11 Best Things To Do In Tromsø: Ultimate Travel Guide From A Native
Tromsø, often called the Paris of the North, might be perched in the barren nature above the Arctic Circle, but its energy and natural wonders rival some of the world’s greatest travel destinations.
I lived in Tromsø for three years while studying political science at the university, and even though my southern soul eventually craved milder weather and longer springs, a piece of my heart still belongs to this wild and wonderful Arctic town.
There’s truly no other place quite like it in Norway – or anywhere else.
Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights, kayaking under the midnight sun, or learning about Sámi culture, Tromsø is the kind of destination you are unlikely to forget.
Here’s everything I want you to experience while you visit.
Here Is The List Of The Best Things to Do in Tromsø
1. Chase the Northern Lights
Let’s start with the obvious bucket list item: the aurora borealis during the Polar Night in winter.
Nothing – and I mean nothing – compares to seeing the Northern Lights dance across a dark Arctic sky when it is at its best and strongest.
The colors, the movement, the silence – it’s unforgettable. While you might get lucky catching them from the city, your best bet is heading out of town with a local guide who knows exactly where to go, and where it is really dark with no artificial light pollution.
Travel to Norway Tip: Book your aurora tour early during your stay. If the weather’s bad, many companies offer a second try at no extra cost.
2. Visit the Arctic Cathedral
Ishavskatedralen (The Arctic Cathedral) is one of the most iconic buildings in Northern Norway – sharp, bold, and beautiful, just like the landscape that surrounds it.
You see it lit up during the Polar Night on the photo above, across the water from the harbor where the Hurtigruten Coastal Ferry docks.
Time your visit with a midnight sun concert in summer or an evening performance in winter – the acoustics are magical, and it’s one of the most atmospheric cultural experiences you can have in Tromsø.
3. Connect With Sámi Culture
The Sámi people are the Indigenous population of Northern Norway, and their traditions are deeply rooted in the landscape here up north.
The Norwegian history of the indigenous Sami people is not a proud one, and for decades, the Sami people were marginalized, and their customs deemed illegal. The language was banned for a long time, and all things Sami was attempted eradicated from the Norwegian society and culture.
Fortunately, this is no longer the case. Now, it’s being celebrated, and your curiosity and respect help keep these stories alive.
They have their own language, their parliament, and beautiful bright colored traditional clothes designed to hold the cold out for centuries. Join a tour to learn about reindeer herding, try Sámi cuisine around a campfire, and listen to traditional joik singing, which is incredibly beautiful.
4. Experience Arctic Nature Up Close
Tromsø is nature’s playground, and every season offers a different way to explore it (and different weather and conditions to do it in).
Your visit to Tromsø will be incredibly different if you visit during the Polar Night in winter, or the never-ending midnight sun days in the summer.
Summer Adventures
- Kayaking under the midnight sun in glassy fjords
- Hiking with huskies through quiet mountain trails
- Fjord cruises to spot puffins, sea eagles, and seals
- Beach days at Telegrafbukta or Sommarøy (yes, we have Caribbean-looking white sand beaches!)
Winter Magic
- Dog sledding through snow-covered forests
- Whale watching (November–January)
- Snowshoeing in silence under the stars
- Aurora hunting by car, foot, or with a local guide
- Lazy option: Take the Fjellheisen cable car to a stunning viewpoint
Top 3 Tours
If you are an avid hiker, outdoors person, or skier, you can explore a lot of Tromsø and the region by yourself.
However, if you are not, or want some professional and local guidance for the best experiences the area has to offer, joining a tour can be a really good investment in Arctic Norway, including Tromsø.
Here are three top-rated tours that will make sure your experiences in Tromsø are as good as they can be:
5. Taste Arctic Flavors
Tromsø is a foodie’s paradise – if your idea of heaven includes king crab, reindeer, and cloudberries.
Local Delicacies to Try
- King crab (unmissable!)
- Wild salmon or cod (or skrei, the seasonal cod)
- Fresh shrimps and seafood
- Lutefisk (dried fish soaked in water and lye (!)
- Arctic char or halibut
- Cloudberry desserts – delicious!
