tromso tour guide

THE 10 BEST Tromso Tours & Excursions

Tromso tours.

• Sightseeing Tours
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• Up to 1 hour
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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Aurora Hunt Tour with Citizen Science from Tromso - Professional Photos Included

2. Reindeer visit, and Sami Culture Including Lunch from Tromso

3. Half Day Arctic Fjord Cruise from Tromso

4. Aurora Chase with professional photographers (Northern Lights)

5. Northern Lights Chase

6. Arctic Nature Tour from Tromsø by minibus

7. Reindeer Sledding Experience and Sami Culture Tour from Tromso

8. Arctic Fjordcruise & Safari in Tromso with Luxury Catamaran

9. Night Reindeer Sledding with Camp Dinner and Chance of Northern Lights

10. Husky Sledding Self-Drive Adventure in Tromso

11. Sami Culture and Short Reindeer Sledding from Tromso

12. Northern Lights Minibus Chase from Tromso

13. Reindeer Camp Dinner with Chance of Northern Lights in Tromso

14. Northern Lights Tour from Tromsø

15. Tromso Luxury Sailing Yacht Polar Fjord Cruise with Lunch

16. Electric Northern Lights Cruise

17. Small-group Arctic Landscapes Sightseeing - With Citizen Science - From Tromso

18. Aurora Cuisine Cruise

19. Half-Day Fishing & Fjord Cruise Adventure from Tromsø in Norway

20. Northern Lights Small-Group Tour from Tromso, Including Photography Tips

21. Small-group Snowshoeing Tour from Tromso

22. Northern Lights tour - All inclusive - Northern Horizon

23. Cross-Country Ski Lesson for Beginners in Tromso

24. Northern Lights Husky Visit

25. Fjord Photo Tour

26. Fjord Cruise Expedition with Dinner,Tromso

27. Tour of the authentic fjords of Kvaløya to Sommarøy

28. Fjord & History Cruise

29. Fjord Sightseeing - Eco friendly Tesla Model X

30. Marianne’s Heaven On Earth Aurora Chaser Tours

What travelers are saying.

• Northern Lights Big Bus Chase
• Aurora Hunt Tour with Citizen Science from Tromso - Professional Photos Included
• Reindeer visit, and Sami Culture Including Lunch from Tromso
• Half Day Arctic Fjord Cruise from Tromso
• Northern Lights Chase
• Greenlander
• Northern Horizon
• The Green Adventure
• Chasing Lights
• Arctic Photo Guide
• Kvaløya Husky
• Tromso Flexitour
• Creative Vacations
• Northern Soul Adventures
• Arctic Experience Tromso
• Wandering Owl
• Enjoy the Arctic
• Arctic Explorers Tromso

10 Best Tours in Tromso, Norway in 2024

Home | Travel | Europe | Norway | Tromso | 10 Best Tours in Tromso, Norway in 2024

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Taking a Tromso tour is an easy way to explore this Norwegian city. Located 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle, Tromso is surrounded by islands, fjords, and the sea, so there are lots of things to see and do in the area.

It probably comes as no surprise that Northern Lights tours from Tromso are some of the most popular tours, particularly since Tromso is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in the world . Many tourists visit Tromso in order to catch a glimpse of the dancing aurora in the sky.

Of course, you’ll also find plenty of other Tromsø tour options. Whether you want to make friends with huskies, visit the nearby fjords, or go snowmobiling, there are excursions in Tromso that will match your interests. Keep reading to find out the best guided tours in Tromso to see wildlife, discover the area’s beautiful natural landscapes, embark on sporty adventures, and more.

10 best tours in Tromso

If you’re looking for things to do in Tromso , you won’t be disappointed. The city offers a wide variety of tours of many different types. In order to help you find the top ones, I’ve narrowed down the list to the 10 best tours in Tromso:

• Northern Lights tour
• Whale watching tour
• Fjord and wildlife tour
• Reindeer tour
• Midnight cruise
• Arctic nature tour
• Snowmobile tour
• Snowshoeing tour
• Tromso Ice Domes tour

1. Northern Lights tour , the most popular Tromso tour

If you visit Tromso in winter, you’ll most likely be coming to see the Northern Lights in Norway . Book this all-inclusive tour , and give yourself the best possible chance of seeing the aurora up close.

A minibus will pick you up from downtown Tromso and transport you far from the light pollution of the city center. Your guide will explain the science behind the aurora and share some local myths and stories.

As you’re scanning the skies for the Northern Lights, you’ll be able to cozy up around a bonfire and have some hotdogs, soup, marshmallows, and hot drinks, although the thermal suits provided to you on the tour should already keep you quite warm.

If you’re able to see the aurora, your guide will take portraits of you and the group and offer any advice you might need for taking your own photos. You can even borrow a tripod if you need one.

• Highlights : Aurora hunting with guide, hot drinks and snacks cooked over a campfire, personal aurora photos, transportation to and from Tromso
• Duration : 7 hours
• Number of participants : 21
• Price : $151+

We also have an article on the best Northern Lights tours in Tromso if you want to look at other options .

2. Whale Safari , the best Tromso tour

Booking a whale watching tour is a popular activity to do from November to early February, which is whale watching season in Tromso. This fjord cruise and whale safari boat tour is one of the best Tromso whale watching tours because, in addition to spotting marine wildlife, you get to admire the natural landscapes around Tromso.

As you sail through the fjords on a catamaran, a guide will explain all about local fishing culture and the local natural environment. You’ll also be able to watch presentations on whales and Arctic wildlife.

If you get lucky enough to spot any whales or orcas, you can take photos from the indoor or outdoor viewing decks while staying snug in the provided thermal winter suits. Hot coffee, tea, and biscuits are available for when you start to get a little hungry or thirsty.

• Highlights : Humpback whales, dolphins, orcas, porpoises; hot coffee, tea, and biscuits; transportation to and from Tromso
• Number of participants : 12/30/144 (depends on the size of boat)
• Price : $155+

Our article on the best whale watching tours in Tromso has plenty of other options if you need them .

3. Husky Dog Sledding Adventure , a great Tromso tour

Are you a dog lover who wants to make some new canine friends? Join this self-drive husky sledding tour , one of the best Tromso husky tours , and go on an exciting sledding adventure.

A minibus will pick you up from downtown Tromso and drive you to the husky kennel on the nearby island of Kvaløya. After you’ve suited up in the provided winter gear, which includes thermal suits, boots, socks, hats, and mittens, you’ll get to meet the huskies.

Before you embark on your sledding trip, your guide will provide a quick demonstration and then you’ll be taken to your sled and dog team. As you set off on the trail, with the chance to switch between being a passenger and a driver, the guide will accompany you along the way.

When you arrive back at the kennel, you’ll finish up your adventure with hot drinks and chocolate cake inside a Sami lavvo with a warm fireplace.

• Highlights : Self-drive husky sledding, meeting huskies, hot drinks and chocolate cake, transportation to and from Tromso
• Duration : 4 hours
• Number of participants : 16
• Price : $210+

4. Wildlife and Bird Fjord Cruise , one of the best excursions in Tromso

See Tromso and the surrounding area from a new perspective on this all-inclusive wildlife and bird fjord cruise . Admire the fjords and mountains as you sail on the Arctic Sea and keep an eye out for marine wildlife, such as puffins, seals, sea eagles, and otters.

As part of this Tromso boat tour , you’ll enjoy drinks, snacks, and a fish lunch. You can either stay inside the heated cabin or wrap up in one of the insulated bodysuits that are provided and head outside onto the deck. If you’re lucky, you may just see pilot whales and dolphins in the water and reindeer on the coast.

• Highlights : Wildlife spotting boat cruise; views of the fjords and mountains; beverages, snacks, and lunch; transportation to and from Tromso
• Duration : 5 hours
• Number of participants : 30
• Price : $142+

5. Reindeer Sledding with a Sami Guide , one of the most popular tours in Tromso

This Tromso reindeer tour is more than just a touristy meet-and-greet. Reindeer herding is an important part of Sami (an indigenous Scandinavian people) culture, so beyond personal interactions with these majestic animals, this reindeer sledding and feeding tour offers a valuable opportunity to learn more about the Sami way of life.

You’ll drive from the center of Tromso to the seaside reindeer camp, where your guide will take you on a snowy trek in a reindeer-pulled sled. When you arrive back at the camp, you’ll get the chance to see the reindeer up close and feed them lunch. Once you’ve had your fill of reindeer fun, head inside a lavvo (Sami tent) for a traditional meal.

As you’re circled around a campfire and enjoying coffee and snacks, your Sami guide will share stories and talk about Sami culture before singing some joiks (Sami songs).

• Highlights : Reindeer sledding and feeding; Sami storytelling; lunch, coffee, and snacks; transportation to and from Tromso
• Number of participants : 100
• Price : $152+

6. Midnight Cruise , one of the best Tromso tours

If you visit Tromso in summer , there’s no way you’ll be able to miss seeing the midnight sun, since it’s pretty impossible to overlook 24 hours of daylight. Still, why not bask in the sun on a Tromso boat tour ?

On this midnight cruise tour , you’ll journey through the fjords while enjoying views of mountains and a gorgeous, multi-colored sky along the way. You may even luck out and catch sight of sea eagles, eider ducks, or guillemots. Pick a spot in the heated indoor lounge or outside on the boat deck and help yourself to some hot drinks and snacks to stay energized.

• Highlights : Midnight sun boat cruise, drinks and snacks, transportation to and from Tromso
• Duration : 3 hours
• Number of participants : 25

7. Arctic Nature Tour , the best Tromso sightseeing tour

Explore the area around Tromso and see everything from stunning fjords and towering mountains to expansive beaches and quaint villages on this Arctic nature tour .

As part of this small-group Tromso fjord tour that’s limited to 15 people, your guide will show you the most scenic spots in Northern Norway and give you enough time to walk around and snap as many pictures as you’d like. You can even borrow a tripod to take your photos to the next level.

When it’s time for lunch, settle in and enjoy hot beverages, a sandwich, and cookies. Your guide will take plenty of pictures of you and the group to keep as mementos of your trip, and, best of all, at the end of the tour, you’ll get dropped off at your accommodation in Tromso.

• Highlights : Fjords, mountains, beaches, villages; sandwich, cookies, and hot beverages; transportation to and from Tromso with drop-off at your accommodation
• Number of participants : 15
• Price : $131+

8. Snowmobile Safari in the Lyngen Alps , the best Tromso snowmobile tour

If you’re in the mood for adventure, there’s nothing like this snowmobile safari in the Lyngen Alps . Not only will you have the chance to see amazing alpine scenery on this Tromsø tour , but you’ll also get to learn about Norwegian folklore and trolls.

You’ll take a bus from Tromso to Breivikeidet, where you’ll then catch a ferry to Svensby (the ferry ticket is included in the price of the tour). After you arrive at base camp, your guide will demonstrate how to use a snowmobile before you hop on for an exhilarating ride. Don’t forget to take pictures along the way!

When you return to base camp, you’ll be served a hot meal before you head back to Tromso.

• Highlights : Snowmobile tour of the Lyngen Alps; warm gear; hot lunch, hot beverages, and snack; transportation to and from Tromso
• Duration : 5 to 6.5 hours
• Number of participants : 20
• Price : $215+

9. Snowshoeing Tour , the best Tromso winter tour

Once it snows, it’s pretty difficult to go hiking in Tromso without snowshoes. There’s no need to let that stop you, though, especially if you take this small-group snowshoeing tour .

Head to the countryside and hike up a small, manageable mountain in snowshoes (or in just boots if there’s no snow). Enjoy the sweeping views and be on the lookout for hares, reindeer, eagles, and other wildlife.

Your Tromso tour guide will take photos of you on the hike, so you’ll never forget your sweaty trek to the top of a mountain in Norway! Once you reach the summit, recharge with a sandwich, pastry, and a hot drink before you head back down. This is definitely one of the best things to do in Tromso in winter .

• Highlights : Snowshoe hiking tour; souvenir photos; backpack with a homemade sandwich; pastry, water, and hot drinks; transportation to and from Tromso
• Number of participants : 8
• Price : $125+

10. Ice Domes with Overnight Stay , the best Tromso tour package

If you had a look at the best hotels in Tromso city center and want something a little different, stay in an ice igloo and enjoy private tours and meals with this Ice Domes overnight stay and tour package .

Not many Tromso tour packages include a private guided tour of the Tromso Ice Domes as well as a private snowshoe hunt for the Northern Lights. On top of that, this Tromso excursion includes a free drink at the Ice Domes’ ice bar and a warm dinner cooked over a campfire.

After a busy day of exploring, you’ll settle into your double room made of ice and snow and snuggle up under a reindeer skin. The next morning, you’ll be treated to a hearty breakfast and lunch before you’re transported back to Tromso.

• Highlights : Guided tour of the Tromso Ice Domes; snowshoe hunt for the Northern Lights; accommodation at Tromso Ice Domes; breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a drink at the ice bar; transportation to and from Tromso
• Duration : 1 day
• Number of participants : 2
• Price : $1,420+

We have a guide on where to stay in Tromso , but if you’re searching for the best Northern Lights hotels in Norway , take a look at our guide.

I hope you’ve found a Tromso tour or two to book for the next time you visit Tromso. Any of the tours in Tromso above are worth doing, and whichever one you decide to take, I’m sure you’ll enjoy exploring and learning more about the area.

Enjoy your time in Tromso!

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Tromsø: Things To Do, Tours & Secret Locals’ Tips

Tromsø , the lively and wonderful “Capital of the Arctic” : a town perched on an island scenically set in the middle of a strait surrounded by steep mountains, islands with dramatic landscapes and the Arctic Ocean . In this guide – written by a local – you will find all the best tips on the best things to do in Tromsø , the best places to visit, the attractions you can’t miss!

If you are planning your trip to Tromsø and Northern Norway , then here you will find everything you need, explained in depth and in an easy way. Tromsø is a beautiful city, with nice museums and excellent restaurants and hotels, but those who visit Tromsø do it for the many activities you can do in the surrounding area!

Visiting Tromsø in winter will allow you to enjoy all those outdoor tours and activities that make it a one-of-a-kind destination: Northern Lights , Whale Watching , Fjord Cruises , Dog Sledding , Reindeer Sledding and much more! In summer , Tromsø and its surroundings are the perfect place for boat trips, road trips, nature walks and to admire the impressive Midnight Sun . Whatever the season, you will find all the advice you need on the best activities and how to choose the best tours from Tromsø.

What you will find in this guide to visiting Tromsø:

Best Things to Do in Tromsø

Tromsø museums, attractions & places to visit, best things to do in tromsø in winter (roughly october to march), best things to do in tromsø in summer (roughly april to september), day trips from tromsø, how to get to tromsø, tromsø sunrise and sunset calendar (month by month), faqs about visiting tromsø, chasing the northern lights in tromsø.

The Northern Lights are one of the most beautiful things you could see in your life. Magic lights dancing in the sky, in soft shades of greenish-yellow, purple and blue. When I lived in Tromsø , I loved to go to the woods, to the edge of the fjords or to the huts in the mountains, and spend time contemplating the beauty, the magnificence, the peace of the Northern Lights.

Tromsø is one of the most famous places in the world to see the Northern Lights . From September to April you can chase them every night, especially between 9pm and 2am, which are usually the best hours.

Actually, the area around Tromsø is good for seeing the Northern Lights , but it’s not the best. This is essentially due to two reasons: it is a fairly large town, so the street lights make it more difficult to get a decent view (and photograph) of the Northern Lights, and it is located on the ocean, which often makes its sky cloudy, preventing you from seeing the Northern Lights.

This is why, if you want to see the best Northern Lights , you will need to go to the most remote areas around Tromsø , along the fjords or in the forests, to the inland mountains or to the most remote islands, away from the city lights. The further inland you go, the higher your chances of getting clear skies . Along the coast it is quite common to have cloudy skies, which obstruct the view of the Northern Lights.

In Tromsø there are some specialized operators who offer excellent Northern Lights Tours : these are local guides with a long experience, they are often expert photographers and have a deep knowledge of the territory, the Northern Lights, the Arctic environment and the local culture.

They will allow you to see the best Northern Lights, as they have the most up-to-date and sophisticated information from observatories and meteorologists, as well as a communication network that allows guides to receive information on the areas with the most favorable weather to see the Northern Lights . Not infrequently, tours go beyond the Finnish border to allow you to see them. You may have to travel 300 km before you can spot them, but when you see them, every effort will be well rewarded.

Below you will find a curated selection of the BEST Northern Lights tours in Tromsø , offered by top specialist operators, boasting expert local guides and decades of honorable service. But be warned, this is by far the most popular thing to do in Tromsø, so it is highly advisable to book well in advance !

Northern Lights Tour from Tromsø with an Expert Local Guide

The most popular thing to do in Tromsø is join one of the Northern Lights Tours which every night – roughly from mid-September to early April – allow travelers, photographers and enthusiasts to chase the best and most beautiful Northern Lights.

This is the most classic option: it is a guided tour held in small groups and led by 1-2 experienced licensed guides and an experienced local driver. A minibus will pick you up in Tromsø city center (usually near the harbor) and take you to some scenic spots around Tromsø where the chance to spot the Northern Lights is highest. These change from night to night depending on the weather conditions: guides have experience, skills and tools to identify the best areas.

