tromso Center (10 min)
- The PolariaWepage
5. Polar Museum & Skansen
If you are to visit only one museum in Tromso, then this is it. It shows the unique position Tromso had as the capital of sealing and as the “Gateway to the Arctic”. The exhibitions give an insight into the hard life the trappers had on Svalbard through the winter. The lives of famous trappers like Henry Rudi and Wanny Wolstad, as well as the amazing polar exploration expeditions of Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen, are just some of what you will learn about at this museum.
If you want to learn more about the city of Tromso and its history, you should join this guided city walking tour. This tour is a great deal as a guided tour at the Polar Museum is also included in the price.
The Polar Museum
At this museum, you will actually also see our old family Siberian Husky dog, Sajak, that I grew up with! He is standing outside of the little trapper´s hut, obviously not alive anymore, but his fur is still looking pretty good if you ask me. He was such a sweet and kind dog. ♥
Just next to the Polar Museum is Skansen, the oldest house in Tromso. It was built as a customs station back in 1789. It is surrounded by other small old houses and a beautiful garden. There is a cafe here in the summer.
This is a nice area to walk around in as this is the “old part” of Tromso. These are the only remaining houses after the big city fire in 1969 where the entire Tromso city went up into flames.
Skansen – The oldest house in Tromso
- Opening hours summer (15th of June – 5th of August): 09:00 – 18:00
- Opening hours winter (1st of Januar – 14th of June & 16th of August – 31st of December): 11:00 – 17:00
- Closed: 1st of May and 17th of May
- Ticket price: 60 kr adult/ 30 kr child
- How to get there: It is located in downtown of Tromso
- Nearby sights: Skansen, the old part of Tromso, which consists of the oldest buildings of Tromso
- The Polar Museum´s webpage
6. Extreme Auroras – Northern Lights Movie at The Science Centre
The spectacular Northern Lights movie “Extreme Auroras” is made by the well-known and talented Northern Lights photographer and filmmaker Ole Salomonsen. We saw the movie at the premiere with Ole himself in the audience where he also told us all about the challenges of making this movie.
For 26 minutes you will witness amazing Northern Lights photos and videos in the 360-degree planetarium and it feels so real, almost like witnessing the real thing or maybe even better!
The Planetarium in Tromso is the largest in Norway and is a part of the Science Center of Northern Norway located on the campus of the Arctic University of Norway. Before or after the movie, make sure to visit the Science Center and have some fun doing some science experiments. If you are traveling to Tromso with kids, a visit to the Science Centre is a must!
- The Extreme Auroras film is shown every day at 15:15 (English), and during weekend and holiday also at 13:15 at 14:15 (German voiceover)
- Opening hours Science Center: 10:00 – 17:00 every day
- Ticket price entrance Science Center including the film Extreme Auroras: 120 kr adult/ 60 kr child
- How to get there: The Science Center and Planetarium is a part of the Arctic University of Norway. From Troms Centeryou can walk (45 min), drive (10 min) or take bus no. 20.
- The Science Center of Northern Norway`s webpage
7. Tromso Cathedral
When walking through the main/ walking street of Tromso, Storgata, you can`t miss this old and beautiful wooden church called Domkirka (Tromso Cathedral). Dating back to 1861, this is the Northernmost Protestant cathedral and the only one in Norway that is made of wood.
We join the church service at this Cathedral every Christmas Eve on the 24th of December, it`s an old family tradition.
If you want to learn more about the city of Tromso, you should take this guided city walking tour. This tour is a great deal as a guided tour at the Polar Museum is included in the price of this tour.
- Opening hours summer: June & July 13:00 – 15:00, August 13:00 – 16:00
- Opening hours winter: Monday till Friday 13:00 – 17:00
- Ticket price: Free
- How to get there: It is located right in the middle of downtown Tromso
8. Cafes and Shopping
The main pedestrian street in Tromso is called Storgata, and here there are plenty of nice shops, cafes, and restaurants. Storgata is most lively on Saturdays and is well worth a stroll.
Storgata
Tromso Harbour
In addition to regular mainstream souvenir shops, there are several unique shops in Tromso that sell local handicrafts and Norwegian design clothing and souvenirs. Some of them are:
- Husfliden – Sell Norwegian handcraft like clothes, knitted stuff, wood art, bunad, and accessories. Address: Sjøgata 4
- Blåst – The only blown glass factory and shop in Tromso
- Krane Art Gallery – Sell art from artists from all over Northern Norway
- There are also other unique shops in Tromso that you should check out: Norrøna (sport clothes, Norwegian brand), Andresen Vaapenforretning (sport clothes and equipment), Gullsmed Kristiansen (jewelry), Wintervold (Scandinavian jewelry design), Britts (clothes and kitchen stuff), and Galleri Nord (paintings and arts by Norwegian painters), Sweet Heart (candy and chocolate)
Approximately every second month there is a Farmers Market in Storgata, where you can buy local homemade organic products like honey, knitted clothes, vegetables and fruits, cheese, berries, pastries, candy, jam, and other delicatessens. Make sure to try svele (Norwegian style pancake served with jam)! Mmmmmm, sooooo yummy! ♥
Us local Tromso people do, however, love Jekta shopping mall. It is the biggest shopping mall in Tromso (probably the whole Northern Norway). It is located next to the Airport, about a 10-minute drive from the Center of Tromso (bus no. 34, 40 or 42).
Tromso is famous for its vibrant nightlife. So if you fancy to head to the clubs and pubs and go partying, Tromso is the place! Most of the clubs and pubs are located in Storgata, so you don`t have to go far to get to the next place to have a beer or a drink or glass of wine.
9. Visit Tromso’s oldest pub Ølhallen
Mack Brewery established in 1877 is, although it moved out of town in 2012, Tromso’s pride and joy. It used to be the Northernmost brewery in the world until Svalbard brewery opened in 2015.
Mack`s famous pub Ølhallen is Tromso’s oldest pub established 29th of February 1928, and a visit here is mandatory if you ask any diehard Tromso fan. Ølhallen has Europe`s longest tap beer tower with 70 beers on tap. Mack also has a Micro Brewery with over 100 different beers on their production list.
I have a tradition with some friends of mine to head to Ølhallen pub every December when Mack releases their famous Christmas Beer. When you enter Ølhallen, you have to take notice of the big stuffed polar bear, it is huge!
If you are a beer enthusiast, join the Tromso Beer Safari Tour!
- Ølhallen opening hours: 10:00 – 19:30 Monday till Wednesday, 10:00 – 00:30 Thursday – Saturday, closed on Sundays
- Address: Storgata 4 (in downtown Tromso)
- Mack`s Webpage
10. The Museums Of Tromso
Tromso Museum
If museums are your thing, Tromso Museum has exhibitions of everything you want to know about the Arctic and Northern Norway like the Sami people and their culture, the science and myth of the Northern Lights, the Viking era, and the nature and wildlife in general.
The Tromso Museum
- Opening hours summer (1st of June – 31st of August): 09:00 – 18:00
- Opening hours winter (1st of September – 31st of May): 10:00 – 16:30 Mondays – Fridays, 12:00 – 15:00 Saturdays, 11:00 – 16:00 Sundays
- Closed 1st of May, 17th of May, 24th, and 25th of December
- Ticket price: 60 kr adult/ 30 kr child
- How to get there: You can walk from the Center of Tromso (45 min), or you can take bus no. 37 towards “Rostbakken”
- Tromso Museum`s Webpage
Northern Norway Art Museum
If you’re interested in art, you can also consider stopping by the Northern Norway Art Museum. The exhibitions on display vary. Check their web page to get an overview of what`s on display.
- Opening hours: 10:00 – 16:00
- Ticket price: Free
- How to get there: Just walk, located close to the tourist office
- Northern Norway Art Museum`s Webpage
Tromso Kunstforening (Contemporary Art Gallery)
Set in a stunning old bright yellow and white building (just opposite the road from Polaria), the Tromso Kunstforening has great exhibitions of newer and experimental contemporary art. They aim to create reflection and discussion about art. The beautiful building dating from 1924 is well worth a visit in itself.
- Opening hours: Wednesday – Sunday: 12:00 – 17:00
- Ticket price: Free
- How to get there: Just walk, located close to Polaria, in the south end of downtown Tromso
- Tromso Kunstforening´s Webpage
Perspektivet Photo Museum
With a photo archive containing over 500 000 photos, the Perspektivet Museum is a great place to get an impression of how Tromso city has changed over the years from the 1900 and up till today, both when it comes to buildings, people and fashion. Photos from some of Northern Norway’s most famous photographers are on display here.
- Opening hours: Tuesday – Friday 10:00 – 16:00, Saturday and Sunday 11:00 – 17:00
- Ticket price: Free
- How to get there: Just walk to Storgata 95 (downtown Tromso, next to the main square)
- Perspektivet Museum`s Webpage
11. Vulcana Spa Boat
Vulcana is a very cool and quite unique Spa Boat! It was originally a traditional Norwegian wooden fishing boat, that has been redesigned and transformed into a nautical spa. Pretty cool!
The boat has a hot tub, steam bath, and sauna onboard. It also has a modern kitchen on board with a chef that makes excellent freshly-made quality food. So this is the perfect place to relax, enjoy a unique body wellness in beautiful Arctic surroundings, eat, and go for a swim in the refreshingly cold Arctic sea (and rush into the hot sauna, tub or steam bath afterward…). 🙂
You can choose between three fantastic tours/ packages on board the Vulcana Spa Boat:
Spa And Brunch on Vulcana Boat (2,5 hours)
You will be welcomed on board Vulcana by a friendly and English speaking guide that will tell you the history of the boat before you are shown the spa facilities. Here you can soak down into the Have a soak in the saltwater hot tub on the deck and unwind in the warm, soothing water. You can also be brave and go for a swim (or a little dip) in the ocean, before returning to the warm sauna. Afterward, you will feel completely rejuvenated and fresh!
After some time in the spa facilities of the boat, you will be guided to the dining area and will be served a delicious Norwegian meal freshly made of local ingredients from the Tromso area. Really delicious! You can purchase alcoholic drinks and sodas onboard if you want. You get to borrow a towel but have to bring your own swimwear.
Click here for information and the latest prices on the Spa and Brunch On Vulcana Boat
Fjord Cruise, Spa, and Lunch On Vulcana Boat (3 hours)
On this Vulcana tour, you will not only be enjoying the luxurious spa facilities onboard the boat, but you will be relaxing in the hot tub while the boat takes you on a 3-hour fjord cruise through the stunning fjord landscape around Tromso! The perfect combination if you ask me! The boat has big glass windows, so the view from the spa facilities is magnificent!
You get to borrow soft towels, bathrobes, and slippers (there is a changing room onboard). After some time in the spa facilities enjoying a complimentary welcome drink and watching the Arctic landscape passing by, you will be served delicious lunch in the dining area. Here you can watch the chef putting the final touches on your meal or enjoy the scenery outside. The lunch menu is a delicious fish soup based on the catch of the day, served with fresh bread. Beer, wine and soft drinks are available for purchase.
Click here for information and the latest prices on the Fjord Cruise, Spa, and Lunch on Vulcana Boat
Fjord Cruise, Spa, and Dinner On Vulcana Boat (4 hours)
This Vulcana Tour is almost exactly the same as the above. The only difference is that while you are soaking into the hot tub on the deck enjoying the amazing views of the fjord cruise, the chef prepares a gourmet 3-course dinner for you. The experience aims to spoil all your senses and give you the ultimate taste of the fjord around Tromso, also when it comes to the food. A real treat and a memory for life!
Click here for information and the latest prices on the Fjord Cruise, Spa, and Dinner on Vulcana Boat
The Best Things To Do In Tromso In Winter
1. Northern Lights
Tromso is famous for being one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. The Northern Lights is sometimes so strong that you can even see it in the downtown of Tromso or from your hotel window. But it will be more intense if you head out of town to areas where there are hardly any houses and no artificial lighting like street lights.
Witnessing the Northern Lights dancing across the sky is an incredible sight and something everyone should experience once in their lifetime. Since the sun never rises above the horizon in Tromso from the 21st of November until the 21st of January, these are the best months to see the Northern Lights.
The Northern Lights season in Tromso is from early September until early April.
Northern Lights in Ersfjord in Tromso
There are many different ways to experience the Northern Lights, here are the best Northern Lights tours in Tromso (in my opinion):
Northern Lights Tour In Tromso
I recommend that you join a Northern Lights Tour. Then your chances of seeing the Northern Lights are the biggest as these tour operators and guides really chase the Aurora and drive you all around Northern Norway and sometimes across the border to Northern Finland or Sweden in order to find the Northern Lights. They are skilled and are highly experienced in reading the weather forecast and the Northern Lights forecast, and can predict where the best chance of seeing the dancing lights is.
This 7-hour small-group Northern Lights Tour is one of the best, and the one that I recommend. This tour includes a small meal, hot coffee/ tea, warm thermal clothes/ suits, warm winter boots, and pick-up and drop-off at Radisson Blu Hotel in the center of Tromso.
They take you to the mountains, fjords, and valleys outside of Tromso, and sometimes across the border to Finland or Sweden (so bring your passport). The actual route depends on weather conditions and where clear skies can be found. You also get to borrow tripods for your camera/ mobile phone for free as this will give you the best photos. The guide will also take photos during the trip that you will get after. And the best of it all, they make a cozy bonfire for you to sit around and warm yourself. Really great, as trust me, it gets incredibly cold standing out in the snow watching and waiting for the Northern Lights.
Click here for the latest prices on our recommended Northern Lights Tour
Northern Lights Photography Tour
If you are interested in taking photos and want to learn how to take the best photos of the Northern Lights, then you can join this great Northern Lights Photography Workshop. The workshop is indoor and lasts for about 2 hours. Here you will learn all the basics from the theory to the settings on your camera, as well as tips and tricks, for taking excellent Northern Lights photos. You can borrow a tripod at the workshop for free if you don´t have one yourself.
Click here for information and the latest prices on the Northern Lights Photography Workshop
After the indoor Northern Lights Photography Workshop, you are well prepared to head out into to capture the amazing Northern Lights. This Northern Lights Photography Tour is great. The photo tour lasts for about 7 hours and the guides are professional photographers and will help you and show you how to take the best Northern Lights photos.
Click here for information and the latest prices on the Northern Lights Photography Tour
Northern Lights Dog Sledding Tour
If you are like me and love dogs, then dog sledding is something you just H-A-V-E to do! It is amazing, and even better is combining it with Northern Lights. To slide through the peaceful wilderness surrounded by mountains and fjords, only hearing the soft dog paws gently running on the snow while the colorful Northern Lights is dancing across the sky over your head is a beyond this world experience.
This dog sledding and Northern Lights trip takes you through the beautiful mountain-covered landscape on Kvaloya (Whale Island). The trip includes transport to and from the husky camp (pick up at Radisson Blu Hotel in downtown Tromso) and a one-hour dog sledding ride. After the dog sledding, you get to cuddle with the furry and friendly huskies (especially the husky pups are adorable! ♥), and sit inside the big lavvo (Sami inspired tent) around the campfire and have a hot meal of Bacalao (stockfish in tomato sauce, vegetarian options as well). The total time of this tour is approximately four hours (including transport and eating). You get to borrow warm winter shoes and warm insulated thermal suits so you will not freeze.
Click here for information and the latest prices on the Dog Sledding Northern Lights Tour
Northern Lights Sailing Tour
The combination of a fjord cruise and watching the Northern Lights is unbeatable! Out on the sea, inside a warm comfortable boat, you get to see some exceptional surroundings of fjords, mountains, and Northern Lights as there is no artificial lighting in your surroundings. So the experience of the Northern Lights will be amazing and unique and something that you will remember for the rest of your life!
On this trip, you will glide through the beautiful fjords surrounding Tromso on a luxurious catamaran. The boat is anchored right by Scandic Ishavshotellet in downtown Tromso, and the trip takes about three to four hours. Inside the warm and cozy boat, you will get hot drinks and snacks, and get to talk to an experienced guide and skipper that will tell you all about the Northern Lights and the nature that you sail through. You get to wear warm and comfortable safety suits and can sit outside or inside and watch the Northern Lights. This fjord cruise is a totally peaceful experience as there is no engine noise, only sails.
Click here for information and the latest prices on the Northern Lights Sailing Tour
If four hours of sailing is not enough, then you can go on an overnight trip where you sleep onboard a luxurious and comfortable catamaran sailing boat. Then your chances of seeing the Northern Lights is even better as you get the whole night to see the Northern Lights. You get dinner, breakfast, and lunch onboard, as well as hot drinks and snacks. If the weather is ok and you want, you can even fish your own lunch or dinner! The chances are high of seeing some Arctic wildlife as well, like eagles, whales, and seals. A great opportunity to get a three-in-one-package of both fjord cruise, wildlife, and Northern Lights! 🙂
Click here for information and the latest prices on the Overnight Northern Lights Sailing Tour
Northern Lights Snowshoeing Tour
If you are looking for a unique and unforgettable adventure into the Arctic wilderness where you get some exercise and get to be one with nature, then a snowshoeing trip is your thing!