Where to Eat
- Fiskekompaniet – Refined seafood by the harbor
- Restaurant Smak – Small, intimate, and creative
- Mathallen Tromsø – Modern Nordic cuisine
- Full Steam – Rustic dishes served in an old fish factory
- Hildr Gastro Bar – Innovative, seasonal, and cozy
Also read: How To Get From Tromsø To Lofoten – Ferry, Drive & Flight Options
6. Join a Photo Adventure
Photographers love Tromsø, and for good reason – the light up here is stunning, both summer and winter, and in good weather as wel las in “a lot of” weather.
In summer, the golden hues of the midnight sun bathe the landscape in soft light all night. In winter, the low blue light makes every photo feel like a dream. And then, of course, there’s the aurora.
Travel To Norway Tip: Use manual settings for night shots and bring extra batteries – cold weather drains them fast.
7. Hike (or Ride) to Epic Views
Tromsø has trails for every energy level. Whether you’re up for a quick walk or an all-day hike, there’s something you can master and enjoy.
Easy Trails
- Sherpatrappa – Stone stairway with panoramic views
- Prestvannet – A peaceful lake loop on Tromsøya
Moderate to Challenging
- Fløya via Fjellheisen – Start with the cable car, then hike further
- Bønntuva – A quieter, rewarding trail
- Tromsdalstinden – Tromsø’s iconic summit
8. Discover Local Favorites
If you want to explore like a local, add these spots to your list:
- Telegrafbukta – Picnic with a view of the sea
- Prestvannet Lake – Perfect for a peaceful walk or aurora viewing
- Raketten Bar – A quirky little hot dog stand turned bar in the city center
- Visit the town church, the yellow wooden building in the city center also offers midnight concerts
9. Soak in the Best Viewpoints
- Fjellheisen Cable Car – City, mountains, and fjord views
- Tromsø Bridge – Ideal for photos of the Arctic Cathedral
- The Edge Sky Bar – Craft cocktails with a view over town and sea
10. Try The Local Mack Beer
Tromsø is home to the world’s northernmost brewery – Mack Bryggeri, founded in 1877.
Their pub in the city center is still going strong, and a perfect place to try local beer (or just warm up after a long walk).
11. Explore the Lyngen Alps
Although strictly speaking not in Tromsø, just a couple of hours drive from Tromsø lies the dramatic Lyngen Alps – perfect for skiing in winter (back country) or hiking and kayaking in summer.
Even a day trip is enough for incredible scenery, but if you can stay overnight in a cabin or lodge, do it. This area is wild and peaceful in the best way.
Check out Lyngen Experience Lodge for an amazing stay in Lyngen as starting point for amazing mountain adventures here.
Seasonal Tips: When to Visit Tromsø
If you want to experience the Arctic winter, Northern Lights, skiing, snow shoeing and a lot more, you should visit between late November and March (maybe April).
On the other hand, if you want to go on a summer road trip, swim in the cold Arctic water from white sandy beaches, go hiking, biking, or other activities that requires no snow, you should come from late May through September.
Winter (October–March)
- Northern lights hunting
- Dog sledding
- Whale watching
- Cross country skiing
- Boat trips
- Amazing seafood dining
- Deep blue days and cozy, koselig evenings
- Magical for photographers and aurora chasers
Summer (May–August)
- Endless light from the midnight sun
- Hiking
- Kayaking and SUP
- Boat trips
- Lively festivals
- Outdoors seafood dining
- Locals don’t sleep much – and you won’t want to either
Best Places To Stay In Tromsø
As anywhere in Norway, it is a challenge to find cheap accommodation, but there are options that are more budget friendly than others.
Cheap: Tromsø Coco Apartments
Budget: Radisson SAS Tromsø
High-end: Scandic Ishavshotel
You can also check out home-stays if budget and/or getting a sense of the local flare is your priority.
If you are a large family or group traveling together, you will probably love a home-stay in a spacious house with multiple bedrooms!
How To Get Here
Unless you are doing a really long road trip, the best way to travel to Tromsø, is to fly, and the airport is called Tromsø Lufthavn Langnes.
