Tromsø

Tromsø, Norway’s largest city within the Arctic Circle, is one of Scandinavia’s best winter destinations. This Arctic town offers a world of exciting activities, and it’s time to explore your options.

Chase the Northern Lights

Tromsø lies directly beneath the auroral oval, an area around the Northern Pole with the highest activity of the Aurora Borealis. This makes it a perfect destination for observing the Northern Lights, with the aurora season lasting from late September to late March. Sometimes, locals get lucky and witness this fabulous phenomenon while heading to work in the early morning.

But if you aren’t a local, you don’t have an eternity to wait for your lucky day. Take matters into your own hands and set out on an aurora chase. The tours usually start in the evening (from 6 PM), offering an escape from the city’s light pollution to more secluded places, such as Prestvannet Lake or Telegrafbukta Beach. You can even combine your aurora tour with other exciting winter activities, particularly snowmobiling.

But regardless of whether you’re venturing into the wild on your own or taking a guided tour, you want luck to be on your side. Since this is a natural phenomenon, witnessing the Northern Lights is by no means guaranteed. Make sure to check the aurora forecast in advance to get the highest probability of witnessing the beautiful Aurora Borealis.

In either case, Tromsø is one of Europe’s premier destinations for observing the Northern Lights. Why do we think that? You can learn about it in our blog article. Read more

Take a cable car to Storsteinen

Whether you’re visiting this town in summer or winter, one of the best things to do in Tromsø in any season is to take the Fjellheisen cable car. It takes just four minutes to transport you from the lowest station in Tromsdalen to the mountain ledge of Storsteinen, located 421 metres above sea level.

From the viewing platform, take in the breathtaking panorama of the city, surrounding mountains, islands, and the fjord. Alternatively, enjoy an aromatic coffee or a delicious dinner at the Fjellstua Restaurant, loved by tourists for its large, panoramic windows. What could be better than a savoury meal in such a picturesque place?

Storsteinen is also a starting point for multiple hikes, including a challenging route to the peak of Tromsdalstinden. This pyramid at the southern end of Tromsdalen Valley is a popular attraction among locals and tourists alike. On clear days, it offers spectacular views of the city and the surrounding nature.

Try exciting winter activities

In winter, this Arctic town becomes a genuine wonderland, offering a world of adventures. And it’s true: there are so many exciting things to do in Tromsø in winter!

Begin your holiday with a visit to one of the reindeer farms on the outskirts of Tromsø. It’s a perfect place to learn about the Sami people, the indigenous inhabitants of Northern Scandinavia, and their culture. At the farm, you can interact with these cute animals, feed them, and – before your trip ends – set out on a reindeer sledding tour.

If you are more of a dog person and prefer adrenaline-rush activities, visit a local husky farm. Dog sledding tours offer adventures in the Arctic wilderness at a faster pace, as energetic and enthusiastic huskies eagerly pull your sled across vast white plains and dense, snow-covered forests near Tromsø.

Snowmobiling offers another exciting way to traverse the expansive snowy plains near Tromsø. Alternatively, you may prefer to explore these vast Arctic landscapes at your own pace. Then, strap on a pair of snowshoes and head out on your adventure!

After all, Tromsø offers countless options for skiers of varying preferences and skill levels. Tromsø Alpinpark is the main resort for downhill skiing, with slopes suitable for every ski enthusiast’s ability. Additionally, you will find an extensive network of trails for cross-country skiing near the city, with mountain paths providing the most challenging experiences. Experienced skiers will also love ski touring, which allows them to explore the backcountry and discover the region’s hidden gems.

Now, you can see why the aficionados of winter adventures flock to Tromsø once it gets cold here.

Visit the Arctic Cathedral

The city’s most famous attraction is the iceberg-shaped Arctic Cathedral, which draws the attention of every visitor. This unorthodox religious building features a magnificent stained-glass mosaic that glitters when the sun shines directly through it. Designed by Victor Sparre, this artwork is one of Europe’s largest stained-glass mosaics.

Even if you are indifferent to religion, visiting and appreciating this architectural masterpiece is a must. You can attend a service on Sunday, a special event, or even a performance. This cathedral hosts regular music concerts that feature terrific sound, thanks to the building’s outstanding acoustics.

Explore the Arctic marine life at Polaria

Polaria in Tromsø, Norway. Credit: Mariusz Świtulski – stock.adobe.com.

Another highlight of Tromsø, Polaria is a unique aquarium that explores Arctic marine life. Housed in a modern architectural marvel, it features fascinating oceanic creatures, interactive exhibits, and a panoramic cinema.

As soon as you enter the building, head to see the star of the show – the playful bearded seals that seem to swim and dive all day long! Encounter other marine inhabitants, such as the giant Pacific octopus or wolffish with its spooky teeth.

This place abounds with interactive exhibits, the most prominent of which is the “Arctic Walkway.” It invites visitors on a simulated journey through the Arctic, providing them with an opportunity to learn about polar exploration, witness endemic animals, or even experience a permafrost tunnel. If you travel with kids, visiting Polaria must undoubtedly be on your list of the best things to do in Tromsø, Norway. They will love this place!