Sometimes, if the area around Tromsø isn’t good enough to see the Northern Lights, guides will take you to the heart of Finnish Lapland or some remote inland areas. Guides will do their best to allow you to see the best Northern Lights, which you might not otherwise be able to see without their help.

Northern Lights Tours usually last 7-8 hours , depending on the weather conditions and the time needed to reach the most suitable areas for sighting the Northern Lights. The guides will be able to help you take pictures and set up your camera correctly. Usually they too will take some pictures of you with the Northern Lights, which will be sent to you after a few hours!

You will also be able to benefit from special suits and thermal equipment , designed to keep you warm during the activity, and you can borrow one of their professional photo tripods for free to take your photos. You will usually spend a few hours outdoors, around a bonfire, waiting for the Northern Lights. In the meantime, your guides will tell you stories, legends and will be happy to answer all your questions about the Northern Lights and local culture. At the end of the tour they will take you back to Tromsø. This is arguably the safest , most affordable and carefree way to spot the Northern Lights in Tromsø , but it’s also the most popular, so book early!

An excellent alternative, especially if you want to hone your Northern Lights photography skills , is the Northern Lights Tour with Photographer . Other good and cheaper alternatives could be this , this and this .

Tromsø Northern Lights Photo Cruise

If you want a more relaxed experience, then you could opt for a Tromsø Northern Lights Photo Cruise : a night boat ride through the scenic fjords around Tromsø. Depending on the weather report the captain will choose the best route to get clear skies and the highest chance of seeing the Northern Lights .

You will be able to enjoy a relaxed chase of the Northern Lights, enjoying a peaceful cruise (hot drinks, biscuits and thermal winter suits are provided for free) and relaxing under the stars, in the amazing outdoor jacuzzi or in the sauna located on the deck of the ship. And when the captain spots the Northern Lights , he will slow down the boat, slowly drifting along with the current. So that you can fully enjoy the Northern Lights dance, and snap photos.

Dog Sledding Experiences in Tromsø

Dog sledding is one of the most popular activities in Northern Norway – locals love it, and in the area around Tromsø there are several husky farms that offer the chance to meet these adorable dogs and experience the exciting dog sledding experience .

By participating in a Husky Dog Sledding Adventure , expert local guides will pick you up in Tromsø and take you to a nearby husky farm located on the island of Kvaløya . Here you can meet over 130 adorable Alaskan huskies . You will learn a lot about dog sledding and the discipline of dog mushing , which in Norway is a kind of national sport.

The best time for dog sledding in Tromsø is between November and early April , when there is still enough snow. Dog sledding is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Tromsø, so make sure you don’t miss it! No skills are required , so you can participate even if it’s your first time! Furthermore, it is a family-friendly activity , although recommended for kids over 7 years old.

Each sled requires two people: one is the musher , the one who commands the sled and the team of dogs, the other is the passenger . Halfway through the route, we usually switch roles, so that both can experience the thrill of driving a dog sled! However, if you are traveling with the kids, you can choose to ride the dog sled all the way, while the kids can enjoy the experience as a passenger, which is just as beautiful and exciting!

You will be able to pamper dogs and find out about their personality. For dogs, dog sledding is a fun activity, and each dog has its own personality and natural role within the team. After meeting your team, usually made up of 6-8 specially trained dogs , you can set off on your dog sledding adventure through breathtaking snowy valleys.

In approximately 1.5 hours you will reach a Sami camp , where you will be welcomed into a lavvu , the traditional tent of the Sami people, the natives of Lapland . Here you can enjoy a hot drink and a delicious piece of homemade cake. You will spend time with the locals, sitting around the cozy fireplace, and it will be a good opportunity to learn more about the Sami and the peoples of Northern Norway . The tour includes round-trip transport, an English-speaking guide, and all necessary equipment, including warm arctic suits and boots.

For a truly unforgettable experience , you could opt for a Dogsledding Evening at Camp Tamok . Locals love the evening dog sledding. Sure, you won’t be able to enjoy the fabulous daytime landscapes, but you may well spot the Northern Lights if you’re lucky enough. In fact, daytime and evening dogsledding are two very different experiences, and both are very beautiful. If you have the chance, I recommend you try them both!

Tromsø Fjord Cruises

Another must-do in Tromsø is a nice fjord cruise , which will allow you to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the fjords and islands around Tromsø . You will sail in the dramatic scenery of the Arctic Ocean, between landscapes covered with snow and ice and scenic sounds, narrow and islets dotted with tiny fishing villages.

Tromsø Fjord Cruises are held all year round , in winter you can enjoy the magical snowy landscape, while in summer you can enjoy the stunning views of the green islands dominated by steep and peaky mountains, as well as spot a large number of seabirds, such as eagles , puffins and seals !

Tromsø Wildlife Fjord Cruise with Lunch and Drinks

One of the most popular things to do in Tromsø is the Wildlife Fjord Cruise with Lunch and Drinks . You will enjoy a 5-hour cruise on the Arctic Ocean , explore the most beautiful fjords around Tromsø and see some of the main attractions along the coast, such as fishing villages and even a submarine bunker from the Cold War.

This is a relaxed and family-friendly activity . The guides will allow you to discover many interesting things about the geography of Northern Norway and the local wildlife and culture. You can try your hand at fishing (gear provided free) and spotting sea eagles and many other sea birds, as well as killer whales , beluga whales , porpoises , seals and more. You can also relax with a good lunch , based on local seafood.

Tromsø Arctic Fjord Cruise by Hybrid-Electric Catamaran

Another great fjord cruise around Tromsø is the Arctic Fjord Cruise by Hybrid-Electric Catamaran . It is similar to the previous one, but does not include lunch on board and is more suitable for those who want a more ethical and green experience , as the boat tour is mainly designed for the sighting of arctic fauna , sea birds and local culture .

The tour is held with a hybrid-electric catamaran , which allows you to switch to the silent engine in the vicinity of whales or other animals, so as not to scare them. No fishing activities are planned, while you will visit some authentic small fishing villages , some active fisheries and modern fish farms and some ancient island communities on the outside of Kvaløya , the island also known as “Whale Island” . Here you can get in touch with the local culture, and learn more about life in Northern Norway.

Tromsø Arctic Sailing Safari

This will be an experience you will love! The Tromsø Arctic Sailing Safari is the most immersive fjord cruise around Tromsø , lasting around 5 hours and only held in small groups. You will set sail on a sailing catamaran and your licensed professional skipper will take you through some of the most scenic fjords around Tromsø .

Along the way you will be able to see seals , orcas , eagles and other sea birds . You will cross excellent fishing areas , and you will be able to try your hand at Arctic fishing . They will provide you with everything you need, including thermal gear that will keep you warm. You will be able to try to catch some fish, which will be used to make a delicious fish soup . On the way back you will enjoy a good lunch based mainly on the catch of the day, served in the warmth of the catamaran cabin.

Whale watching in Tromsø and Skjervøy

The more remote fjords around Tromsø are one of the best places in the world for whale watching . Between early November and early February , hundreds of cetaceans arrive in the calm waters north and northeast of Tromsø, attracted by the abundance of herring and plankton they feed on.

Until about ten years ago, whales were easily spotted in the vicinity of Tromsø , so much so that the large island just north of the city is called Kvaløya , which means Whale Island . Now, due to climate change and increased maritime traffic around Tromsø, whales have moved to some more remote areas, especially near the small fishing village of Skjervøy , located about 200km northeast of Tromsø.

Excellent whale watching tours by hybrid-electric catamaran depart from Tromsø , lasting around 8-9 hours . These tours are carried out with a specially designed boat : when the boat is close enough to the whales, the captain switches to a super-silent electric engine , so as to allow you to spot whales in an ethical and sustainable way .

The whales will not be disturbed or frightened by the boat, so they will continue to swim and feed, allowing you to see them at their best. The crews are highly experienced and specially trained , have tools to locate whales and know the best areas to go. So the chances of spotting whales on a tour are very high. Make sure you bring your camera!

For an even better experience , you might want to check out the exciting RIB Boat Whale Watching Tour on Skjervøy . Expert guides will take you to the beautiful island of Skjervøy , set in a breathtaking landscape, on one of the most remote fjords in Northern Norway , surrounded by uninhabited islands covered with high mountains and glaciers.

The RIB Boat allows a small group to explore the more remote areas of the fjord, a perfect place for whale watching . The small boat, unlike the large ones used for classic tours, will allow you to get closer to the cetacean colonies, which are not stressed by small boats.

Arctic Experience: Overnight Lavvu Stay with Fjords, Whales & Aurora

If you are visiting Tromsø in the winter, you may want to opt for an Arctic Experience (Overnight Lavvu Stay with Fjords, Whales & Aurora) that combines some of the best things to do around Tromsø in one tour. You will enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the fjords around Tromsø , enjoy the unforgettable RIB Boat tour to Skjervøy to spot whales, porpoises, orcas and humpback whales.

You will explore the magical landscapes of the remote Kvaenangen Fjord , then continue on to the Lyngen Alps , overlooking the fabulous Lyngenfjord . Here you can stay overnight in a private crystal lavvu , a modern reinterpretation of the traditional lavvu , the typical tent of the peoples of Lapland. Your lavvu will be warm, cozy and comfortable, with a transparent glass roof , perfect for seeing the Northern Lights .

Enjoy a delicious dinner of homemade local food , then spend the evening watching the Northern Lights . You will also be able to participate in a short photo workshop on how to take great shots of the Northern Lights . In the morning, a generous breakfast will be waiting for you, and then you will be driven back to Tromsø. This experience is quite in demand and availability is very limited, so book early!

Experience Lapp Culture: Reindeer and Sami Culture

When in Tromsø you shouldn’t miss the chance to learn more about the local culture . You could join an exciting reindeer farm tour , where you can experience the magic of reindeer sledding and meet some Sami people dressed in their traditional clothes.

The Sami are the native people of Lapland . The lands of the far north of Scandinavia are the native territory of these nomadic peoples , who are mostly reindeer herders . Lapland extends over much of Northern Norway , Northern Sweden and Finland . Even though their traditional way of life is threatened by progress and modernity today, the Sami seek to protect their cultural roots and traditions.

I personally lived and worked with some Sami people , nowadays most of them are perfectly integrated into modern society. They live, work and dress like every other Norwegian, so don’t expect to find Sami in traditional costume around Norway, except at tourist attractions. In fact, some nomadic herders still exist , but it won’t be easy to meet them, as they live in the most remote areas of Lapland .

The Sami are very proud of their origins, they boast an exciting history and culture (it is not easy to live in such extreme lands!) and their traditional costumes are truly wonderful: finely decorated in blue, red and white colors. The Sami people use to dress traditionally on special occasions and on traditional holidays. Hence, a traveler should not miss the chance to meet them , to see their wonderful traditional clothing and to learn more about their history and culture.

Visiting a traditional reindeer farm you can meet hundreds of wild reindeer : these animals are much loved and respected, you will be able to see for yourself how cute and affectionate they are. You can even feed them from your hands , an unmissable experience if you are traveling with kids.

Also you can experience a magical reindeer sled ride , but don’t expect a long ride, as it is usually just about ten minutes or half an hour ride. You will meet the Sami and warm up around the fire inside a candle lit gamme (traditional Sami hut). You can also enjoy a traditional Sami stew cooked over the open fire , then join your host in a lavvu (Sami tent) and gather round the fire to listen to stories about Sami culture.

You can opt for a daytime experience , or for an evening one . Personally I prefer the evening one , as the atmosphere of the Sami camp in the evening is truly unforgettable and will be one of the highlights of your trip . And maybe, you will also be able to see the Northern Lights , as the Sami camp is a good place to spot them!

Experience the thrill of a Snowmobile Safari

Locals love snowmobiling! In winter it is very popular and wandering the countryside around Tromsø it will be quite common to see people in snowmobiles. Do as the locals do, experience the thrill of a snowmobile safari among the breathtaking snowy landscapes of Northern Norway !

You could join a snowmobile safari in the beautiful Lyngen Alps , a mountainous area that boasts scenic valleys , steep mountains and stunning fjord views . This is one of the best spots for a snowmobile safari, as there are many miles of trails and opportunities for driving through forests, snow-covered valleys and along fjords and rivers.

Each snowmobile carries 2 people, one as a driver and one as a passenger , and along the route – which takes 2 hours – there is plenty of opportunities to switch places. The experience is also suitable for beginners , is led by licensed expert guides, includes round-trip transport from Tromsø, and you will be provided with everything you need, including warm suits and boots . Plus, you can also enjoy a good lunch or dinner at a camp that will be the end point of your safari.

You can opt for a morning snowmobile safari , or an evening snowmobile safari . They are quite similar, and even if the evening one is a bit more impressive, I prefer the one in the morning , as it allows you to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Lyngen Alps to the fullest.

Stay overnight at Tromsø Ice Domes: Tromsø’s wonderful ice hotel

For an unforgettable holiday and to fully experience the magical atmosphere of the Far North , you could opt for a stay at the wonderful Tromsø Ice Domes . Highly recommended especially for couples , this all-inclusive experience combines a stay in a magical ice hotel with some of the best activities to do in Tromsø.

An English-speaking guide will pick you up in Tromsø and take you near Camp Tamok , after 1.5 hours of driving through the beautiful mountainous landscapes south of Tromsø. The enchanting Tamok Valley is located in the heart of Norwegian Lapland , nestled between scenic mountains and crisscrossed by rushing streams, just a few kilometers from the Swedish and Finnish borders. This is a perfect place to spot the Northern Lights !

The Tromsø Ice Domes is located right next to Camp Tamok, and is an ice hotel that is rebuilt every year , as it melts in the spring. It has a heated area, with all the necessary facilities: bathrooms, showers, restaurant and so on, and a part of ice, with ice domes – double rooms made of ice, where guests will sleep on a real mattress, but at a temperature around -5 °C. They will give you a polar expedition sleeping bag and everything you need to sleep warm and comfortably.

Once there you will join a guided tour of the ice hotel , which boasts hundreds of ice sculptures . You will learn more about how it is built and you can also enjoy a drink in the ice bar . Your experience staying at Tromsø Ice Domes also includes a snowshoe hike (special winter clothing and all necessary gear for the activities are provided), which will allow you to reach some remote areas in the surroundings, where you can admire the Northern Lights sitting around a bonfire.

Also included will be a delicious 3-course dinner , featuring regional cuisine, served in an atmospheric and warm restaurant. In the morning, after a hearty breakfast , you can enjoy a 1.5-hour dog sledding tour through the beautiful snow-covered valleys. It will be a truly unforgettable experience! Finally, enjoy a delicious traditional meal around an open fire in a traditional Sami tent , and relax a little longer before returning to Tromsø.

Staying in one of the few rooms of this ice masterpiece will be the highlight of your once-in-a-lifetime winter adventure . You will only be able to live this experience in winter, as it is only open from the beginning of December to the end of March . But you’ll have to be lucky enough to find availability! In fact, the ice hotel has only a few rooms, meaning you will share this 600 m² ice hotel with only a limited amount of other guests. This makes it the ideal place to celebrate a special occasion with your loved one in a setting of your dreams. But it will be essential to book early!

Otherwise, if you just want to take a look at the famous Tromsø Ice Domes and enjoy the views of the beautiful surrounding natural landscape, you may just want to opt for a day tour to the Tromsø Ice Domes which will allow you to see the iconic ice hotel , enjoy a drink at the ice bar and visit a reindeer farm in the fabulous Tamok Valley . Here you can meet reindeer up close, and relax with hot drinks and a delicious traditional stew before returning to Tromsø.

THE ARCTIC CATHEDRAL

Tromsø’s Arctic Cathedral is an impressive modern-style church built in 1965 . You can’t miss it, as it is clearly visible from Tromsø harbor, from the promenade that runs alongside Tromsøysundet – the strait on which the island of Tromsøya stands, where Tromsø is situated – and by the hillocks that drape the old town.

With its iconic shape, Tromsø’s Arctic Cathedral is one of the first things that catches the eye of those arriving, no matter if from the sea or the land, as it overlooks the strait, but also the main road to the city center. This makes it one of its best known landmarks, it is featured on all postcards and brochures, and is easily recognizable by its Christmas tree shape or, as architecture books say, shaped like an iceberg or lavvu , the traditional tent of the Sami people.

The church is located on the Tromsdalen side, so to get there from the city center you will have to cross the iconic Bruvegen Bridge , the bridge that crosses the strait and connects Tromsø to the mainland. You can walk around it, as there is a comfortable sidewalk separate from the roadway. It is just over a kilometer long and offers a nice view over the strait and the port of Tromsø. In winter it could be windy and uncomfortable, but it’s definitely worth the effort.

Tromsø’s Arctic Cathedral – whose name Ishavskatedralen literally means “The Cathedral of the Arctic Sea” – was designed by Jan Inge Hovig , who was one of Norway’s foremost architects, and maintains the classic architectural elements of Norwegian long churches, innovated through the massive use of concrete, glass, steel and aluminum. On the eastern side – that is, the one behind the church – features a huge glass mosaic . The interiors are minimal, and the only notable elements are the organ and the chandeliers.

