Here’s Why You Need to Go on a Fjord Tour in Tromso!

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What to Expect on a Fjord Tour in Tromso

First of all, what can you expect? Well, we really aren’t exaggerating when we say that the scenery in this area looks like a postcard. You’ll be spending the day surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to arctic beaches. 

We were on a small group tour which was nice as it meant a mini-bus instead of a huge coach. We didn’t feel crowded as there were only 8 people in total including the driver. This also meant that we were able to get to know the others in the group. 

Then, there’s the quiet. Away from the buzz of Tromso, the fjords are so peaceful. The only sounds you’ll hear are the gentle lapping of the water and maybe the call of a distant seabird.

Nordfjordbotn

Our first stop was a beautiful fjord view near Nordfjordbotn about 45 minutes outside of Tromso.

When we arrived here, it was pretty foggy, so we didn’t get to see as much as we’d like, but the views were still amazing. The mountains blended right into the clouds!

We stopped here for about 15 minutes, and our guide offered to take some photos for us on his professional camera. 

Sandvika

Our next stop was Sandvika, a gorgeous Arctic Beach, a further 25 minutes drive from the first view. To get here, we drove along the edge of the fjord, and the views were stunning.

Plus, as we drove closer to the coast, the clouds started dissipating, and we could see blue skies. It was beautiful, and we were in awe as we drove through the fjords.

The beach was just as gorgeous. Think white sand framed by snow, picnic benches, blue waters, waves lapping the sand, and snowy mountain peaks all around you.

We stayed here for around 15 minutes again, just soaking in the views and admiring the scenery. 

Sommaroy viewpoint

After this, we drove across the bridge to Sommaroy, which was our final destination on the tour. The bridge is a single-lane bridge controlled by a traffic signal – if you ever drive in Norway, this is something you’ll need to be aware of! 

Just after we’d crossed the bridge, we made another stop at a small viewpoint where you could see back towards the bridge and also across to the island of Senja. 

If you visit Norway in summer, you need to come to Senja, as it’s one of the best hiking destinations in Norway, but during this trip, we just admired it from a distance.

Once again, the views were insane – you can’t deny that a fjord tour in Tromso is well worth it!

❤️ You’ll need to book your tour well in advance as they quickly sell out!

3 little traditional houses

For the final stop on our Tromso fjord tour before lunch, we went to one of the most Instagrammable spots in Tromso’s fjord region. 

These 3 little houses located on Sommaroy are one of the most photographed places on the island. They are very cute, and the red and yellow contrast with the blue of the water and the white of the mountains perfectly. 

We stopped here for another 15 minutes, and our guide offered to take some more photos of us. After that, we headed to Sommaroy Arctic Hotel for a spot of lunch.

TOP TIP: The 3 little houses are private, and locals are constantly having to fight to keep tourists off their land. You can admire them from a distance, but please be respectful of locals and don’t trespass onto their property.

Sommaroy Arctic Hotel

Lunch was included in the tour and was very tasty.

The hotel served us a delicious bowl of fresh fish soup – or a vegetarian option for Andrew because he doesn’t eat fish – and fresh bread and butter. It was delicious and I could’ve easily eaten another bowl (or two!). 

We could also help ourselves to fresh coffee or tea and once we’d finished eating, we went for a little wander around the grounds. The hotel has an outdoor sauna and some pretty lovely views of tiny colourful houses along the coastline. 

Once everyone had eaten, we hopped back in the minivan and began the drive back to Tromso.

Ersfjord viewpoint

Our final stop of the day was Ersfjord’s viewpoint. Our guide told us that we would’ve stopped here on the way down; however, because it was so cloudy in the morning, we may not have seen anything, so he decided to stop on the way back instead. 

This turned out to be a very good call as the views here were amazing. The clouds were starting to clear while we were there, so we could see a glimmer of blue skies and sunlight shining on the mountains. 

Of all the stops on this fjord tour in Tromso, this was one of our favourites. 

Once we’d finished soaking in the views here, we hopped back in the van and made the final journey back to Tromso city centre. 

The Best Time to Go on a Fjord Tour in Tromsø

We honestly don’t think there is a better time to go on a fjord tour in Tromsø. It’s entirely dependent on the time of year you visit, the sort of person you are, and whether you’re after snowy scenes or lush greenery.

If you visit in winter (December to March), you’ll be treated to snow-covered landscapes, frozen shorelines, and maybe even a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

Spring (April to May) brings longer days and a mix of snow and greenery, making it a beautiful transition season.

Summer (June to August) is all about the Midnight Sun, where you can experience the fjords bathed in golden light even in the middle of the night. The warmer weather also makes it a great time for boat tours and wildlife spotting. 

Finally, autumn (September to November) brings dramatic colours as the landscapes turn red and gold. It’s also a great time to avoid the crowds before winter kicks in.

Of course, you will also have to consider the daylight hours. Tromso experiences Polar Night from late November until mid-January, so if you’re visiting during this time, don’t expect any daylight. The sun will creep near the horizon, but won’t rise above it. 

In contrast, in the summer months, the sun won’t set at all! 

We took this tour in March when we spent 3 days in Tromso and thought the conditions were perfect.

The sun rose around 7am and set around 5pm, so it was dark enough in the evening to spot the Northern Lights, but had plenty of daylight during the day.

So, the best time to go depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. But whenever you visit, the fjords are guaranteed to be stunning!

❤️ If you fancy booking a fjord tour in Tromso, we recommend this one!

What to Wear

One again, this depends heavily on the season. The weather can also change very quickly in the Arctic Circle, so staying prepared with plenty of layers and waterproofs – no matter the season – is so important. 

If you’re visiting Tromso in winter, you’ll want a thermal base layer, an insulating mid-layer (like fleece or wool), and a waterproof and windproof outer layer to protect against the cold and snow. 

Don’t forget warm gloves, a hat, and a good pair of waterproof insulated boots – trust us, cold, wet feet will ruin the experience!

Even in summer, temperatures can be cooler than expected, so bring a windproof jacket and some extra layers just in case. Sunglasses and sunscreen are also a good idea, as the reflection from the water can be surprisingly strong.

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