Travel to the Tromsø Ice Domes

Tamok Valley in autumn.

Tamok Valley, a beautiful, wild area within a 75-minute drive from Tromsø, is home to the Tromsø Ice Domes. As you can guess from the name, these domes are built completely of ice and feature a bar, restaurant, and hotel!

Join a guided tour and come to see these intricate ice sculptures. It is the perfect way to experience the magic of the Arctic, and the local guide will tell you about the construction process of these unique structures.

On-site, you can also learn about Sami culture and step foot in a traditional Sami lavvu (tent). And right here, you can set out on an exciting adventure of your choice (many of which we have discussed above) – from dog sledding and snowmobiling to cross-country skiing. The Tamok Valley, surrounded by dramatic mountains with snow-covered peaks, is the perfect place for these thrilling activities.

Set out on a fjord adventure

Norway is a land of fjords. But unlike the renowned fjords of Western Norway, the fjords around Tromsø are wider and surrounded by more modest, less dramatic peaks (or rather, slopes). Regardless of when you visit Tromsø, taking a fjord cruise is a must.

Take a scenic journey on the fjord and travel to the region’s picturesque corners, including the stunning island of Sommarøy. In the summer months, you can set out on a night cruise and enjoy the midnight sun. If you take a fjord trip in winter, you can combine it with a whale safari (the high season is in winter and early spring) and witness humpback and orca whales.

Or, after all, you can set sail on a fishing tour and attempt to catch a decent fish from the waters near Tromsø. Regardless of which option you choose, you are in for a truly spectacular fjord trip.

Visit the city’s fascinating museums

Polar Museum in Tromsø, Norway.

You wouldn’t expect museum-hopping to be one of the best things to do in Tromsø. But it is. This Arctic town boasts several fascinating museums. And if you are staying in Tromsø for more than a couple of days, make sure to check them out.

At the Polar Museum, you can learn about the history of polar exploration and the city’s role in those expeditions (hint: Tromsø was the starting point for many of them). The Tromsø University Museum provides a broader perspective on Northern Norway, touching on the subjects of the Sami people, archaeology, and even religious art.

Kids will love a visit to the Tromsø Science Centre, a fascinating interactive museum with exhibits on astronomy, physics, chemistry, and biology. At the MS Polstjerna, once a seal-hunting vessel, you can learn about the history of fishing and hunting in the Arctic. And the local art museum exhibits an impressive collection of Norwegian paintings and sculptures by artists from the northern regions.

Don’t rush. Take your time to explore these truly engrossing places in the city.

Take a trip to the Lyngen Alps

Glacial lake Blåisvatnet, nestled amidst the imposing Lyngen Alps near Tromsø.

The towering peaks of the Lyngen Alps adorn the landscape around Tromsø. So, why not venture outside the city and challenge yourself? Hiking in winter can be a harsh experience. However, if you happen to visit Tromsø in the summer, make sure to set out on a hike or two.

The variety of hikes in the Lyngen Alps is simply mind-blowing. If your fitness isn’t too good, you can try easier trails, such as the short Lyngstuva hike (perfect for families). With better physical form, you can hike to the beautiful Steindalsbreen Glacier or the peak of Mount Rørnestinden.

And the absolute daredevils can embark on challenging adventures to the peaks of Jiekkevarri (the region’s most photographed mountain) and Fastdalstinden (the highest peak in the Lyngen Alps).

Our favorite adventure is the hike to the stunning Blåisvatnet (the Blue Lake), surrounded by towering peaks. This secluded lake is remote; nevertheless, the hike is relatively easy and suitable for people of all ages and abilities.

Explore the city’s hidden corners

Before you leave this Arctic town, make sure to explore its unique places beyond the typical tourist spots. Visit one of the local cafes for a cup of aromatic coffee, or a local bar for a pint of beer. Also, check out the local markets for unique souvenirs, handicrafts, and local delicacies.

Venture beyond the city to explore the picturesque places nearby. Visit Telegrafbukta Beach, popular among locals for picnics and swimming (this one is only for the bravest!). Or extend your journey further into the scenic islands of Sommarøy, Kvaløya, and Senja. Tromsø is the gateway to the Arctic, and you can choose it as your base for further exploration of the northern region.

Getting around

Often referred to as “Norway’s northern capital,” Tromsø is well connected to the rest of the country. The local airport is located within the city limits, and it takes about 10 to 12 minutes to drive to the city center by car. If you don’t drive, take the Airport Express Coach, which brings passengers to and from the airport.

It is fairly easy to get around Tromsø, even in winter. The city is walkable and boasts a well-oiled bus system that operates from early morning to late evening. In addition, night buses run on weekends, primarily in the central part of the city. Taxis are readily available, but you can expect steep — traditionally Norwegian — prices.

Ferries connect the main island of Tromsøya with other nearby islands, particularly Kvaløya and Sommarøy. Tromsø also boasts a growing network of cycling lanes, making it perfect for exploring the city and the surrounding areas on two wheels. Several companies offer bike rentals in Tromsø, providing a smooth and enjoyable experience.