The church belongs to the Church of Norway and can be visited for a fee (55 NOK). However, you can take a peek through the windows, which is more than enough. Occasionally, the church also hosts temporary exhibitions, while a nice thing to do is attend one of the organ and choir concerts . Notable are the Midnight Concerts and also the Christmas and New Year’s Eve concerts (tickets from 350-400 NOK).

Tromsø Old Town (Free Self-Guided Walking Tour Itinerary)

Spread over a handful of gentle terraced hillocks interspersed with a maze of steep streets, Tromsø’s city center is one of Norway’s prettiest. Its beautiful houses with their façades in light pastel shades, climb the hills, gaining an enviable view of the strait and the high peaks of Tromsdalstinden , the mountain that rises in front of the town.

Its compact city center is easily explored on foot, and you can get from one end to the other in less than half an hour. The real heart of Tromsø is its old town , nestled around the harbor. Here modern architecture coexists with fabulous wooden houses that were once the home of merchants, hunters and fishermen.

These lands, once populated mostly by the Sami – the people of Lapland – were a major Arctic trade center until the early 1900s. Tromsø merchants traded from Russia’s Arctic ports to France, and the surrounding region bordered directly on Russia and Karelia . In the early 1900s, Tromsø was a quiet town with a bustling trading port . From here originated some of the most important Arctic expeditions , and it was common for explorers – such as Umberto Nobile , Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen – to recruit their crews in the city.

Even today, Tromsø is a gateway to the Far North, towards the Svalbard Islands . Traces of its past are evident walking through the old town, which boasts one of the biggest concentration of historic wooden houses in Norway, mostly dating back to the period between the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 20th century. You can see them walking along Storgata and Skippergata .

These two parallel boulevards are mitigated by the breeze blowing from the sea, and seem to pulsate with life radiating from the nearby harbor, which spews out waves of tourists twice a day. Just turn onto Kirkegata , the perpendicular boulevard that runs alongside the Tromsø Domkirke , to arrive at the Hurtigruten pier. Even today it is the small port that animates the city: the Hurtigruten coastal express ships calls the port of Tromsø twice a day, one along the northbound route and the other along the southbound one.

Don’t miss its arrival in port! Even today as in the past – when it mainly transported mail and goods – the Hurtigruten ships as they approach the port of Tromsø sound the siren several times to greet the city and warn travelers. Until the mid-1900s, when the regions of Northern Norway were still quite remote and difficult to reach, Hurtigruten ships were the fastest, if not the only, way to travel from port to port and connect the cities of the south with the far north.

This has been reflected in recent history and local culture , making Tromsø closer and more integrated to the rest of Norway, and marking the rhythms of local life. Especially in summer, the city comes alive when ships dock in port: cruises, vessels and fishing boats loaded with travelers and goods.

But Tromsø is not only a bustling crossroads of people traveling to the far north, but also the largest town in the vast surrounding region , which is mostly made up of villages, small towns and remote rural areas. Therefore, especially on weekends, Tromsø is teeming with locals from all over the surrounding region. It is not uncommon for locals to drive over 2-300km to get here from their villages.

In fact, Tromsø is the largest administrative center in Northern Norway , it has the most important airport, but it is also full of good and well-stocked shops of all kinds, trendy restaurants and bars, shopping centers and large supermarkets. So, people come here to shop and have fun!

Storgata is the main street of Tromsø: a straight avenue that from the Tromsø Bridge leads to the modern town south of the old town, near the Polaria aquarium. It is lined with shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. It is really nice to walk here, whatever the season. Along Storgata – or a short walk from it – you will find most of Tromsø’s attractions and most of its historic buildings.

Check out the Verdensteatret , the fabulous cinema recognizable by the “Kinematograf” sign, which was built in 1915 and is Northern Europe’s oldest cinema still in use. Its interiors boast some large wall paintings, made by the local artist Sverre Mack in 1921, which picture scenes from Norwegian folklore and fairy tales. Most foreign films are screened in their original language, mostly in English with Norwegian subtitles.

Tromsø is also famous for its Tromsø International Film Festival , held every year in mid-January: open air events, screenings and movie nights are held scattered in the squares around Storgata , and especially around the Kulturhuset Tromsø – which usually hosts exhibitions, plays and concerts – and at the large and modern Aurora Fokus Cinema , located in the large glass building which also houses the Tromsø Town Hall (Tromsø Rådhus) . If you visit Tromsø on festival days, book your hotel well in advance, as they tend to be fully booked and rates soar.

Right in front of the Tromsø Town Hall you will be able to see a small square with the King Haakon statue and a concert pavilion . The old wooden building behind the pavilion is the former town hall , dating from 1864, which now houses a small theater and exhibition space. The main attraction of the square, however, is the Pro-Cathedral of Our Lady (Vår Frue Domkirke i Tromsø) , dating from 1861. This beautifully preserved small neo-Gothic style church belongs to the Roman Catholic Church and is the northernmost Catholic cathedral in the world . The adjacent Episcopal House , dating from 1832, also hosted Pope John Paul II during his visit to Tromsø in 1989.

Especially in winter, make a stop at the small kiosk Raketten Bar & Pølse , on the corner of the square and Storgata , which serves reindeer hot dogs, mulled wine, hot chocolate and other good specialties (even some vegetarian options), and it’s a quite atmospheric place, with the best view on the square. The adjacent square is called Stortorget , and is Tromsø’s main meeting point. In the square you can easily recognize the statue of the Arctic Hunter (Fangstmonument) .

Tromsø City Library, Grønnegata and Sjøgata

Just behind the Tromsø Town Hall you can see another iconic building of the town: the Tromsø City Library and Archive , a masterpiece of contemporary Norwegian architecture. Its shape is reminiscent of sails inflated by the wind, while the glass walls make it transparent, luminous, creating a sense of continuity between the outside – the city – and the inside, which represents culture and knowledge.

You will not miss it, as with its large and bright windows it dominates the Grønnegata boulevard and the picturesque Cora Sandels Gate street, which leads to the harbor and the lively Sjøgata area. Here is one of the best waterfront promenades, which is the main starting point for tours and activities, as well as some of the best hotels in the town , such as the Scandic Ishavshotel , the Clarion Collection Hotel With , the Radisson Blu Hotel Tromsø and the Clarion Collection Hotel Aurora , all with fabulous views.

Troll Museum and Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum

Adjacent to the hotels is the cruise port and the Hurtigruten terminal , as well as some of the best restaurants and bars in the city , some set in beautifully restored historic buildings with a contemporary twist. Just across the harbor are some small museums and galleries, such as the Troll Museum (adult tickets NOK 180, children NOK 100), where you can learn more about the famous Norwegian mythological creatures and traditional Norwegian fairytales. It could be an interesting stop if you are traveling with kids, otherwise just skip it.

Worthy of note is the nearby Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum (tickets from 80 NOK, admission may be free on some occasions), which houses an interesting – albeit small – collection of local modern and contemporary art, as well as some interesting temporary exhibitions. Opposite the Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum you can see the statue of the famous polar explorer Roald Amundsen , and right across the street is the famous Magic Ice Bar Tromsø , serving frozen cocktails in ice glasses, in a venue full of ice sculptures.

Tromsø Cathedral (Tromsø Domkirke)

Returning to Storgata you will see the main attraction of the old town, the beautiful Tromsø Cathedral (Tromsø Domkirke) , completed in 1861 and not to be confused with the modern Arctic Cathedral. This beautiful yellow, wooden Lutheran cathedral of the Church of Norway was built in a long church format and in the Gothic Revival style by the architect Christian Heinrich Grosch , one of the most prominent Norwegian architects of the 19th century. It is considered the northernmost Protestant cathedral in the world , as well as one of Norway’s biggest wooden churches. If you find it open (go there in the late morning – early afternoon) take a look at its beautiful wooden interiors. Occasionally, atmospheric organ concerts are also held.

Ølhallen – the oldest pub in Tromsø – and the Old Mack Brewery

From the Domkirke continue south on Storgata until you reach the Polaria aquarium. Along the way you will see the Ølhallen , the oldest pub in Tromsø , set in a beautiful historic building from the late 19th century, set in a restored former industrial complex. This is a must for beer enthusiasts, as this was the northernmost brewery in the world until 2012 .

Mack Bryggeri (Mack Brewery) was founded in Tromsø in 1877 by Ludwig Markus Mack , and although the factory is now outside Tromsø, a stop at his pub and the nearby Kjeller 5 beer store is one of the nicest and most original things to do in Tromsø if you like beer. Starting from Kjeller 5, where you can find all the products that are available from Mack Brewery, as well as everything you need to try your hand at home brewing, from equipment to ingredients, and various souvenirs, such as personalized beer bottles, you can then go to Ølhallen , which is the real attraction.

Once simply called “The Hall” by locals, Mack’s brewpub Ølhallen opened in 1928 and, in addition to original and atmospheric interiors, boasts one of the largest tap selection in Europe serving Norwegian quality beer from 72 taps ! The beers (and alcohol in general in Norway) aren’t cheap, but it’s worth going there just to see it, as well as for some great pints! If you visit Tromsø over Christmas go for their Christmas Beer , which is hugely popular with the locals! Macks Ølbryggeri also organizes guided tours of the old brewery and some of the perfectly preserved rooms that were the offices and home of Ludwig Mack and his family, as well as interesting beer tastings.

Opposite Ølhallen you can also take a look at Blåst Glasshytta i Tromsø (Blown Glass Factory in Tromsø) an artisan shop that produces and sells blown glass art. Just beyond the brewery you will see a large historic building from the early 1900s surrounded by a lush garden, this is the Tromsø Center for Contemporary Art (Tromsø Kunstforening) , home of the Tromsø Art Association . It hosts temporary exhibitions of contemporary art, admission is free. Right across the street you will find one of Tromsø’s most famous attractions: the Polaria Aquarium .

POLARIA: THE ARCTIC AQUARIUM

One of the best things to do in Tromsø, especially for families, is a visit to Polaria , the world’s most northerly aquarium . This aquarium is quite different than any you would find anywhere else in the world, as it is primarily focused on Arctic wildlife , and is primarily designed to be an interactive, kid-friendly educational experience.

Polaria is a small aquarium located in a striking building of modern architecture, which represents represents ice floes that have been pressed up on land by the rough seas of the Arctic, and in a sense echoes the Arctic Cathedral, located on the opposite shore. Many of Polaria’s exhibits are focused on the Svalbard Islands and the far north of the Arctic. These remote, unspoiled and wild islands are in fact some of the northernmost and furthest lands in the Arctic, and Tromsø is somehow the base camp to get there.

The Svalbard Islands are a paradise for Arctic wildlife lovers, as they are home to polar bears, seals, several species of seabirds and several strange aquatic organisms, many of which you can see in Polaria . You will be able to see dozens of species of fish, molluscs, crustaceans and so on, and you can even touch them: there are special tactile tanks , where you can touch some fish and other marine organisms.

But the real draw is the seals : Polaria has a huge tank that is home to a family of seals. Through transparent underwater tunnels that pass inside the tank, bridges and windows you will be able to see the seals swimming one step away from you. Don’t miss the feeding of seals , which usually takes place at 10.30, 12.30 and 15.30. These animals are adorable, and I would have spent hours admiring them!

The visit to Polaria also includes watching a couple of documentary films on the mind-blowing Svalbard Islands (the documentary is titled Svalbard – Arctic Wilderness ) and on the queen of all Tromsø attractions: the Northern Lights .

Polaria in Tromsø is open daily from 10.00 to 16.00, tickets from 210 NOK (adults) or 105 NOK (children).

MS Polstjerna

Next to Polaria you will be able to see – protected by a glass building – the MS Polstjerna , Norway’s best-preserved sealing ship . Seal hunting has long been a major business in the Arctic, and a major source of livelihood for locals.

Between 1949 and 1981 this ship had 33 fishing seasons and harvested close to 100,000 seals from the West Ice and East Ice , the inhospitable areas of the Greenland Sea (to the west) and the White Sea and Barents Sea (to the east) covered by pack ice during winter time. The wonderfully preserved ship is a piece of local history, and is now a museum, owned by The Arctic University Museum of Norway .

The ship is currently only visible from the outside, as the museum is closed for maintenance. In front of MS Polstjerna you will be able to see a statue of Helmer Hanssen , who was Roald Amundsen’s assistant on three polar explorations and was one of the first five explorers to reach the South Pole.

Polarmuseet: The Polar Museum in Tromsø

The Polarmuseet , or Polar Museum of Tromsø , is one of the most interesting museums in the town, even if it is quite small. Located in an 1830s warehouse on the seafront, this museum tells the story of arctic hunters and explorers.

This is a historical museum , so be prepared to see lots of stuffed animals and gory hunting scenes . The Polarmuseet is in fact part of The Arctic University Museum of Norway , and its purpose is to faithfully depict how local life was in the past. Tromsø was the “Gateway to the Arctic” and this meant that it was the base not only for polar expeditions, but also for hunting trips.

The Polar Museum in Tromsø preserves and conveys stories related to this aspect of the history of Tromsø and the Arctic, through dioramas and permanent exhibitions deal with sealing and overwintering trapping. At one time these, along with whaling and reindeer hunting, were the main jobs for the locals. Experienced sailors and hunters had a hard life on Svalbard, facing the pitfalls of the Arctic winter and polar nights.

But in addition to this dark and gory side of local history, you can also learn more about the exciting polar explorations , the expeditions of Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen and the airship expeditions of the Italian explorer Umberto Nobile .

The Polarmuseet is open every day from 11.00 to 17.00. Tickets cost NOK 100, free admission for children and students.

Other Interesting Museums in Tromsø

Just in front of the Polar Museum you will be able to see a mound with a large yellow wooden house surrounded by a garden, called Skansen . This is the only remnant of the bastion that defended the town in the Middle Ages, against raids from Russia and Karelia. The wooden house is the oldest in Tromsø , built in 1789. It used to be a customs office, but it was also an epidemic hospital. You can just have a look at it from the outside, and wander among the surrounding picturesque houses, then return to Storgata and take a look at the Perspektivet Museum .

Perspektivet Museum

This museum boasts a large collection of contemporary and modern art, as well as an extensive photographic collection, featuring over 500,000 images that trace the history of the city from the early 1900s to the present day. It also hosts interesting events and temporary art and photography exhibitions. The Perspektivet Museum is housed in what was once the home of local writer Cora Sandel (1880–1974), and on the first floor is a small section of her on her life and her literary works.

Tromsø Museum

To see another interesting museum in Tromsø you will have to take a long walk, or take a bus. The Tromsø Museum , also known as The Arctic University Museum of Norway , is located about 3km south of the city center. You can get there with Bus n. 40 from the city center, the bus stop is right in front of the museum.

The Tromsø Museum is the most comprehensive museum of local history and culture and boasts very interesting permanent exhibits on the Sámi and Kvan peoples and natural history. You will see lots of artifacts, fossils, traditional costumes, as well as interesting permanent exhibits on ecclesiastical art and the links between Norwegian merchants and the Hanseatic League. Other interesting exhibits are those on the Northern Lights and those on the impact of man on nature and Arctic wildlife. It also often hosts interesting temporary exhibitions. You can check the updated opening hours on the museum website.

Tickets start at NOK 100, free admission for students and children. Combo ticket Tromsø Museum and Polar Museum from 150 NOK.

Tromsø Arctic – Alpine Botanical Garden

Another interesting venue of the Arctic University Museum of Norway is the Tromsø Arctic – Alpine Botanical Garden , located 6 km north of the city center, reachable by Bus n. 20, 21 or 22 leading to the modern campus of the Arctic University of Norway.

The University of Tromsø is the world’s northernmost university, as well as the city’s largest workplace, and its botanical garden focused on Arctic and alpine plants from all over the northern hemisphere, has the reputation of being the world’s northernmost botanic garden . It’s not something tourists usually come to see, but if you’re going to be in Tromsø for a long time, well then you might want to check it out. Also nearby is a science museum for kids, the Northern Norwegian Science Center , which also features a planetarium (including Northern Lights, of course).

Fjellheisen – Tromsø Cable Car

One of the most popular things to do in Tromsø is to climb the Storsteinen , the mountain ledge (420m) overlooking Tromsdalen , the suburb of Tromsø located on the mainland, on the opposite side from the city center. The Fjellheisen , also called Tromsø Cable Car , starts from sea level to reach the top of the mountain, where the upper station called Fjellstua is located.

Just behind the upper station there is an observation deck that will allow you to enjoy a sensational view over the city. With a short walk you can also reach another nearby viewpoint, the Tromsø Utkikkspunkt (Tromsø Viewpoint) . The view sweeps across the city: you will be able to see the entire island of Tromsøya , its iconic bridge, the harbor, the city center, the small lake behind the city center – called Prestvannet – and the large island of Kvaløya in the background, one of the largest in Norway, with its rugged snow-capped peaks.

This is indisputably the best view in Tromsø and one of the most stunning in Norway. From here you can also continue on one of the various hiking trails . Some, like the one for Mt. Tromsdalstinden (1,238m) are quite strenuous and long (approx. 5 hours), others are quite easy and allow you to go just a little further than the viewpoint, which can get crowded. So you can enjoy the view in peace, and contemplate the wonderful surrounding landscape in silence. In summer (approx. 20 May to 20 July) it is the perfect place to see the Midnight Sun !

