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Things to Do in Tromso

Chase the Northern Lights
Chase the Northern Lights
Visit the Iconic Arctic Cathedral
Visit the Iconic Arctic Cathedral
Discover Tromso's Winter Magic
Discover Tromso's Winter Magic
People watching Northern Lights with guide in Tromso, Norway.

Things to do in Tromso, Norway

Tromso, the “Gateway to the Arctic,” is where Norway’s wild beauty meets vibrant city life. Set against snow-covered peaks and surrounded by fjords, it’s a destination made for adventurers, photographers, and Northern Lights chasers. Whether you’re here to sail the Arctic seas, visit husky farms, or experience the midnight sun, Tromso combines culture, nature, and excitement like nowhere else.

Why visit Tromso

Tourists on a reindeer sled in Tromso, guided by a Sami person, with snowy mountains in the background.

Tromso is one of the best places in the world to experience Arctic life — without venturing too far off the map. It offers the full northern experience: aurora viewing, whale watching, fjord cruises, husky sledding, and an emerging food and nightlife scene.

Unlike most remote Arctic towns, Tromso is lively, accessible, and walkable. You can spend the morning dogsledding through snowfields and the evening dining on fresh Arctic cod under the Northern Lights.

Tromso travel guide

Top things to do in Tromso - Quick summary

ExperienceWhat you’ll do Best time of the year Ideal for

Chase the Northern Lights

Join guided tours to clear-sky spots like Kvaloya or the Lyngen Alps for aurora viewing and photography.

September to April

Photographers, couples, adventure travelers

Go Whale Watching

Spot humpback and orca whales on fjord cruises during their migration season.

November to January

Wildlife enthusiasts, families

Explore Arctic Fjords

Take scenic cruises or kayak through Tromsø’s fjords surrounded by mountains and Arctic wildlife.

Year-round

Nature lovers, photographers

Husky & Reindeer Safaris

Drive your own husky sled or meet Sámi herders during traditional reindeer experiences.

November to April

Families, couples, cultural travelers

Ride the Fjellheisen Cable Car

Get panoramic views of Tromso, the fjords, and the surrounding peaks from Mount Storsteinen.

Year-round

First-time visitors, photographers

Visit the Arctic Cathedral

Admire Tromso’s most iconic landmark, attend an evening concert, or photograph its striking glass façade.

Year-round

Architecture fans, culture seekers

Experience the Midnight Sun

Enjoy 24-hour daylight, hike Floya, or take midnight kayak tours under a glowing sky.

May to July

Outdoor adventurers, photographers

Visit Tromso Ice Domes

Explore an ice hotel and bar built fresh each winter, complete with intricate ice sculptures.

December to March

Couples, experience seekers

Discover Tromso’s Museums

Learn Arctic history at the Polar Museum or explore Northern art at Perspektivet Museum.

Year-round

Culture and history lovers

Relax in Arctic Saunas & Local Cafés

Warm up after exploring with a floating sauna at Pust or a coffee at Kaffebonna.

Year-round

Wellness travelers, locals at heart

Top things to do in Tromso

Northern Lights illuminating snowy mountains near Tromso, Norway.

Chase the Northern Lights

Tromso is one of the top aurora destinations in the world, thanks to its location directly under the Northern Lights oval. Between September and April, the skies often glow green and pink. Book a guided chase that takes you out of the city to clear-sky spots like Kvaloya or Lyngen Alps. Many tours include warm suits, campfires, and photography guidance.

Cruise ship under Northern Lights in Tromso, Norway.

Explore Arctic Fjords and Wildlife

Take a fjord cruise to see snow-covered mountains, seals, eagles, and sometimes whales. In winter, boat tours focus on wildlife, while in summer they highlight midnight sun landscapes. For a more active experience, join a kayaking trip or a RIB (rigid inflatable boat) safari through the fjords.

Reindeer sledding under Northern Lights in Tromso, Norway.

Visit a Husky or Reindeer Farm

Husky sledding is one of Tromso’s signature activities. Drive your own team of huskies across frozen plateaus or through forest trails.

Reindeer sledding tours, on the other hand, let you learn about Sámi traditions and feed the animals while hearing stories from the herders.

Kaldfjorden view with snow-covered mountains near Tromso, Norway.

Ride the Fjellheisen Cable Car

The Fjellheisen cable car takes you 420 meters above sea level to Mount Storsteinen. The view from the top – the city, the bridge, and the surrounding fjords – is breathtaking both day and night. In summer, you can hike further up to Floya for panoramic views under the midnight sun.