On this six hours snowshoeing evening trip, you get to do some snowshoeing hiking through the beautiful nature of fjords and mountains under the Northern Lights. You will also have a traditional Norwegian dinner (including dessert, coffee, and tea) in a cozy and warm traditional Norwegian cabin. You are provided with everything you need on this trip; snowshoes, poles, and a headlamp, as well as transport (pick up at Clarion Hotel The Edge at 18:00) and a friendly guide.
Click here for information and the latest prices on the Northern Lights Snowshoeing Tour
You can also spend the night at this cozy cabin, where you get the whole night to see the Northern Lights if you want. On this tour, you are back in downtown Tromso at approximately 11:30 the next day (dinner and breakfast are included in this trip). As you will do a snowshoeing hike in daylight the next day, you get to fully see and take in the beautiful nature of mountains and fjords.
Click here for information and the latest prices on the Overnight Northern Lights Snowshoeing Tour
Northern Lights Snowmobile Tour
If you have a need for speed, then a snowmobile trip might be right up your alley. Just outside of Tromso, in the valley Tamokdalen, is a snowmobile wilderness center called Camp Tamok (a 75-min drive from Tromso). Tamokdalen is inland and the chances of getting a clear sky to see the Northern Lights is much higher here than on the coast where Tromso city is located. Inland the weather is drier and more stable. Also, in this uninhabited area of Tamokdalen, no artificial lights will disturb your Northern Lights experience or your attempts to capture the lights with your camera.
This evening snowmobile tour includes transport from Tromso. They will pick you up at Scandic Ishavshotel at 16:45, and you will return here at 23:45. You don´t have to know anything about how to ride a snowmobile to join this tour, as your English speaking snowmobile guide will teach you everything. Included in this tour is also a hot meal, warmly insulated body suits, boots, gloves, headwear, and a headlamp.
Click here for information and the latest prices on the Northern Lights Snowmobile Tour (cross the Evening excursion at the bottom of the page)
Northern Lights Reindeer Tour
Who doesn´t want to meet Santa´s Rudolf the Reindeer live and in person?! To go reindeer sledding, feed the reindeer, and cuddle with these calm and friendly Arctic animals is an amazing and once-in-a-lifetime experience! And to combine it with watching the Northern Lights makes it is even more unique!
On this Reindeer Sledding Evening Trip, you also get to meet and learn about the Sami people, the indigenous people of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia, and their culture of herding reindeers. You will get a traditional Sami meal called Bidos (a reindeer soup), or you can choose a fish soup or vegetable soup, and a Joik performance (a very special traditional Sami folk song kind of….) in a Lavvo (Sami tent) with a bonfire. The transport from and to Tromso city is included, and they will pick you up at Scandic Ishavshotel at 18:45 and you are back at midnight.
Click here for information and the latest prices on the Northern Lights Reindeer Tour
Seeing The Northern Lights On Your Own – DIY Trips
If you don´t plan on renting a car, and you don´t want to join a Northern Lights Tour, there are some places close to the downtown of Tromso where you get a little bit away from the street lights so you can see the Northern Lights better. Some of the best places are (you can walk, take a bus or taxi there):
- The Cable Car in Tromsdalen (see no. 1 on this list of The Best Things To Do All Year Round In Tromso)
- Prestvannet just above the downtown of Tromso (a 20 min walk uphill)
- Telegrafbukta Beach at Sydspissen, just south of downtown (a 40 min walk)
- Kvaloya (Whale Island), take bus no. 42 to Storelv or Kaldfjord and walk around, or bus no. 425 to Ersfjord
There are several web pages and apps where you can check the probability of Northern Lights at different areas. We like this one: https://norway-lights.com/#tromso
2. Whale Watching Fjord Tour
Over the last five years, whales and dolphins like humpback whales, fin whales, and killer whales (orcas), have been entering the fjords around Tromso city in great numbers to feed on herring fish. A whole industry of Whale Watching safaris and boat trips have appeared and a whale watching trip is one of the highlights during the autumn and winter months from November until February.
Check this amazing whale video by our friend Anders Schürmann:
If you are lucky you can see a lot of whales jumping, splashing, and hunting for fish. You might get a little wet as they sometimes come pretty close to the boats. If you are lucky you will also see other Arctic animals like seals and sea eagles. The whale watching season is usually between October until February.
But, unfortunately, the last couple of years the whales have not entered the fjords surrounding Tromso at all, they have been coming to the fjords further north of Tromso to feed on herring. You can, of course, get really lucky and see a whale on a fjord cruise around Tromso, but it is unlikely. Your best option to see whales is to join a tour that takes you further north of Tromso, to the island Skjervoy.
Whale Watching Fjord Tour To Skjervoy Daytrip
Since the whales nowadays have relocated to the areas further north of Tromso, a fjord tour around Skjervoy Island gives you the best chances of spotting whales.
This Whale Research Safari is an excellent full day tour where you will be transported to Skjervoy by a modern and comfortable bus (a 3,5-hour drive). The bus will pick you up at Scandic Ishavshotell in downtown Tromso in the morning. The drive north to Skjervoy is amazing in itself where you will get a guided sightseeing tour and see some stunning steep mountain and fjord views while you drive through the magnificent Lyngen Alps.
When you have arrived on Skjervoy Island, you will step onboard a comfortable research ship with heated cabins and restrooms. Onboard the ship, you can sit back and relax and watch the whales, or you can be more active and assist the research team collection behavioral observations, photo-identification, underwater footage, and vocal recordings. Totally up to you. You get the chance to learn about whales, their behaviors and why they behave like they do, from the researchers. Food is included in this tour. If the sky is clear, you can even see the Northern Lights dancing across the sky – a full jackpot of whales and Northern Lights! Can it get more perfect?! 🙂
Click here for information and the latest prices on the Whale Fjord Tour to Skjervoy
(pick option 2: Tour & Transport to Skjervøy unless you want to drive to Skjervøy on your own)
Whale Watching & Northern Lights Fjord Tour 2-5 Days
If you want to be almost guaranteed to see whales and the Northern Lights, you should spend more than one day out at sea.
With more days at sea, you get to see more of the beautiful fjords of Northern Norway, and you will even go as far north as Kvænangen, at the border to Finnmark County, where my mother grew up and where we have a family cabin. This area is stunning with steep mountains, waterfalls, and beautiful fjords, and plenty of whales and Northern Lights. You will get a chance to see animals like White-tailed Eagles, Humpbacks Whales, and Orcas from the ship. Depending on the weather, you will visit beautiful places like Reinfjord, Spildra, Skorpa, Jøkelfjorden or Valanhamn.
You can choose the number of days that is suitable for you and your itinerary:
- 2-Days Whale Watching & Aurora Glamping Tour
- 4-Days Hidden Fjords, Whales, and Northern Lights Tour
- 5-Days Hidden Fjords, Whales, and Northern Lights Tour
- 5-Days Northern Lights & Whale Watching Cruise (with one day visiting Tromso City before entering the boat)
3. Reindeer Feeding & Sledding
Tripadvisor and its readers have highlighted Reindeer Feeding as one of the absolute best experiences in Tromso! And I totally agree, who doesn´t want to feed and cuddle with Santa´s Rudolph the reindeer? 🙂 Reindeer are totally adorable and cute animals, and so peaceful and friendly. Their main hobby is simply to eat a plant called “Reinlav” in Norwegian (sorry, I don´t know the English word for it….you can see pictures of it here on Wikipedia).
These reindeer are tame, and not wild like in the southern part of Norway, due to the fact that the Sami people have tamed them and now herd them as farmers do with sheep and cows. If you go to Kvaloya (Whale Island, take bus no. 42 or drive there), you will have a good chance of spotting reindeer. But to be guaranteed to see reindeer, and actually get to feed them and go reindeer sledding, you should join a tour:
Reindeer Feeding And Reindeer Sledding Day Tour
This Reindeer Sledding Day Trip takes you to a reindeer camp just outside of Tromso. Here you will get to see the reindeer up close, cuddle with them, and feed them their favorite food Reinlav. You will also be invited to sit in a traditional Sami tent called a Lavvo where you sit around a campfire, and you will have a warm meal of soup (you can choose between Bidos, the traditional Sami reindeer soup, fish soup or a vegetable soup). Here you will also get to enjoy a performance of Joik, a unique and traditional Sami song, as well as learn how to throw a Lasso, and hear about Sami culture and their way of life.
Transport is included and they will pick you up by bus at 09:15 a.m. at Scandic Ishavshotell in downtown Tromso. The drive out to the reindeer camp is beautiful in itself as you will get a guided sightseeing trip inland through some scenic mountain landscape with awesome fjord and mountain views. The whole trip takes six hours in total, including transport from and to Tromso. This reindeer tour is suitable for everyone, even children, and you don´t have to know anything about reindeer sledding to join the tour.
Click here for more information and the latest prices on the Reindeer Feeding and Sledding Day Tour
Northern Lights Reindeer Feeding and Reindeer Sledding Evening Tour
On this Reindeer Sledding Evening Trip, you will get to not only go reindeer sledding and cuddle and feed the reindeer but also watch the spectacular Northern Lights! A killer combination if you ask me! 🙂
You will also get to meet and hear about the Sami people, the indigenous people of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia, and their unique culture. You will get a traditional Sami meal called Bidos (a reindeer soup), or you can choose a fish soup or vegetable soup, and sit inside the Lavvo (a traditional Sami tent) around the warm and cozy bonfire. During the evening you will also get to enjoy a Joik performance (a special traditional Sami folk song). The transport from and back to Tromso city is included in the tour, and they will pick you up at Scandic Ishavshotel at 18:45 p.m. and you are back in Tromso around midnight. As you drive inland through the beautiful snow-covered mountain and fjord landscape, you will also get to see the Northern Lights from the bus (if the sky is clear….).
Click here for information and the latest prices on the Northern Lights Reindeer Tour
4. Dog Sledding
I simply love Husky dogs! I have had Siberian Huskies all my life, five altogether, so for me, nothing is more fun than dog sledding. I highly recommend it! And if you are lucky, you will see the northern lights while being pulled on a sled by 6-8 Huskies and the only thing you hear is the small dog paws running gently in the snow.
Dog sledding is an amazing way to experience Tromso’s wilderness and if you are lucky you can see the Northern Lights.
Dog sledding on Kvaloya (Whale Island) in Tromso in January
There are several great dog sledding companies in and around Tromso, with Active Tromso and Tromso Wilderness Center as the ones closest to Tromso.
Dog Sledding Day Tour
To get the best dog sledding experience and get a real hang of it, you should join this Full Day Arctic Dog Sledding Expedition. This tour takes you through the breathtaking nature of fjords and mountains on Kvaloya (Whale Island). If you are lucky, you will get to see some wildlife along the way, like moose, reindeer, fox, hare, and eagles.
The tour includes bus transport from downtown Tromso to Tromso Wilderness Center and back to Tromso city, a 25 min drive one way. They will pick you up at Radisson Blu Hotel at 09:45 in the morning, and you will be back at your hotel around 16:00 p.m. The tour lasts for six hours in total, including transport and lunch.
You don´t have to have any experience with dogs or dog sledding to join this trip. But you should be in a general ok physical shape as you will be handling the dog sled yourself. You will be teamed up with two people on each sled, one passenger that sits in the sled and one driver/ musher. Then you will switch (if you want) along the way. There will be a professional English speaking musher guide looking after you and help you along the way. You get to borrow warm and comfortable winter boots and insulated suits but wear wool or fleece underwear.
After the thrilling dog sledding ride, you will return back to the camp at Tromso Wilderness Center and get to relax in a warm and cozy Lavvo (Sami tent) and sit around the bonfire. Here you will be served warm and tasty lunch of a traditional Sami meal called Bidos (reindeer soup), with tea or coffee and chocolate cake for dessert. Vegetarian option is available. You will also get to cuddle and say hi to the Huskies. They have around 300 (!) Alaskan Huskies in total! They are extremely friendly and love a cuddle! Especially the Husky puppies are soooooo cute! 🙂
Click here for more information and the latest prices on the full day Dog Sledding Tour
If this dog sledding day-trip is not enough, you can become a real pro dog sledding musher and join a multi-day tour where you also sleep in the wilderness in a tent or cabin:
Northern Lights Dog Sledding Evening Tour
Picture yourself gliding through the snow-covered wilderness of mountains, valleys, and fjords, while the only sound you hear is the soft dog paws gently running on the snow. Above your head, the colorful Northern Lights is dancing across the sky. Sounds magical, right?! If you want to experience this, then this Arctic Evening Dogsledding Excursion is the one to join!
This evening dog sledding and Northern Lights trip takes you through the beautiful mountain-covered landscape on Kvaloya (Whale Island). The trip includes transport to and from the husky camp Tromso Wilderness Center (pick up at Radisson Blu Hotel in downtown Tromso at 18:15) and a one-hour dog sledding ride (4 km). You will return back in Tromso around 22:00 in the evening.
You don´t have to know anything about dogs or dog sledding to join this tour as the excellent English speaking dog mushing guides will teach you everything you need to know! You will also get to borrow all the warm clothes and shoes that is necessary for you to have a fun and comfortable dog sledding ride.
After the dog sledding, you get to cuddle with the 300 (!) furry and friendly huskies (the husky puppies are adorable! ♥). When you return back to camp after the dog sledding, you will sit inside the warm and cozy Lavvo (Sami inspired tent) around the campfire and have a hot meal of Bacalao (stockfish in tomato sauce, vegetarian options as well). The total time of this tour is approximately four hours (including transport and eating). This is the ultimate combination of the best experiences that Tromso has to offer; Northern Lights and dog sledding!
Click here for information and the latest prices on the Dog Sledding Northern Lights Evening Tour
5. Snowmobile Tour
If you love speed and a bit of action, then you should sign up for a snowmobile trip! Snowmobile driving is not allowed everywhere in Norway (like it is in Sweden and Finland), so you can only drive a snowmobile in dedicated snowmobile tracks. Just outside of Tromso(a 75-min drive), in the valley Tamokdalen, is a wilderness center called Camp Tamok where they organize snowmobile tours among other activities.
Tamokdalen is a beautiful valley surrounded by steep mountains located inland. Here the climate is different from Tromso, and the chance of getting a clear sky to see the Northern Lights is better than on the coast where Tromso city is located. Inland the weather, in general, is much drier, more stable, and colder. Also, Tamokdalen is inhabited so no artificial lights will disturb your Northern Lights experience or your attempts to capture the lights with your camera.
At Camp Tamok you can choose between a snowmobile day trip or an evening trip:
Snowmobile Day Tour (6 hours)
On this Snowmobile Excursion In Tromso Day Tour, you will get picked up at Scandic Ishavshotel in downtown Tromso at 08:45 in the morning, driven to Tamokdalen by a bus/ minibus, and be back in Tromso at around 15:45 in the afternoon. The drive inland to Tamokdalen (75 min) is stunning and kind of like a sightseeing trip in itself where you will see some of Northern Norway! Along the way, you will have beautiful views of fjords, valleys, and snow-covered mountains.
When you arrive at the Camp Tamok Wilderness Center, you will get to borrow all the warm clothes and shoes that is necessary for you to have a comfortable snowmobile ride (including an insulated suit, warm shoes, headwear, helmet, gloves, and a headlamp). You don´t have to know anything about driving a snowmobile as they will go through all the safety instructions and practical demonstration so that you are fit to drive.
Once you are all geared up and have learned how to drive a snowmobile, you will start driving, two people on each snowmobile (one driver and one passenger sitting behind the driver). You will then switch along the trip so that you both can drive a bit (if you want).
You will drive through the beautiful Finn Valley surrounded by tall mountains where you start at 250 m above sea level. You will drive 15 km through the valley up to 900 m to the ice-covered lake Finn. On the ice-covered lake, you can put on quite a speed on your snowmobile and you will really feel the adrenaline pumping! Great fun! 🙂 The snowmobile driving will last for 2-2,5 hours and you will cover 30 km in total. If you want, you can also go ice fishing on the lake.
After the snowmobile trip, when you are back in the camp, you will sit down inside the cozy and warm Lavvu (traditional Sami tent) around a bonfire. Here you will be served a hot meal and coffee.
Click here for information and the latest prices on the Snowmobile Day Tour (cross the Daytime excursion at the bottom of the page)
The pros of joining the day tour instead of the evening tour are that due to the daylight you get to see the stunning mountain nature and surroundings that you drive through. On the evening tour it is dark outside, so you will not see that much of the surrounding nature (although you have a headlamp and a light on the snowmobile of course). But then again, you get the opportunity to see the stunning Northern Lights on the evening trip!
You can also combine this snowmobile day trip with a guided visit to the Tromso Ice Domes. The ice domes are also located in camp Tamok Wilderness Center where you will start and end your snowmobile trip. So it is very convenient to do both, and it will save you some money as well! This combination tour will last for seven hours in total (you add one extra hour due to the guided Ice Domes visit).
Click here for information and the latest prices on the Snowmobile Day Tour and Tromso Ice Domes Visit
Northern Lights Snowmobile Evening Tour
The other option is to join the evening snowmobile tour. Then they will pick you up at Scandic Ishavshotel at 16:45, and you will return here around midnight.
The tour in itself is the same as the day tour (see the description above). The only difference is that is will be dark outside and (hopefully) amazing Northern Lights dancing in the sky above your head.