An easy path will allow you to walk back down, saving on the ticket or allowing you to make the most of the midnight sun, as in summer the Tromsø Cable Car closes at midnight. Just walk south (to the right from the upper station) and follow the path that goes down. The trail will bring you back near the lower station, it is an easy walk, doable in half an hour.

Alternatively, there is a shorter but much steeper path which starts near the upper station, following the path on the left. This involves a stairway of 1,203 steps built by experienced workers from Nepal, and for this reason nicknamed Sherpatrappa or Sherpa Steps . The climb takes about 1-1.5 hours and does not require any special skills. The Sherpatrappa trailhead (GPS: 69.64161, 18.99335 ) is a 10-minute walk from the Tromsø Cable Car lower station car park, or a 15-minute walk from the Arctic Cathedral.

The Tromsø Cable Car opened in 1961 and is still one of the main attractions of the city. It can get quite crowded in the summer, as it is very popular with cruise-ship passengers. The cable car ride takes about 4 minutes and the tickets are a bit expensive : return tickets from 320 NOK (adults, approx. 32 €), one way 210 NOK (adults, approx. 21 €). Discounted tickets available for families, children and students. Prices are subject to change, as well as timetables , you can check them on the official website . Tickets can be purchased online or on site. It is not advisable to go with strollers, even if allowed. Parking at the lower station is subject to charges (from NOK 25 per hour).

Winter is the liveliest season in Tromsø! The typically subarctic climate is mitigated by its advantageous position, on an island nestled in the middle of a strait and surrounded by fjords and mountains. This is why in winter Tromsø is usually covered by a blanket of snow and temperatures are a few degrees below zero, but winter is less severe than inland , where temperatures frequently drop below -20 °C.

In winter, the days get shorter and shorter, so be prepared for little or no daylight hours. In Tromsø, the polar night season starts on November 27th and lasts until January 15th . During this period the sun never rises above the horizon.

However, contrary to what one might think, the polar night is not that dark. You will have enough light to visit the city and its surroundings , and have enough light to fully enjoy the main activities and tours, such as whale watching or fjord cruises . This is due to subtle twilight , which usually occurs from about 9 AM to 2 PM. This brightness, similar to what you can see just before sunrise, is enough to see and take amazing pictures!

In fact, the best months to visit Tromsø are in the heart of winter : between November and February you can experience all the best activities. Whales will flock to the fjords north of Tromsø and around Skjervøy and it’s the best season for a whale watching boat tour .

The Northern Lights will dance in the sky almost every night, which means it is a great time to chase the Northern Lights around Tromsø , while a thick blanket of snow will make the landscape enchanting and the atmosphere magical.

This is the ideal time for dog sledding and reindeer farm visits and you can also enjoy a nice reindeer sleigh ride , which is a must if you are traveling with the kids. It will also be the only time of year when you can experience the thrill of the snowmobile , go for a nice snowshoe hike through the arctic wilderness and enjoy the unparalleled views from the top of the Kvaløya mountains.

You will be able to try your hand at cross-country skiing around Breivikeidet and in the beautiful valleys south of Tromsø , you will be able to visit a camp of reindeer herders , meet these amazing animals up close and learn much more about the local culture and the history and traditions of the Sami people , the natives of Lapland. Finally, you can enjoy the peace and awe of a relaxed cruise through the beautiful fjords around Tromsø and enjoy an unforgettable stay at the famous Tromsø Ice Domes , Tromsø’s ice hotel .

In summer Tromsø wakes up from the torpor of the long winter and from April the days quickly get longer and longer. The snow melts, giving way to flowery meadows , green grasslands, waterfalls and streams in flood (and full of fish, especially salmon and trout ). The air smells of spring and optimism, the locals are happy for the end of the polar night and the arrival of milder temperatures .

This is undoubtedly the best time of year for a boat tour to the small and remote islands north of Tromsø . You will be able to skirt the large island of Kvaløya to reach the tiny islands of Gåsvær , Musvær and Risøya , a paradise for arctic lovers and bird watchers , as here you can spot eagles , cormorants , puffins , seals and porpoises . Sometimes even orcas and whales !

Locals love to go fishing, take long nature walks, swim in lakes and enjoy the best of outdoor activities : cycling, hiking, canoeing, kayaking and much more. The mountains around Tromsø, and especially those on the island of Kvaløya , are a popular destination for easy hikes . In short, summer is a great season to visit Tromsø! The big downside is that you won’t be able to experience the many amazing winter activities that make Tromsø a one-of-a-kind destination, but there is still a lot to do!

If you like to fish, this is a great season for a fishing boat trip in the fjords around Tromsø , also suitable for beginners, while families should not miss a day trip to a husky farm , to get the chance to take part in training and take a nice walk with the puppies .

From mid-May to the end of July you can see the Midnight Sun in Tromsø . The sun will never set from the 18th of May to the 25th of July, which means you will have plenty of time to enjoy the outdoor activities and stunning scenery of the fjords around Tromsø.

If you will be traveling to Tromsø in the summer, then you should definitely consider hiring a car and exploring the surroundings on your own : the Lyngen Alps , Senja and the beautiful wilderness on the border of Norway , Sweden and Finland . You could explore Reisa National Park , 270km southeast of Tromsø, or embark on an epic journey to the North Cape (Nordkapp) .

Just south you could visit the Vesterålen Islands (377km) or the stunning Lofoten Islands (420km). A road trip through the breathtaking landscapes of Northern Norway is the best thing you could do in Tromsø in the summer.

If you are short on time, or if you don’t want to rent a car and drive, you could opt for a comfortable 4×4 Arctic Roadtrip Guided Tour , which will allow you to see the most beautiful fjords and fishing villages around Tromsø , as well as have the chance to spot wildlife, such as moose , reindeer and eagles .

Tromsø itself can be easily visited in a couple of days, but most of the best things to do and activities are outside the town . No visit to Tromsø is complete without wandering around chasing the Northern Lights , experiencing the thrill of dogsledding or visiting a reindeer farm .

But above all, you can’t miss the breathtaking landscapes of the surrounding fjords , mountains and idyllic fishing villages scattered over the surrounding islands. Let’s go and discover some easy day trips from Tromsø , which will allow you to make the most of your trip to Northern Norway !

Kvaløya and Sommarøy

Kvaløya is the large island located just north of Tromsøya – the island on which Tromsø city center stands – and is a good place for an easy day trip. From the city center head to the airport and from there follow the Fv862 : a road bridge will take you to the suburb of Kvaløysletta . Continue to the small village of Kaldfjord , overlooking a peaceful fjord. Here you can take a look at the cute little Kvaløy Church , which is usually surrounded by a thick blanket of snow in winter.

Continue south on Fv858 to Hella , a small beach that is a popular fishing spot for catching cod and coalfish, boasting beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Along the way, just before Hella, on the right you will see a rock with large petroglyphs dating back to the Stone Age. From here you can continue along the road, the landscape is a bit monotonous but still pleasant. After about 40 km you will have to turn left to take the road towards Sommarøy .

Connected by a scenic road bridge, the island of Sommarøy is the most beautiful around Tromsø. It is a small island surrounded by white sandy beaches and an emerald ocean. Its pleasant relaxed atmosphere, typical of the fishing villages of Northern Norway, and its convenient location, away from the street lights of Tromsø, make it a good destination for a pleasant stay , and maybe you can try to spot the Northern Lights . There is a great hotel on Sommarøy , the Sommarøy Arctic Hotel Tromsø , which is actually hugely popular, so book early.

Returning back, take the Fv862 back to Nordfjordbotn and from there continue towards Ersfjordbotn . The road crosses a green valley interspersed with a few small lakes, and then arrives at the small fishing village of Ersfjordbotn, which has a nice fjord view, a small but pretty waterfall and a nice café, the Bryggejentene , which is enormously popular among both locals and tourists. From Ersfjordbotn you can drive back to Tromsø in half an hour. On the way out you could also skip Hella and drive straight to Sommarøy, which would save you around 20 km (30 minutes of driving).

To do this day trip you will need a car , or you can take Bus n. 420 from downtown Tromsø to Sommarøy, the bus stop is located near the Tromsø tourist office. You can find the bus timetable here .

Lyngen Alps and the Lyngenfjord

One of the best day trips you could take from Tromsø is to the Lyngen Alps , steep and rugged mountains located about 80 km east of Tromsø. It will take you about 2 hours of driving to get there and this involves a ferry crossing from Breidvik to Svensby . This trip is even more beautiful than the previous one: the Fv91 runs through a scenic valley until it comes out on a fjord surrounded by snow-capped mountains.

From Svensby you will skirt a narrow sound until arriving at Lyngseidet , which is the main starting point for exploring the Lyngen Alps . In the surroundings there are some hiking trails that allow you to climb the surrounding mountains and enjoy sublime views. In winter this is also a popular ski resort.

From Lyngseidet you could take a detour to the remote and picturesque fishing village of Koppangen , or take another ferry to Olderdalen , located on the opposite bank of Lyngenfjord , one of the most beautiful and famous fjords in Northern Norway. You will also be able to visit Aurora Spirit , the northernmost whiskey distillery in the world, which offers interesting guided tours and tastings.

It is highly recommended to stay overnight in the surrounding area to enjoy the fabulous views and peaceful atmosphere. Some good options are Solheim Fritidsgård , Aurora Fjord Cabins , Koppangen Brygger , Olderdalen Ski Camp , and Viking Cabins Solvik .

☞ You can find here a comprehensive guide to visiting the Lyngen Alps and Lyngenfjord .

From Tromsø to the North Cape and detours to Skjervoy and Reisa National Park

Things get serious in Olderdalen : you can choose whether to go north or south.

The road north takes you to the small town of Storslett (45 minutes drive from Olderdalen), from where you can explore the beautiful Reisa National Park . With a detour from the main road E6 you can reach the remote fishing village of Skjervoy (1.5 hours drive from Olderdalen), the road to Skjervoy is very scenic! Otherwise you could try to conquer the far north, heading towards Alta and from there to the North Cape (Nordkapp) ! From Tromsø to Alta it is 380 km (6 hours), while from Tromsø to the North Cape it is 620 km (9 hours).

From Olderdalen to Tromsø and detours to Skibotn, Finland and Sweden

If in Olderdalen you choose to go south along the E6 , you can return to Tromsø by a different and slightly longer route (180 km, 2.5 hours), which skirts the Lyngenfjord until you reach the Balsfjorden , the same fjord on which the island of Tromsø.

In Skibotn , a small village famous for being one of the best places to see the Northern Lights , you can continue along the E8 , a breathtaking scenic road that leads to Finland . From Skibotn to Kilpisjärvi , the first village after the Finnish border, it is 50 km (45 minutes drive).

Here you are in the heart of Lapland : Kilpisjärvi and the villages along the E8 to the town of Karesuvanto are among the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights . Just think that, if necessary, the tours from Tromsø even drive here to allow you to see the best Northern Lights! From Karesuvanto a bridge will allow you to visit the pretty village of Karesuando , in Sweden .

Staying here could be the highlight of your trip to the Far North – some great options are Arctic Land Adventure Glass Igloos , Tundrea Holiday Resort , Cahkal Hotel , and Saivaara Cottages . Booking well in advance is essential!

The remote, distant and small island of Skjervøy is constantly lashed by winds and storms, and until the early 1990s it was only accessible by boat. Now an undersea tunnel that reaches a depth of −92.5 meters and a scenic yet slender bridge connect it to the mainland, so you can get there by car.

Famous for being in one of the best whale watching areas in the world , overlooking the Kvænangenfjord and nestled in an idyllic landscape of mostly uninhabited islands and high glacier-covered mountains, Skjervøy is one of the ideal day trip destinations day trip from Tromsø. Actually, if you don’t go there with your car or a guided tour, it will be quite difficult to get there and back in the day.

There is an express boat from Tromsø to Skjervøy , only a few days a week. There are usually departures on:

• Tuesday (Tromsø – Skjervøy – Tromsø: 16:00 – 20:05)
• Thursday (Tromsø – Skjervøy – Tromsø: 16:00 – 20:05)
• Friday (Tromsø – Skjervøy – Tromsø: 16:05 – 21:15)
• Sunday (Tromsø – Skjervøy – Tromsø: 14:30 – 19:50)

Timetables may be subject to frequent changes, but you can check the updated ones here . Yours is “Linje 3 Tromsø – Skjervøy” . The timetables are in Norwegian, so… let’s learn Norwegian: Mandag: Monday / Tirsdag: Tuesday / Onsdag: Wednesday / Torsdag: Thursday / Fredag: Friday / Lørdag: Saturday / Søndag: Sunday.

There are two main drawbacks to going to Skjervøy by express boat, and that’s why I wouldn’t recommend it. The first is that you will not be able to leave the boat , otherwise you will be stuck there. Once in Skjervøy, the boat leaves again for Tromsø in a few minutes. In the summer you might at least enjoy the ride, but in the winter it will be too dark. And this is not cheap , as the ticket costs 980 NOK (784 NOK if purchased in advance at the ticket machine). For just a few extra bucks you would go on an amazing whale watching tour!

An alternative could be to go by bus (several changes) or the express boat to Skjervøy and take the southbound Hurtigruten back from Skjervøy to Tromsø, which leaves from Skjervøy around 7.45pm. However, this alternative may be more expensive. For tickets and prices you should inquire at the ticket offices of Troms Fylkestrafikk , at the Tromsø Port Terminal in Samuel Arnesens gate, 5 .

Senja Island

The fabulous Senja Island can be easily reached from Tromsø and is the ideal destination for a few days road trip. In the summer it might be feasible to visit it in the day, but it would be a bit of a rush. Senja is in fact the second largest island in Norway , boasting an extraordinary variety of landscapes ranging from peaky mountains to enchanting valleys, as well as forests, scenic fjords, beautiful sandy beaches and quiet, tiny fishing villages.

Senja is a paradise for hikers and cyclists and is the ideal destination for a nice road trip , as its main attractions are mostly found along the Fv86 and Fv862 , which essentially allow you to take a complete tour of the island.

☞ Here you will find a comprehensive guide to visiting Senja Island .

I would not go with the express boats that goes from Tromsø to the village of Lysnes on the north east coast of Senja, because it is not meant for tourists, I mean, from there it would be difficult to get around and visit. The village itself consists of a couple of houses and a pier, local buses are infrequent and are not ideal for exploring the island. Instead, rent a car in Tromsø and drive there! You will enjoy breathtaking landscapes, and it will be well worth the effort!

Allow some time to visit it and to enjoy its beautiful views, at least 2 or 3 days . To get there you could drive from Tromsø to the village of Brensholmen , just south of Sommarøy on the island of Kvaløya. From here there is a comfortable car ferry that will take you to the village of Botnhamn – on Senja – in just 45 minutes. There are 2-4 ferries per day and extra runs in the summer. It is 70 km, about 2-2.5 hours. You can find the updated ferry timetables here , yours is line No. 181 Botnhamn – Brensholmen . Ferry ticket prices from NOK 264 per car. Pedestrians and bikes travel for free. Alternatively you could drive along the E8 to Nordkjosbotn and from there on the E6 to Olsborg , then the Fv855 will take you straight to Silsand on the island of Senja . It is 180 km, about 3 hours of driving on a nice road.

Getting to Tromsø by Plane

The most common way to get to Tromsø is by plane. Tromsø Airport is located on the island of Tromsøya (the same as the city center), approximately 5km north of the city center. Tromsø Airport is a modern, albeit small, international airport, with direct flight connections to major cities in Norway and some destinations in Europe.

Tromsø Airport has frequent flights to and from Oslo , as well as Bodø and Bergen . It also serves as the main base for flights to Northern Norway such as Alta , Hammerfest and Kirkenes . It is also one of the main bases for flying to Longyearbyen , in the Svalbard Islands .

Tromsø Airport is well connected to the city center by city buses no. 40 and 42 , which stop in front of the terminal. From the city center to the airport it takes 15-30 minutes. Tickets from 39 NOK (one way) when bought at the machine or via the Troms Billett app. If bought on board they are approx. 50% more expensive! A faster way is the direct shuttle bus called Airport Express Coach (Flybussen) , which take about 15 minutes from the city center to the airport or viceversa. Tickets from 125 NOK (one way). More info on the official website .

If you need a taxi or a private transfer , comfortable and convenient especially for those traveling with heavy luggage or for families, you could book it in advance here , at an affordable price!

Alternatively you could rent a car at Tromsø Airport . There are few car rental desks, it is advisable to book in advance online on reputable sites , such as Rentalcars.com (owned by Booking.com ) or Discovercars.com (one of the best-rated in the world). These offer the best rates in real-time, top-notch insurance, guaranteed booking and free cancellation.

Getting to Tromsø by Bus

The main bus routes to Tromsø are from Narvik , Alta or Rovaniemi , depending on whether you are from Central Norway or Finland . From Narvik the Bus n. 100 goes to Tromsø in approx. 4 hours. Tickets from 390 NOK (one way). If purchased on board, the ticket price starts from 488 NOK.

