19 Epic Things to Do in Tromsø, Norway (Complete Guide)

Are you planning on visiting Tromso in Norway? This stunning Arctic city is the perfect break in winter or summer, and here are the 19 best things to do in Tromso. 

Tromso is one of the most beautiful cities in Norway. It’s located way north, above the Arctic Circle, surrounded by dramatic fjords, snow-capped mountains and is a very popular winter destination.

We recently spent 3 days in Tromso, exploring the city streets, chasing the northern lights, and exploring the fjords surrounding the city. 

Whether you’re visiting in winter to chase the Northern Lights or in summer for the Midnight Sun, Tromso has a lot to offer, from culture to adventure, and stunning scenery. 

So, if you’re planning a trip to Arctic Norway, here are the 19 best things to do in Tromso, based on our own experiences and what we’ve found most memorable.

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1. Visit the Arctic Cathedral

Since you can see this structure from most of the city centre, this is one of the first places people visit within Tromso city centre. 

The dramatic triangular building was designed to resemble the arctic landscapes and mountains, and is one of the most unique cathedrals in Norway. 

It’s located across the fjord from the main city centre, but is very easy to get to either on foot or by public transport.

We simply walked there across the bridge, and it was very easy to do. Once you get there, you can admire the cathedral from the outside or head inside to see the architecture.

There are also lots of cultural events here, like midnight sun or Northern Lights concerts, which are a very unique thing to do in Tromso.

2. Go Reindeer Sledding (Winter)

One of the most popular day tours you can book from Tromso is reindeer sledding. 

Only available in the winter months between November and March, these tours will allow you to get up close to reindeer and, of course, hop on a sled ride.

They’ll also give you an insight into the lives of the native Sami people in Norway. 

We booked this reindeer sledding tour while we were in Tromso.

It included feeding the reindeer, the sleigh ride itself, a hot lunch and hot drinks inside a warm lavvu (Sami tent), and a talk from the Sami people about the reindeer herd and the local traditions. 

There are lots of different tour options you can book, including a long or short sled ride, and even an evening tour where you can combine reindeer sledding with watching the northern lights!

It was fantastic and we highly recommend this experience when you’re in the city.

❤️ This was the tour that we booked, and it was such a fantastic experience!

3. Go on a Northern Lights Tour (Winter)

Speaking of Northern Lights, can you really go to Tromso and not chase the Aurora Borealis? Of course not! 

Tromso’s location makes it one of the best places to spot the northern lights in the world, and there’s even a sign saying ‘Home of the Northern Lights’ when you arrive at Tromso airport! 

There are a lot of Northern Lights tours in Tromso, and tours are only available from September to March, so you’ll only be able to do this in winter.

This is a very popular activity, so we highly recommend booking well in advance.

We booked two tours while we were in Tromso and, on our second night, we had the most incredible northern lights show we’ve ever seen. Even now, this tour remains one of the best things we’ve ever done in Norway. 

Our guides on our northern lights tour were excellent at finding the clearest skies and would sometimes drive for hours to escape cloud cover.

Many tours also provide thermal suits, hot drinks, and give you help with photography, ensuring you can get the perfect shot of the aurora.

All in all, it’s a bucket list experience and one of the best things to do in Tromso.

❤️ This was the best Northern Lights tour we booked, and we cannot recommend it enough!

4. Go Husky Sledding (Winter

Another incredibly popular activity in Tromso is husky sledding, and there are a lot of different options for a husky tour as well. 

This is much more adrenaline-packed than a reindeer sledding ride, as the huskies can be super excitable and just want to run through the snow. They’re also super cute and love their cuddles, so this is a really mixed experience. 

Depending on which tour you book, you might even get the chance to drive the sled yourself, which is so incredible, especially when surrounded by snowy Arctic scenery. 

Once again, this is a very popular activity and we recommend booking well in advance.

👉 This is the husky sledding tour we recommend – it’s an experience you’ll never forget.