Click here for information and the latest prices on the Northern Lights Snowmobile Tour (cross the Evening excursion at the bottom of the page)
Snowmobile Day Tour Through Norway, Finland, and Sweden (10 hours)
This Snowmobile Day Adventure Through Norway, Finland, and Sweden is the ultimate snowmobile trip of your life! Here you get to see the breathtaking wildness of the three Nordic countries, through snow-covered valleys, forests, lakes, and mountains. You will never forget this trip!
You get picked up early in the morning at 07:00 a.m. in downtown Tromso and go on a scenic drive (2,5 hours) by bus through fjords and valleys to the small village Kilpisjärvi in Finland. Here you will get all the clothes (insulated suits, warm shoes, helmet, face mask) you need to feel warm and comfortable on this snowmobile trip. Then it is on to a thorough safety instruction and demonstration of how to drive a snowmobile. They will teach you everything you need to know, so you don´t have to know anything about snowmobiles to join this trip. You will either drive a snowmobile on your own or be paired up with another person (a driver and a passenger) where you can switch along the way on the driving.
When you are back in camp in Kilpisjärvi, you will have a warm tasty lunch around a cozy bonfire, before the bus drives you back to Tromso. This is a fun and unique opportunity to see a bit of the beautiful nature of all the three Nordic countries; Norway, Finland, and Sweden.
Click here for information and the latest prices on the Snowmobile Day Tour Through Norway, Finland, and Sweden
Obs! No drivers license is required to drive a snowmobile on this trip, but the driver of the snowmobile must be at least 18 years old (the passengers can be younger, however).
6. Snowshoeing Hike
Snowshoeing has become more and more popular in Tromso over the recent years. Several mountains in Tromso are perfect for snowshoeing hikes, offering some spectacular views. You can go on snowshoeing hikes on your own, and rent equipment at Tromsø Outdoor. Especially if you are renting a car, you can easily get out of town to go hiking. If you don´t plan on renting a car, then basically your only options are the mountains: Rødtind (bus no. 42), Fløya (bus no. 26 or walk over the bridge), and Ersfjord (bus no. 425).
On a snowshoeing trip on Kvaloya (Whale Island)
The best option in my opinion, however, is to join a snowshoeing tour where you get to borrow snowshoes and poles, and a guide will drive you to a great place for snowshoeing hikes and guide you all the way. Here are the snowshoeing tours that we recommend:
Snowshoeing Day Tour
One great snowshoeing tour is this 4-hour Arctic Snowshoeing Excursion in Tromsø where you will hike through some stunning areas on Kvaloya (Whale Island) surrounded by mountains and fjord views. If you are lucky, you will also see some Arctic wildlife like eagles, moose, and reindeer on your hike. This snowshoeing hike is suitable for everyone, even children, also if it is your first time snowshoeing. You get to borrow all the equipment necessary for the hike, like snowshoes, poles, and insulated suits. Included in this trip is also a hot meal, hot and cold drinks, as well as transport (they will pick you up at 11:00 a.m. at Radisson Blu Hotel in downtown Tromso).
Click here for information and the latest prices on the Snowshoeing Hiking Tour
Northern Lights Snowshoeing Evening Tour
If you want to combine snowshoeing with watching the Northern Lights, this six hours Evening Northern Lights Experience with Snowshoeing near Tromsø is awesome! You will also have a traditional Norwegian dinner (including dessert, coffee, and tea) in a cozy and warm traditional Norwegian cabin during the snowshoeing hike. You are provided with everything you need on this trip; snowshoes, poles, and a headlamp, as well as transport (pick up at Clarion Hotel The Edge at 18:00) and a friendly guide.
Click here for information and the latest prices on the Northern Lights Snowshoeing Tour
You can also spend the night at this cozy cabin, where you get the whole night to see the Northern Lights if you want. On this tour, you are back in downtown Tromso at approximately 11:30 the next day (dinner and breakfast are included in this trip). As you will do a snowshoeing hike in daylight the next day, you get both experiences; the Northern Lights and to fully see and take in the beautiful nature of mountains and fjords in daylight.
Click here for information and the latest prices on the Overnight Northern Lights Snowshoeing Tour
7. Tromso Ice Domes
Located in Tamokdalen, a 75-min drive inland from Tromso, the unique and beautiful Tromso Ice Domes is well-worth a visit! And yes, they are entirely built of ice and snow, even the bar and restaurant! Super cool (and cold, hehe)! 🙂
There are two guided tours to Tromso Ice Domes each day. They both depart from Clarion Hotel The Edge in downtown Tromso, one at 10:30 a.m. and one at 13:00 p.m. From here you will go on a scenic 75-minutes bus sightseeing trip inland through snow-covered mountains, valleys, and fjords. Once you arrive at the Ice Domes in Tamokdalen Valley you are greeted by a friendly and welcoming English speaking guide that will show you around and tell you all about the building process of the ice domes.
Every building, the ice bars, ice cinema, ice bedrooms, and ice restaurant, are all designed with themes from local Sami culture and the northern lights. They are beautifully decorated and lit by colored lighting and ice sculptures. You will be treated with a complimentary non-alcoholic drink at the cool ice bar and can buy more drinks or lunch/ dinner in the awesome ice restaurant.
A visit to the Ice Dome will completely change how you look at ice and snow. It is incredible how it can be turned into big beautiful buildings and sculptures! The entire trip (including transport from and to Tromso) takes about five hours in total.
Click here for information and the latest prices on a visit to the Tromso Ice Domes
Overnight Stay At Tromso Ice Domes Hotel
If you want to stay at a unique and memorable Arctic accommodation, you can even spend the night in the Ice Domes! A night at the Tromso Ice Domes Hotel will for sure be a once-in-a-lifetime winter adventure that you will never forget!
Included in this overnight stay is transport from and back to Tromso (a 75 min drive each way), stay in a double room, a guide for your entire stay, guided snowshoeing and Northern Lights trip, dinner cooked over open fire, a non-alcoholic drink at the ice bar, breakfast the next morning, and warm clothes and equipment needed. You can book extras like helicopter transfer, dog sledding trip, reindeer feeding and reindeer sledding trip, and snowmobile safari.
You get picked up at Clarion Hotel The Edge in downtown Tromso at 17:00 in the afternoon and will arrive at the Ice Domes at 18:30 where you will be greeted by your personal guide for your entire stay. You will be going on a guided snowshoeing trip in the evening, and hopefully see some spectacular Northern Lights, before having a delicious dinner cooked on open fire. At night you will be warm and comfortable sleeping on a mattress covered in reindeer skin. The double bed in your room is surrounded by an ice frame, but the actual bed that you sleep on is not ice (or it would melt and you would be cold and wet… 🙂 ). So don´t worry, you will not freeze to death during the night! It is actually quite warm inside the ice rooms.
The next morning you will be served a delicious breakfast at 08:00, and you can go for a walk in the beautiful surroundings, or join a dog sledding, snowmobile, or reindeer sledding/ feeding tour. If you are satisfied, however, and don´t want to go on any trip, you can head back to Tromso with the bus at 09:00 a.m. This is a real and memorable winter wonderland adventure!
Click here for information and the latest prices on an overnight stay at Tromso Ice Domes Hotel
8. Skiing
Tromso is surrounded by some of the best mountains for skiing in Norway, and there are usually excellent conditions from October till June.
Skiing at the mountain Kjolen on Kvaloya (Whale Island)
Kvaloya island (a 10-minute drive from downtown of Tromso) have the best mountains for skiing close to Tromso. If you want an easy mountain skiing trip, that is easily accessible by bus, then I also recommend that you head to Rødtind (bus no. 42).
Kattfjordeidet is also a very popular skiing area, nicknamed “Little Chamonix” by us locals, with several great mountains for skiing.
The Lyngen Alps is another great area just outside of Tromso (1,5 hours by car including a ferry). The mountains here are spectacular, steep, tall, and go straight down into the fjords.
Do, however, be aware of the danger of avalanche as sadly almost every year people get killed by avalanches in the mountains on Kvaloya or the Lyngen Alps. You should also have the clothes, skiing equipment, and excellent skiing skills if you plan to head up into some of these mountains. I have skied the highest mountain in the Lyngen Alps, Jiehkkevarri, and it was pretty challenging even for me that have been skiing my whole life. So I would say that Lyngen is for more advanced skiers.
Cross-country Skiing Tour/ Course
If you have never been skiing before, or want to work on your skiing skills, you should join this excellent and fun cross-country skiing tour. This awesome cross-country skiing tour is for all levels, and you don´t have to know anything about skiing to join! The experienced and helpful guide will teach you everything you need to know to become an excellent skier.
Along the way, you will enjoy the beautiful nature Tromso has to offer and enjoy it in a fun way and at the same time get some great exercise. The perfect combination! This skiing trip takes 5 to 6 hours (including transport), and is great fun! The tour includes skiing gear, transport from and to Tromso city (they will pick you up at Scandic Ishavshotell in downtown Tromso at 09:15), as well as food and drinks.
Click here for information and the latest prices on Cross-country Skiing Tour
Me and my dog Varga cross-country skiing in Lysloypa on Kvaloya (Whale Island)
If you know how to ski and want to go skiing on your own, there are some great cross-country skiing opportunities and conditions in Tromso. On top of Tromsoya is the “Lysløypa”, which is a trail with perfect cross-country skiing tracks that are lit by street lights. There are also great cross-country skiing trails on Kvaloya (take bus no. 42 to Storelva) and Tromsdalen. Here is a map of the cross-country skiing tracks in Tromso. You can rent skis and other ski-equipment at Tromso Outdoor.
Ski & Sail Tour
Ski & Sail tours to Lyngen, Senja, and Lofoten has become really popular lately. This is where you stay and live onboard a sailboat while you do hikes to different mountains along the fjords and coast each day.
This 3-day Ski & Sail Tour gives you the option to either go northbound (from Svolvær to Tromsø) or southbound (from Tromsø to Svolvær). You will ski on mountains along the way and see the amazing Arctic nature and wildlife that Northern Norway has to offer. If you are lucky you will get to ski under the Northern Lights, which is an amazing experience! All meals and sleeping on the boat are included. You can also rent skis and gear.
Click here for information and the latest prices on Ski & Sail Tours
The Best Things To Do In Tromso In Summer
1. Midnight Sun
The long summer nights where the sun never sets is the most unique and best things of the summertime in Northern Norway in my opinion.
Midnight Sun in Grotfjord
It is kind of magical when the sky is on fire of a mix of yellow, orange, pink and red it never gets dark. You just want to stay up all night, have a bonfire on the beach or go hiking in the mountains. I`m pretty sure that people living in Northern Norway sleep half as much in summer as they do in winter.
There are several great ways to enjoy the Midnight Sun:
Midnight Sun Fjord Sailing
One of the best ways to enjoy the midnight sun is to be out on the sea and go sailing through the fjords that surround Tromso. On this three hours Midnight Sun Fjord Sailing Tour you will peacefully sail through the fjords of Tromso on a luxurious catamaran while enjoying the golden soaked landscape of mountains, islands, and fjords. If you are lucky, you can even see seals, eagles, and other Arctic birds.
You will be provided with all the equipment you need and an experienced and professional skipper and guide, so you don´t have to know anything about sailing. The catamaran is anchored up by the Scandic Ishavshotel right in downtown Tromso, and you will leave at 22:00 in the evening.
Click here for information and the latest prices on the Midnight Sun Fjord Sailing Tour
Midnight Sun Sea Kayaking
If you want to have a bit more adventurous sea and fjord experience, and even get some exercise, then kayaking is the thing! On this stunning Midnight Sun Sea Kayaking Tour you will learn everything about how to paddle a kayak so you don´t have to have any previous experience with kayaking to join.
You will be kayaking through the beautiful fjords and around islands that surrounds Tromso. This is as close as you can get to nature and life at sea. It is an experience of life and great fun too!
The tour starts outside of Radisson Blue Hotel in downtown Tromso at 20:45, from where you will be transported for about 25 minutes to the kayaking area on Kvaloya (Whale Island). At Tromso Wilderness Center you will learn how to paddle a kayak, before setting out onto the sea. The kayaking trip itself will last 3,5 – 3 hours before returning to the Wilderness Center where you will be served something hot to drink and some food. You will be transported back to the Radisson Blue Hotel after the meal. You will be back at 02:30 in the night.
Click here for information and the latest prices on the Midnight Sun Sea Kayaking Tour
Midnight Sun Rib Boat Fjord Tour
A more speedy and action filled way of seeing the fjord landscape of Tromso is by this excellent Midnight Sun Rib Boat Fjord Tour. Along the way, you will see beautiful fjords, white beaches, mountains, islands, and Arctic wildlife at sea. It is a thrilling experience filled with speed and great fun and action!
You will be provided with all the warm clothes and safety equipment needed, as well as an experienced skipper and guide. The Rib boat trip takes three hours.
Click here for information and the latest prices on the Midnight Sun Rib Boat Fjord Tour (3 hours)
There is also a bit shorter Midnight Sun Rib Boat Trip that takes two hours if you don´t have that much time.
Click here for information and the latest prices on the Midnight Sun Rib Boat Fjord Tour (2 hours)
Midnight sun at Sommaroy island
If you don´t want to join a tour and go out by yourself, the best place to see the midnight sun is on the mountain Floya on the mainland (take the cable car or walk up), and the outside of the island Kvaloya like Sommaroy or Grotfjord.
- Midnight Sun season: 20th of May – 22nd of July
2. Hiking In The Mountains
Tromso has some of the best hiking options in the whole of Norway. The city is surrounded by lots of mountains, and you can start hiking just a 10-minute drive from the downtown of Tromso. To have the wilderness so close to the city is pretty unique and awesome if you ask me! That`s the main reason why I ♥ Tromso so much.
I have listed all my favorite hikes (that everyone is able to do) in this article.
Me and our dog Frost hiking Ornfloya. Great view over Sommaroy Island
3. Husky Cafe
Visit the wonderful Husky Cafe at Tromso Wilderness Center on Kvaloya (Whale Island) and cuddle with 300 Alaskan Huskies! A guide will tell you all about the Huskies and how they use them for dog sledding at winter timer. They also serve delicious cakes, Norwegian waffles, ice cream, tea, and coffee inside a Lavvu (traditional Sami tent) with a wood fire in the middle. A great and cozy experience!
The transportation to and from the Husky Cafe at Tromso Wilderness Center is included and they will pick you up at Clarion the Edge Hotel in downtown Tromso. The Wilderness Center is located in a beautiful area with great fjord and mountain views. You will remember this special cafe visit for the rest of your life as it is great fun!
Click here for information and the latest prices on Husky Cafe Visit
If you love dogs (like me), you should join this Puppy Husky Training at Tromso Wilderness Center. Here you get to train the husky puppies and cuddle with them as much as you want. They are sooooo cute and fluffy! 🙂 It is a unique opportunity and experience!
Click here for information and the latest prices on Husky Puppy Training
4. Tromso Arctic-Alpine Botanical Garden
Tromso has the northernmost botanical garden in the world and it is open from May until October. It is incredibly green, lush and colorful with beautiful flowers from early spring till late autumn, consisting of plants from all over the northern hemisphere of the world.
You can also join a guided tour around the garden in July, every Monday to Friday at 14:00. It cost NOK 225.
There is a cozy cafe in the garden, in an old white wooden house called Hansine Hansen, where you can buy delicious waffles, ice cream, and a selection of cakes. You can sit inside or outside in the garden. The cafe is open during summer (1st of June until 1st of September) from 11:30 till 15:30 every day.
The cozy cafe in the Tromso Botanical Garden
- Opening hours: Open day and night from May until October. You can even walk around the garden at night and enjoy the midnight sun
- Ticket prices: FREE! Yay!
- Where is it: The garden is located to the southeast of the University of Tromsø Campus, in Breivika.
- How to get there: You can walk from downtown Tromso (takes about an hour) or you can take bus no. 20, 33, or 42.
- Webpage
5. Sailing
Tromso is actually perfect for sailing all year round since the sea never freezes. There are plenty of great sailing areas around Tromso, like on the outside of Kvaloya where there are lots of small islands, Senja island, Lyngen Alps, or the Lofoten islands.
Arctic Fjord Sailing
To sail among the islands of Tromso is an excellent way to experience the beautiful Arctic nature and wildlife. It is peaceful and thrilling at the same time.
On this guided three hours Arctic Fjord Sailing Tour you will sail around Tromso city in a luxurious and comfortable catamaran where you can sit inside the warm and cozy cabin or be out on deck to fully experience the nature. You get a warm safety suit, fishing gear, food, and non-alcoholic beverage, as well as a professional English-speaking guide and captain. If you are lucky, you can catch your own lunch (fish or crab) that will be prepared onboard! A great experience! The sailing boat is anchored up by Scandic Ishavshotel in downtown Tromso, so it´s very convenient.
Click here for information and the latest prices on Arctic Fjord Sailing
If you want to really experience the life at sea and see more of the fjord landscape of mountains and islands that surrounds Tromso, you should opt for this 2 days sailing trip – Tromso Overnight Sailing Tour. Then you get to sleep on board this luxurious catamaran and get lunch, dinner, and breakfast onboard. Along the way, you will see wildlife like eagles, arctic birds, seals, dolphins and occasionally whales. This is the ultimate fjord cruise if you want to spend more than just a few hours out at sea.
