Where to Stay in Tromso, Norway: The 14 Best Hotels

Are you planning a trip to Norway? If you’re wondering where to stay in Tromso, here are our 12 top picks, including the city’s best hotels, and apartments.

One of the things people often ask us is where to stay in the places we visit. We’ve travelled quite extensively in Iceland and Norway and have stayed in some truly incredible hotels – so it’s our pleasure to give you all of our best recommendations!

There are so many incredible places to visit in Tromso. Plus, despite the city being above the Arctic Circle in Norway, it’s actually not as expensive as you might think, particularly if you visit in the summer months. 

It does get pretty pricey in winter with people flocking from all over the world to spot the Northern Lights. However, even then, it doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

There are lots of fantastic hotels and apartments for those on a budget and those who would rather splash out on a lavish stay. 

So, if you’re planning a trip to this Arctic city, here are all of our top recommendations and best places to stay in Tromso.

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1. TotalApartments Vervent Gjoa

This was where we stayed during our 3 days in Tromsø, and it was the perfect base.

We had a one-bedroom apartment, and it had everything we needed – a comfy bed, spacious seating area, kitchen, and bathroom with a shower. There was a self-check-in, a luggage storage room, and the communication with the host was fantastic.

There was also a balcony where we could see the distant mountains. We visited Tromsø in winter, so it was pretty snowy, but I bet it would’ve been lovely to sit out in the summer months. 

The apartment was also within walking distance of the main attractions in Tromsø. We could reach the centre of the city in about 5 minutes on foot. 

The Polar Museum was right around the corner, and the famous Porten til Ishavet archway was literally a 2-minute walk from our apartment – you could see it from the balcony!

Overall, we really enjoyed our stay here and would 100% book these apartments again when we return to Tromsø.

BOOK A ROOM AT TOTALAPARTMENTS VERVENT GOJA

2. Thon Hotel Polar

Thon Hotel Polar is an excellent option if you want to stay near the city centre. This modern 4-star hotel is only 100 metres from Storgata shopping street, 10 minutes from the Polar Museum, and 9 minutes from Polaria. 

Better yet, there are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops in the area surrounding the hotel. As for amenities, Thon Hotel Polar has an international restaurant, fitness centre, a shuffleboard table, and a 24-hour front desk.

You can choose from modern budget, standard, business twin, or double rooms. Every room features an ensuite bathroom, flat-screen TV, and Wi-Fi. 

A complimentary buffet breakfast is included in your stay.

BOOK A ROOM AT THON HOTEL POLAR

3. Enter St Elisabeth Hotel and Spa

If you’re planning a romantic getaway in Tromsø, look no further than Enter St Elisabeth Hotel and Spa.

Located on the outskirts of the city centre, 600 metres from Polaria, this luxurious 4-star hotel provides everything you need to enjoy a relaxing break.

It offers cosy, stylish bedrooms with spectacular mountain and sea views. Every room has a private bathroom, coffee machine, a seating area, and free WiFi.

You’re in for a treat regarding hotel facilities, too. St Elisabeth Hotel features a romantic fine-dining restaurant and cocktail bar and a spa with a swimming pool, hot tubs, and saunas.

BOOK A ROOM AT ENTER ST ELIZABETH HOTEL AND SPA

4. Moxy Tromsø

If it’s dreamy mountain and sea views you’re after, Moxy Tromso is perfect. This hotel is approximately 1.7 miles outside of Tromsø city centre. However, it makes up for that by offering an abundance of breathtaking natural scenery.

You can enjoy mesmerising views of the sea and Tromso’s snowcapped peaks from the ultramodern bedrooms.

Regarding bedrooms, every room at Moxy Tromsø has an ensuite bathroom with a walk-in shower, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and free WiFi.

Meanwhile, the hotel also has a terrace that occasionally offers views of the Northern Lights, a breakfast dining room, and a fitness centre.

BOOK A ROOM AT MOXY Tromsø

5. Scandic Ishavshotel

The 4-star Scandic Ishavshotel offers a wide selection of spacious standard, king, and family rooms with exceptional views of Tromsø Harbour.

Located in a picturesque waterside location, you’ll never tire of admiring the sea and city views from your bedroom window.