If you are coming from Bodø you should take a bus to Narvik (6.5 hours, from 494 NOK, bus line 100), via Fauske and with a change in Innhavet . You can check prices and timetables on Reisnordland .

Bodø is the terminus of the scenic Nordland Railway which runs from Trondheim for 729km through dramatic landscapes, passing through Fauske and arriving in Bodø . From Trondheim there are trains to and from Oslo .

Those coming from Sweden could arrive in Narvik with the Arctic Circle Train , a night train that leaves Stockholm in the evening and arrives in Narvik the following day, crossing the breathtaking landscapes of Swedish Lapland and passing through the towns of Kiruna and Abisko .

There are direct express buses from Tromsø to Rovaniemi and viceversa, which depart from Tromsø Bus Station and arrive in Rovaniemi in 10 hours (tickets from 112 €), via Skibotn , Kilpisjärvi and Karesuvanto . Info and tickets on Eskelisen Lapin Linjat .

There are direct buses between Tromsø and Alta , which depart from Tromsø Bus Station and arrive in Alta in 6.5 hours (tickets from 468 NOK, bus line 150), via Lyngen and Storslett . Info about Troms Fylkestrafikk .

In winter (December to March) there are also daily winter bus routes operated by The Arctic Route , which connect Narvik , Tromsø , Alta , Rovaniemi and many other tourist destinations. These buses are primarily intended for tourists, as they connect major hotels and tourist attractions in Northern Norway, Northern Finland and Northern Sweden. Journey times are similar (sometimes longer) than public buses. The Arctic Route has an info and reservations desk at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Tromsø .

Getting to Tromsø by ship

Ships of the Hurtigruten Coastal Express travel from Bergen to Kirkenes connecting major ports along the Norwegian coast, including Tromsø . Hurtigruten ships call the port of Tromsø daily, at 2.15pm on the northbound route and at 11.45pm on the southbound route . You can travel port-to-port by booking a ticket in advance on the Hurtigruten website.

Exactly the same route, with the same departure and arrival times, is operated by Havila Kystruten , a competitor of Hurtigruten who operates large and modern eco-friendly ships. Havila’s ships also allow port-to-port travel by booking a ticket on their website .

Tromsø is also a popular stop for cruise ships , both those operated by Hurtigruten and those of other companies. There are two cruise terminals , one in the city center (mainly operated by Hurtigruten) and the other – the Breivika Cruise Port – located north of the city center, near the University and the Botanical Garden, connected to the city center by the city bus n. 42.

Getting to Tromsø by Car

If you are planning an incredible road trip, you could easily reach Tromsø by the E8 road which connects the Finnish city of Turku to Tromsø , passing through Karesuvanto , Kilpisjärvi and Nordkjosbotn .

In Nordkjosbotn there is an intersection with the E6 road which connects Tromsø to Southern Norway , passing through Narvik , Fauske , Mo i Rana , Trondheim , Lillehammer and Oslo , and continuing to Sweden , Gothenburg and Malmö . The E6 road has connections with Denmark, Germany and allows you to get even to Rome!

From Nordkjosbotn the E6 continues north towards Skibotn , Alta , Lakselv , Karasjok and Kirkenes , where there is the border between Norway and Russia . What a wonderful trip!

Tromsø is located over 350km above the Arctic Circle , so you can experience polar nights and the midnight sun , depending on the season. If you want to see the midnight sun, or chase the Northern Lights, this calendar is sure to come in handy, as you can easily get an idea of ​​the sunrise and sunset times in Tromsø , month by month.

TROMSØ IN JANUARY

01/01: The sun is always down 14/01: Polar Nights Season Ends 15/01: 11:19 – 12:28

TROMSØ IN FEBRUARY

01/02: 09:20 – 14:34 15/02: 08:12 – 15:44

TROMSØ IN MARCH

01/03: 07:07 – 16:45 15/03: 06:03 – 17:42

TROMSØ IN APRIL

01/04: 05:45 – 19:50 15/04: 04:39 – 20:49

TROMSØ IN MAY

01/05: 03:16 – 22:06 15/05: 01:32 – 23:48

18/05: Midnight Sun Season Begins

TROMSØ IN JUNE

01/06: The sun is up all day 15/06: The sun is up all day

TROMSØ IN JULY

01/07: The sun is up all day 15/07: The sun is up all day

25/07: Midnight Sun Season Ends

TROMSØ IN AUGUST

01/08: 02:26 – 23:14 15/08: 03:48 – 21:48

TROMSØ IN SEPTEMBER

01/09: 05:03 – 20:24 15/09: 05:59 – 19:19

TROMSØ IN OCTOBER

01/10: 07:01 – 18:06 15/10: 07:57 – 17:02

TROMSØ IN NOVEMBER

01/11: 08:13 – 14:42 15/11: 09:28 – 13:29

27/11: Polar Nights Season Begins

TROMSØ IN DECEMBER

01/12: The sun is always down 15/12: The sun is always down

Can you see the Northern Lights in Tromsø on your own?

You may not want to book a specialized tour to see the Northern Lights and try your luck on your own. Well, then you will need a car , so that you can move to certain areas where you will have a better chance of seeing a fabulous Aurora Borealis.

You could rent a car and drive to the remote island of Sommarøy , approx. 60km west of Tromsø, where there is a quaint fishing village and a fabulous place to stay overnight, the Sommarøy Arctic Hotel Tromsø . In December it could be hugely popular, so book early!

Car rental prices in Tromsø in the peak season could be around NOK 900 per day if you book well in advance, so if you are a couple or a family it could be convenient. You can check prices and availability in real time on Rentalcars or Discovercars , in order to get the best rates.

Another fabulous place to stay overnight and spot the Northern Lights on the nearby island of Kvaløya is the Yggdrasil Farmhotel Retreat & Spa , which offers great rooms on a farm with fjord views , a sauna and a nice outdoor hot tub . Or the Buvik Sea Lodge , another good guesthouse located a short distance from the previous one.

The best areas – the ones where guided tours often go – are, however, a few hours’ drive from Tromsø, hidden among the mountains and fjords of the hinterland. You will have to drive towards the Lyngen Alps or towards Skibotn (120 km from Tromsø). In the area you could stay at the wonderful North Experience Basecamp . For an unparalleled adventure you could cross the Finnish border , reach the fabulous Lapland village of Kilpisjärvi (160 km from Tromsø) and stay at Arctic Land Adventure Glass Igloos or Tundrea Holiday Resort .

If you don’t want to rent a car, and just want to try to spot the Northern Lights in Tromsø , then some decent places could be the banks of Prestvannet , the small lake located behind the city center, reachable by car or by bus no. 40 and a short walk from the bus stop (about 10 minutes walk). Otherwise, you could go to the Tromsø Cable Car viewpoint, but keep in mind that it closes at 10pm, and you wish you could attempt to chase the Northern Lights until past midnight. Another place could be Telegrafbukta Beach , the public park located on the southern coast of the island, accessible for free and reachable in about 1 hour walk from the city center.

However, unless you are traveling on an extremely tight budget, I would not recommend going on your own, especially if you are staying in Tromsø for just a few days, as you risk not seeing them . You should trust the expert local guides, who have the tools, experience and know-how to enable you to comfortably see the BEST Northern Lights . This is a once in a lifetime trip – so you should try to enjoy it to the fullest! If you still don’t know which tour to choose, this is one of the best and the price is quite affordable .

What are the Best Festivals and Events in Tromsø?

Tromsø is a lively town , much more than you might imagine. In Norway people love music, it is no coincidence that this is one of the homelands of European rock, metal and electronic music. Norwegians also love art, cinema and books, this is particularly evident in the eclectic Tromsø , which is famous for being “The City of Festivals” due to its many musical and cultural events.

Below you will find a list of the best (and most popular) Tromsø festivals and events. It might be nice to visit Tromsø during a festival to discover the more modern, sophisticated and vibrant side of the city. But be warned, Tromsø hotels are usually fully booked during festivals, and rates tend to soar. Suffice it to say, each event attracts over 60-70,000 visitors from all over the world! Quite a lot for a town that has a population of just over 60,000.

Tromsø International Film Festival

One of the most interesting film festivals in Europe, the Tromsø International Film Festival , is held annually on the third week of January in Tromsø, especially around the Erling Bangsunds Plass (outdoor cinema) and in some of the city’s cinemas and theaters. Unlike the more famous festivals, the Tromsø International Film Festival focuses mainly on little-known high-quality films, independent and non-mainstream works.

When: around the third week of January. Info on the official website .

SMAK Nordnorsk Matfestival (Northern Norwegian Food Festival)

SMAK Food Festival is one of my favorite events in Tromsø. It is usually held in mid-September and is a good opportunity to learn more about local food, cooking traditions and the freshest local ingredients: fish, meat, herbs and vegetables. You’ll find over 80 stands, as well as local restaurants and producers offering tastings at affordable prices.

When: around mid-September. Info on the official website . Bukta Festival

One of Norway’s most popular rock festivals is held annually on Telegrafbukta Beach , south of the city center. Dozens of local and international artists play for three days under the midnight sun. Don’t expect mainstream artists, the line-up here is pretty indie-rock.

When: around the end of July. Info on the official website .

One of the most important electronic music festivals is Insomnia , which is held around the city at the end of October. It usually lasts 3 days and boasts an interesting selection of the best Scandinavian electronic music artists and producers.

When: around the end of October. Info on the official website .

Nordlysfestivalen – Tromsø Northern Lights Festival

Classical music lovers will enjoy the Northern Lights Festival , 10 days dedicated to the best of Northern European and Scandinavian classical music, including vocal concerts, choirs and classical-electronic music. The line-up is usually sophisticated and never predictable.

When: from the last week of January to the first of February. Info on the official website .

This festival is held in the heart of Tromsø, right in Stortorget square, usually lasts a couple of days and hosts the best of Norwegian and Scandinavian pop and rock music. For example, here I had the opportunity to attend several times the performances of Röyksopp, probably the most famous electronic music duo from Tromsø.

When: around the end of August. Info on the official website .

Tromsø JazzFestival

This festival usually lasts 4 days and is held throughout the city, hosting some of the best jazz artists mainly from Scandinavia, but also from the rest of the world.

When: around early or mid-August. Info on the official website .

Midnight Sun Marathon

The most important marathon competition in Norway is held annually in Tromsø in mid-June. If you are a runner, then you might take the opportunity to run the marathon or half marathon under the midnight sun, in the idyllic landscape around Tromsø. Think about it!

When: around mid-June. Info on the official website .

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5 Best Tromso Northern Lights Tours + Important Things to Know Before Booking

January 14, 2024 by Silvia 32 Comments

I’ve now lived in Tromsø for two full northern lights seasons (late August to late March) and completely understand why Tromso northern lights tours are so popular. It’s certainly been magical getting to see the northern lights so often while living here. Sometimes I’ll be having a terrible day and grumpily take my dog Alfie out for a walk, but then I’ll look up and feel like the luckiest person in the world.

Quick Tromsø Travel Guide

Tromsø Accommodation: Thon Hotel Polar and Thon Hotel Tromsø across the street are both excellent options right in the city center, and the breakfast buffet is incredible. The fanciest hotel in town is the Clarion Hotel The Edge , which is right on the water and home to Tromsø’s only skybar. I’ve also written a full guide to the best Tromsø hotels here . 

Tromsø Activities Hostel is a great option if you’re on a tight budget. And if you want your own apartment, this glass roof loft near the center looks incredible. I don’t recommend booking an Airbnb in Tromsø.

Top Tromsø Activities: 

• Small group northern lights tour

Northern lights sailing excursion

• Fjord cruise with a sauna/jacuzzi on board
• Boat/RIB whale watching tour
• Arctic dog sledding excursion  (or this dog sledding excursion 2 hours from Tromsø)
• Reindeer excursion
• Snowmobile tour

Tromsø car rental:  Tromsø is surrounded by incredible nature, but public transport is sparse so I recommend renting a car, if you can. You can compare prices and book your Tromsø car rental at autoeurope.com .

Packing for Tromsø: You can find my  winter packing guide for Norway here . In general I would say focus on practical outdoors clothing – people dress very casually here, even when going out at night. Don’t forget some warm sweaters, even in the summer! 

When people ask me where in Norway to go to see the northern lights, I always recommend Tromsø first. Tromsø is a good place to see the northern lights because it lies so far above the Arctic Circle so the aurora activity is consistently high, but it’s also on the coast, which means that the temperatures are a lot warmer than other places this high above the Arctic Circle. 

That said, there are some things to know if you are planning a Tromsø northern lights trip. Yes, we see the aurora a lot here, but downtown Tromsø isn’t the best place in Norway to see the northern lights, so if you want to see them you’ll need to take a northern lights tour in Tromsø, or drive out on your own. And if you want to know how to photograph the northern lights read my full guide here ,

Ideally you want to be somewhere really dark, away from city lights to see the aurora. You can often still see the northern lights in the Tromsø city center, however whenever we get a really spectacular lights show here I secretly wish I were in the countryside where it would look even more incredible.

This is why a lot of people coming for the northern lights sign up for a Tromsø northern lights tour that will take them away from the city lights (and hopefully towards clear skies), which is a fantastic option. Then during the day you can explore downtown. Tromsø is a great little city with lots of cafes, galleries, museums, shops, restaurants, and bars to keep you interested when the northern lights aren’t out. I’ve shared a full guide for the best things to do in Tromsø here . 

If you don’t want to sign up for a bunch of northern lights tours from Tromsø, you could also spend a few nights in the countryside. If you’re comfortable renting a car, I would consider flying into Tromsø and then leaving the city to stay somewhere darker. 

Best month to see the northern lights

And if you’re wondering when is the best time to see the northern lights in Tromsø, you will have good chances of seeing them from September to the beginning of April. Personally February and March are my favorite months for northern lights in Tromsø, because there’s snow on the ground and the sun has returned so you can enjoy your days a bit more as well. But if you hate the cold I definitely recommend visiting in September or October, as the weather is more tolerable for nights spent outside watching the sky. 

Best Tromso northern lights tours

If you do choose to stay in Tromsø, you’ll definitely want to book at least a couple northern lights tours. In fact even when my parents visited me here I booked them on a tour instead of driving them out myself. Northern lights tours usually include heavy duty outdoor winter clothing, which is super helpful on those freezing cold nights, especially if you’re traveling from somewhere warmer. Guides are also in contact with each other so they can more effectively scout for the lights than you could on your own.

An added benefit of taking a northern lights tour is that most guides are trained in northern lights photography so usually the tour will include a photo of you under the northern lights (my parents were so pleased with the photos they got)! And tours also often include tripods so that you can try to take photos on your own camera too. While your phone can capture basic northern lights photos, you’ll need a tripod to take sharp northern lights photos because of the long exposures necessary in the dark.

There are so many northern lights tours running out of Tromsø, and to be honest they’re all pretty similar. I would just try to look for a long tour, where your guide will be willing to drive out to Sweden or Finland if necessary to find clear skies. And if your heart is really set on seeing the northern lights, I would absolutely book tours on multiple nights.

You can book northern lights tours on Manawa , GetYourGuide , or Viator . They all offer excellent and reliable service, but my personal favorite is Manawa as the tours tend to be a tiny bit cheaper through them and I love supporting a smaller company. 

You can also  buy a gift card from Manawa here . This would make a wonderful gift! 

These would be my top picks for the five best northern lights tours from Tromsø:

Cheapest Tromsø Northern Lights Tour

If you want the cheapest option for a northern lights bus chase, this 5 hour northern lights minibus tour is your best bet. It’s a bit cheaper than other tours because it only takes you to the neighboring island of Kvaløya to chase the northern lights, not  all the way to Sweden or Finland if necessary. 

I don’t think this is the very best tour option, but if you’re on a budget it’s still an excellent choice. You get a professional guide to find the best location to spot the northern lights, a warm thermal suit to wear, and tripods for your cameras. 

You can cancel up to 4 days in advance for a full refund, and if the tour is canceled due to bad weather you can reschedule or get your money back. 

Best Tromsø Northern Lights Tour

If you’re willing to spend a bit more money, this minibus tour would be ideal. This is the tour my parents did and they loved it.

This tour will drive all the way to Finland if necessary to find clear skies, and they provide a thermal suit, a hot meal and beverages, and a campfire.

The guide will take professional photos of you under the northern lights, but I love that they also bring tripods for your camera if you want to try your own hand at photographing the northern lights! Your guide will help you with all the photo settings so that you can capture the aurora yourself. 

This all inclusive northern lights chase minibus tour is offered by a different company and isn’t the exact one my parents did, but it looks very similar and is a bit cheaper! 

And if you want something more exclusive, this Tesla tour  is even smaller and still provides photos and a tripod to use. 

Husky Northern Lights Excursion

Northern lights tours can definitely be a bit disappointing if you don’t manage to see the aurora, so I love the idea of doing a fun activity outside at night so you’ll have a chance of spotting the northern lights but also a great time even if you don’t see the aurora.

This evening husky visit looks so much fun and will give you lots of chances of seeing the northern lights. You’ll get to play with the huskies and then have dinner around a campfire while waiting for the northern lights to appear. 