Click here for information and the latest prices on Tromso Overnight Sailing Tour
Hike & Sail Tour On The Arctic Haute Route
This Hike & Sail Tour is the ultimate sailing trip and expedition, where you get to see and experience all the highlights that Northern Norway has to offer when it comes to beautiful fjords, mountains, islands, wildlife, and spectacular Arctic nature!
This sailing tour lasts for three days and is packed with thrilling once-in-a-lifetime experiences. You will be sailing and sleeping onboard this cozy ship and stop at many small and lively harbors like Tromsø, Lofoten, Andørja, Senja, and Kvaløya. You can choose between 2 options – Northbound Sailing (from Svolvær to Tromsø via Stamsund in Lofoten, Vesterålen, Senja, Sommarøy, and Tromsø) or Southbound Sailing (from Tromsø to Svolvær, via Senja, Vesterålen and Lofoten, and Svolvær). Transport, sleeping onboard, captain and guide, and all meals are included.
Click here for information and the latest prices on Hike & Sail Tour
6. Sea Fjord Kayaking
Sea kayaking is very popular in Tromso and there is a big kayaking community. There are several tour operators where you can rent a kayak, learn how to kayak, and join others on kayaking trips. There are lots of places to go kayaking around Tromso both for beginners and more advanced paddlers and lots of islands where you can go ashore.
Kayaking in the dark winter season. Foto by Anders Schürmann
You can rent a kayak at:
Or take a guided Kayaking tour around Tromso. You can even take a kayaking tour at night under the midnight sun.
7. Bicycling
There are some great bicycling options in and around Tromso, both for mountain bike and on the road, and the bicycling sport has become extremely popular among the locals over the past years. Its popularity might have something to do with the Norwegians doing well in the professional tours, like Tour de France and we also have a race up in the Arctic – Arctic Race of Norway.
Foto by Anders Schürmann
You can rent a bicycle at Tromsø Outdoor.
8. Glacier Hike
Just outside of Tromso city is the magnificent Lyngen Alps with its tall mountain peaks that go straight down into the stunning Lyngen Fjord. This Arctic-Alpine wilderness is truly spectacular!
This Glacier HIking Tour takes you to the arctic-alpine area of Lyngen Alps where you will go hiking on the Steindalen Glacier. I have been hiking on this glacier several times and it is perfect for both beginners and more experienced glacier hikers. The glacier stretches from the top of the mountain down into the broad valley called Steindalen. The walking is easy as the glacier is not that steep. And you will have awesome views of the mountains and fjords that surrounds you on the entire hike. This is an epic adventure where you will see the best of what Northern Norway has to offer!
On this tour, they will pick you up at 09:00 in the morning at the Scandic Ishavshotel in downtown Tromso and drive you to the Lyngen Alps and Steindalen Valley. The drive is lovely as well as you will be driving through a stunning mountain and fjord landscape. A guide will provide you with all the equipment that you need, including safety harness and rope, and he or she will guide you safely on the entire hike. You will walk for a total of six hours, so you have to be in decent shape, but you will, of course, have breaks along the way. Remember to bring your own lunch.
Click here for more information and the latest prices on the Glacier Hike In Lyngen Alps
9. Bukta Beach
Whenever the sun is shining and the temperature is above 15 degrees, the locals head to the city beach “Bukta”, or “Telegrafbukta” which is its full name.
Here you will get a nice view over the sea and the surrounding islands and mountains. In the summertime, the sun is shining in Bukta the whole day and night making this the perfect spot to have a barbecue and watch the Midnight Sun. Here you will find picnic tables, benches, grills, beach volleyball nets, and toilets.
If you are a real Viking, you can even have a swim in the ocean as the sand is white and soft, but the water is freezing cold the whole year-round!
It is darker here than in the downtown of Tromso, so it is a nice place to see the Northern Lights at winter. Bring warm clothes and something hot to drink on a thermos as it will be cold.
It is located nearby Tromso Museum, so you can easily combine those two. You can also walk around Folkeparken Open-Air Museum which is located just above Bukta Beach. This open-air museum in Folkeparken consists of 13 houses who originated from Tromso city and the surrounding area. It is actually Norway’s oldest open-air museum.
Tromso open-air museum in Folkeparken
- How to get here: You can walk from the downtown (about 30 min), or you can drive or take the bus (bus no. 34, departs every 15 min during the day and every 30 min during the evening until midnight). It has it` own bus stop.
- Best of all, it` s free and you can bring your dog!
Where To Stay In Tromso
Norway, in general, is quite expensive when it comes to accommodation and dining, and Tromso is no exception. Tromso is a small city with a compact downtown, so everything is within a short walking distance. Here are our favorite hotels in Tromsø, at different price ranges.
Also, click here to read our complete guide to our favorite Tromso areas and hotels.
Mid-Range
Hotel With, as it is known locally, has the perfect location right by Tromso Harbour with a beautiful view over the sea and over to the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromso Bridge, Tromsdalstinden mountain and Fjellheisen. You are right in the middle of everything if you choose to stay at this hotel, very close to all the city’s restaurants and shops.
An extra plus with this hotel is that you get free coffee/tea and Norwegian waffles with sour cream, jam and brown cheese (Espen`s favorite!) in the afternoon (from 15 to 18 o`clock) and a free meal in the evening (from 18 to 21 o`clock). This makes this hotel a good value for your money as eating out is expensive. A friend of mine from my class at the University used to work here during the weekends, and the staff here is well trained and provides good service and help to the guests.
Click here for the latest prices
Clarion Collection Hotel Aurora
Next door to Hotel With is its sister hotel Clarion Collection Hotel Aurora. This hotel also has free waffles in the afternoon and an evening meal included in the price. The extra plus of this hotel is the rooftop jacuzzi and sauna! Here you can relax in the evenings and watch the northern lights from the hot tub. Sounds pretty sweet if you ask me!
click here for the latest prices
The new “star” when it comes to hotels in Tromso is, however, The Edge. It is brand new and has an excellent bar and restaurant which is also very popular among the locals in Tromso. You really should try the hamburger, it is great! The breakfast at The Edge is maybe the best in town with everything you can imagine. Located by the harbor, but further south than the hotels above, and close to the Tourist Information office.
Click here for the latest prices
City Living Hotel & Apartments
This apartment hotel has a central location on the street just above Tromso’s main street Storgata. The apartments have a small kitchen, which is handy for making breakfast, lunch or even dinner inside. That way you can save some money by shopping at one of the close-by supermarkets and cook your own food.
The hotel also has a laundry room that the guests can use for free. Very handy as dry cleaning is expensive and there are no other options in town if you want to get your clothes washed. There is, however, no daily cleaning service, but you can help yourself to coffee and clean sheets and towels whenever you want from the second floor. You can easily get here by the Airport Bus (Flybuss) from the airport.
Click here for the latest prices
Budget
Amalie Hotel
This is a small budget hotel and a less expensive option than the hotels above. It has an excellent location just next to the big and more expensive Radisson Blu Hotel. An extra bonus is unlimited free coffee and tea the whole day and complimentary waffles in the afternoon. The rooms are a bit small but well equipped with kettle, tea/coffee, mini fridge, iron, and hairdryer. You get a lot for your money. Great breakfast included in the price.
Click here for the latest prices
Comfort Hotel Xpress Tromso
This is a budget hotel with perfect location in Grønnegata, the street adjacent to the city’s main street Storgata. The hotel rooms are clean, new and fresh, but a bit small. If you are out all day on tours and sightseeing, then the small rooms will not be a problem. There is no daily housekeeping service. There is no restaurant in the hotel, but it is very close to all the restaurants and cafes that Tromso has to offer. You can get a breakfast discount of 50 % (150 KR) at their sister hotel Clarion Hotel, which is well worth the money as you can eat all you want at their excellent breakfast buffet.
Click here for the latest prices
Smarthotel Tromso
Another budget option with small rooms but well equipped, fresh and modern. The hotel has an excellent location right in the middle of downtown Tromso. You get breakfast included in the price, which is fairly good. You get free coffee and tea the whole day. Great value for your money!
Click here for the latest prices
The 10 Best Places To Eat In Tromso
Although there is plenty of international food to find in Tromso, like Asian, American and South American food, as a visitor you would like to try some local food, right? Here are my favorite restaurants in Tromso that serve local Norwegian food:
Arctandria Restaurant
This place serves local traditional North Norwegian food like different sort of fish, whale, reindeer, seal and all sorts of shellfish. I love their specialty grilled stockfish, not to mention reindeer and whale that are my favorite meats.
- Opening hours: Monday – Saturday from 16:00. Closed on Sundays.
- Address: Strandtorget 1
- Webpage
Biffhuset
Located in the same building as Arctandria Restaurant, Biffhuset is one of my favorite restaurants in Tromsoe due to their juicy and tender steak.
Biffhuset and Skarven Pub
They also have ribs, king crabs, goat, chicken, pork, and Norwegian dessert specialties like kjelost and cloud berries (my favorite dessert in the whole world…..). A few fish dishes are also on the menu, like grilled stock fish.
- Opening hours: every day 15:30 – 22:30 (22:00 on Sundays)
- Address: Strandtorget 1
- Webpage
Emmas
Emmas is centrally located just next to the Tromso Cathedral and consist of two restaurants – Emma` Drommekjokken (“Emmas Dream Kitchen”) and Emmas Under (located down stairs). The Emmas Under is cheaper and has several small dishes perfect for lunch or an early afternoon dinner. Try their signature dish, Fish soup which is delicious. The upstairs Emma` Dromsmekjokken is quite expensive but serves excellent Norwegian food of the best quality. Great for a special night out. We celebrated my dad`s 70th birthday here.
- Opening hours: Monday – Saturday 11:00 – 22:00. Closed Sundays.
- Address: Kirkegata 8
- Webpage
Smak Restaurant
This new restaurant is THE thing in Tromso at the moment, as it has been listed in several top notch international food guides. They serve upper-class food that is made of local ingredients and change the menu every week. You can choose 3, 4, 5, 6, or even 7 courses including specially selected wines that go well with every course.Opening hours:
- Tuesday – Saturday 17:00 – Midnight. Closed Sundays and Mondays.
- Address: Skippergata 16B
- Webpage
Hildr Gastro Bar
Located in an old white wooden house, Hildr is one of my favorite restaurants not only because of their delicious food but because the atmosphere here is so cozy. They change their menu according to what kind of fresh fish they have been able to find, although their tapas is regularly on the menu. They also have a 3 or 5-course set menu with or without wine. Across the street is their “brother restaurant” Burgr serving Tromso`s best burger in my opinion! Well worth a try, and a cheaper option than Hildr.
- Opening hours: Monday – Saturday 11:00 – around midnight. Closed on Sundays.
- Address: Skippergata 11
- Webpage
Mathallen
Their interior decor might seem a bit “cold” and basic, but their open kitchen is super cool and their food excellent. They have different sorts of fish, soups and whale dishes on their menu. You can also choose a 3 or 4-course set menu with ingredients from local food producers. Definitely worth a try for lunch or dinner, or both. They also have a shop next door selling local food from Northern Norway.
- Opening hours: Monday – Saturday 11:00 – 23:00. Sundays closed.
- Address: Grønnegata 60
- Webpage
Fiskekompaniet
This fish restaurant probably has Tromso’s best location view-wise right by the harbor. Here you can sit and enjoy some delicious seafood and look at the sea and the boats. You might even see Hurtigruta pass by. If you like oysters, then you should try this as a starter. They mainly have fish on the menu, but also serve whale.
- Opening hours: Every day (also Sundays) 16:00 – 22:00
- Address: Killengrensgate
- Webpage
Bardus Bistro
Bardus is located in a cozy old wooden house right by the library. Their menu is not the biggest, but the dishes they have is delicious. They have fish of the day, goat, hamburger (lunch menu), and some other stuff. If you’re feeling adventurous and you’ve never tried the Northern Norway specialty cod tongue, then you should definitely head here and check it out yourself (I hate it by the way, hehe).Their neighboring bar is also great, and they make Tromso´s best drinks in my opinion!
- Opening hours: Every day 11:00 (12:00 at weekends) – 22:00 (18:00 on Sundays and 17:00 on Mondays).
- Address: Cora Sandelsgate 4
- Webpage
Skirri at Kystens Mathus
Located at the new Kystens Mathus right at the harbor of Tromso, this restaurant has an amazing view over the sea and across the to the Tromso Bridge, the Arctic Cathedral, and the Cable Car.
Skirri cafe and restaurant
Here you can eat everything from fresh shrimps, salmon, chicken, a hamburger made of wolffish or moose, lamb, reindeer, grilled clip fish, king crab, and whale carpaccio.
- Opening hours: every day 12:00 – 18:00
- Address: Stortorget 1
- Webpage
Aunegarden
This house, which dates back 200 years, used to be an old butchers shop but is now a cozy and atmospheric cafe/ restaurant that serves the best cakes and coffee. They also have light meals like fish soup, sandwiches, hamburger, and salmon. For dessert, try the “suksessterte” (success tart) which is my favorite cake. I bake it for my birthday every year. 🙂 Grab one of the tables along the windows and do some people-watching, great fun.
- Opening hours: every day 11:00 – 22:00 (except Monday and Tuesday when they close at 18:00)
- Address: Sjøgata 29
- Webpage
The Best Festivals In Tromso
Every year Tromso plays host to some excellent festivals that often draw top international artists from all around the world.
Bukta Open Air Rock Music Festival
Bukta Open Air Rock Music Festival
A rock music festival held in a scenic place – Bukta Beach, with an awesome view over the sea and the midnight sun.
- When: Middle of July every year
- Webpage
Tromso International Film Festival – TIFF
The biggest film festival in Norway with incredible 60619 people attending in 2016. Do not expect to see any blockbuster Hollywood movies here, they mainly screen more challenging films from all over the world.
- When: Middle of January every year
- Webpage
Nordlysfestivalen
A music festival, “Music in the Arctic”, that has classical music concerts from all over the world.
- When: End of January/ beginning of February
- Webpage
Rakettnatt
A pop/rock music festival in the middle of downtown Tromso, with Norwegian and international super stars.
- When: Last weekend of August
- Webpage
Rakettnatt Festival
Midnight Sun Marathon
The biggest marathon competition in Norway, where you can run the full marathon, half-marathon or 10 km. If there are no clouds, then you can even enjoy the Midnight Sun while you run.
- When: Middle of June
- Webpage
Tromso Jazzfestival
A jazzy weekend where you can enjoy concerts by some of the best jazz musicians, both Norwegian and international artists.
- When: Beginning of August
- Webpage
Smak – Tromso Food Festival
A food festival where you can walk around eating your way through Storgata and pop into the restaurants in Tromso getting a special dish at a reduced price. A great way to try out some North Norwegian specialties.
- When: End of September
- Webpage
Insomnia
A techno/ electronic/ dance festival hosting some of the biggest techno artists in the world.
- When: End of October
- Webpage
The Best Day Trips From Tromso
Sommarøy (Summer Island)
The small island Sommarøy, located on the outside of Kvaloya, is a beautiful and charming little fishing village, surrounded by white sandy beaches, and the azure blue ocean.
Sommaroy Island
There is also a hotel on the island, Sommarøy Arctic Hotel, where you can choose between sleeping in hotel rooms or cabins by the sea (traditional Norwegian Rorbu). The hotel also has a lovely restaurant serving breakfast, lunch or dinner. The hotel can arrange fishing trips by boat, sailing, and kayak trips.
Click here for the latest prices
There are some great hiking options in the area around Sommarøy, like Ørnfløya and Hillesøytoppen.
- How to get to Sommarøy: It is easiest to get to Sommarøy by car (1 hour). From Tromsø, drive to Kvaløya and follow the signs to Sommarøy. You can also take bus no. 420 from downtown of Tromsø to Sommarøy. The bus leaves from the downtown of Tromsø (bus stop Prostneset next to the tourist information center Visit Tromsø). The bus ticket cost 100 Nkr with the free app “Troms Mobillett”.
Ersfjord
Ersfjord is a beautiful fjord located on Kvaloya, a half an hour drive from downtown Tromso. The fjord is surrounded by jagged mountains that run straight down into the sea.
Ersfjord
Ersfjord
In Ersfjord is Tromso`s coziest cafe – Bryggejentene which serves delicious cakes, biscuits, coffee, tea, soda, ice-cream and everything a cafe should serve. The cafe is right on the pier with an amazing view over Ersfjord and it` surrounding mountains.
Ersfjord is a great place to take Northern Lights photos, or just go for a walk along the shore.
Ersfjord
- Opening hours Bryggejentene cafe/ shop: Monday – Friday 11 – 16, Saturday 11 – 17, Sundays closed
- How to get to Ersfjord: It is easiest to get to Ersfjord by car (30 min). Drive to Kvaløya, take right when you get to Eidkjosen and follow the signs to Ersfjord. You can also take bus no. 425 from the downtown of Tromsø (bus stop Prostneset next to the tourist information center Visit Tromsø) to Ersfjordbotn. The bus ticket costs 42 Nkr with the free app “Troms Mobillett”.
Senja Island
Senja, being the second largest island in Norway, has a great contrast of mountains, sea, beautiful sandy beaches, and fishing villages. It is a very nice day trip from Tromso, both winter and summer, or you can stay a night or two at some of the guesthouses and private cabins or bring your own tent.
