‌

All you need to know to plan your Tromso itinerary

Tromso is one of the most magical places in the Arctic. Snow-covered peaks, shimmering fjords, cozy cafés, and the chance to see the Northern Lights make every moment unforgettable. With so much to do in the city, you might wonder how to make the most of your time there. Whether you have just one day or a whole week, this guide will help you plan an adventure full of nature, culture, and pure Arctic excitement.

Your Tromso tours itinerary planned out

Departure

Start your Arctic adventure by arriving at your pickup point, either at your Tromso hotel or a central meeting location. Travel in a comfortable vehicle through snow-dusted streets, fjords, and Arctic landscapes while your guide points out local landmarks along the way. Guided tours also handle winter driving conditions, so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.

Arrival

If you have time before your scheduled activities, explore Tromso city centre. The Arctic Cathedral, with its striking triangular design and glass mosaic, is a must-see, especially in the soft evening light. For a quieter cultural experience, stop by the Polar Museum to learn about Arctic exploration, or enjoy a local café for a warm drink while watching the harbor activity.

Morning activities

Begin your day with a husky or reindeer safari for a thrilling Arctic start. Early departures give you the advantage of quieter trails and better photo opportunities. If you prefer something more relaxed, take a morning fjord cruise to admire the surrounding mountains and wildlife from the water.

Afternoon activities

Spend your afternoon exploring more of Tromso’s highlights. Start with lunch at one of the city’s cozy cafés or restaurants where you can enjoy local Arctic cuisine such as fresh seafood, Arctic char or reindeer stew. Later, take the Fjellheisen cable car for panoramic views of the city and surrounding fjords, or visit the Tromso Ice Domes if you want a unique Arctic experience.

Evening activities

As the Arctic sky darkens, join a small-group Northern Lights tour to chase the aurora. If you’re visiting during the winter months, the lights can appear as early as 6pm and continue until 2am. Alternatively, enjoy a quiet evening stroll along the harbour or a scenic viewpoint in the city to admire the glowing fjords.

Night in Tromso

End your night in comfort with a return to your hotel or a local lodge. Some evening tours include stops at traditional Sami tents or campfires where you can enjoy hot drinks and snacks while keeping an eye on the sky for one last aurora shimmer before heading back.

Everything you can do in Tromso

Tromso is packed with activities and experiences for every type of traveller. Here are some of the most popular and unique things you can do.

Chase the Northern Lights

Tromso sits right under the aurora oval, making it one of the best spots on the planet to see the Northern Lights. Join a guided tour and escape the city lights for dark-sky magic. You will get warm suits, cozy up by campfires, and even get tips to snap the perfect aurora photo.

Northern lights tours

Unlimited mileage chase

For serious aurora hunters, join a team willing to drive as far as necessary, even crossing into Finland or Sweden, to find clear skies. Suit up, gear up, and get ready for a full-on Northern Lights adventure with hotel pickup, drop-off, and pro photography included.

Book your tickets

Husky and reindeer safaris

Ready for some Arctic action? Jump on a husky sled and speed across snowy trails or try a reindeer sledding tour led by Sámi herders. You can feed the reindeer, learn about local traditions, and soak in the serene beauty of the Arctic wilderness.

Reindeer sledding

Explore Arctic fjords

Hop on a fjord cruise or a RIB boat and take in snow-capped peaks and Arctic wildlife such as seals and eagles. Winter trips are all about snowy landscapes while summer lets you enjoy the fjords under the endless Midnight Sun.

Arctic Fjords

Ride the Fjellheisen cable car

Take the cable car to Mount Storsteinen for gorgeous sky-high views of Tromso and the surrounding fjords. In summer, you can hike up to Floya for unforgettable Midnight Sun vistas. In winter, the city lights and snow-dusted mountains are pure magic.

Whale watching

From November to January, whales follow the herring migration near Tromso. Join a whale watching tour and you might spot humpbacks and orcas while cruising through dramatic winter fjords.

Whale watching

Experience the Midnight Sun

Between late May and mid-July, the sun never sets. Hike, kayak, or just wander around while soaking in endless daylight. It is the perfect time to explore Tromso and its stunning surroundings.

Discover Tromso’s museums

Dive into Arctic history at the Polar Museum, check out Northern art at Perspektivet Museum, or learn about Arctic wildlife and the environment at Polaria. There is plenty to satisfy your curious side.