I wouldn’t recommend this as your only northern lights tour in Tromsø, as you’ll be staying in one location so you won’t have as high chances of seeing the northern lights as if you were chasing them in a bus. But the huskies are so much fun, so if you like dogs I would highly recommend this as a second tour for one of your other nights in Tromsø! 

Reindeer sleigh ride under the Northern Lights in Tromsø

If dogs aren’t your thing, maybe you would prefer to hang out with some reindeer in Tromsø?  This evening reindeer sleigh ride looks absolutely magical. I did the daytime version of this tour and  loved it. Again, I wouldn’t recommend this as your primary northern lights tour in Tromsø, but this would be an excellent option as a second tour to book. 

This northern lights sailing excursion is actually the cheapest northern lights tour in Tromsø.

Sailing is a big part of life in Tromsø – I even know some students here who live on sailboats to save money on rent. So this is a great opportunity to get out on the water while here! Your chances of seeing the northern lights will be a bit lower as skies tend to be clearer inland. And it’s hard to photograph the northern lights on a moving boat, because you need to keep your camera still for several seconds.

But if you’re lucky, seeing the northern lights dancing over the water is one of the most extraordinary experiences I’ve had!

I also highly recommend filling your days with other fun activities to ensure that you have the best visit to Tromsø, even if you end up unlucky and don’t get to see the northern lights. 

Whale watching from Tromsø

From roughly November through January, you can see humpback whales and killer whales, or orcas, near Tromsø. The time they arrive does vary each year, as well as where you can see them. But luckily for you there are several Tromsø whale safari companies that send boats out to see the whales, wherever they may be (though of course whale sightings cannot be guaranteed). 

If you want to stay on a warm boat the entire time, then  this silent whale watching tour on an electric boat  is perfect, and lasts around eight hours (depending on where the whales are) for optimal whale sighting chances. 

And if you’re feeling adventurous and want to see the whales up close,  this boat/RIB whale watching tour  takes you to the whales on a boat but then you switch to a RIB when you’re near the whales. 

Or if you want a full Arctic experience, this overnight Ice Domes tour includes an evening snowshoe hike, a night in the famous Tromsø Ice Domes, and a morning dogsledding tour.

Dog sledding in Tromsø

For best chances of snow I would do this in January, February, or March, but sometimes there will be enough snow on the ground in November and December for husky sledding. And then if there isn’t enough snow, some companies will take out carts with wheels instead.

There are lots of different husky sledding tours offered from Tromsø  which you can find here , but I recommend going with the Tromsø Wilderness Center. I know several people who have adopted retired huskies from the Wilderness Center and they offer really great care to the dogs when they aren’t working.

This husky excursion is perfect for beginners. Or that one is sold out this dog sledding excursion two hours from Tromsø might have availability. 

I’ve written more about dog sledding in Norway here . 

Reindeer in Tromsø

One of the fun things about living in Tromsø is that there are a lot of reindeer roaming outside the city!

Of course the best way to see some reindeer is to visit a reindeer camp.  This reindeer excursion takes you just 30 minutes from the Tromsø center to feed reindeer, learn about Sami culture, and even take a short reindeer sleigh ride. But personally I prefer this reindeer tour , which takes you out to the gorgeous Lyngen Alps. It is a bit longer of a drive but one of the most beautiful areas outside of Tromsø. I wrote more about my experience doing this tour here . 

They also offer  an evening reindeer sleigh ride  where you’ll have the chance to see the northern lights. 

Cross-country skiing

You can rent cross-country skis at  Tromsø Outdoor  right downtown (I believe rentals are 340 kroner for adults), but if you’ve never been on cross-country skis before you might prefer to go with a guide instead.  This guided cross-country skiing Tromsø tour  includes all the equipment, a ski lesson, hot drinks, and lunch.

Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling is incredibly popular here, and it’s certainly a lot of fun. If you want to experience snowmobiling for yourself there are a bunch of  snowmobile tours offered out of Tromsø here . 

Tromsø accommodation

Tromsø has so many wonderful hotels, so you’ll have lots of options here. I’ve stayed at the Thon Hotel Polar and loved it, and my parents usually stay at the Thon Hotel Tromsø across the street, which is just as wonderful.

But everyone I’ve asked in Tromsø seems to agree that the nicest hotel in town is the Clarion Hotel The Edge. The Edge is right on the water and is home to Tromsø’s only skybar. My parents have also stayed here and loved it. Check current rates and availability here

And then if you are willing to stay outside of Tromsø, here are my top picks for the best places to see the northern lights in Norway (some of which won’t require a car):

I’ve also gathered even more tips for your northern lights trip into  an in depth ebook here . This covers all the necessities for planning a northern lights trip, going into much more detail than my blog posts. 

Sommarøy & Kvaløya

If you want to spend some time in Tromsø but don’t mind renting a car, I recommend staying outside of the city and driving in for a visit during the day. This way you’ll be in the right place when the lights do come out, but you can still have a bit of city experience as well. You can compare prices and book your rental at autoeurope.com .

Kvaløya, the island next to Tromsø, is a wonderful option because it’s only about a half hour drive from Tromsø, but will have dark skies and beautiful landscapes perfect for northern lights viewing.

You could book a cabin here and then drive into Tromsø during the day, though you’ll probably want to spend most of your time here because it’s beautiful. This cabin would be perfect, or this is a great budget option .

Or if you venture a bit farther you could stay on Sommarøy, which is absolutely stunning and one of my favorite places near Tromsø. The Sommarøy Arctic Hotel has a bunch of accommodation options for different budgets, including gorgeous seaside cabins.

The Lyngen Alps is my favorite mountain getaway from Tromsø and just so happens to be home to two of my favorite northern lights hotels in Norway: the glass igloos at North Experience Basecamp  and the mini Aurora Fjord Cabins .

Read about  my stay at the mini Aurora Fjord Cabins here .

When my friends wanted to plan a winter trip to Tromsø a few years ago I convinced them to go to the island of Senja instead. Senja has stunning mountains, lots of winter activities on offer, and it’s the perfect place to watch for the northern lights. Read more about our trip to Senja here .

I hadn’t actually hear of the island of Dyrøy before my visit to Senja, but we decided to add it onto our itinerary and it ended up being my favorite part of our trip. Dyrøy has incredible mountain views, and the owners of the cabin we stayed at were so wonderful. Plus we got to soak in a hot tub under the northern lights.

Read more about visiting Dyrøy here .

Vesterålen & Lofoten

Vesterålen and Lofoten are two archipelagos about a six hour drive south of Tromsø. You won’t get the highest chances of seeing the northern lights here as the weather can be really crazy, but the landscape might be incredible enough to make up for that.

I would say that choosing Vesterålen or Lofoten for your northern lights trip will be a bit of a gamble, but the scenery is so beautiful and there’s so much to do here that you will definitely have an unforgettable trip, aurora or no aurora. Read more about visiting Vesterålen here and visiting Lofoten here .

Alta is a small city of about 19,000 people so it doesn’t have much light pollution, but it’s a big tourist hub for Arctic tours and activities so you’ll find a lot to do here when you aren’t watching the northern lights. This is great because there’s always a chance you’ll be unlucky with the aurora and not get to see any northern lights, but if you fill your days with other fun activities you’ll have an amazing trip regardless.

The best northern lights accommodation is somewhere with a clear roof or at least very big windows, so you can watch for the lights in comfort (and warmth!). This is why I really love Arctic Domes, and the Arctic Dome at Glød Explorer is perfect because you don’t even need a car to visit. You can fly into Alta and they’ll pick you up at the airport. Read more about staying at Glød Explorer here .

Arctic Dome in Kokelv

The Arctic Dome in Kokelv might just be my favorite place I’ve stayed on a northern lights trip in Norway. The dome is perfect for northern lights viewing – I actually had a lot of trouble going to sleep here because the lights kept appearing above my bed. The dome sits at the top of a hill so you’ll get a full, unobstructed view of the sky, and a stay here also comes with a Sami style turf house with a fully equipped kitchen, shower, and sauna.

Kokelv is about a two hour drive from Alta so you’ll definitely need a car for this one, so I do think that Glød Explorer in Alta is a more convenient option. Read more about staying at the Arctic Dome in Kokelv here .

Kirkenes is one of my favorite towns in northern Norway. It’s right by the borders to both Finland and Russia, which I feel like gives it a really interesting vibe, but also offers excellent northern lights viewing opportunities because it’s easy to drive inland where the skies are usually less cloudy.

And you can even stay in an igloo hotel here !

Read more about visiting Kirkenes here .

And then if you want a true Arctic adventure, you have to go to Svalbard! Svalbard’s towns are the northernmost permanently inhabited spots on the planet (aside from a few research bases), and the archipelago is actually closer to the North Pole than to Oslo. Oh and Svalbard is one of the only places where you can see the daytime northern lights!

I was really surprised how easy it is to visit Svalbard – there are quite cheap flights from Oslo and Tromsø. Read more about planning a trip to Svalbard here .

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Travel Center UK says

March 29, 2021 at 3:52 pm

Thank you so much for this informative article 😉 Just asking out of curiosity how about a holiday to Iceland to view the northern lights? What do you think of Iceland?

Melissa says

March 29, 2021 at 4:35 pm

I really like the idea of those long northern lights tours. I mean, as well as seeing the northern lights I love the idea of travelling accross the artic to Sweden and Finland. I think, that is exciting me as much as the idea of seeing the northern lights.

Is it possible to walk from Tromsø airport to the city center or is it just a highway? I read it is only 4KM

April 27, 2021 at 3:31 pm

Hey.. I really like travelling… I was looking for Places in Norway to travel and I got this article.. Very nice information.. Thanks

August 7, 2022 at 7:58 pm

I’m planning a trip to Tromsø and found this – my dog is also named Alfie 🙂 gave me a big smile!

Silvia says

August 7, 2022 at 8:57 pm

What no way! I hope you enjoy Tromsø 😊

Joanna Alberti says

October 5, 2022 at 12:40 am

I’ve found this article most useful in planning our trip to Norway in the hope of seeing the Northern Lights and creating special family memories with my 12 year old son this December. What would you recommend for New Years Eve..Tromsø or Sommarøy Arctic Hotel or somewhere else? Look forward to hearing your thoughts. Best wishes Joanna

October 6, 2022 at 11:32 am

I would recommend Tromsø for New Year’s Eve! The fireworks are beautiful, and it’s a fun night out in the city.

Tirta Darma says

October 11, 2022 at 3:17 pm

Hi Silvia, it is so informative what you wrote. I am planing to visit Tromso on February 2023. How big is the chance to see the northern lights ? And besides Tromso, I will visit Alta and Nordkap as well, is it possible to drive ? Since some of my frepiends say it is possible but have to do convoy with other cars and must check the schedule, is it true ?

October 12, 2022 at 10:09 am

If you’re in the north for a week you should have good chances of seeing the northern lights, especially if you take a couple of northern lights tours that will chase clear skies. You can absolutely drive to Alta and the North Cape as well. We only have to drive in a convoy if there’s a big snow storm, but that is quite rare, so you should be fine.

Carla Wrench says

October 30, 2022 at 2:11 pm

This has been so helpful thank you. Have wanted to see the lights since I was little. Going to book Tromso end of January 23 for 4 nights and stay at Polar hotel recommended. My husband and I would love to spend one night in a glass dome – would this be possible? Where would you recommend if so? Thank you

November 1, 2022 at 9:28 pm

There are glass igloos at Lyngen North, which is a three hour drive from Tromsø. I think they can arrange transport if you’re not renting a car.

November 2, 2022 at 5:16 am

Hey Silvia, I like your posts, they are so informative and helpful. I am in two minds and wonder if I will be able to see northern lights during End April period? I know the chances are really low but with the climate changes, I want to be a little hopeful but I hope you can provide your views on this? Thanks in advance!

November 10, 2022 at 2:53 pm

No, it is too light at the end of April to see the northern lights – you can only see them when the sky is dark, which no longer happens by then.

Postcard Stories says

November 13, 2022 at 12:00 pm

To me Tromso is one of the most beautiful cities in the world 🙂 I’ve spent there a great midnight-sun season, but I wasn’t successful to spot northern lights at least once when visiting during Winter 🙁 But I’ll keep visiting.

November 15, 2022 at 11:54 am

Hi Silvia, Thank you, this has been so helpful for planning my visit in February. If my first Northern Light chase isn’t successful I plan on booking another one. Do you think that it is possible to find a tour on short notice (for the next day or so) or will they be completely booked (doesn’t have to be the same company but should still be a reliable one)? Thank you, Lynn

November 15, 2022 at 11:49 pm

February is a really busy time – sometimes all the hotels and restaurants in town book out too – so I would definitely book a tour in advance. A lot of them allow cancellation if necessary.

January 8, 2023 at 9:15 pm

Hi! You mention that AirBnB bookings fall through in Tromso…how often has this been happening. I have an AirBnB booked for February 2023 and am just reading your article *worry face*

January 9, 2023 at 9:51 pm

Oh hmm I think it’s been happening a lot, but hopefully you’ll be fine. Or you could check if there’s anything available on Booking.com instead.

Debora says

January 23, 2023 at 3:19 pm

We could potentially travel to Tromso to see the Northern Lights for my husband’s birthday in October. We will be accompanied by our 15 month old daughter. Would this be a good idea ? Do you have any tips and tricks of traveling with a baby in that region?

Many thanks!

Ian Hart says

August 14, 2023 at 3:42 pm

Hi Silvia I am really inspired to travel to Norway after reading your blogs. I wonder if I could ask you to check our itinerary and recommend the most appropriate of your guides to support my brother and me for a trip in early March 2024. • 1st Gatwick to Tromso gets in 23.40! • Hire SUV at airport – we are experienced drivers • Drive to Sommaroy? Or stay in Tromso in a cheap bed or sleep in SUV or drive to Lofoten area hoping to see the lights (440km – 6hrs?) • 2nd Stay in Lototen links – 2/3 nights • Tour Lototen, Reine, climb Reinebringen • 4th Drive to Abisko – stay in STF Abisko Turiststation (300km 4.5hrs?) • 5th Drive to Silsand – stay at Norwegian Wild (210km 3hrs?) • 6th Drive to Alta – stay in Sorrisniva Igloo – (400km 6hrs?) • 7th Holmen Husky lodge – Husky sledding • 7th (2 nights min) Kokelv turf house • Drive back to Tromso • 11th 06.15 fly home This leaves us a spare day should we stay in Lototen for 3 nights or somewhere else? We would really appreciate your thoughts before I book the flights. Many thanks in advance Ian

August 14, 2023 at 6:49 pm

Sommarøy is a long drive from Tromsø, so I would stay your first night in Tromsø instead. I don’t think you will be able to climb Reinebringen in March yet as there will likely be snow – at least you definitely wouldn’t want to attempt the hike if there is snow. I would honestly skip Abisko – it’s too big of a detour and the drive isn’t that spectacular. Instead I would maybe stop through Vesterålen ( https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/vesteralen-whales-reindeer/ ) on your way to Senja, or spend an extra night in Senja. The rest looks great, if you don’t mind the long drives!

August 15, 2023 at 3:01 pm

Thank you for getting back quickly. We will skip Abisko.

It’s a pity the ferry is not operating between Vesteralen and Senja in the winter. Also I would guess that its not be best time for whale watching. We will stay in Thon on your recommendation.

Which of your guides would be the most supportive on our trip?

Many thanks again Ian

August 20, 2023 at 11:05 am

My Northern Norway and Northern Lights guides would both be helpful. If going with just one I’d choose the Northern Lights guide: https://heartmybackpack.gumroad.com/

Barbara Cooper says

September 5, 2023 at 8:00 pm

Could you please recommend how to go about finding a rental property near Tromso, perhaps not in Tromso itself – for a week or so. An agency??

Thank you, Barbara

September 13, 2023 at 5:35 pm

Hi Silvia. I have booked the Lyngen North before reading your article! Have you stayed at the Lyngen North? May I know if there is a high chance to see the northern lights at around Nov/Dec?

September 16, 2023 at 9:06 am

Yes I’ve stayed at Lyngen North many times! It’s very beautiful there, and November/December is a great time to see the northern lights. I hope you will have clear skies and get to see them!

Massimo says

October 8, 2023 at 9:12 am

Hello Silvia, awesome article!

Is there any chance of actually seeing any northern lights in June? Asking because I am planning a trip to Tromso with my friends for the Midnight Sun marathon next year and we’ll probably only have about 4 days in Tromso so I have to choose wisely… Wondering what the best activities would be to make the best out of our time there!

Thanks so much and have a great day!

October 9, 2023 at 6:58 pm

You can only see the northern lights when the sky is dark, and the sun is up all day and night in June, so there’s no way to see the northern lights. It’s a wonderful time to visit though! I’ve shared all my Tromsø tips here: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/things-to-do-in-tromso/

Alphabet says

January 22, 2024 at 5:16 pm

This place is my dream destination. I have no words to express this…..beauty

February 28, 2024 at 6:58 pm

We are really looking forward to starting our tour in Tromso in 2 days (14th August 2023 post). I have just tried to download the https://www.tinacinc.com/AuroraForecast/ app (for Android) but it seems that the app has not been updated for newer versions of the operating system (V14). Can you recommend another app?