Me and our dog Frost looking over to Senja Island from Brensholmen (where the ferry to Senja leaves from)
- How to get to Senja: You can either drive to Senja with a rental car (3 hours one way), or take the Express boat (no. 4) from downtown Tromso to Lysnes on Senja. The round-trip from downtown of Tromso (the brand new harbour building at Prostneset) to Lysnes and back to Tromso takes about 2 hours and runs on Monday and Wednesday (Tromsø – Lysnes – Tromsø 07:10 – 09:05 and 16:20 – 18:15), Friday (Tromsø – Lysnes – Tromsø 07:10 – 09:05 and 16:00 – 17:55), and Sunday (Tromsø – Lysnes – Tromsø 20:20 – 22:20). The fare is NOK 260.
If you choose to drive, you can take the route through Brensholmen (close to Sommarøy) and take the ferry across the fjord to Botnhamn on Senja. It is a beautiful ferry trip! The car ride takes about 1 hour and the ferry trip takes 35 min (ferry no. 181: Sommerferge Botnhamn-Brensholmen) and operates from April to August.
Lyngen
Lyngen with its peaky mountains that go straight down into the sea is an awesome area north of Tromso, about an hour and a half with car and ferry.
First, you must drive from Tromso to Breivikeidet (1-hour car ride). The ferry trip from Breivikeidet to Svendsby in Lyngen takes 20 min and is well worth the trip in itself as it is a beautiful ferry trip across the fjord with an amazing view of the Lyngen Alps. From Svendsby you can drive through Lyngen and take another ferry from Lyngseidet to Olderdalen. From Olderdalen you can drive back to Tromso, the drive takes 2,5 hours (without taking any ferries).
View from the ferry over to Lyngen
Some great places to stay in Lyngen are:
- The Magic Mountain Lodge
- Lyngen North – spend the night in a glass igloo watching the northern lights
- Lyngen Lodge (on the Olderdalen side, the other side of Lyngseidet, take the second ferry)
- Sørheim Brygge
If you want a guided tour, AscentDescent offers trips both winter and summer. Lyngen is great for mountain hiking, ice climbing, glacier trekking, skiing, kayaking, fishing, and biking.
Skjærvøy Island
North of Tromso lays the beautiful island Skjærvøy. You can do a round-trip from Tromso to Skjærvøy by express boat and/or Hurtigruten through the stunning Lyngen Fjord that runs through the Lyngen Alps.
The express boat (no. 3) does round-trips to from downtown Tromsø to Skjervøy on Tuesdays (Tromsø – Skjervøy – Tromsø 16:00 – 20:05), Thursdays (Tromsø – Skjervøy – Tromsø 16:00 – 20:15), Fridays (Tromsø – Skjervøy – Tromsø 18:10 – 23:20), and Sundays (Tromsø – Skjervøy -Tromsø 14:30 – 19:50). The round-trip fare is NOK 560.
Another option is to take the express boat that departs from Tromso Tuesdays at 16:00 or Thursdays at 16:00 or Sunday at 14:30, and then the southbound Hurtigruten back from Skjervøy to Tromso. The Hurtigruta departs from Skjervøy at 19:45 (18:30 in April and May), and arrives in Tromso at 23:45.
Ferry round-trip to islands outside of Tromso
If you want to see some of the many beautiful small islands outside of Tromso and Kvaloya, you can take a ferry round-trip from Belvik in Skulsfjord on Kvaloya. The ferry goes to the islands Vengsøy, Musvær, and Risøy before returning back to Belvik and it is a beautiful trip. The round-trip takes about 2-3 hours and has several departures every day.
Phew, there you go, our ultimate guide to my hometown Tromso!
To sum up, the cable car is a real must when visiting Tromso, along with the Polaria and the Polar Museum. Then it depends on whether you visit in the winter or summer. In winter the highlights are Northern Lights, skiing, dog sledding, fjord boat trip/whale watching. In summer the highlights are hiking in the midnight sun, boat trip, and fishing.
By the way, have you seen the movie Insomnia from 2002 starring Al Pacino, Robin Williams, and Hillary Schwank? Did you know that it is actually a remake of a Norwegian film also called Insomnia from 1997 which was filmed in Tromso? The police officer played by Stellan Skarsgård is really struggling with the midnight sun and cannot sleep due to the bright nights, as the title refers to. You can watch the trailer of the original Insomnia from Tromso here.
Facts about Tromso
What is this article about?
A complete travel guide to my home city Tromso
Where is this?
Tromso is located in the northern part of Norway
How to get there
Fly from Oslo (2 hours), SAS or Norwegian have many departures each day
When to go
Whole year round, summer for the midnight sun and hiking, winter for the northern lights, skiing, and whales
Facts
Population: 73 000
Located at 69 degrees north
Northern Lights season: September – March
Whale season: November/ December – February
Midnight sun season: 20th of May – 22nd of July
Skiing season: December – June
Tromso is also called Paris of the North due to the fashionable women
Have you been to Tromso? Is there something I have missed? And if you have not been to Tromso, would you like to go? Please leave a comment below, and if you find this useful please share on social media. Thanks a million! 🙂
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Tromso very nice city. If I make money, I want to see there. Thanks a lot.
Thank you! Yes, Tromsø is great, especially when the weather is nice! 🙂 Norway is expensive, but it is possible to do it cheaply too.
Happy travels!
-Maria-
What a comprehensive guide – much better than the crappy listicles that are ubiquitous these days. Want to travel to Norway someday and this has inspired me … thanks!
Hi Kyle!!
Wow, thank you soooo much!!! Really appreciate it! Your comment made my day! 🙂
You should definitely come to Norway someday, plenty to see and do here.
Happy travels!
-Maria-
What a great and informative articule Maria, thank you so much! I will be going ti Tromso at the end of October and thanks to your article I now already have soooooo much more ideas, guidelines and Infos, fabulous!!! 😊🙏 Claudia
Hi Claudia,
Thank you sooooo much!!! You are the best! Wow, so cool that you are visiting Tromso in October! Hope you get nice weather! Tromso and its surroundings will be covered by autumn colours by then which is quite beautiful, plus the northern lights is usually great in October. A nice month to visit Tromso! So happy to hear that our article could be of help to you when planning your Tromso trip.
Have a great time in Tromso!! Thanks for commenting! 🙂
-Maria-
What a great post! Beautiful pictures, Tromso seems so beautiful. Thanks for the great tips and suggestions. I hope I can visit sometime. Continue being an unstoppable traveler.
Cheers,
Rhonda
Hi Rhonda,
Thanks a million! Tromso has so much to offer both summer and winter, from northern lights, whales, and the midnight sun.
I see that you are living in Bali. Cool! Ah, love Bali! We have been staying in Sanur several times over the years, the first time was back in 2005. Keep coming back to Bali over and over again.
Happy travels!
-Maria-
Great stuff informational resource. The pictures are amazing. Tromso seems so beautiful. I hope I will enjoy this trip soon. Thanks for the great tips.
Thank you so much, kanchan!
Tromso is my home town, where I was born and have spent most my life, so it`s very special to me. 🙂 It is a beautiful place, and every season has its highlights.
Happy travels!
-Maria-
What an amazing post! Definitely the most in-depth guide I have come across. The next time you are back home in Tromsø, feel free to contact me and i’d love to invite you out on a sailing trip with the company I work for in town.
Hi Perri,
Thank you so much! Yeah, it took some time to write this guide so really happy to hear that you like it! 🙂
It was nice meeting you in the darkness at Ersfjord photographing the Northern Lights. You guys have some really cool tours! Best of luck with the northern lights season!
-Maria-
Great post! Thanks for all the info. Looks like a wonderful place to visit to see the Northern Lights.
Cheers,
Rhonda
Thanks, Rhonda! Tromso is the perfect place to the see the northern lights.
Happy travels!
-Maria-
Such a gorgeous place! My dorm roommate’s from Tromso and she’s been inviting me forever. I think I’ll accompany her on her next trip home. Always wanted to watch the Northern Lights. So, exciting!
Hi Isabella,
Wow, so cool that you have a roommate from Tromsø! 😀 The northern lights are amazing, and Tromsø is the best place to watch it, so you should definitely accept your roommates invitation!
Have a great time time in Tromsø, crossing my fingers that you will see the Aurora Borealis!
-Maria-
Excellent article, with so much great information. My wife and I will be traveling to Tromso to “chase the Northern Lights” and celebrate our 10 year anniversary in November. Looking forward to it even more after reading your article.
Hi PK,
Wow, great to hear that you are coming here to Tromsø next month to celebrate your anniversary! Happy 10 year anniversary! Crossing my fingers that you will get to see the northern lights. Last evening and night was awesome with crazy northern lights dancing across the sky for hours and hours. Hope you get to experience it too.
Have a great celebration and enjoy the northern lights in Tromsø!
-Maria-
I am bringing my Husband for his 50th Birthday in the beginning of March it looks Beautiful and i can’t wait to surprise him hopefully with a Northern lights display
Hi Anna,
WOW, that is such a cool gift for your husband’s 50th Birthday!!!! I really hope you get to see the northern lights, crossing all my fingers! Have an amazing trip up here to Tromso and the Arctic! March is a great month to visit Tromso, the sun has returned and there are plenty of snow.
-Maria-
Very good page! One question though, is it easy to get out of town for forest walk around Tromso without a car? Are there actual forests within a short distance? Thanks
Hi Renaud,
Thank you so much! Tromsø city is located on a small island Tromsoya where there are several areas of forests, like in the walking path Lysloypa. Lysloypa is a very popular walking and skiing path going all across the island from the south to the north end. Now in wintertime (November till May) there is skiing track in Lysloypa but you can walk too.
You can also walk or take the bus to the main land (Tromsdalen, only a 15 min walk from down town of Tromsø) or to the big island Kvaloya (a 15 min bus ride from down town) and you have plenty of forests and mountains perfect for hiking. I live on Kvaloya and walk or ski in the forest a lot.
Have a great trip to Tromsø and enjoy your walk in the forest!
-Maria-
Many thanks Maria for your reply. I’m looking forward to visiting Tromsø next February!
I Love your post.
Thanks a lot Maria♥ it’s really helpful and many info to know before the visit.
My visit with my sister will be on February, so excited to see the northern lights 😉
C.U soon TROMSØ ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
Hi Miad,
Thanks a million! You are awesome and your comment made my day!! 🙂 Crossing my fingers and toes that you will get to see the northern lights here in Tromsø in February! Enjoy your time in Tromsø!!
-Maria-
Great article!! 🙂 I am going to Tromso in the beginning of April and now I really want to go up with Fjellheisen – thanks for inspirations what to do in my short 2 days stay there. 🙂 I also want to take guided Fjord tour since I don’t drive – hope it will be worth it. 🙂 It’s a bit pity that most probably I wont see Northern Lights and there is no Midnight Sun yet 🙁 But it seems like a such a beautiful city anyway 🙂
Hi Arta,
Thank you so much!!! Fjellheisen is a real must when visiting Tromso!
Yes, you will still be able to see the northern lights in Tromsø in the beginning of April. Unless the sky is cloudy of course. In order to see the northern lights the sky has to be dark, and in early April the sun rises at around 05:30 in the morning and sets around 20 in the evening. So late in the evening and during the night the sky will be dark and you will be able to see the northern lights.
From the middle/end of April, however, the sky gets pretty light in the night so then the northern lights have to be incredibly strong in order to see it.
Have a fantastic trip to Tromsø in April! Crossing my fingers that the sky will be clear and that you will see the northern lights!
-Maria-
Hi Maria,
I stumbled on your article while searching for things to do in Tromsø (I’m flying there next Sunday!!!) and it was such a delightful read! I’m a solo female travelers/ entrepreneur (I’m launching a home sharing services “La Voyageuse”:)) and I’m taking a week in Tromsø between my busy schedule to take some breaks and recharge myself.
The detailed information you provided was surely helpful! I’ve done some further researches about activities to do, especially the organised tours as I don’t drive), I do have a question: If I want to experience the authentic fjord landscapes in the best way, would you recommend that I take excursion by bus or by cruises? (Although I’d like to try both, I do have very tight budget).
Or, besides organised tours, are there any alternatives with public transports, like buses and speed boats? (I checked the link of the speed boats and it doesn’t seem to work), and I read that some buses don’t return on the same day in winter.
Also, if you’d like to meet up for a coffee, I’d LOVE to get to know Tromsø in a profound way with a passionate local like you!
Looking forward to hearing back from you,
Christina
Great webpage on things to do in Tromso! My partner and I have been there several times and loved the city. I’m going back the first part of April and plan to take the Fjellheisen this time. I hope that we’ll be able to see the northern lights again, too. Can’t wait.
The last time we were in Tromso was for New Year’s Eve in 2016 – and what a fireworks show there was! I’ve got some great time-lapse photos of fireworks with the Arctic Cathedral in the background.
I also encourage visitors to attend the midnight concerts in the Arctic cathedral. Both times I have attended the musicians have been superb (from the university, I believe), and the programming has both times included pieces by Norwegian composers or pieces based on Sami joiks (is that spelled correctly?) – music I’ve not heard before.
Hi Douglas,
Thank you so much! Awesome that you are coming back to Tromsø! You should definitely take the Fjellheisen, it is one my favourite things to do in Tromsø. There has been lots of northern lights so far this winter, crossing my fingers that you will have clear sky so that you will see it too in April.
I agree, the midnight concerts in the Arctic cathedral are the best! The musicians are professional and some of the best in Norway, you can find an introduction of them here. One of the singers, Harald Bakkeby Moe, is the brother of a friend of mine and he has an amazing opera voice! I can’t get enough of these concerts and try to attend one each summer.
Have a great time in Tromsø in April!
-Maria-
Hi Christina,
Wow, so cool that you are coming to Tromsø! Love your webpage and concept of helping women travel solo, although I must admit that I have never traveled solo myself yet.
Thank you so much for noticing that the links to the express boat schedules were not working, I have fixed them now.
Both bus and boat are nice and they give you a different view of the fjord landscape. You could for instance do both; take the express boat from downtown Tromso to either Lysnes on Senja Island (express boat no. 4) or Skjervøy (express boat no. 3) and one of the public district buses out to Kvaloya. The express boat and public buses are the cheapest option.
Express boat no. 4: Tromsø – Lysnes – Tromsø
The round-trip from downtown of Tromso to Lysnes and back to Tromso takes about 2 hours and runs on Monday and Wednesday (Tromsø – Lysnes – Tromsø 07:10 – 09:05 and 16:20 – 18:15), Friday (Tromsø – Lysnes – Tromsø 07:10 – 09:05 and 16:00 – 17:55), and Sunday (Tromsø – Lysnes – Tromsø 20:20 – 22:20). The fare is NOK 260.
Express boat no. 3: Tromsø – Skjervøy – Tromsø
The express boat from downtown Tromsø to Skjervøy takes 4 hours and runs on Tuesdays (Tromsø – Skjervøy – Tromsø 16:00 – 20:05), Thursdays (Tromsø – Skjervøy – Tromsø 16:00 – 20:15), Fridays (Tromsø – Skjervøy – Tromsø 18:10 – 23:20), and Sundays (Tromsø – Skjervøy -Tromsø 14:30 – 19:50). The round-trip fare is NOK 560.
A good reason for going to Skjervøy is that this year the whales did not come to Tromsø and the fjords surrounding Tromsø, unfortunately, but they have come to Skjervøy and the areas further north of Tromsø. So if you take the express boat up to Skjervøy you might get a chance to see some whales. 🙂
If you want to do a nice scenic bus ride along the fjords surrounding Tromsø, you should take one of the buses to Kvaloya (which means Whale Island) where we live. You can take bus no. 420 out to Summer Island (Sommarøy) which passes through Kvaloya and takes about 2 hours both ways. Or take the bus no. 425 to Ersfjord (1 hour back and forth) and visit the beautiful cafe Bryggejentene. Both buses leave from down town of Tromsø (the big bus stop Prostneset next to the tourist information). The bus 425 to Ersfjord has a lot of departures and you will be able to get back to Tromsø. Also if you take one of the morning buses of no. 420 to Summer Island, you will be able to get back to Tromsø in the afternoon.
You can search for buses and express boats/ferries and when they leave HERE. There is also a free travel planner app called “Troms Reise” where you can search for travels from one place to another, get an updated travel schedule with walking distances/ maps, and bus and express boat departures and arrivals. This app is a must if you want to take public transportation in and around Tromsø.
The bus ticket is 42 Nkr to Ersfjord and 100 Nkr to Sommarøy each way, so pretty cheap compared to the guided bus trips. You should download an free app called “Troms Mobillett” where you can buy tickets for both buses and express boats. Buying tickets through this app is cheapest as it is more expensive buying tickets onboard (it actually costs 50% more buying tickets onboard the bus!). Bus tickets within the city cost 29 Nkr through this app.
It would be great to meet up in Tromsø! I will send you an email. 🙂
Have a great trip to Tromsø!!!! Hope you have an amazing time and that you will see the northern lights!
-Maria-
Hi Maria, your blog has proved to be a blessing for my upcoming tromso trip. Will reach on 7th November.have a few questions and doubts….
I was going throug the website of bus schedules but I couldn’t find the express boat schedules on that website.
Also would like to know if it’s possible to do a return trip from tromso to skjervoy in a single day?
