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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 forRecommended tour

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

Tromso Northern Lights Tour

Go Whale Watching

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

November to January

Wildlife enthusiasts, families

Tromso Whale Watching Tour

Explore Arctic Fjords

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

Year-round

Nature lovers, photographers

Tromso: Northern Lights Cruise

Husky & Reindeer Safaris

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

November to April

Families, couples, cultural travelers

Tromso Reindeer Experiences

Top things to do in Tromso

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. Many tours also include warm suits, campfires, and photography guidance.

Northern Lights tours in Tromso

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.

Tromso cruise tickets

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.

Reindeer sledding tours 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.

Whale Watching Tours from Tromso

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.

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.

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.

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.

Best time to visit Tromso

How long to stay

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

Tromso trip planner

Getting around

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

Where to stay

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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