Other experiences

Feeling adventurous? Try ice climbing or snowshoeing in the Lyngen Alps. Sample Arctic cuisine at Mathallen or Fiskekompaniet. You can also take an overnight farm excursion to get a taste of life beyond the city.

Itinerary options by trip length

1-day Tromso itinerary

  • Morning: Start your day with the Fjellheisen cable car to Mount Storsteinen. The views from the top are breathtaking, with Tromso's fjords stretched out below. If you’re hungry, grab a breakfast or warm coffee at the mountaintop café while taking in that crisp Arctic air.
  • Afternoon: Head back to Tromso city center. The streets start to buzz with life as shops open and locals go about their day. Wander past colourful wooden houses, pop into boutique shops, and browse local markets.
  • Evening: Time to chase the Northern Lights! Join a guided tour to the best dark-sky spots. Bundle up, cozy up by the fire, and watch the sky come alive with greens, blues, and purples.

2-day Tromso itinerary

  • Day 1: Enjoy breakfast at a local café, explore the city streets, and maybe do a little shopping. In the evening, join a Northern Lights tour and marvel as the sky lights up in vibrant colours.
  • Day 2: Kick off the morning with a husky sledding adventure or a reindeer safari. Meet the animals, learn about Sámi culture, and feel the thrill of gliding through snowy trails. Spend the afternoon exploring more of the city or relaxing. If you want another chance to see the aurora, head out on a second evening Northern Lights tour.

3-day Tromso itinerary

  • Day 1: Take the Fjellheisen cable car for panoramic views of snowcapped mountains and Tromso below. Later, stroll through the city, visit Tromso Cathedral and Polaria, and finish your day with a Northern Lights chase.
  • Day 2: Go all out with a husky or reindeer sledding experience. Mush your way through snowy trails and explore parts of the wilderness few see. Later, enjoy a quick lunch in town and prepare for a second aurora tour in the evening.
  • Day 3: Take a full-day Arctic fjord cruise or RIB boat tour. Watch for seals, eagles, and if you’re visiting from November to January, even whales. Return to Tromso in the evening and enjoy a quiet dinner or a peaceful stroll through the city.

4-day Tromso itinerary

  • Day 1: Explore Tromso’s city centre, ride the Fjellheisen cable car for incredible fjord views, and visit boutiques, for a touch of what life in the Arctic looks like.
  • Day 2: Dive into a Sámi experience with reindeer feeding or go for a husky sledding adventure. Finally, end the day with a magical Northern Lights chase experience.
  • Day 3: Hop on a fjord cruise or RIB tour to explore dramatic Arctic landscapes. If you're visiting in winter, you might catch seasonal birds, wildlife, and even whales! If you go for a whale watching tour, you might spend a considerable amount of the day out in the fjords, after which it’s a good idea to enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
  • Day 4: Get your final adrenaline fix with dog sledding. If you're arriving in summer, don’t forget to explore the Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden. End your trip with views from the cable car or a peaceful evening in town.

Best time to visit Tromso

Winter / Northern Lights Season

When: September – early April

This is the ultimate time to catch the aurora. With long, dark nights and Tromso positioned right under the auroral oval, your chances of seeing the Northern Lights are high.

Polar Night

When: Late November – mid January

During this period, the sun never rises above the horizon. Instead, the day is bathed in a few hours of soft twilight, creating dramatic, otherworldly sky colors that are perfect for photography and surreal Arctic experiences.

Spring

When: March to May

This is the season when temperatures gradually warm and daylight stretches longer. It’s an ideal time to enjoy emerging greenery and quieter trails before the summer crowds arrive.

Summer / Midnight Sun

When: Late May – late July

During this period, the sun never fully sets, offering 24 hours of daylight. This is perfect for midnight hikes, kayaking, and fjord cruises, giving you an endless day to explore the Arctic landscapes.

Autumn

When: Late August – October

The latter half of the year, just before winter, is when the Arctic transforms into gold and red hues. Aurora season kicks off again in September, and the crisp, clear air combined with fewer tourists makes this a magical and atmospheric time to visit.

​Best time to visit Tromso

Getting to Tromso

Guided day and night tours are the easiest way to explore Tromso. With hassle-free hotel pickups, comfortable vehicles, and professional drivers, you can focus on fjord cruises, Arctic wildlife, and Northern Lights experiences without worrying about transport.