5. Visit the Polar Museum

This is Tromso’s most popular and is located right in the city centre. If you’ve ever been curious about polar expeditions, the city’s past or the history of life in the Arctic, you’ll love this museum. 

There are a lot of exhibits spread out over several floors that cover Arctic exploration, whaling, and hunting, with detailed displays about the lives of explorers like Roald Amundsen.

Tickets aren’t too expensive at just 120 NOK per adult (around £9 or $12) and the information is really interesting.

The museum is small enough to see in an hour or two but packed with interesting artefacts and stories, making it the perfect way to warm up a little after a morning in the snow.

We spent a few hours here after one of our half-day tours, and really enjoyed it.

6. Stay in an Igloo

One of the most bucket list experiences in Tromso is to stay in an igloo. This is a truly once-in-a-lifetime stay, and sleeping under the stars or even the northern lights will definitely make your trip to Tromso one that you won’t forget. 

There are several glass igloos just outside the city, including Aera Glass Cabins, which are some of our favourite domes near Tromso.

They have cosy interiors, private bathrooms, and panoramic ceilings. Waking up under the stars or watching the aurora dance above is an unforgettable way to experience the Arctic. 

👉 For a truly unique experience, check out our favourite Northern Lights Hotels in Tromso.

7. Ride the Fjellheisen Cable Car

For what’s arguably the best view in Tromso, head to the Fjellheisen Cable Car. Located on the same side of the fjord as the Arctic Cathedral, the cable car is one of the most popular activities in the city. 

It’s definitely not the cheapest attraction and costs 595 NOK per person (around £45 or $60) for a return ticket. But, from the top, you’ll have panoramic views over Tromso, the surrounding fjords and the islands. 

You can also go for a walk along the top to several other viewpoints, and even go snowshoeing in the winter months. You’ll also find a cafe selling warm food and drinks, a viewing platform, and toilets. 

In the summer, you can actually hike up the mountain via the Sherpa steps instead of paying for the cable car, and it’s a great place to watch the midnight sun.

In the winter, it’s high enough above the city lights that you can see the Northern Lights. 

8. Go on a Fjord Tour

The surrounding fjords and islands around Tromso are home to some seriously beautiful scenery.

If you want to admire dramatic mountains, picture-perfect little islands and Arctic beaches, we highly recommend booking a fjord tour while you’re in Tromso. 

We booked this tour and spent the day being driven around the little islands around Tromso until we came to Sommaroy, where we stopped for a delicious fish soup for lunch.  

Our guide took us to many different spots, including stunning views over deep fjords and tiny fishing villages with red houses. It was a really magical day.

They also took some photos for us, which we had the option of purchasing afterwards. 

👉 This was the tour we booked, and we had a truly amazing time!

9. Go Whale Watching (Winter)

Tromso is one of the best places to go whale watching in the world.

In the winter months between December and January, you’ll be very close to the migrating path of many different species, including humpback whales and orcas that come to Tromso to feed.

Tromso’s whale watching tours depart from the harbour, and you’ll be treated to some beautiful fjord sightseeing as well as the chance to see these magnificent creatures in the wild. 

You’ll be provided with warm suits and hot drinks, and it’s incredible to see these majestic creatures up close in their natural habitat.

Since Tromso is in Polar Night during this time, you’ll also be doing these tours in the beautiful blue light that you get in the deep winter months, which makes it even more magical.

👉 We highly recommend this whale watching tour in Tromso!

10. Visit Polaria

This unique arctic aquarium is one of the best indoor things to do in Tromso, perfect for an afternoon after a morning tour or a really bad weather day. It’s also great if you have an interest in Arctic wildlife. 

You can see seals, watch informative films about climate and polar ecosystems, and interact with exhibits about Norway’s northern environment. It’s both educational and entertaining, making it a great indoor activity for colder days.

11. Watch the Midnight Sun (Summer)

In summer in Tromso, you’ll experience the midnight sun, where the sun doesn’t set at all. Between late May and mid-July, you’ll get 24 hours of daylight in the city. 