For a trip to Sommaroy from Tromso by bus no. 420, is it not possible to come back to tromso on the same day?
There are multiple stops for Ersfjord. Which one should I choose for going to Bryggejentene cafe?
I would love to do same day return trips from Tromso by bus or ferry. Please give more details for the same.
Much Thanks in advance
Meenal
Hi Meenal,
Thank you so much!
Express Boat Schedule
You can find the Express Boat schedules HERE (press the “Load more” button at the buttom of the page to get all the express boats).
Skjervøy (Express Boat no. 3)
Yes, it is possible to do a round-trip from Tromso to Skjervoy in one day with Express Boat no. 3 on these days:
– Tuesdays – The Express Boat no. 3 leaves from Tromso at 16:00, arrives at Skjervoy 18:15, leaves from Skjervoy 18:20, and arrives back in Tromso 20:05. However, you can not leave the boat at Skjervoy Island and look around or you will miss the boat back to Tromso and be stuck out there. 🙂
– Thursdays – Same Express Boat schedule as on Tuesdays
– Fridays – The Express Boat no. 3 leaves from Tromso at 18:25, arrives at Skjervoy 21:15, leaves from Skjervoy 21:25, and arrives back in Tromso 23:35.
– Sundays – The Express Boat no. 3 leaves from Tromso at 14:30, arrives at Skjervoy 16:40, leaves from Skjervoy 17:00, and arrives back in Tromso 19:50.
But there will not be much sunlight in Tromso in November. The last day of sun in Tromso is on the 26th of November (when the sun goes under the horizon until the 21st of January). So you will not see that much of nature outside on your boat trip as it will be pretty dark outside by 16:00. On 7th of November, the sunset is at 14:14. I recommend that you do the Skjervoy day-trip on a Sunday when the Express Boat leaves at 14:30, then you might get some daylight at least on your way to Skjervoy.
Sommaroy (Bus no. 420)
Take bus no. 420 from the Bus Station, also called “Prostneset”, in the downtown of Tromso (right outside the Tourist Information).
You can find the bus schedule for bus no. 420 HERE (press the “Load more” button at the bottom of the page).
Or you can find the bus schedule in the Travel Planner (or mobile app “Troms Reise”), type in: “From: Prostneset” and choose the first option “Prostneset (Tromsø)”, “To: Sommaroy” and choose the first option “Sommarøy (Tromsø)”, enter a date and approximate time you want to go, and press Search.
The bus trip from downtown Tromso (the Bus Station Prostneset) to Sommaroy takes about 1,5 – 2 hours one way. So the bus round-trip to Sommaroy takes about 3-4 hours.
Hmmm….but to me, it looks like there is no possible way to do a round-trip by bus from Tromso to Sommaroy in one day, I`m afraid. Cause the first bus no. 420 departs from Tromso at 12:30 (Mon-Tue & Thur-Fri) and arrives at Sommaroy at 14:20. And the last bus from Sommaroy departs at 13:52.
It might be possible on Wednesdays, however. Then it looks like the bus no. 420 leaves from Tromso (Prostneset) at 12:30 and arrives at Sommaroy 14:00. Then it leaves from Sommaroy at 14:02 and arrives back in Tromso at 15:39. In my opinion, the whole bus schedule is very confusing. But to me, it seems like you have a chance on doing a day-trip to Sommaroy by bus on Wednesdays. But sadly you will not be able to leave the bus and look around on Sommaroy. You should probably drop by the Tourist Information when you get to Tromso and ask about this bus to Sommaroy if it is possible to do as a day-trip. The Tourist Information is located right beside the Prostneset bus stop where bus no. 420 to Sommaroy departs.
If you want to stay the night on Sommaroy, which I recommend, there is an excellent hotel on Sommaroy – The Sommaroy Arctic Hotel. We have stayed there several times and it has always been wonderful. They serve delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Check the latest prices and book it HERE
Ersfjord and Bryggejentene Cafe
Get off the bus no. 425 at the bus stop “Ersfjordbotn Skole” (meaning the Ersfjordbotn school). It is very close to Bryggejentene cafe, there is only a 5-minute walk to get there.
You find the bus schedule for bus no. 425 to Ersfjord HERE (press the “Load more” button at the bottom of the page), or in the Travel Planner (search From: Tromsø Prostneset (Tromsø), To: Ersfjordbotn Skole (Tromsø)).
Have a great trip to Tromso in November! Crossing my fingers that you will get to see plenty of Northern Lights! 🙂
-Maria-
Great post! Thanks for all the information.I loved your tips. Looks like a wonderful place to visit to see the Northern Lights.My visit with my husband will be on march, so excited to see the northern lights .
Hi!
Thank you so much! Crossing my fingers that you will get clear sky so that you can see the Northern Lights! Have a great time in Tromso in March!
-Maria-
Hi Maria,
thank you for your detailed information! I will definitely going to try the express boat!
I’m happy to learn that you like the concept of my startup 🙂 To me, traveling solo is a totally different experience compared to traveling with others. Maybe you’ll try it out someday when you travel solo!
That’s wonderful that you’d like to meet for a coffee! I will let you choose the Café of course! Just tell me where and when via e-mail. It will be a pleasure for me to meet you and learn about Tromsø from a local’s perspectives.
Looking forward to hearing back from you,
Christina
Great article – really captures the spirit of the city. Dog sledding is number one on my travel wish list!
Hi Linzi,
Thank you so much! We actually went on a dog sledding trip (first time for Espen) here in Tromso last Friday. You can read about it here: https://nerdnomads.com/dog-sledding-in-tromso-norway. It was amazing and so much fun! You definitely have something to look forward to!
-Maria-
Hello Maria!
Thank you so much for the blog post! We are in Tromsø right now and already visited Senja (which we loved!!) and hiked one of your suggested hikes near Summarøy and and ate at Hildr. This is so much better than any tourist guide about Tromsø!
Thank you!! ♥️
Hi Fenja,
Wooooow, that is soooo cool!!!! You really made my day with your comment!! Thanks a million! You are awesome! 🙂
Hope you got to see the amazing Northern Lights yesterday evening/night. We were just watching it from our living room window, and it was incredibly strong and dancing like crazy in the sky. Hope you enjoy the rest of your time in Tromsø!
Lots of hugs,
Maria
Oh my God, so much useful I
information! I’m visiting next week and now I already have plenty on my to do list. I’m afraid I might not be able to fit everything I want to see into 5 days but I’m definitely going to try. Do you have any tips for a female solo traveller maybe? I’m not shy of doing things by myself but eating in restaurants example can often get awkward. Any recommendations for where the best places to eat are where I’ll fit in as a single eater?
Tusen takk!!!
Hi Alex,
Thank you so much! So glad to hear that you find my Tromso guide useful when planning your trip to Tromso! 🙂
Since you only have five days in Tromso, here are the must-see things in winter in my options:
– Take the cable car up to Floya Mountain (or walk up and take the cable car down)
– Northern Lights concert in the Arctic Cathedral (from February 8 to March 11, 2018). Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 23:00-23:30. The doors open at 22:30 and you buy tickets at the entrance (180 Nkr).
– The Polar Museum
– Polaria (see the seal feeding and training at 12:30 or 15:30)
– Go out and see the Northen Lights (join a tour or walk up to the lake Prestvannet where it`s darker than in the city center)
– If the weather is bad and the sky is not clear so you won`t be able to see the Northern Lights, you should see the spectacular movie Extreme Auroras at the Science Center at the University of Tromso
– Take the bus no. 425 to the beautiful Ersfjord on Kvaloya (Whale Island) and visit the lovely cafe Bryggejentene
– Go dog sledding with Active Tromso
You should not worry about eating alone in restaurants in Tromso, lots of people do that here. But maybe you will feel more comfortable eating alone at one of the not-too-fancy restaurants like Hildr (nice old house), Burgr (Tromso’s best burger), Kala (Japanese), Skirri (down by the harbor with a lovely view), Mathallen (serves Norweigan food), Lotus (also by the harbour with a great view, serves Asian food), Casa Inferno (best pizza in Tromso).
Have a great trip to Tromso!!! Crossing my fingers that you will see the Northern Lights. The weather is pretty bad right now with lots of rain.
-Maria-
Hi Maria
stumbled on your blog and thanks for all the detail information on Tromso. We are doing a cruise in March on P & O and we are overnight in Tromso. Could you please suggest what we could do on our own and what local tour company we could use to book excursions for dog sledge ride. Could we do the cable car ourselves and the recital at the Cathedral. We are in Tromso on the 26th and 27th March. Would we see the Northern lights. We live in Australia and have a couple of warm jackets, but no warm clothes for the snow. If we do the dog sledge ride do they have snow suits and shoes we could hire? Also what sort of footwear do we need? Thanks ever so much and looking forward to your reply
Hi Brenda,
Yes, you can definitely do the cable car and the Northern Light concert in the Arctic Cathedral on your own! They don`t require a guide.
We went dog sledding a couple of weeks ago with Active Tromso and loved it! You can read about it here. Or you can go on a dog sledding trip with Tromso Wilderness Centre.
You get warm comfortable clothes at the dog sledding camp, as well as shoes and mittens. It is included in the price. You should wear warm wool underwear and long johns, as well as a warm hat.
Yes, you can still see the Northern Lights in March, if the sky is clear of course.
Have a great cruise in March and enjoy your two days in Tromso!! Crossing my fingers that you will see the Northern Lights!
-Maria-
Hi Maria,
We are just about to leave Tromso and I wanted to say a huge thank you for all the great tips you give in this article – we followed most of them in the 5 days we had in Tromso! We also did 4 of the 7 easy hikes recommended in another of your post. I wish we stayed longer to be able to do them all. We had a truly wonderful time in Tromso and hope to come back again.
Good luck with your next adventure!
Pauline
Hi Pauline,
Wooooow, thank you soooo much!!! It means a lot getting these kinds of feedback from our readers! You really made my day! I can`t believe that you did 4 of our recommended 7 hikes! You must be in good shape! 🙂
Thanks again for your nice comment! You`re the best!
-Maria-
G’day Maria,
My wife and I are coming up there on Jan 2nd from Perth Australia for a few days to check the place out and hopefully catch some of the northern lights so thanks for all the tips and suggestions on your page. We too love travelling and try to do a big trip at least once every year or two. This trip we’re also travelling to the UK, Turkey and Japan. Congrats on the page lots of good info on here.
Cheers 🙂
G´day mate! 🙂
Thank you so much! Wow, so cool that you are heading up here to the Arctic all the way from Australia! We actually studied in Brisbane and had the chance to see some of Australia. Love your country and really hope to be back soon! Will hopefully visit Perth some day.
The beginning of January is the perfect time to see the Northern Lights as the sun is below the horizon so it is dark day and night. Crossing my fingers that you will get clear sky so that you will be able to see this spectacular natural phenomenon.
Sounds like will have a killer trip to Norway, UK, Turkey, and Japan, almost an around-the-world-trip! WOW, lucky you! We have some guides on Japan too on our blog, please check them out if you want some tips on what to do and see in Japan.
Have an amazing trip!
Cheers,
Maria 🙂
hello,
a nice informative article, willing to visit in July this year but i hope the cost would not be very high for a 3 days stay.
Your informtions are much appreciated.
kind regards.
Jalal
Hi Jalal,
Thank you so much! Norway is a pretty expensive country. Accommodation and food, especially eating out, will probably be your highest expenses. There are, however, plenty of stuff you can do for free in Tromso, like hiking. You can for instance book an apartment and make some food on your own and save some money.
Have a great trip to Tromso in July, and enojoy the Midnight Sun!
-Maria-
Hello Maria,
I am going to visit my friend in Sweden from Japan and we are planing to visit Tromsø together to experience the natural phenomenon, midnight sun. I searched midnight hiking tours but they are too expensive. We are going to visit other places in Norway so I don’t want to spend much on one activity and want to do it on our own.
This site of yours is great! Thank you for the detailed info! It is so helpful 😊
Hi Satomi,
Thank you so much! Great to hear that you are coming to Tromso this summer! There are plenty of hikes around Tromso that you can easily do on your own, you don`t have to join an organized hiking tour with a guide.
Here are my favorite easy hikes in Tromso that you can do on your own: https://nerdnomads.com/hikes-in-tromso
Have an awesome trip to Norway with your friend, and enjoy hiking in the midnight sun in Tromso! 🙂
-Maria-
G’day Maria,
Thanks for the reply we’re really hoping to see the northern lights to but alsoto do the dogsledding also. I read your article on that too, sounds like fun. I had a quick look at the Japan stuff too but will have another read when we come to booking that part of our trip. Anyway hope you get to Perth one day, if you do be sure to check out the south west of WA around Margaret River/Yallingup region, awesome area but WA has lot of nice places. Travel safe. 🙂
Cheers,
SCOTT.
Hello Maria,
“Since the sun never rises above the horizon in Tromso from the 21st of November until the 21st of January, these are the best months to see the Northern Lights.”
-I was wondering if early March is still a good time for an Aurora trip? Would you say that November-January is better because there’s a higher chance of spotting Northern Lights/ be able to see Northern Lights all day?
Thanks,
CJ
Hi CJ,
Yes, March is still a very good time to see the Northern Lights in Tromso. March is a more pleasant time to visit Tromso than January, in my opinion, as the sun is shining during the day so it is warmer and nicer to do outdoor things during the day.
Have a great trip to Tromso!
-Maria-
Thank you for this fantastic information – it was exactly what I needed for planning my visit to Tromso. It’s just a shame I have to wait until January 2019.
Hi Emma,
Thank you so much!! January is a great month to visit Tromso, and you will have a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights. It might be cold in January, though, this January was very cold with temperatures around -15 degrees Celsius.
The popular Tromso International Filmfestival will be held 14. – 20. January 2019, with lots of people and things happening in Tromso.
Have a great trip to Tromso next year! It will be a great way to kick off the new year! 🙂
-Maria-
Hello Maria ,
Thanks a lot for your extensive Tromso guide and amazingly beautiful panaromic photos.
I will be visiting Norway (and Tromso) for the first time in mid July this year.
So i look forward to visiting your beautiful country 🙂
To be honest, it was a difficult decision for me to pick Tromso over Bergen 😀
But your hometown is beautiful and i am excited to explore it in my 2 days/3 nights there.
Marcus
PS : Since you like Bali, i hope you will visit Malaysia one day too (My country of birth)
Hi Marcus,
Thank you so much! Great to hear that you are going to Tromso in July! It is the perfect time to see the Midnight Sun, hope you get some good weather. I am soooo glad that you picked Tromso over Bergen, hehe. Bergen is fine too but has a lot of rain, and Tromso is more unique and has a more spectacular nature and climate being in the Arctic. And Bergen doesn`t have the Midnight Sun so it gets dark in the night there.
We have actually just been to Malaysia. Spent three weeks in Kuala Lumpur, and are now in Singapore. Love KL and Penang, and Malaysian food! Have unfortunately not been to the Perhentian Islands yet, would love to go there someday. Have also been to Cherating, although it was, unfortunately, raining all the time while we were there. Malaysia is such a beautiful country, one of my favorite in Asia.
Have an awesome trip to Tromso in July! We are heading back home at the end of July.
All the best,
Maria
Hi Maria
Thank you so much for your beautiful description of Tromsø which I intend to travel in mid September hoping to catch the northrpern lights.
I like to do a trip to Senja Island with rental car; however the website to the ferry lines seem to be not available. Is there another link .
Hi Sharon,
Thank you so much! Great to hear that you plan on visiting Tromsø in September!
So sorry about the links. Thanks for letting me know about the broken links! Really appreciate it! I have fixed them now.
If you are thinking about doing the drive out to Brensholmen (close to Sommarøy) and take the ferry across the fjord to Senja, the last day it operates is 2nd of September. So there will not be any ferries going from Brensholmen to Senja in mid-September when you are visiting I`m afraid.
So in mid-September, you will have to drive from Tromsø to Senja, with no ferries involved (there is a bridge over to Senja Island). The drive takes about three hours one way, and is beautiful with great fjord views.
Have a great trip to Tromsø and enjoy your drive to Senja! Crossing my fingers that you will get to see the northern lights!
-Maria-
Dear Maria,
Thank you so much for one of the most informative webpages about Tromso! I will be in your city for five days this July (16-21) and plan to do some at least moderate level of day hikes around Tromso. I am a little worried about hiking solo in the wilderness– for the risks of getting lost and/or injuried on the trail. Do you know if there is any local community (like meetups in the U.S.) where people gather for such hiking activities as a group?
Thank you very much!
Joy
Hi Joy,
Thank you so much! Great to hear that you are visiting Tromso in the middle of July! It is the perfect time to go hiking in Tromso!
Yes, there is an organization for people who like hiking, The Norwegian Trekking Association, that organize tours: https://troms.dnt.no. But unfortunately, they don´t seem to have planned any tours for the five days you will be in Tromso. You can send them an email and ask: [email protected]
A good friend of mine, Tore at Active Tromso, is doing great guided hiking trips in Tromso.
In my hiking in Tromso post, I list some easy hikes that you will have no problem hiking solo. These hiking trips are very popular so you will not be alone and you will meet people along the path that you can ask for direction or help if you need. The trails of the hikes that I list in this post are easy to find and follow, so you will not get lost.