Guided tours
  • Best for: Quick and convenient travel from major European cities.
  • Travel time: Tromso Airport Langnes (TOS) is just 5 km from the city centre. Direct flights from Oslo are available year-round, and seasonal winter routes connect Tromso with other cities.
  • Pros: Fast, convenient, and frequent flights with easy access to the city.
  • Cons: Can be more expensive than other options, and airport transfers may add a small additional cost.
  • Best for: Budget-conscious travelers or those wanting a taste of local life.
  • Travel time: Regional buses operated by Troms fylkestrafikk link Tromso to nearby towns such as Lyngseidet, Finnsnes, and Skjervøy.
  • Pros: Affordable and scenic, giving a glimpse of northern Norway.
  • Cons: Longer travel times and limited schedules; may require careful planning.
  • Best for: Travelers who enjoy road trips and want flexibility.
  • Travel time: Driving via the E8 or E6 highways is possible, but winter conditions can make roads icy.
  • Pros: Full flexibility, direct door-to-door travel, and the chance to enjoy Arctic landscapes at your own pace.
  • Cons: Winter driving requires confidence and experience, winter tyres are mandatory, and conditions can be challenging.

Good places to eat in Tromso

Tromso is full of tasty surprises, blending Arctic tradition with modern Nordic flair. Here’s where you should head:

Bardus Bistro

A cozy spot with big flavours. The reindeer burger is a local legend, so don’t skip it!

Fiskekompaniet

Fresh seafood with a view! This quay-side restaurant serves sustainable Arctic fish that will make your taste buds do a happy dance.

Mathallen Tromso

Mathallen Tromso is every foodie’s dream. Sample a little bit of everything, from local seafood to artisan treats, all under one roof.

Skarven Kro

For a hearty, traditional meal, Skarven is your go-to. Their fish soup is the kind of comfort food you’ll dream about after leaving Tromso.

Good places to shop in Tromso

Tromso is packed with treasures, from local crafts to chic Norwegian finds. Here’s where to browse:

Nerstranda Shopping Centre

Right in the heart of the city, this mall has a mix of Norwegian brands and international favourites. This place is great for a quick shopping spree.

Jekta Shopping Centre

Located near the airport, this centre has everything from cafés to fashion. It's perfect for grabbing something local before you fly out.

Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum Shop

This is where you can find a little slice of Tromso art. Find ceramics, jewellry, textiles, and other unique pieces by local artists here.

Tips for planning the perfect Tromso itinerary

  • Plan for a longer stay: Aim for three to five nights. This gives you more chances to see the Northern Lights and flexibility if the weather isn’t cooperating.
  • Expect Arctic weather surprises: The weather can change in minutes. Keep a few buffer days in your itinerary for key activities.
  • Book in advance: Popular experiences like husky sledding, reindeer feeding, and Northern Lights chases fill up fast. Lock them in early to avoid missing out.
  • Daylight matters : Winter brings the polar night, so daylight is limited. Summer is the opposite, with the Midnight Sun giving you endless light for adventures.
  • Go local : Hiring local guides ensures you get the best experience, plus they know the safest and most scenic spots.
  • Respect the culture: Tromso and its surroundings are home to Sámi communities. Be mindful and respectful, especially during reindeer tours or cultural experiences.

Frequently asked questions about planning the best Tromso itinerary

How many days should I spend in Tromso?

Three to five nights is ideal. This gives you multiple chances to see the Northern Lights and enough time for activities like dog sledding and fjord cruises.

Is Tromso suitable for families?

Yes. Many activities including reindeer and husky tours, fjord cruises, and museums are family friendly.

Can I see whales in Tromso?

Yes, from November to January. Whale-watching tours are seasonal but highly recommended.

What should I wear in Tromso?

Wear layered thermal clothing, waterproof boots, gloves, and a hat. Most tours provide insulated suits.

Can I combine multiple activities in one day?

Yes. You can combine dog sledding, reindeer feeding, fjord cruises, and an evening aurora chase.

What is the best month to visit Tromso?

For Northern Lights and winter activities, visit between late September and early April. For the Midnight Sun and 24 hours of daylight, come between late May and late July.

Can I see the Northern Lights in Tromso without a tour?

Yes, but joining a guided tour gives you a much better chance. Guides track weather and cloud cover and take you to the best dark sky locations.

Will I have time to explore Tromso city if I join day tours?

Yes. Most tours run in the morning or evening, leaving plenty of time to visit city attractions like the Arctic Cathedral, museums, and waterfront.