The sun dips towards the horizon, but doesn’t actually go below it at all, so you end up with a beautiful golden sunset glow for hours until the sun properly rises again in the morning. 

This makes for the perfect environment for all-night exploring of Tromso’s natural beauty and surrounding islands, plus you can book midnight sun boat tours and other trips to witness this unique phenomenon. 

Even just sitting outdoors late at night, enjoying the golden light, is a magical experience you won’t forget.

I remember thinking it was still the middle of the day and realising that it was actually midnight and was still completely bright outside! 

It’s very strange but completely beautiful.

TOP TIP: If you are visiting during the summer months, we recommend bringing an eye mask as sleep can be a little tricky if your hotel doesn’t have blackout blinds.

12. Grab a Drink in Tromso’s Ice Bar

For an entertaining evening, head to Tromso’s Ice Bar. Located in the centre of the city, this unique establishment will literally serve you a cocktail in a glass made from ice! 

You’ll find ice sculptures, ice walls, and even chairs made from ice, and the bar will provide you with a warm cape or gloves while you sip your drink. 

It’s quite a novelty experience and one of the more unique things to do in Tromso, but worth a visit nonetheless. 

13. Learn About Sami Culture

The Sami are the indigenous people of Northern Norway and Scandinavia, and they still live today in Tromso and other parts of the north.

They often look after the reindeer herds and even have their own language and parliament. 

Tromso is a great place to learn about their culture due to the connection with the reindeer. This was actually where we learned about them – on our reindeer sledding tour.

They showed us their clothing, we stayed in a traditional lavvus for our lunch with a fire pit to keep us warm and even sang us some traditional songs called a joik. 

Understanding Sami history and traditions is a really great way to add a little culture to our experience in Tromso.

14. Go on a Fjord Cruise

We also highly recommend going out on the water on a boat cruise around Tromso.

The waters around the city are so beautiful, and you’ll be able to get a unique perspective on the mountains and the tiny villages dotted along the coast.

These cruises typically allow for more in-depth exploration of the islands and coastal scenery, and the commentary is often really interesting and tells you about the surrounding landscape and people who live there. 

Plus, depending on the season, you may also see whales, sea eagles, and even otters in and around the waters. Some cruises include meals or snacks on board, too, making it a relaxing way to spend a few hours in nature.

❤️ A cruise like this is one of the best ways to see the landscapes around Tromso.

15. Go Hiking (Summer)

The summer months in Tromso are a hiker’s paradise with an abundance of trails both in and around the city centre. 

In winter, these are covered with snow, but in summer the mountains come alive with greenery and wildflowers. You might even see wild blueberries on the hilltops!

Trails range from easy walks around the city to more challenging mountain treks.

Popular hikes include Mount Storsteinen via Fjellheisen (instead of taking the cable car) and the Tromsdalstinden peak, which both offer panoramic views over the fjords. 

Alternatively, you could head to the neighbouring islands of Sommarøy or Senja for one of the most magnificent hikes in Norway, Segla.

16. Grab a Norwegian Polse

There’s a tiny little ‘restaurant’ in the centre of Tromso that serves up one of the city’s most famous dishes – the Norwegian hot dog! 

Also known as the pølse, this is typically made from either beef or reindeer meat and topped with crispy onions, mustard, and ketchup.

It’s surprisingly tasty and a great place to stop if you want a quick, delicious, and affordable snack in the city.

You can also find these from other street vendors and inside some shops and supermarkets.

17. Go Snowshoe Hiking (Winter)

If you enjoy getting outdoors, but also want the delights of visiting Tromso in winter, we recommend booking yourself a snowshoe hike either in or around the city. 

This will give you a chance to witness some of Tromsø’s most magnificent winter landscapes and is a peaceful way to explore Tromsø’s scenery without needing technical gear. 

Guided tours like this one often take you through forests, along fjord edges, and across snow-covered hills, and it really feels like you’re a true Arctic explorer. 

❤️ A snowshoe hike like this is one of the best things to do in Tromso.

18. Explore Storgata

Storgata is Tromsø’s main shopping street and really the heartbeat of the city centre.