Many thanks in advance Ian

Karen Cross says

March 17, 2024 at 8:25 pm

Big thank you, Silvia, for such an informative article. I will definitely get your e-book before we visit Norway. Planning on a short trip with husband Feb 2025, but wondering whether you would recommend a tour agency to do an all-inclusive short trip to see Northern Lights, husky-sledging, etc etc or whether you would recommend buying our own flights and arranging the hotel and all the activities ourselves ourselves? Many thanks, Karen

March 18, 2024 at 8:55 pm

I think you should be fine booking the flights hotel and activities yourself. Just make sure to book everything well in advance, as northern lights season is very busy and everything does book up.

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Once a full-time nomad, I'm now trying to find a balance between continuing to explore off the beaten path places around the world while also building a home in Norway. Want to know more? Head to my About page !

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Tromso itinerary for 4 days: The perfect Tromso winter trip

Are you thinking about taking a winter trip to Tromsø and wondering how to plan your itinerary? Then you’ve come to the right place!

The enchanting city of Tromso in Northern Norway is a real winter wonderland and is often called the Capital of the Arctic. We spent 4 days in Tromso in December, in the middle of the Polar Night period, the Aurora Borealis season and the whale watching season. It was absolutely magical!

Below, I’m sharing my 4-day Tromso itinerary that allows you to experience the incredible beauty of the Arctic winter, complete with Northern Lights, snow-capped mountains, reindeer, orca sightings and husky sledding. 

At the bottom of this post, you’ll also find my recommendations on where to stay, what to do when the weather is bad and a map that gives you an overview of where the main sights on this Tromsø itinerary are located.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links from which I may make a commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase.

How to get around

You don’t really need to rent a car when visiting Tromsø. The town itself is small and the main points of interest are within walking distance from each other or can easily be reached by public buses. 

Also, most of the classic Tromso winter activities have to be done as part of organized tours, meaning you can’t do them on your own. They usually include transportation to a location outside of the city and back. These are activities like reindeer and husky tours, whale watching tours, Sami tours, northern lights tours etc.

With that said, we did rent a car for one of the days of our Tromso itinerary to take a road trip outside of the town and explore the beautiful landscapes at our own pace. We really enjoyed it and can recommend doing the same but only if you’re confident in your ability to drive on icy roads.

Alternatively, if you don’t want to drive, you can book an organized tour that takes you to more or less the same places that we visited on our little road trip. I’m sharing more details about this in the itinerary below (see Day 2).

Another reason for renting a car would be if you want to go searching for the Northern Lights on your own. It probably won’t be cheaper than joining a Northern Lights tour though (unless you travel with a bigger group) and you would miss out on the expertise of the professional tour guides.

Good to know: From about November 21 to January 21, Tromsø experiences the Polar Night – a period when the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon. However, this doesn’t mean there’s no daylight or that it’s dark all the time. From about 10am to 2pm, you can see beautiful colors of twilight in the sky so plan to be outside during these hours if you’re visiting during the Polar Night.

Tromso itinerary: How to spend 4 days in Tromso in winter

Day 1: storsteinen, tromsø town & northern lights tour, storsteinen viewpoint.

On the first day of your Tromso itinerary, head to the viewpoint on Storsteinen Mountain (420m/1378ft) for an amazing panoramic view over Tromso. You can get to the foot of the mountain from the city by bus #26.

From there, the Storsteinen viewpoint can be reached in two ways – by taking the Fjellheisen cable car (what most people do) or by hiking up the mountainside along the Sherpatrappa (‘Sherpa stairs’) trail. The round-trip ticket for the cable car costs 415 NOK whereas hiking is free.

Since we love to hike, we decided to hike up and take the cable car back down. The hike was quite challenging since we were walking through thick snow but it was a fun experience nonetheless with some great views along the way. It took us under an hour to reach the top, where we were rewarded with a spectacular view of the city below us.

Besides the viewpoint, there’s also a cafe and several hiking trails on the top. We got there a bit late when it was already starting to get dark so we didn’t explore any of the trails.

Tromso town

After Storsteinen, spend the afternoon getting to know the town of Tromso. Visit the Arctic Cathedral (one of the most famous landmarks of Tromso), take in the views from Tromsø Harbour and stroll along Storgata, a lovely pedestrian street lined with cafes, restaurants and shops.

You can also visit the Polar Museum to learn about polar expeditions and life in the Arctic region or take a beer tour at Mack Brewery , the northernmost brewery in the world.

Northern Lights tour

In the evening, take a Northern Lights tour to (hopefully) see the magnificent Aurora Borealis dance in the night sky. Although Aurora sightings can never be guaranteed, the guides on these tours work hard to find the best locations each night and communicate with other guides to find clear skies.

We took this Northern Lights bus tour , which started at 6.30pm and finished around 1am. If you prefer a smaller group instead of a bus, you can book this tour . On the tour we took, you also have the option of booking another Northern Lights tour for only 50% of the price if you don’t see the lights the first time.

Unfortunately, we only caught a faint glimpse of the Aurora that night but this is nothing to be blamed on the tour company. It’s nature – sometimes there simply isn’t enough solar activity or the sky is too cloudy.

We did end up seeing a fantastic Northern Lights display on our final night (see Day 4 of this itinerary). It was an awe-inspiring experience and truly a sight to remember!

Note: For a higher chance of seeing the Northern Lights, you should head out every night to search for them, either with a tour or by yourself. For this reason, this Tromso winter itinerary includes outdoor activities on each of the four nights.

Day 2: Kvaløya, Sommarøy and DIY Northern Lights hunt

Arctic road trip.

On the second day of your trip, it’s time to take a road trip out of Tromsø to see some beautiful Arctic scenery. I recommend heading to Kvaløya and Sommarøy, two islands located west of Tromsø, which can be reached by driving (no ferry crossings needed).

To do that you can either rent a car and explore on your own like we did or join a tour that includes transport and a guide. We rented a car at Tromsø airport. Please only consider renting if you’re familiar with driving on snow and ice. Otherwise, you can take this 5-hour small group tour with a minivan, where you’ll visit the most scenic spots on Kvaløya while your guide shares their knowledge of the area. Lunch and photos are included. 

On these islands, you can expect to see snow-covered mountains, picturesque fjords, Arctic beaches and quaint fishing villages. If you’re lucky, you might even come across some wild reindeer. The main points of interest on Kvaløya are Ersfjordbotn and Grøtfjorden, whereas on the tiny island of Sommarøy, I recommend just driving around and taking in the charm.

Search for Northern Lights on your own

In the evening, I recommend going Northern Lights hunting again. If you rented a car and are keeping it for the evening, try to find a dark area away from light pollution on Ringvassøya, Kvaløya or Sommarøy islands. 

Otherwise, you can also look for them in Tromsø without a car but they will likely look a bit weaker because of the city lights nearby. The best spots to see Northern Lights in the town are Prestvannet Lake and Telegrafbukta Beach, both of which can be reached by walking or public buses from Tromsø center. We visited both of them but unfortunately, the Northern Lights didn’t show up that night.

The Storsteinen viewpoint is another recommended place to see the aurora but remember that this requires taking a cable car (which stops running at midnight) or hiking there in the dark.

Day 3: Whale watching & Northern Lights

Whale watching tour.

On day 3, wake up early and get ready for what’s probably going to be one of the coolest experiences of your Tromso trip – a whale watching tour. Every year from late October to late January, orcas, humpback whales and fin whales gather in the fjords at Skjervøy, northeast of Tromsø, to feed on herring.

The whale watching boat tours take you right into their feeding grounds, which means you’ll have very good chances of spotting the whales. The tours last for a full day as it takes several hours to reach the whale territory. You definitely won’t get bored though because the views of the Arctic scenery around the boat are amazing. 

We took the Silent Whale Watching tour by Brim Explorer and saw several pods of orcas, a few humpback whales and even a fin whale. If you’d like to book the same tour, use my discount code ‘smoothescape’ to get 5% off your booking.

It’s a bucket-list-worthy experience that should definitely be on your Tromso itinerary if you’re visiting during the whale season (late October to late January). 

Be sure to read my detailed blog post on whale watching in Tromso for all the information you need to plan your whale tour.

Note: If you’re visiting Tromso outside of the whale watching season, you can take an Arctic fjord cruise instead. Although you won’t see whales, you will see picturesque coastal landscapes, fjords, fishing villages and maybe even some eagles and harbor porpoises.

Look for Aurora Borealis

After the whale tour, grab some dinner and then head outside to search for the Northern Lights again. You can look for them on your own by going to one of the places in Tromso that I mentioned in the section about Day 2 or you can take another Northern Lights tour to increase your chances of seeing them.

Day 4: Dog sledding, reindeer & Sami camp

Dog sledding tour.

Kick off the last day of your Tromso trip with a husky sledding tour. It’s one of the most popular things to do in Tromso in winter and gets sold out months in advance so make sure to book your tour in time. 

You can either take a husky sled self-drive tour , which means that you will be the one controlling the sled or you can take a sled ride , where you’ll just be the passenger and a professional musher will do the ‘driving’. In either case, you’ll ride through beautiful frozen landscapes with a team of huskies and finish the tour with a traditional lunch.

Reindeer feeding and Sami culture tour

In the evening, round off your Tromso winter trip with one final tour – a visit to this Sami camp to learn about the Sami culture and meet a herd of 300 reindeer. 

The Sami are the indigenous people of Scandinavia who have a distinct culture, language and traditions. They are known as excellent reindeer herders and at this Sami camp, you can pet and feed their reindeer and go reindeer sledding. During the tour, the Sami people will also share stories about their culture and beliefs. The tour includes a traditional dinner served around a fire in a cozy Sami hut.

We loved everything about this tour (especially feeding the adorable friendly reindeer) but the absolute highlight of the evening was when the Northern Lights suddenly appeared in the sky.

We were in complete awe as we watched the vivid green lights dance above our heads. It was truly a one-of-a-kind experience and the perfect ending to our Tromso itinerary.

Where to stay in Tromso

The most convenient place to stay in Tromso is the center of the city. This way you’ll be just a short walk from all the restaurants, shops and tour departure points.

Keep in mind that winter (especially December) is the peak season for tourism in Tromso and hotels get sold out fast. I recommend booking your accommodation at least 3 months in advance if you’re visiting Tromso in winter.

MID-RANGE: Smarthotel Tromsø Situated in the center of Tromso, this is an unpretentious hotel with a contemporary design and a delicious breakfast. Considering the high price level of Tromso, this place offers great value for money.

LUXURY: Clarion Hotel The Edge This is the most modern and luxurious hotel in Tromso with an excellent location right by the harbor. The hotel has an on-site restaurant and Tromso’s only sky bar.

UNIQUE STAYS: Aera Panoramic Glass Lodge or Tromso Ice Domes The first one is a gorgeous cabin with glass walls and glass roof, perfect for watching the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed. The second one is a hotel made entirely of ice! The Ice Domes experience also includes a snowshoe hike, husky sledding, a Northern Lights hunt and all meals.

What to do in Tromso when the weather is bad

Although people mostly visit Tromso for all the wonderful outdoor activities, sometimes the weather can let you down and you’ll just want to stay indoors instead. If that’s the case during your trip, here are some ideas for what to do in Tromso in bad weather:

• Relax in a spa – In Tromsøbadet , there are different types of heated pools, saunas and water attractions for kids. For something a bit more unusual, visit the Vulkana Arctic Spa boat or the small floating PUST Sauna.
• Explore Tromso’s museums – From the Polar Museum and the Arctic University Museum of Norway to the Troll Museum and Perspective Museum, there are plenty of museums to explore in the city.
• Taste local beer and spirits – You can take a brewery tour of Mack Brewery (the northernmost brewery in the world) and do a beer tasting at their bar Ølhallen. Or you can take this Northern spirits tasting tour that also includes Norwegian delicacies.
• Visit Tromso library – A nice place to hide from the cold weather. There’s a cafe, quiet areas, a kids’ area and board games that you can borrow.

Other places to include in your Tromso itinerary

There are lots of fun things to do and places to see near Tromso, so if you have more time to spend or you’re just looking to add other activities to your Tromso travel itinerary, here are my suggestions:

• See the ice sculptures at Tromso Ice Domes
• Go on a snowshoe hike
• Go snowmobiling at Camp Tamok
• Go winter sea kayaking and potentially see seals and eagles
• Visit Norway’s second-largest island Senja (we visited Senja in the summer and loved it!)
• If you have more days, visit the Lofoten Islands , an archipelago that has some of the most beautiful landscapes I’ve ever seen.

4-day Tromso itinerary map

On the interactive map below, you can find the main points of interest and the hotels I mentioned in this blog post. Click on the icon in the top left corner of the map for more details.

Tromso itinerary: Final thoughts

And that’s it – these were my recommendations on how to spend 4 days in Tromso. It’s a magical place to visit in the winter and offers so much to discover. Once you’ve experienced its Arctic charm and seen the beautiful wildlife and the Northern Lights, you’ll want to go back again!

If you have any questions about this Tromso winter itinerary, leave them in the comments section.

Don’t forget to check out my other Norway blog posts for more helpful travel tips:

• Whale safari in Tromso
• Travel guide to Senja Island
• 5-day Lofoten Islands itinerary
• How to take a campervan trip in Norway
• Most beautiful hikes in Lofoten
• Best beaches in Lofoten

Pin this Tromso winter itinerary!

Visiting Senja Island in Norway: A complete travel guide

Guide to whale watching in Tromso (& the most ethical way to do it)

The perfect Lofoten itinerary: 5 days on the Lofoten Islands

Reinebringen hike: The most famous view in Lofoten, Norway

10 best beaches in Lofoten, Norway’s Arctic paradise

Great article. I scrolled to day 4 just to see the Northern Lights photo. Amazing.

Thanks Alex! It sure was an amazing sight! 🙂

Great article and pretty photos. I like your coat! Do you have recommendations?

Than you Marion! What kind of recommendations are you looking for?

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Tromso Tours & Trips

Find the right tour for you through Tromso. We've got 64 adventures going to Tromso, starting from just 5 days in length, and the longest tour is 26 days. The most popular month to go is July, which has the largest number of tour departures.

64 Tromso tour packages with 67 reviews

• Christmas & New Year

Tromsö & Alta: Arctic Northern Lights - 5 days

Polar Nights in Tromsø & Sommarøy Island

Die Reiseleiterin war ausgezeichnet und sehr bemüht.Es gab vom Programm her viele Leerläufe,z.B. nachmittags keine Aktivität und Abends eine Nordlichtsuche, sei es per Bus oder Schiff

• Northern Lights
• Sightseeing

Northern Norway Explorer

This was a bit challenging for me The guide Shane was wonderful

Polar Nights in Northern Norway - 5 days

Wonderful time in Tromsø and Sommaroy. The weather was on our side and we were lucky enough to see the Northern Lights 3/4 night.

Sailing, Northern Lights and Whales

Tailor-Made Private Norway Trip to Chase the Northern Lights

Jann was a fantastic guide / driver who was kind and considerate and wanted the best experience possible for his guests!! Jann was friendly and educated/answered all questions even with personal stories! We were very lucky and had a great viewing night and Jann had prepared us for the post that we would not see anything, would highly suggest the Jann experience to everyone!

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

• Coach / Bus

Grand Lapland Tour, Finland, Sweden and Norway

This trip was wonderful and empowering. The scenery was magical. The activities were fun and memorable. Elo and our drivers were excellent. I met some wonderful people. Christmas in Lapland was truly an experience I will cherish for a lifetime.

9 nights Ireland, Scotland & Northern lights

Arctic Experience

I would have like to receive a detailed itinerary with approximate arrival times in each new location when I booked the trip so I could have planned excursions I would have liked to to do.

• Ocean Cruise

Norway Fjords and Northern Lights (8 Days)

Test review, please disregard

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Copenhagen to Northern Norway

Best of Northern Norway Classic - 71° North Cape ( Private Tour)

Very exciting and perfectly organised Tour. Very friendly Team. We really recommend this tour!

Top of Scandinavia with Arctic Circle

• In-depth Cultural

Northern Lights of Scandinavia (Small Groups, 10 Days)

Northern Lights tour with Insight Vacations was very well designed to maximize the experience. The tour leader Zsofi was exceptional and our most capable driver Iceman Tom made it an unforgettable experience. I loved the ease of the pace...no rush mornings as most of the activities were later into the day to ensure you were brighteyed and bushy tailed (awake) for the nighttime spectacle we came for...lady Aurora Borealis. And what a,show the fair lady put on for us...we saw her on nights 2 and 3 of the tour. Our hearts were thrilled. Mission accomplished...bucket list checked. The coach, the accommodation the optionals

Northern Lights of Scandinavia (Classic, 10 Days)

Using a new term in my vocabulary the overall experience was EPIC! Everything, from the pre-tour communications with you folks, to the entire tour was exceptional. Will definitely use you for future travel.

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Susanne Kirchberger

Hi! I am Susanne and I love wind and weather and nature! That's why I live in the Arctic! Still, ...

Tomas Kairiūnas

- Private and small group tours.- Premium and VIP travel service and transportation.- ...

Amitangshu Datta

Passionate about Northern Norway's landscapes and culture, I've carved a career in tourism, ...