Have an awesome time in Tromso, and enjoy your hiking!!
-Maria-
Hi Maria,
Your blog is amazing. It made me change my itinerary. I initially thought of staying in Tromso for just a night and staying the rest of the trip in Lofoten but reading your post and realizing there’s so much to do and see in Tromso, I will now be staying there for 3 nights (i know it’s still not enough) but traveling on a tight sched and tight budget. Hopefully i’d be able to meet the “queen” during my stay (end of september 2018).
Anyway, I am mentally doing a surgery turning all my fingers into thumb just so i could give you a ten thumbs up for writing this very informative blog. 🙂
thank you so much and cheers from philippines.
Hi Juvy!
Awwww, thank you soooo much for your great comment, you are awesome! You made my day with your nice words! 🙂
Wow, so happy to hear that I convinced you to stay longer in Tromso. Lofoten is great, but Tromso is amazing too! 🙂 You will love it!
So cool that you are from the Philippines, and travel all the way up to the North of Norway! I love the Philippines, although we have only been to Manilla, Boracay, and Puerto Galera. Your country is soooo beautiful and I can´t wait to see more of it!
Crossing my fingers that you will get nice weather Tromso and Lofoten in September, autumn usually has much nicer weather than the summer (June and July). Have an amazing trip to Tromso and Lofoten!!
All the best,
Maria
I am planning to travel to Tromso between 16-20Aug2018 with my family (wife and 9year old). Have to pretty much resort to public transport or bicycles, as I dont have a EU driving license to rent cars. Hoping I can get enough information to make the trip really worthwhile travelling across Tromso and not restricted to the city alone.
Hi Vijay,
Great to hear that you are going to Tromso in August with your family!
You should download the free app called “Troms Reise” where you can easily find routes, bus stops and when the bus departs. You should also download the free mobile app called “Troms Mobillett” to buy tickets for both buses and ferries/ express boats.
Tromso city is located on a small island (only 10 km long), so getting around the city and its surrounding areas by bus, bicycle, or walking is no problem at all. There are plenty of buses.
You can also easily get to Kvaloya and the mainland Tromsdalen by bus, bicycle, or walking, as these are connected to Tromso city by bridges.
If you want to get further out of the city and see some of the islands, a good option is to do a day-trip and take one of the many ferries/ express boats that leave from downtown of Tromso (the brand new harbour terminal where also the tourist information is located). A nice ferry trip is the one to Senja (express boat no. 4 to Lysnes) or to Skjervoy (express boat no.3) which you can easily do as a day-trip without a car. You will find the timetable for these boats in the app “Troms Reise”.
Have a great trip to Tromso in August!! Crossing my fingers that you will get nice weather! I hear from my friends and family back home that the summer so far has been extremely cold (around 7 degrees Celsius) and it has even been snowing in June! So bring warm, wind- and waterproof clothes.
-Maria-
Hi Maria
Glad to come across your bog..we(me, my wife and 2 teenage daughters) will be visiting Tromsø 8-11th aug…planning to see tromso for 1.5 days…one day to drive to Senja..that leaves one more day to figure …pls suggest some thing , either a hike or a drive
Rajkumar
We are based in hk
Hi Rajkumar,
Thank you so much!
If the weather is OK, I really recommend doing one of these hikes.
Most of these hikes are on the island Kvaloya where I`m from. A nice trip for you would be to drive over the bridge to Kvaloya and drive south to the island Sommaroy. It is a beautiful drive through several fjords and mountain areas. Two of these seven hikes are really close to Sommaroy (Ørnfløya and Hillesøytoppen). The drive to Sommaroy takes about 1 hour from downtown Tromso (one way). You can also do the hike to Nattmålstinden if you want as it is on your way to Sommaroy.
On your way out to Sommaroy, you should make a stop at Ersfjord and visit the cozy cafe Bryggejentene for some coffee, ice cream, and some delicious Norwegian cakes. The cafe is, however, closed on Sundays.
There is a great hotel at Sommaroy, Sommaroy Arctic Hotel if you want to spend the night there.
From Sommaroy there is a ferry over to Senja Island (you can drive onboard the ferry with your rental car). The ferry trip takes 35 min and has stunning views, I really recommend it! The ferry pier at Sommaroy is called Brensholmen and the pier at Senja Island is called Botnhamn. You can find the ferry schedule HERE.
I think a drive to Sommaroy with a stop at Ersfjord and a hike along the way (either Nattmålstinden, Ørnfløya or Hillesøytoppen) would be a great day-trip for you! You can end your day-trip to Sommaroy by taking the ferry over to Senja (the last ferry leaves at 20:45 on Monday – Thursday, 22:15 on Fridays, 19:00 on Saturdays, and 22:15 on Sundays), or spend the night at Sommaroy and take the ferry over to Senja the next morning.
Have a great trip to Tromso in August with your family! I`m sure you will have an amazing time! Love HK by the way! 🙂
-Maria-
Wonderful page on Tromsø and by far the best I’ve seen so far on the web. I’m visiting in Feb 2019 for 5 days and very excited. Your information has really helped me. Thank you very much for taking your time to list this information:)
Hi Damon,
Thanks a million! Really appreciate it! Wow, awesome that you will visit Tromsø in February! It is the perfect time to see the northern lights, and also the sun is back so you will have a bit of daylight during the day which is nice.
Crossing my fingers that you will see a lot of stunning northern lights dancing in the sky! Have a wonderful time in Tromsø in February! Thank you so much for commenting, you made my day! 🙂
-Maria-
Dear Maria,
first of all thank you a thousand times for this wonderful and outstanding article about Tromsø. Honestly by far the best I have read so far.
I will be there from the 12th to the 20th of October. Seeing the northern lights is on the very top of my bucket list. So I hope you cross your fingers for me that I will see them 🙂
I bought a new camera and I am looking forward to shoot some amazing pictures.
Besides chasing the northern lights I will plan my whole itinary according to your article and your tips 🙂 So hopefully I will be Dog Sledding, visit one or two of the museums, visit the Fjords and the beatiful islands nearby. I guess I will be pretty busy 🙂
I am really already so excited and can’t wait to experience the beautiful city of Tromsø.
So thank you again for this great article that makes my excitement even bigger
Cheers
Serkan
Hi Serkan,
Thank you soooo much for your nice words!! Really appreciate it! You totally made my day! 🙂
So happy to hear that my article about Tromsø could be of inspiration and help to you when planning your Tromsø-trip in October! I am crossing all my fingers and toes that you will see plenty of green and pink Northern Lights dancing in the sky.
I hope there will be snow in the middle of October so that you get the chance to go dog sledding. Normally we only get a little bit of snow in September/ October, but it usually disappears and then we don´t get snow again until November/December.
But you will have plenty of things to do even if there is no snow. Fishing is great here in Tromso in October. The fish is of good quality as the temperatures in the sea is lower than during the summer months. Also, you should drive out to Ersfjord (have a coffee and cake at Bryggejentene Cafe) and Sommaroy where the Northern Lights is even more spectacular as it is darker and not that many artificial lights like in the city of Tromso.
I`m sure you will love Tromso! Have a great trip!
All the best,
Maria
Thank you so much for all this info. I am visiting Tromso at the end of October and have arranged a three night Northern Lights tour and a day-time cruise. With your guide, I have made notes as to what I should see on land and suggestions for cafes and restaurants. Most useful ! Looking forward to the visit.
Hi AnnieBee,
Thank you so much! Wow, so cool that you are visiting Tromso in October! Happy to hear that our Tromso guide could be of help to you when planning your trip! With the three-night Northern Lights tour and a day-time cruise, you have covered two of the best highlights of Tromso.
Crossing my fingers that you will have nice weather, a clear sky, no rain, and see plenty of Northern Lights! We are in Tromso right now, visiting my parents, and the Northern Lights have been fantastic so far in September.
Have an awesome trip to Tromso at the end of October!
-Maria-
Hi! I am thinking of visiting Tromso in January – it’s my birthday and I’d like to experience the Northen lights as a present to myself 🙂
Do you think it is a good time to go? I imagine it will be super cold, but with the right clothes, will I still be able to wander around?
Thank you!
Giulia
Hi Giulia,
Wow, what a great birthday present to give to yourself! My birthday is in January too 🙂
Yes, January is a perfect month to see the Northern Lights in Tromso. The sun is coming back on the 21st of January, which we celebrate all over town, but the sun is only above the horizon for a few minutes each day so it is mostly dark outside. The sun is a couple of minutes longer above the horizon for every day until it is up all day and night (the midnight sun) from mid-May until mid-July. That it is so dark in January makes it easy to see the Northern Lights if the sky is clear. You can even see it from the downtown of the city surrounded by street lights and houses.
This year January was extremely cold in Tromso, with temperatures around -10 to -18 degrees Celsius every day. But the average temperatures in January is normally around -4 C, so not that cold. It is usually plenty of snow in Tromso in January. With warm, wind- and waterproof clothes and shoes you will be fine and will be able to wander around.
Have a fantastic trip to Tromso in January! Crossing all my fingers that you will see lots of Northern Lights on your birthday!
-Maria-
I have read your post without breathing.
Thanks a lot Maria ♥, you are a handsome and wonderful person, because you are sharing and you are thinking on other people. For sure we should follow your example in terms of travel tricks.
All this valuable information are really helpful and there are many info to know before our visit.
We are also coming late October and I’m hopping to see the Northern Lights and maybe also to see the whales on 28oct.
Regards from Romania!
Hi Madalina,
Thank you sooooo much for your nice words, Madalina!!! ♥ Really appreciate it, your comment made my day! 🙂
Lucky you who are heading to Tromso in October! Late October is perfect for seeing the Northern Lights! It is dark in the evenings and the average temperature is around +3 so it is not that cold yet. We don´t usually have snow yet, and the red, orange and yellow autumn colors on the trees are stunning! So October is a great month to visit Tromso. It has been plenty of Northern Lights here the last couple of weeks, so it looks promising for October as well.
Crossing my fingers that you will have a clear sky and get to see plenty of Northern Lights and whales! I have unfortunately not been to Romania yet, but it looks like a beautiful country with awesome medieval towns with beautiful churches and castles. Really hope to see the beautiful Bran Castle one day, where Dracula apparently lived! 🙂
Have an amazing trip to Tromso in late October!
All the best,
Maria
Hi Maria…
Thanks a billion for this great blog on Tromso. My husband and two sons have been to Oslo, Bergen and Alesund in September 2015 with another family of friends and all of us just loved Norway. We could only see a very faint Northern Light while we were in Alesund and from that time on, I really wish to see a real strong one. Although we have been to Lapland Finland and Iceland, we unfortunately could not still fullfill our wish. 🙂 Either the timing was wrong or we did not get clear skies.
I don’t know what time will bring, but if everything goes as planned, we are planning to visit Tromso sometime in 2019, probably and hopefully in February. I have started forming a Tromso documentation mostly based on your remarks and notes. No one knows a city better than a local, right? Plus, I have a feeling that this time, if we can make it to Tromso, we will see a strong Aurora Borealis. 🙂
If we can make this dream a reality, I will contact you again with specific questions…
Seeing and reading all the comments and your answers to all of them, I am sure that you will be giving me the most detailed and the most valuable information. I must say that I really appreciate your enthusiasm in what you do.
Take care and once again thank you for taking time to do what you do in the best way you can.
Hi Asude,
Thank you so much for your nice comment and words about our blog! It means a lot and really motivates me to keep on writing and helping people to travel!
Oh no, so sad to hear that you did not see the Northern Lights during your trip to Finland and Iceland, but third time’s the charm right? 😉 February is a great month for seeing the Northern Lights in Tromso. The sun has just returned so you will get some sun and light during the day while it is completely dark in the evenings and nights and the perfect conditions for Northern Lights watching.
You should book a Northern Lights tour by boat, car, or bus, as they will drive you around to the places where it is most likely that you will see it. They will drive you all night if that’s what it takes, sometimes all the way inland towards the border of Sweden and Finland. Viator has, for instance, some great Northern Lights Tour in Tromso, check them out here.
Crossing all my fingers and toes that you will see the Northern Lights this time! Don´t hesitate to send me an email or comment on the blog if you have any questions about Tromso and your trip.
All the best,
Maria
Hi Maria,
Chance upon your article while researching for our trip to Tromso. It very informative. Thank you!
We are planning to visit Tromso for 5days, arriving on 21st Nov. Beside joining the tour for aurora chase, we are interested in joining some snow activities such as snowshoeing, snow mobile or dog sledding. However, I have read somewhere saying that there may not have enough snow for such activities end Nov. Do you have any recommendations for places where we can participate in such activities near Tromso that is accessible via public transport?
We are also looking at making 1 to 2 day trip to area near Tromso. Given that we don’t drive, do you have any recommendations for day trip for end Nov period?
Thank you for your help!
Cheers!
Hi Claire,
Great to hear that you are heading to Tromso at the end of November! It is sadly no snow in Tromso right now, it is just raining a lot. There might be some snow by the 21st of November, but I don´t think it will be enough for snowmobile or dog sledding.
You can contact some of these dog sledding tour companies which are a part of Visit Lyngen (Lyngen is located further north of Tromso). They also have Snowmobile trips, but as you see they don´t start until the beginning of December (if there is any snow). They can probably pick you up in Tromso.
A nice option (since there is no snow), is to go on a whale safari trip.
As for day trips near Tromso without renting a car, I recommend:
– Ersfjord, a beautiful fjord on Kvaloya with the coziest cafe called Bryggejentene. It is surrounded by mountains where you can go hiking, or you can just go for a walk along the shore and admire the sea and mountain views.
Take the bus no. 425 from the bus stop Prostneset in downtown Tromso (next to the Tourist Information). Check the bus schedule here (in the Travel Planner, enter From: Tromsø Postneset, To: Ersfjordbotn Skole, and the date you want to go). I also recommend that you download the free app called “Troms Reise” where you can easily find routes, bus stops and when the bus departs. You should also download the free mobile app called “Troms Mobillett” to easily buy bus tickets.
– Senja Island, a big island with beautiful nature, beaches, and fjords.
Take the Express boat (no. 4) from downtown Tromso (it leaves from the brand new harbor building at Prostneset, where the Tourist Information is located) to Lysnes on Senja. The round-trip takes about 2 hours. The express boat no. 4 runs on Mondays and Wednesdays when it leaves from Tromsø at 07:10 and you are back in Tromsø at 09:05, and it leaves Tromsø again at 16:20 and is back in Tromsø at 18:15. On Fridays, it leaves from Tromsø 07:10 and you are back in Tromsø at 09:05 and 16:00 – 17:55. Sundays the boat leaves Tromsø at 20:20 and you are back at 22:20. I recommend that you take one of the morning boats as there is no sun in Tromso at the end of November (the sun is below the horizon until 21st of January). You will not see much if you go with the afternoon/ evening boats as it will be completely dark outside. The fare is NOK 260 and you can buy it onboard the boat or with the app “Troms Mobillett”.
– Skjærvøy Island, an island north of Tromso where you will see the famous Lyngen Alps on the way. Skjervøy also has a lot of whales so if you are lucky you can see whales “for free” from the express boat.
Take the express boat (no. 3) from downtown Tromsø it leaves from the brand new harbor building at Prostneset, where the Tourist Information is located) to Skjervøy. The boat runs on Tuesdays (Tromsø – Skjervøy – Tromsø 16:00 – 20:05), Thursdays (Tromsø – Skjervøy – Tromsø 16:00 – 20:15), Fridays (Tromsø – Skjervøy – Tromsø 18:10 – 23:20), and Sundays (Tromsø – Skjervøy -Tromsø 14:30 – 19:50). The round-trip fare is NOK 560 and you can buy tickets onboard or with the app “Troms Mobillett”.
Another option is to take the express boat no.3 to Skjervøy that departs from Tromso Tuesdays at 16:00 or Thursdays at 16:00 or Sunday at 14:30, and then the southbound Hurtigruten back from Skjervøy to Tromso. The Hurtigruten departs from Skjervøy at 19:45, and arrives in Tromso at 23:45.
Have a fantastic time in Tromso at the end of November! Crossing my fingers that you get clear sky and see tons of Northern Lights!
-Maria-
Hello Maria
Thanks for this wonderful article. This is exactly what I was looking for. There’s nothing better than a recommendation from someone local, so many things you won’t find in any guide book.
My wife and myself will travel to Tromsø during the first week of December with two goals in mind, the Northern Lights and Orcas 🙂 The first should be almost a given and the second one we hope for (we’re big wildlife fans). Of course, one can never predict nature. Would you recommend booking a tour for either of the two already well in advance or should it be easy to get upon arrival in Tromsø? Any particular operator you can recommend?
Many thanks beforehand
Greetings from Switzerland
Hi Marcel,
Thank you so much! 🙂
Great to hear that you are visiting Tromso at the beginning of December! It is the perfect time to see both the Northern Lights and Orcas.
Whale Tours
The last couple of years the whales have unfortunately not been coming into the fjords around Tromso. They have been hunting herring further north of Tromso, around Skjervoy Island and the Lyngen Alps. Whales were actually spotted around Skjervoy Island last week, so it should be possible to see some in December as well.