Every room at Scandic Ishavshotel has an ensuite bathroom, desk space, and free WiFi. When you’re not relaxing in your waterside bedroom, enjoy a delicious meal in the hotel’s elegant restaurant or a cocktail at the Roast Bar.

When it comes to exploring Tromsø, Scandic Ishavshotel is only a short walk from Tromsø Bridge, Storgata, Polaria, and the Polar Museum.

BOOK A ROOM AT SCANDIC ISHAVSHOTEL

6. Tromsø City Center Retreat

At Tromso City Center Retreat, you can stay in apartment-style accommodation in a convenient location. The spacious, clean, modern one-bedroom apartment can sleep up to four people.

This apartment is just 700 metres from Tromsø City Hall, 300 metres from the Polar Museum, and a 7-minute walk from Storgata. Meanwhile, you’ll also find plenty of shops and restaurants nearby.

The apartment has a full kitchen, a private bathroom, a sofa bed, one bedroom, and a balcony with views of the sea and mountains. It’s also well-stocked with high-quality bed linens, towels, soaps, and a washing machine. 

BOOK A ROOM AT Tromsø CITY CENTER RETREAT

7. Scandic Grand Tromsø

The 4-star Scandic Grand Tromsø is a fantastic option if you want to stay on Tromsø’s main shopping street (Storgata).

Thanks to its prime location on Storgata, you’ll have convenient access to Tromsø’s best shops and restaurants. You’ll also only be steps away from Storgata’s vibrant wooden architecture.

This hotel features a variety of single, twin, double, and family rooms and suites. Every room has a simple yet modern interior, an ensuite bathroom, a seating area, and free WiFi.

Some rooms also come with mountain views. Scandic Grand Tromsø also has a breakfast restaurant, a 24-hour front desk, and a fitness centre.

BOOK A ROOM AT SCANDIC GRAND Tromsø

8. Enter Backpack Hotel

If you’re wondering where to stay in Tromsø on a budget, stay at Enter Backpack Hotel, one of the city’s most affordable properties. Despite offering lower prices, this trendy hotel is situated in an excellent location.

Not only are there a variety of shops and restaurants near Enter Backpack Hotel, but many of Tromsø’s best attractions are within walking distance. For example, Polaria, the Polar Museum, and Storgata are roughly 10 minutes away.

The hotel offers various bedrooms and a studio apartment. Rooms have private or shared bathrooms, a fridge, free Wi-Fi, and storage space. 

The studio apartment also has a kitchen and a living room.

BOOK A ROOM AT ENTER BACKPACK HOTEL

9. Tromsø Lodge and Camping

Tromsø Lodge and Camping is located 1.5 miles outside of Tromsø city centre, along the banks of the Tromsdalselva River.

This scenic riverside location, which also features forestry and snow-covered hills, is an excellent place to spot the Northern Lights.

At night, you can expect crystal-clear skies at your doorstep. This gorgeous accommodation option offers private cottages with cosy bedrooms, small kitchens, living rooms, and free WiFi.

The property also has several facilities, including a football field, a barbecue area, a sauna, and a bar. When you’re not hiking, relaxing, or stargazing, Tromsø city centre is 5 minutes away.

BOOK A ROOM AT Tromsø LODGE AND CAMPING

10. Enter Viking Hotel

At Enter Viking Hotel, you’ll benefit from a convenient city centre location, affordable prices, and a tour desk to help you organise exciting activities.

This comfortable 3-star hotel is only a few minutes from Polaria, the Polar Museum, and Tromsø Town Hall. 

It offers single, double, and triple bedrooms and fully equipped apartments. Every room has an ensuite bathroom, TV, seating area, and WiFi. Some rooms also have kitchens equipped with a fridge.

When it comes to exploring, the 24-hour front desk and tour desk are there to help. You can book Northern Lights tours, reindeer sledding tours, fjord cruises, and more.

BOOK A ROOM AT ENTER VIKING HOTEL

12. Skaret by Vandar

The 4-star Skaret by Vandar is one of the best hotels in Tromsø for visiting Polaria, which is only 5 minutes away. It’s also conveniently placed for exploring Storgata shopping street, the Polar Museum, and the Troll Museum.

Aside from its excellent location, Skaret by Vandar offers affordable luxury overlooking the sea. Many of the hotel’s boutique apartments offer bedrooms with sea views. 