Andrea Selva

Welcome to the arctic! The land of the midnight sun and the polar night, kingdom of ...

Arctic Guide Service

We are a travel company based in Tromso and provide guiding services in the Arctic ...

Arnold Berg

Andrei Andritcu

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Our most popular tours

Join us on an excursion to Northcape Sámi Siida, and experience the Sámi culture. This Sámi summer camp is located in Skipsfjorden, only a short drive from Honningsvåg.

Explore the ultimate gems of Western Lofoten in 4 hours! Let our local expert guide your small group to uncover white-sand beach, wooden church, fishermen villages, including the must-visit Reine. It's a bucket list journey through enchanting landscapes.

A bucket list favorite. You will be accompanied by our best northern lights guide and a certified driver in a warm comfortable bus.

Explore all tours

On this tour we take you on a walk around the small city centre of Tromsø that has been founded in 1795 on the island of Tromsøya and its surrounding.

Embark on a historical walking tour of Tromsø, the gateway to the Arctic, and walk in the footsteps of Roald Amundsen, the famous explorer.

MS Gabriele sets out on a whale watching from Tromsø in the morning, looking for humpback whales and killer whales.

Embark on this journey where you will learn all about the history and coastal culture in Tromsø by using all your senses.

Enjoy a unique private tour in the company of your own guide. With a personal guide you will discover the history, culture, and landmarks of Tromsø.

Northern Lights chase with Spanish speaking guide.

Join us to the End of the World: the North Cape!

Experience nightly magic on our Premium Northern Lights Tour in Lofoten! Join a 3-4 hour adventure with photo-worthy auroras. We pick you up, drop you off, and provide hot drinks in our cozy van.

Tell us what you want to capture, and we’ll do our best to make it happen, whether you’re an experienced photographer or just beginning.

Join us on the Arctic Night Adventure to the North Cape and the island of Magerøya.

Embark on this panoramic discovery that will take you through the center of Tromsø.

This tour is a sure hit for bird watchers and is strongly geared towards nature.

The tour takes you along the splendid fjords to the little fishing village of Skarsvåg, where you can enjoy a local hangout at Heidi’s Christmas and Winter House.

Join us for this guided hiking tour to explore some of the breathtaking sights of the island Magerøya.

Visit the northernmost Botanical garden and The Science Centre of Northern Norway.

This guided tour has been specially created for rough Lofoten winters and lack of light during the Polar Night periode.

We’ll visit the most scenic and picturesque places on the two most dramatic Lofoten islands, Moskenesøya and Flakstadøya

We’ll travel along some of the most scenic and picturesque places on the main island of Lofoten, Austvågøy, and the most mysterious island - Gimsøy.

Exclusive Degustation tour was created for travelers that seek for memorable food experiences and want to degustate the best of true local food.

The main stop is the Skrei Heritage Centre, home to the Lofoten Museum, Gallery Espolin and the Lofoten Aquarium.

Visit Cable Car like the locals do: with a fresh walk up the Sherpa steps and a comfortable travel down with the gondola.

Honningsvåg – a small city with approximately 3000 inhabitants – is the hub of the island Magerøya and the northernmost city of Europe.

Crossing three islands of ever-changing but always beautiful scenery, the first stop is the Lofotr Viking Museum, a site surrounded by farmland, just as it was in the Viking Era.

This southbound tour takes in three of Lofoten’s main islands.

Take the children on and adventure with this short and child-friendly walk to the farm Aalan Gård.

Arctic Guide Service AS

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Best Tromso Northern Lights Tour Experience – Your Insider’s Guide

Are you on the hunt for the best Tromso Northern Lights Tour?

You’re in the right place! As someone who absolutely loves chasing the aurora and has personally witnessed the incredible magic of the Northern Lights in Tromsø, I can say with confidence that these celestial performances are absolutely mind-blowing and leave you in awe.

Tromsø, located in the heart of the Arctic Circle, is one of the best places on earth to witness the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis. With its stunning landscapes comprising of fjords, mountains, and untouched Arctic wilderness, it presents an unparalleled backdrop for this celestial display.

⌚️ Short on time?

The best Tromsø Northern Lights tour is Northern Lights Hunting & Photography Expedition with countless 5-star reviews!

With around 100 tour operators offering northern lights tours, you might feel a bit overwhelmed when choosing the best aurora chase in Tromsø.

But hey, don’t worry! This article is here to help you out. We’ll discuss the important factors to consider when picking the perfect northern lights tour provider for your amazing Tromsø experience.

In this guide, I’m excited to share my top picks for the best Tromso Northern Lights tour , including the best group tours and private excursions, along with helpful information and tips for first-timers.

Are you ready to discover which of these magical Tromsø Northern Lights tour is right for you? Let’s dive in!

Top 3 Picks: Best Tromso northern lights tour

Northern Lights Hunting & Photography Expedition

✅ 5-Star Reviews ✅ Aurora Chasing & Arctic Wilderness + Professional Photography Guidance

Tromsø: Reindeer Sled, Dinner, and Northern Lights Day Trip

✅ 700 + 5-Star Reviews ✅ Aurora Chasing & reindeer sledding ✅ 3-course dinner

4×4 Small Group Northern Lights Photography Tour

Best tromso northern lights tour.

These are the best Tromso Northern Lights tour has to offer:

➡️ Check prices and availability for Northern Lights Hunting & Photography Expedition

⭐️ RATING: 4.8 out of 5 Stars (with more than 250 5-star reviews)

🕘 TOUR LENGTH : 8 hours

🎟 HOW TO BOOK: Check prices and availability here →

Why book this tour?

The Northern Lights Hunting & Photography Expedition  it’s a perfect blend of adventure and art, getting you up close to nature’s most stunning spectacle.

And guess what? It’s the only tour that comes with professional photography guidance, so you can capture those magical Aurora Borealis moments like a pro!

Great experience, few people which is great and always looking for the best place to see the best Northern Lights! And we did! I highly recommend! Ines, ( read more reviews )

The tour is perfect for solo adventurers or groups, promising an amazing night with breathtaking views of the night sky.

You’ll be well taken care of with snacks and hot drinks to keep you warm and energized in the chilly Arctic wilderness. And the best part? Round-trip transportation service is included, so getting to and from your lodging in Tromsø is a breeze.

What’s included in the Northern Lights Hunting & Photography Expedition:

• Northern Lights Hunting
• Professional Photography Guidance
• Round-trip transportation
• Dinner (vegetarian and vegan options available)
• Souvenir photos in web-sized resolution 

Check prices and availability for the Northern Lights Hunting & Photography Expedition here →

➡️ Check prices and availability for Tromsø: Reindeer Sled, Dinner, and Northern Lights Day Trip

⭐️ RATING: 4.8 out of 5 Stars (with more than 700 5-star reviews)

🕘 TOUR LENGTH : 4.5 hours

The Tromsø: Reindeer Sled, Dinner, and Northern Lights Day Trip  takes your Arctic adventure to a whole new level!

Get ready for an incredible Reindeer Sled ride and a mouthwatering traditional dinner under the mesmerizing Northern Lights. It’s the perfect blend of culture, nature, and deliciousness that you won’t want to miss!

Extremely organized activity. The guides were very welcoming to every person that participated in the tour. We were very lucky to witness the Northern Lights from the parking lot where the bus picked us up in Tromso to location where the Reindeer were living. Hands down one of the best tours we attended during our 8 day adventure through Norway Brian, ( read more reviews )

This tour is perfect for families, couples, or solo adventurers looking to experience the Arctic in a unique way. With transfers included, you won’t need to worry about getting to and from Tromsø. Plus, warm clothing is provided to keep you comfortable throughout the journey.

What’s included in the Tromsø: Reindeer Sled, Dinner, and Northern Lights Day Trip :

• Reindeer Sled Ride
• Traditional Sami Dinner
• Northern Lights Viewing

Check prices and availability for Tromsø: Reindeer Sled, Dinner, and Northern Lights Day Trip here →

➡️ Check prices and availability for 4×4 Small Group Northern Lights Photography Tour

⭐️ RATING: 4.9 out of 5 Stars (with more than 320 5-star reviews)

🕘 TOUR LENGTH : 6 hours

🎟 HOW TO BOOK: check prices and availability her e →

The 4×4 Small Group Northern Lights Photography Tour  is an epic mix of adventure and art! Not only will you get to chase the awe-inspiring Northern Lights, but you’ll also learn how to capture those magical moments with your camera. It’s an absolute treat for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers alike!

Our guide George was great! So nice and knowledgable, he drove quite a while for us to get the chance to hopefully see the northern lights. We got to see this and in our case it also ended with an engagement. Recommend everyone to go on this activity! Therese, ( read more reviews )

This tour is an excellent choice for small groups, families, couples, or solo adventurers who want to capture the sheer beauty of the Arctic night sky.

No need to fret about transportation; it’s all taken care of! Plus, tripods and warm clothing are provided to ensure a seamless and comfortable experience.

What’s included in the 4×4 Small Group Northern Lights Photography Tour :

• Northern Lights Chase
• Photography Lesson
• Pro tripods and headlamps
• Thermal suits
• Small group tour in Tromsø with maximum 8 guests
• Comfortable 4×4-equipped VW tour vans
• Local made expedition food
• Cookies & hot beverages (tea + coffee)
• Professional photos from the tour
• Hand warmers and heated insoles for your own boots
• Drop off at hotel/accommodation in Tromsø city centre

Check prices and availability for 4×4 Small Group Northern Lights Photography Tour →

Selecting the Best Tromsø Northern Lights Tour Operator

Let’s dive into some more fantastic tour operators in Tromsø for your polar adventures! Every tour brings its unique flavour to the table, enhancing your Northern Lights experience.

From Tromsø: Aurora Borealis Tour

Tromsø: Northern Lights Trip with Campfire and Snacks

From Tromsø: Evening Dog Sledding at Camp Tamok

Tromsø: Small Group Aurora Hunt Tour With Citizen Science

From Tromsø: Aurora Crystal Lavvo Overnight Experience

Picking the perfect Tromsø Northern Lights tour can feel overwhelming with so many options out there. But don’t worry! By considering a few important factors, you’ll find the tour that suits your needs and preferences like a charm.

Combine the Aurora Borealis hunt with other activities

If you’re not into the passive experience of bus tours solely focused on chasing the Northern Lights, there are other options to consider.

Look for tours that combine the Aurora Borealis hunt with fun activities like reindeer sledding, traditional Sami dinners, snowmobiling, or sailing. Check prices and availability here →

Also, if you’re interested in exploring more of what Tromsø has to offer, be sure to check out my other guide on the best tours in Tromsø here . It’s packed with information on all the must-see sights and experiences that this beautiful Norwegian city has to offer.

Just keep in mind that these activities might restrict your ability to chase clear skies, which is crucial for optimal Northern Lights viewing.

Consider the Group Size

The size of your tour group can really make a difference in your experience. You’ve got options like private tours, small groups, mini-bus tours, and large coach tours.

Smaller groups give you that intimate and personal touch, while larger groups can save you some bucks. Check prices and availability her e →

What’s the Price and What Does It Include?

The cost of Northern Lights tours in Tromsø can actually vary quite a bit.

You know, higher prices usually mean they throw in more stuff and all, but it’s always smart to double-check what’s included in the price.

Some tours might ask you to pay extra for specific services or amenities, so just keep that in mind.

Are the Guides Professional Photographers?

Having a professional photographer as your guide is an awesome bonus, especially if you want to capture breathtaking images of the Northern Lights.

They not only know the best spots with amazing views but can also help you take top-notch photos of the aurora. Check prices and availability here →

Are the Guides Locals?

Most tour guides in Tromsø are actually foreigners, given the seasonal nature of the job. However, having a local guide can bring some cool perspectives and insights into the area and culture.

Read the Reviews

Don’t forget to check out the reviews of the tour company. Take note of any recurring complaints or praises.

And hey, if there are any negative reviews because of bad weather, don’t let that discourage you! The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon that no one can control.

When choosing the perfect Northern Lights tour in Tromsø, there are a few important things to keep in mind. By considering these factors, you can ensure you have an amazing and unforgettable experience with the magical Aurora Borealis.

What to Expect from a Northern Lights Tour?

Usually you’ll meet your guide and driver at a designated pick-up spot where they’ll fill you in on the current aurora and weather conditions. If needed, they’ll hook you up with warm thermal suits and winter boots.

Depending on the conditions, you might catch the Northern Lights right in Tromsø or on the way to the chosen spot.

If not, your guide will find the perfect spot to set up camp, start a cozy campfire, and entertain you with captivating stories and legends about the Northern Lights while you wait for them to show up.

If the weather gets tricky, your guide will keep scouting for better locations and consult with other guides to make the best call.

No matter what, there will always be a warm campfire, fascinating storytelling, and a relentless effort to give you the best shot at seeing the Northern Lights.

Just remember, patience is key in this experience. It might get chilly, involve some waiting, and there’s a chance you might not see the Northern Lights.

If this is your ultimate dream, I suggest booking multiple tours to up your chances.

Are Northern Lights tours worth experiencing?

If you’re planning to see the Aurora Borealis in Tromsø, booking a guided tour isn’t a must, but I highly recommend it.

I get that some of you might not be into organized tours, but trust me, without knowing how to read weather and Aurora forecasts, you might miss out on the stunning celestial display. I’ve met folks who thought a weak Aurora was just a cloudy sky!

When you join a Northern Lights excursion , the guides will spot the Aurora and teach you how to capture amazing pictures, even if it’s not visible to the naked eye.

Here are 8 reasons why you should consider booking a Northern Lights tour in Tromsø :

• No need to worry about driving on slippery and dangerous icy roads. Unless you’re experienced in driving on snow and ice in the dark, renting a car is not recommended.
• No need to study complicated weather and Aurora forecast apps. Leave the experts to handle that!
• No struggle in finding the perfect spot. The guides know all the best locations around Tromsø for those breathtaking photo ops.
• No need to know what to look for. Sometimes the Northern Lights can be faint, but your guide will know how to spot them.
• No need to stress about camera settings. Capturing the Northern Lights is tricky, but the guides will help you set up your camera correctly.
• Get stunning pictures of yourself with the Northern Lights. It’s not easy to take photos of people with the lights, but the photographers on the tour know all the tricks.
• Stay warm with the tour company’s provided clothes. You’ll be outside for hours, so no need to buy heavy winter gear. Most companies offer thermal suits and some even provide shoes.
• Learn fascinating facts about the Northern Lights. Ever heard about how the Sami people used to hide when the lights danced in the sky?

So, if you want an unforgettable experience with the Northern Lights, consider booking a tour in Tromsø !

FAQ About Tromsø and the Northern Lights:

How likely are you to see the northern lights in tromsø .

Tromsø is one of the best places on Earth to experience the Northern Lights. If you visit during the ‘Aurora season’ from September to March, your chances of witnessing this natural spectacle are high, provided that the sky is clear and dark.

When is the best time of the year to visit Tromsø for the Northern Lights? 

The Northern Lights season in Tromsø runs from late September to late March. However, the most optimal time to visit is during the dark months of November, December, and January.

Can you see the Northern Lights in Tromsø without a tour? 

Absolutely! It’s possible to see the Northern Lights without a tour. All you need is a clear, dark sky, a bit of patience, and ideally, a location away from city light pollution. But joining a tour can make the hunt easier and more enjoyable with experienced guides who know the best viewing spots.

Where is the best spot in Tromsø to watch the Northern Lights? 

While the Northern Lights can be seen from various locations in Tromsø, some of the best spots include the Telegrafbukta Park, the Tromsø Island, and the mountains surrounding the city. A guided tour can take you to remote locations with minimal light pollution for the best viewing experience.

Conclusion – Best Tromso Northern Lights Tour

To wrap it up, the best Tromso Northern Lights tour is simply mind-blowing!

It’ll leave an unforgettable impression on your heart. This guide to best Tromso Northern Lights tour has hopefully given you some cool insights for an otherworldly adventure in Norway.

Tromsø has so much to offer, like stargazing from snowy mountaintops and immersing in the local culture.

My top recommendation is the Northern Lights Hunting & Photography Expedition – it’s super popular with all five-star reviews!

Not just the lights, but you’ll also get to explore the tranquil Norwegian wilderness. Whichever tour you choose in Tromsø, get ready for a magical evening under the enchanting aurora borealis.

Related Reading:

• Guide to the Best Tromso Hotels for Every Budget
• Your 2024 Ultimate Travel Guide To Tromso
• Best Tours In Tromso For An Unforgettable Arctic Experience
• Where and When to See the Northern Lights in Europe – The Ultimate Guide
• Tromso Winter Vacation: How To Plan Your Dream Trip to Norway’s Northernmost City
• Seven Amazing Places To Visit When You’re In Tromso

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I’m Magdalena – Globetrotter, Free Spirit, and your personal travel guide. Since 2017, I’ve been calling France my home while exploring and falling in love with 35+ diverse countries, from the frost-kissed ski towns to the sun-kissed beaches of Costa Rica and El Salvador. Thrive and Wander is a testament to my adventures, filled with destination guides, travel itineraries, and tips for solo female travel. So grab your backpack, let go of your fears, and join me on this journey to explore our beautiful world!