Arctic Cathedral illuminated at night with Northern Lights in Tromsø sky.

Visit the Arctic Cathedral

One of Tromso’s most iconic landmarks, the Arctic Cathedral (Ishavskatedralen) features striking triangular architecture and a massive glass mosaic. Attend an evening concert here – it’s an unforgettable Arctic experience.

Whales near a RIB boat with tourists on a whale safari in Tromso.

Go Whale Watching (Seasonal)

Between November and January, humpback and orca whales follow the herring migration near Tromso. Whale-watching safaris depart daily from the harbor, often combining fjord cruising with wildlife spotting.

Sami stew with meat, potatoes, and carrots in a brown bowl on a wooden table.

Explore Tromso City and Museums

The Polar Museum tells stories of Arctic explorers, while the Perspective Museum showcases Northern culture and art. Downtown Tromso is lined with cozy cafés, design stores, and restaurants serving Arctic delicacies like reindeer, cod, and cloudberries.

Whales breaching under the midnight sun in Reykjavik during a whale watching tour.

Experience the Midnight Sun

From late May to mid-July, the sun doesn’t set. Locals use this endless daylight to hike, sail, and cycle through the fjords. Join a midnight kayaking trip or a cable car sunset that never ends.

Seasonal experiences in Tromso

Season Highlights Must-do activities

Winter (Nov–Mar)

Northern Lights, whales, huskies

Aurora tours, whale safaris, reindeer sledding

Spring (Apr–May)

Calm, scenic, fewer tourists

City walks, fjord photography

Summer (Jun–Aug)

Midnight sun, hiking

Kayaking, mountain hikes, cruises

Autumn (Sep–Oct)

Aurora returns, vibrant landscape

Photography tours, early Northern Lights

Other unique and local experiences in Tromso

Looking for other ways to experience Tromso?

  • Go ice climbing or snowshoeing in the Lyngen Alps.
  • Visit the Tromso Ice Domes — an entire hotel made of snow and ice.
  • Take a polar plunge after a sauna at Pust, Tromso’s floating sauna.
  • Sample Arctic cuisine at Mathallen or Fiskekompaniet.
Snowshoers enjoying snow on Lombachalp guided tour with mountain backdrop.

Free and family-friendly things to do in Tromso

Walk across the Tromso Bridge for sweeping views of the city and cathedral. Visit the Tromso Botanic Garden (open in summer), explore local trails like Telegrafbukta, or go aurora spotting along the coastline.

The city’s compact size makes it ideal for families — most activities offer transfers, thermal gear, and are child-friendly.

How to plan your Tromso trip

When to visit

September–April for auroras and winter activities; May–August for the midnight sun.

Where to stay

City Centre for easy access; Kvaloya for remote cabins; Tromsdalen for views near the cathedral.

Getting around

Tromso is walkable. Buses, taxis, and organized tours cover everything outside town.

How long to stay

Three to five days is ideal to balance activities and downtime.

Ready to explore the Arctic City?

Tromso blends urban charm with raw Arctic adventure. It’s where the Northern Lights dance above a modern city, where dogsleds line up beside fine-dining restaurants, and where locals still greet you with warmth — even in −10°C. Plan your trip, pack your thermals, and prepare to experience Norway’s most captivating northern escape.

Frequently asked questions about things to do in Rovaniemi

What are the top things to do in Tromso, Norway?

Must-do experiences include Northern Lights chases, fjord cruises, husky or reindeer sledding, whale watching, and riding the Fjellheisen cable car for panoramic Arctic views

When is the best time to visit Tromso?

Visit between September and April for Northern Lights and winter adventures, or May to July for midnight sun activities like kayaking and hiking.

Can you see the Northern Lights in Tromso?

Yes, Tromso is one of the best aurora-viewing spots in the world. The season runs from September to April, with the highest chances from November to February.

What can I do in Tromso in winter?

Try husky sledding, snowshoeing, ice domes tours, whale safaris, and guided aurora hunts. You can also enjoy saunas, fjord cruises, and Arctic fine dining.

Is Tromso family-friendly?

Yes. Most tours offer warm gear and transfers, and family options include reindeer farms, easy hikes, and light displays during winter.

How long should I stay in Tromso?

Three to five days is ideal to see the Northern Lights, enjoy a few Arctic tours, and experience both city and nature.

What’s unique about Tromso compared to Rovaniemi?

Tromso offers dramatic fjords and whale watching, while Rovaniemi is Santa’s hometown. Tromso feels more like a small Arctic city, whereas Rovaniemi offers a storybook Christmas vibe