You can also arrive slowly by boat, which is an excellent option if you have the time and resources to take the Hurtigruten Coastal Journey. You can do the full journey or just from port to port, but if you stay on board more than 23 hours you need to book a cabin.
If you don’t book a cabin, traveling with Hurtigruten is actually a great (and stunning) budget travel option!
Solo Female Travel in Tromsø
If you’re a solo female traveler (like me), you’ll find Tromsø one of the safest places to explore.
No catcalling, no harassment, and no need to look over your shoulder. Just bring your common sense and enjoy the freedom (which is mostly the case in all of Norway, by the way).
- Well-lit streets even in winter
- Reliable public transport
- Female-friendly accommodations and tours
- Norwegian gender culture being one of the most equal in the world, being a woman in public spaces in Tromsø and Norway is different from many destinations in southern Europe, the US and South America.
What to Pack for Tromsø
Winter Essentials
- Merino wool layers (long underwear, two sets)
- Warm sweaters and inner jackets
- Down jacket (long is good) and snow boots
- Warm, wind proof hat and mittens
- Hand/foot warmers, headlamp, crampons
Summer Must-Haves
- Layers (weather can change fast!)
- Rain jacket
- Sleep mask (yes, really – the sun doesn’t set)
- Hiking boots, sunscreen, mosquito repellent
Getting Around
The center of Tromsø is compact and walkable, but if you feel a bit lazy, the bus system is quite good, too. If you are leaving the Tromsø city island, though, a rental car will come in handy, or research the local bus schedule so you don’t get stranded anywhere.
Download the Svipper app for tickets and schedules.
Want to chase auroras or head out to Sommarøy? Rent a car – but only if you’re confident driving in winter conditions.
Sustainable Travel in Tromsø
Norwegians take sustainability seriously. Although everyone can not do everything, you will be a really good visitor if you try to do the same.
So please, try to:
- Use public transport
- Book eco-certified tours
- Carry your trash home when hiking (yes, really)
- Support local artisans and restaurants
- And just for fun: learn a few words in Norwegian – it’s appreciated!
FAQs About Tromsø Norway
When is the best time to see the Northern Lights, and how many nights should I stay?
Late September–early April is aurora season, with the darkest, clearest months typically November–February.
Aim for 3–4 nights to hedge against clouds.
Go with a “chasing” tour (they’ll drive to clearer skies and advise on photography) or rent a car if you’re confident on icy roads. Check the cloud cover forecast first—solar activity matters, but clear skies matter more.
What’s the daylight like—midnight sun, polar night, will it be dark all day?
- Midnight Sun: about May 20–July 22 — sun never sets, great for hiking & kayaking.
- Polar Night: about Nov 27–Jan 15 — the sun never rises; you still get a few blue/twilight hours. Perfect for aurora hunting and winter activities.
Plan activities (and camera settings) around these extremes; bring sleep masks in summer and reflective/bright gear in winter darkness.
How do I get to Tromsø and do I need a car?
- Getting there: Fly to Tromsø Airport (TOS)—~1h50–2h direct from Oslo, with multiple daily flights. There’s no railway to Tromsø. The Hurtigruten/Havila coastal express also stops here if you’re arriving by sea.
- Getting around: The city is compact with excellent buses and frequent aurora/wildlife tours, so you don’t need a car. In winter, if you do rent one, expect ice/snow, studded tires, and slow driving. Taxis are expensive.
Final Thoughts: Tromsø Is More Than a Destination
Tromsø is a destination that probably stays with you after you leave. In the north, life moves slower than in Oslo, follows nature’s rhythms (especially in the winter), and invites you to do the same.
Whether you’re watching the aurora in absolute silence or sharing a plate of fresh king crab in a cozy harbor bistro, you’ll feel something here. Maybe a bit more alive, a bit more wild, and a bit more connected.
And if you have time… take the trip a bit further south to Lofoten. I live there now, and trust me – if you love Tromsø, you’ll fall hard for Lofoten too.
Let me know if you’d like a downloadable packing list, a printable map, or help creating a Tromsø itinerary for solo travelers!