Here are two great Orcas tours that take you to the Skjervoy/ Lyngen area north of Tromso (they pick you up in downtown Tromso):
– Whale watching trip from Tromso to Skjervoy with bus and Rib-boat
– Whale watching trip from Tromso to Skjervoy and Lyngen with bus and a research ship where you learn about Orcas
Northern Light Tours
December is high season in Tromso with lots of tourists so it might be a good idea to book tours in advance, particularly if you are short on time and have some specific dates in mind. I recommend that you join a small group tour, and they can be fully booked. This small-group Aurora Hunt Tour is very popular and has some great guides! This tour also includes a hot meal and they make a bonfire for you which is nice as you usually get really cold when standing outside waiting for the Northern Lights to appear. 🙂
Have a fantastic trip to Tromso in December! Crossing all my fingers and toes that you will see both Northern Lights and Orcas. 🙂
-Maria-
What a great detailed guidance !! Amazing really. Many thanks.
I want to know that if we travel for 2 days in the 2nd week of November, What do you advice would be the best activities to do during the day & the night in 2-3 days… Thanks alot
Hi Salman,
Thank you so much!! Sorry for my late reply, you are probably arriving in Tromso in a few days.
Since we have no snow in Tromso yet, the best activities to do in my opinion are:
1. Join a Northern Lights Tour. I recommend that you join a small group tour. This small-group Aurora Hunt Tour is very popular and has some great guides! This tour also includes a hot meal and they make a bonfire for you which is nice as you usually get really cold when standing outside waiting for the Northern Lights to appear. 🙂
If there is no clear sky and you are not able to see the Northern Lights, or want to learn more about it, visit the Science Center and see the fantastic movie Extreme Aurora. The movie is shown every day at 14:00 (English version).
2. Take the cable car up to Floya Mountain (or walk up if you want some exercise and the weather is nice) and have a cup of coffee or tea and some food at the restaurant at the top.
3. On your way to or from the cable car, visit the Arctic Cathedral (it is located close to the cable car). The opening hours of the cathedral is 14.00 – 18.00.
4. Visit the Polar Museum to learn the history of Tromso or visit Polaria and see the seals and fish. The seal feeding times are 12.30 and 15.30 which is great fun.
5. Have a beer at Olhallen, Tromso’s oldest brewery Mack.
Have a wonderful time in Tromso next week! Hope you get nice weather and see plenty of Northern Lights!
-Maria-
Hi Maria,
Wonderful article!! Keep up the great job!
We will be visiting Tromso this coming Nov for 5 days. Would you be able to recommend 1 to 2 day trip from Tromso (doable via public transport)?
Thanks vm.
Cheers
Hi Jun,
Thank you so much!!
If you don´t plan on renting a car, I recommend these day trips from Tromso by public transport:
– Ersfjord, a beautiful fjord on Kvaloya with the coziest cafe called Bryggejentene. It is surrounded by mountains where you can go hiking, or you can just go for a walk along the shore and admire the sea and mountain views.
Take the bus no. 425 from the bus stop Prostneset in downtown Tromso (next to the Tourist Information). Check the bus schedule here (in the Travel Planner, enter From: Tromsø Postneset, To: Ersfjordbotn Skole, and the date you want to go). I also recommend that you download the free app called “Troms Reise” where you can easily find routes, bus stops and when the bus departs. You should also download the free mobile app called “Troms Mobillett” to easily buy bus tickets.
– Senja Island, a big island with beautiful nature, beaches, and fjords.
Take the Express boat (no. 4) from downtown Tromso (it leaves from the brand new harbor building at Prostneset, where the Tourist Information is located) to Lysnes on Senja. The round-trip takes about 2 hours. The express boat no. 4 runs on Mondays and Wednesdays when it leaves from Tromsø at 07:10 and you are back in Tromsø at 09:05, and it leaves Tromsø again at 16:20 and is back in Tromsø at 18:15. On Fridays, it leaves from Tromsø 07:10 and you are back in Tromsø at 09:05 and 16:00 – 17:55. Sundays the boat leaves Tromsø at 20:20 and you are back at 22:20. I recommend that you take one of the morning boats as there is no sun in Tromso at the end of November (the sun is below the horizon until 21st of January). You will not see much if you go with the afternoon/ evening boats as it will be completely dark outside. The fare is NOK 260 and you can buy it onboard the boat or with the app “Troms Mobillett”.
– Skjervoy Island, an island north of Tromso where you will see the famous Lyngen Alps on the way. Skjervøy also has a lot of whales so if you are lucky you can see whales “for free” from the express boat.
Take the express boat (no. 3) from downtown Tromsø it leaves from the brand new harbor building at Prostneset, where the Tourist Information is located) to Skjervøy. The boat runs on Tuesdays (Tromsø – Skjervøy – Tromsø 16:00 – 20:05), Thursdays (Tromsø – Skjervøy – Tromsø 16:00 – 20:15), Fridays (Tromsø – Skjervøy – Tromsø 18:10 – 23:20), and Sundays (Tromsø – Skjervøy -Tromsø 14:30 – 19:50). The round-trip fare is NOK 560 and you can buy tickets onboard or with the app “Troms Mobillett”.
Another option is to take the express boat no.3 to Skjervøy that departs from Tromso Tuesdays at 16:00 or Thursdays at 16:00 or Sunday at 14:30, and then the southbound Hurtigruten back from Skjervøy to Tromso. The Hurtigruten departs from Skjervøy at 19:45, and arrives in Tromso at 23:45.
Or you can join a Northern Lights Tour or a Whale Watching Tour to Skjervoy Island. Both these trips will take you out of the city.
Have a great time in Tromso! Hope you get to see Northern Lights!
-Maria-
I plan to go to Tromsø mid December before visiting my son in Germany during Christmas. Since it will be dark all day, how can I best experience the city besides the Northern Lihgts? Are the dog sled rides worth doing in the dark? Please let me know anything about visiting in mid December.
Hi John,
Great to hear that you are visiting Tromsø in mid-December! Even though the sun is below the horizon from mid-November until mid-January, it is not completely pitch dark outside. For a few hours during the middle of the day, from around 09 until around 13 o´clock, you will be able to see your surroundings.
Yes, dog sledding is absolutely worth doing in December even if it is no sun! The light is pretty special in the Arctic during the dark period, it is kind of bluish. Sorry, it is difficult to describe, you will see it yourself once you get there. 🙂
If you go dog sledding in the afternoon/evening and you are lucky and the sky is clear, you can even see spectacular Northern Lights dancing across the sky while you are standing on your dog sled, which is pretty magical. We did this dog sledding trip at the end of January when the sun had barely returned and it was only up a few minutes each day. So as you can see in the photos it is still pretty light outside even though there is no sun.
Besides Northern Lights tour and dog sledding, you can do fun activities like these in December:
– Cable Car to Floya Mountain
– Reindeer sledding and feeding
– Snowmobile trip
– Whale watching trip
– Cross-country skiing, off-piste skiing, or snowshoe walking in the mountains or in Lysloypa
– Fjord cruise and a fishing trip
– Ice climbing in the Lyngen Alps
– Visit Tromso Ice Domes
– Walk around the city and visit the Arctic Cathedral, Tromso Cathedral, Polar Museum, and Polaria (see the feeding of the seals)
Have a fantastic trip to Tromso in December!! Hope you get to see the Northern Lights!
-Maria-
Hi Maria,
You’ve made a great and detailed article, easy to read with wonderful pictures of Tromso and the surrounding.
We will be there, my daughter and I next week.
Thanks,
Phil
Hi Philippe,
Thank you so much! Awesome that you are coming to Tromso next week! We had some spectacular Northern Lights here in Tromso a couple of days ago, but it´s, unfortunately, cloudy and rainy today. Crossing my fingers that the sky will clear up until next week and that you will see plenty of Northern Lights!
Have a fantastic trip to Tromso next week with your daughter!
-Maria-
Hi Maria,
Thank you for this amazing blog. I have a question about Northern Lights : is it worth it to pay for a tour or do we have a chance to see some Northern Lights by ourselves ? We have a car, so we can reach to the best spots easily, do you have in mind a great spot to watch them by the way ?
Thank you in advance,
Marie
Hi Marie,
Thank you so much! Since you have a car, you can easily drive out of the city yourself to see the Northern Lights better. It is best to get out of the downtown of Tromso and away from the city lights, as the Northern Lights is stronger in the dark.
You can see our recommended places to see the Northern Lights by yourself HERE.
If the weather is bad, with overcast weather, it is not that easy to find the best areas for Northern Lights by yourself. You should check the weather forecast for different areas of Tromso and its surroundings and go to the area that has fewer clouds. The best app for the weather forecast in Norway is the YR App (or webpage Yr.no). You can download the free Yr App here:
– Android http://bit.ly/yr-weatherforecast
– iPhone http://bit.ly/yr-weather
Also, a good Northern Light forecast app is nice to have, like for instance this: Northern Lights forecast that you can download to your phone:
– Android: http://bit.ly/northernlightsforecast
– iPhone: http://bit.ly/aurora-forecast-no
If the weather is bad with cloudy weather, it might be a good idea to join a tour. They are skilled in finding the area where it is most likely that the Northern Lights will appear. They really haunt the Northern Lights and will drive you all over Northern Norway and sometimes across the border to Northern Finland in order to find the Northern Lights. So it really depends on the weather.
Have a fantastic trip to Tromso and hope you get to see the Northern Lights! 🙂
-Maria-
Hello,
Your blog is really interesting, thanks a lot for sharing.
Can you help me ?
I’ll be in Tromso this February, and I’m looking for whale-watching.
Is there a company better than another ?
I’m french, and on the Internet, a lot of bloggers recommand Green Gold of Norway, but you may have other recommendations ?
Thank you so much
Hi Emilie,
Thank you so much!
Unfortunately, the last couple of years the whales have not entered the fjords surrounding Tromso at all, they have been coming to the fjords further north of Tromso to feed on the fish herring. You can, of course, get really lucky and see a whale on a fjord cruise around Tromso, but it is very unlikely.
Your best option to see whales is to join a tour that takes you further north of Tromso, to the island Skjervoy.
I recommend this Whale Research Safari Tour to Skjervoy. It is an excellent full day tour where you will be transported to Skjervoy Island from Tromso City by a modern and comfortable bus (a 3,5-hour drive in total). The bus will pick you up at Scandic Ishavshotell in downtown Tromso in the morning. The drive north to Skjervoy is amazing in itself where you will get a guided sightseeing tour and see some stunning steep mountain and fjord views while you drive through the magnificent Lyngen Alps.
When you arrive on Skjervoy Island, you will step onboard a comfortable research ship with heated cabins and restrooms. Onboard the ship, you can sit back and relax and watch the whales, or you can be more active and assist the research team collecting behavioral observations, photo-identification, underwater footage, and vocal recordings of the whales. Totally up to you. You get the chance to learn about whales, their behaviors and why they behave like they do, from the whale researchers.
Food is also included in this tour. If the sky is clear, you can even see the Northern Lights dancing across the sky – a full jackpot of whales and Northern Lights! Can it get more perfect?! 🙂
Click here for information and the latest prices on the Whale Fjord Tour to Skjervoy
(pick option 2: Tour & Transport to Skjervøy unless you plan to rent a car and want to drive to Skjervøy on your own)
Have a fantastic trip to Tromso in February! Crossing my fingers that you get to see plenty of whales and Northern Lights!
-Maria-
Hi Maria,
Your blog make an amazing read and i feel silly that i have only 30 hours in Tromso. What would be your top recommendation for me to do. I am travelling solo in February 2019. Do you have a tour operator you could recommend for going and seeing the northern lights with?
Thank you for your guidance
Hi Joya,
Thank you so much! Awesome that you are visiting Tromso in February! 30 hours in Tromso is better than nothing though. 🙂
Since you are short on time, you should book a Northern Lights tour which will increase your chances of seeing it since they will take you to places where the odds are the best for a clear sky.
It depends on how you want to see the Northern Lights and what kind of activity you want to do while seeing it. Here are the ones I recommend and think are the best:
1. Northern Lights Tour by mini bus (the most common one) – Take you to the mountains, fjords, and valleys outside of Tromso
2. Northern Lights Photography Tour – If your aim is to take great shots of the Northern Lights
3. Northern Lights Dog Sledding Tour – If you like dogs and want to try out dog sledding, it is great fun!
4. Northern Lights Reindeer Feeding and Sledding Tour – Where you get to feed and go sledding with real reindeers
5. Northern Lights Sailing Tour – Where you get to see the fjords around Tromso at the same time as watching the Northern Lights
6. Northern Lights Snowshoeing Tour – Where you get to do some exercise and walk in the mountains that surrounds Tromso
7. Northern Lights Snowmobile Tour – If you like some speed and action, this is the tour for you
Have a great trip to Tromso in February! Crossing my fingers that you will get nice weather, a clear sky, and be able to see the Northern Lights!
-Maria-
Hi Maria! I found this article really impressive ! Thank you for it. I am planning to stay in tromso 3 days at the end of january. I am traveling on a lo budget plan (backpacker budget) My first plan is sight seeing the northern lights, I will be staying in Langsundvegen. Could you help me with some recommendations about what to do in those days?
Thank you so much and congratulations about it, do you have an Oslo travel guide?
Hi Oscar,
Thank you so much for your nice words about my guide to Tromso!
If you don´t want to/ don´t have the budget to join a Northern Lights Tour (even though I really recommend it), do you plan on renting a car? If not, your best options to see the Northern Lights is to head out of downtown Tromso:
1. Cable Car to Floya Mountain
Take the cable car up to Floya Mountain in the evening, like around 19/20 o`clock in the evening. Seeing the Northern Lights dancing above Tromso City is amazing! You can also walk around at the top of the mountain.
You can walk from Langsundvegen to the cable car, the walk takes about one hour.
2. Prestvannet Lake on top of Tromso Island
The closest area to Tromso City where you can get a bit away from the city lights is to walk, take a taxi or the bus to the top of Tromso Island. You can head to the lake Prestvannet on top of Tromso Island where there is a nice walking path where you can watch the Northern Lights. It takes about 45 min to walk to Prestvannet from Langsundvegen.
3. The beautiful Ersfjord
Just outside of Tromso, on the island Kvaloya (Whale Island), is the lovely fjord Ersfjord. This is a popular area to go to see the Northern Lights. Take bus no. 425 from Prostneset Bus Stop in downtown Tromso to Ersfjord. The bus ride takes about 30 min one way and cost 44 Nkr each way if you buy your bus ticket through the free app “Troms Mobillett”. You should also install the free app “Troms Reise” to get the bus schedules for Tromso and its surrounding areas.
4. Bukta Beach
On the south end of Tromso Island is the Bukta Beach. This is also a bit away from the city lights of Tromso and a nice place to see the Northern Lights.
If you are in Tromso between 14th and 20th of January, you should check out the famous and popular Tromso International Film Festival which is taking place here in Tromso. It is really great!
Have an awesome trip to Tromso at the end of January! Crossing my fingers that you will see plenty of Northern Lights!
-Maria-
Hello, I read midnight sun is from May – July. Is that true? I will travel to Norway and make a stop at Tromso.
Hi Sarah,
Yes, that is true. The midnight sun (the sun never sets and is up day and night) is from 20. May until 22. July in Tromso.
Have a great trip to Norway and enjoy beautiful Tromso!
-Maria-
Hi Maria, how’s the weather in March in Tromsø. Want to borrow a car. I’m just afraid, what is the weather. The road that are in excellent condition. In March could be the problem? Thank you Alena
Hi Alena,
There is normally lots of snow in Tromsø in March, but the roads are perfectly fine to drive on. When it snows, they clear the snow away immediately so it is usually no problem to drive. Your rental car will also have winter tires with spikes so you will be fine driving in Tromso in March.
We have lots and lots of snow right now here in Tromso, it is a lot more than usual for January, but there is still no problem driving. I drive every day. 🙂 It is very cold here right now, -18 C today, so that is a bigger problem as the cars freeze up and get covered in ice (the doors, windows, everything). But March is much better temperature-wise, it is warmer and the average low temperature in March is -5 C.
So don´t worry, you will be fine driving in Tromso in March. Have a great trip to Tromso!
-Maria-
Thanks for the tips. I will visit next summer. Cold is not for me. hahahah
Hehe, I dislike the cold too. 🙂 It can get pretty cold in Tromso in January and February. But because of the Golf Stream that gives us heated water, it never gets below around -18 C. It gets even colder inland and further north in Finnmark county, down to -50 C!
Summer is better temperature-wise, although it is usually only around 10-15 C in summer so not that warm. It is the Arctic so bring warm clothes even if you are visiting Tromso during summer.
Happy travels! 🙂
-Maria-
Hello Maria, thanks a lot for your work! Great website, lot of useful info about Tromso.
We’re going to visit Tromso on July, with tent.
We’ve been there 11 years ago, but only for a few ours (during Hurtigruten trip).
And we’ve felt in love with Tromso 🙂
Now we’re coming back! Hurrraa! 🙂
Thank you, your website will be our guide.
Hi Marzena,
Thank you so much for your nice comment! So happy to hear that you like our website and find our info on Tromso useful! Wow, awesome that you will be back in Tromso after eleven years and that you will go camping here! Yay! 🙂 Crossing my fingers that you will have nice weather and no rain so that you can fully enjoy the midnight sun.
Have a fantastic trip to Tromso in July! Don´t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
All the best,
Maria