Most of the hotel’s apartments feature an ensuite bathroom with a walk-in shower, a dining area, a kitchen, and a flat-screen TV. Other noteworthy facilities include a fitness centre, a restaurant, and a laundry.

BOOK A ROOM AT SKARET BY VANDER

13. Comfort Hotel xpress

The 3-star Comfort Hotel Xpress is simple, yet comfortable. It’s located in the centre of the city, near the Troll Museum and the bus station which is usually the meeting point for tours (like the fjord tours and the northern lights tours).

In each room you’ll find a comfortable double or twin beds, an en-suite bathroom with a shower, a desk with a seating area, and a television.

Downstairs, there’s a cafe area with a vending machine full of snacks, ans a shared lounge seating area.

It’s very affordable and, while it might not be the fanciest hotel in Tromsø, it has everything you need for a comfortable stay.

BOOK A ROOM AT COMFORT HOTEL XPRESS

14. Sommarøy Arctic Hotel

While this hotel might not be in Tromsø itself, it’s the perfect base to explore some of the most beautiful islands surrounding the city. Sommarøy Arctic Hotel is located on the island of Sommarøy, around 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from the Tromsø.

The drive is beautiful and the location is equally stunning surounded by mountains and you’ll have some of the region’s gorgeous arctic beaches to explore.

They offer a range of room options including standard double and twin rooms and 3 bedroom apartments that sleep up to 6 guests.

The restaurant serves a delicious breakfast as well as tasty lunch and dinner options, a shared lounge area, outdoor sauna, and incredible views. Plus, if you visit in the winter months, you can see the northern lights from the hotel.

Overall, if you’re wondering where to stay in Tromso if you want to visit the surrounding regions and escape the bustle of city life for a bit, this hotel is perfect.

BOOK A ROOM AT Sommarøy ARCTIC HOTEL

What is the best time to visit Tromsø?

This entirely depends on what you’re after. The most popular time to visit Tromsø is in the winter time between December and February. 

This is the peak Northern Lights watching season and people from all over the world flock to the Arctic during this time to chase the amazing phenomenon. 

However, if you’re after hiking and outdoor adventures, Tromsø in the summer months is also fantastic. 

There are lots of hikes in the surrounding islands. You can hike the famous Sherpa stairs up to the viewpoint, and go on scenic drives to the islands of Sommaroy, Senja, and beyond. 

Surprisingly, the winter months in Tromsø are actually more expensive to visit than the summer as most tourists are chasing the northern lights, which, of course, you can’t see in the summer months due to near-constant daylight.

So, if you’re after hiking, arctic beaches, and outdoor adventure, visit in the summer. If you’d prefer northern lights chasing, winter scenery, and snow, visit in the winter.

👉 If you’d rather stay somewhere unique, check out our favourite Northern Lights Hotels in Tromso.

Is it easy to get around Tromsø without a car?

Yes, we usually hire a car when we travel, but for our first trip to Tromsø, we didn’t need to. The city is incredibly walkable, and most of the major sights are easy to get to on foot.

If you’re looking to explore the surrounding islands, having a car is much easier. However, you can also book a fjord tour of Tromso, which is fantastic. 

We did this and it was an easy way to see the magnificent views of the fjords without braving the roads – especially in winter when they can get super icy!

If you are looking to hire a car, don’t forget to check that the place you are booking has parking, as finding a parking spot in the city centre can be tricky and expensive.

What are the best places to stay in Tromsø?

Tromso is one of the best places to visit in Norway, and if you’re taking a first-time trip to the city, we recommend staying in the city centre itself. It’s easy to reach the top attractions, and there are lots of great sights within walking distance. 

If you’re after a hotel, we recommend the Radisson Blu Tromsø, which is very highly rated and will offer you a fantastic stay as well as great views.

For a more budget-friendly option, Enter Viking Hotel is a more affordable, but still high-quality choice. 

If you’d prefer self-catering, we recommend TotalApartments Vervent Goja. We loved our stay here and would 100% book these again. 

However, if you’d prefer a self-catering option outside of the city centre, we recommend Tromsø Lodge and Camping, which will also give you a chance to see the Northern Lights if you have clear skies. 

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

👉 Planning a trip to Tromso? Check out our 3 day Tromso itinerary or our 2 day Tromso itinerary for more inspiration!