Like many cities in Norway (we’re looking at you, Bergen), it’s very colourful, lined with colourful wooden houses, cosy cafés, independent boutiques, and souvenir shops.

It’s the perfect place for a stroll while soaking up the local atmosphere.

Whilst you’re in the city, it’s well worth having a little wander around, soaking in the atmosphere, and perhaps even buying yourself a souvenir.

19. Relax in the Pust Sauna

Finally, while not quite as prominent as in Finland, sauna culture in Norway is becoming pretty popular.

There are now saunas up and down the country, including floating saunas on the fjords, and in the city centres. What better way to enjoy the Arctic than with a hot sauna followed by a natural cold plunge?

Pust Sauna is located right in the centre of Tromso, in the harbour, almost opposite the cathedral and offers traditional Norwegian sauna experiences with gorgeous fjord views. 

You can alternate between the hot sauna and a dip in icy waters if you’re feeling brave. It’s both rejuvenating and relaxing, and the perfect way to end a day of exploring the Arctic landscapes.

Is Tromsø worth visiting in winter?

Absolutely! Winter is the best time to visit Tromso if you want to see the Northern Lights, go husky or reindeer sledding, or experience Arctic landscapes covered in snow.

The short daylight hours make it a unique trip, and the city comes alive with winter activities.

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

Yes, it’s possible to see the Northern Lights on your own, but tours greatly improve your chances. Guides know where to find clear skies and often drive you far outside the city.

If you stay in Tromsø for several nights, you may get lucky and see the aurora right from the harbour or even from your hotel. But if you want the best chances within the city, head to the top of the cable car station.

Is Tromsø expensive to visit?

As with most of Norway and other Nordic countries, Tromso can be quite expensive. 

We spent around £550 on self-catering accommodation for our 3 days in Tromso (4 nights), and our flights were direct with a budget airline, so they were fairly cheap, but tours and food were where we spent the most. 

Tours are typically between £65 ($87) to over £200 ($269) per person, and you’ll likely want to do a few of them (such as northern lights and dog sledding).

Eating out also isn’t cheap. We ended up paying around £50 ($67) one night for two burgers with chips and a drink from this little retro burger joint!

However, if you go self-catering, you should be able to save money on food costs as there are some budget supermarkets in the city centre. 

But long story short, Tromso can be a very expensive place to visit, so if you’re on a budget, be sure to plan accordingly.

Do you need a car in Tromsø?

No, you don’t need a car for most trips. Tromso is compact and walkable, and many tours include pickup from hotels or meeting points in the city.

However, if you want to visit the nearby islands, particularly in summer when there are plenty of hikes and driving is easier, renting a car gives you more freedom.

When is the best time to visit Tromsø?

It depends on what you want to see.

Winter (November–March) is best for Northern Lights, snow activities, and wintery landscapes. Summer (May–August) brings the Midnight Sun, hiking, and fjord cruises.

Both seasons are magical in different ways.

How many days do you need in Tromsø?

Most people spend 3 – 4 days in Tromso, which is enough time for a Northern Lights chase, a fjord tour, a day of husky and reindeer sledding, and some city sightseeing.

If you want to add some self-exploration or relax at a slower pace, 5 – 6 days is even better. However, if you’re short on time, also check out our 2-day Tromso itinerary.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Tromso is a magnificent city and we absolutely loved our time here.

There’s so much to do, and visiting in winter or in summer will give you a completely different experience, which is one of the things we love about it so much!

The city perfectly blends culture, history, and Arctic adventure, from chasing the Northern Lights and sledding with huskies to soaking in a floating sauna or learning about Sami traditions. 

You may well tick off most of your bucket list experiences in Norway in Tromso!

If you’re planning a trip to this stunning Arctic city, we hope this article has given you plenty of inspiration for your visit, and we’re pretty confident that you’re going to have an amazing time in Tromso.

If you have any other questions about visiting the Arctic, ask us anything in our Facebook Group!

👉 Wondering where to stay? Here are the best places to stay in Tromso!

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