Tromsø is one of the most popular cities for travellers in Norway. Before visiting Tromsø myself, I often heard and read about the city being referred to as the “Gateway to the Arctic”. During our time there, I also heard many people call it the “Arctic Capital”. Regardless of what you choose to call it, Tromsø has certainly earned its reputation.

Located at 69 degrees North, Tromsø is among the northernmost cities in the world. I would go as far as to say that it is perhaps the most modern and well-developed city within the Arctic Circle.

At this latitude, Tromsø offers visitors incredible and unique Arctic experiences, all set against its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture.

Top Things To Do In Tromsø During Winter

Renowned for its winter activities, Tromsø provides a variety of adventures, including chasing the Northern Lights, snowshoe hiking, whale watching, and more. We spent an unforgettable four days immersed in Tromsø’s winter wonderland.

And with all we’ve learned, here is a guide to the top things to do in this beautiful Norwegian city.

1. Chase the Northern Lights

The #1 reason why most people visit Tromsø in the winter is to chase the Northern Lights. The best time to view this magnificent natural light display is from late September to early April, with optimal viewing conditions away from light pollution.

I’ve listed the reasons why the city is one of the most popular destinations for the Aurora in our guide to chasing the Northern Lights for Tromsø. But to sum up, Tromsø is located in the Aurora Oval, which means that Aurora is almost always there. And if the solar activity is strong, you can see the sky light up right from the city itself.

There are always numerous Northern Light tour operators in Tromsø, and we recommend that you take one to maximize your chances of seeing the Aurora. Tours will take you to the rural areas, where there is little to no light pollution, and better visibility.

We went chasing with a couple of tours, and recommend Snow Travels based on our experience.

But if you don’t want to take a tour, there are a few spots even on Tromsø island where you can go to see the Northern Lights. All the necessary information can be found in our guide to chasing the Northern Lights in Tromsø.

2. Go on a Whale Watching Expedition

Other than the Northern Lights, I have to say that whale watching was one of our top highlights while in Tromsø.

From late October to mid-January, Tromsø is a prime location for whale watching as humpback and orca whales migrate to the nutrient-rich waters around this area.

During our tour, we saw countless pods of orcas, swimming so close to our boat that it was awe-inspiring. But what made it even more majestic was the surrounding landscape.

Snow capped fjords and mountains that surrounded the waters, along with the changing colour of the polar sky left us all spellbound! We couldn’t decide whether to stare at the whales or the scenery!

We were also fortunate to have seen a pair of humpback whales.

Whaling watching in Tromsø was truly an unforgettable experience!

3. Step Onboard a Fjord Cruise

The day we set out on our whale watching expedition was one of the most beautiful days while we were in Tromsø. The clear skies and visibility allowed us to admire the landscape as we sailed towards open waters.

Honestly, even if we didn’t see whales on that day, the journey through the mountains and fjords would have more than made up for it.

We witnessed the sky change colours from black, to pink, to orange, and then blue in a span of few hours. It was one of the most mesmerizing experiences!

If it’s a clear day, and you’re not visiting during whale watching season, then I highly recommend a fjord cruise.

4. Take the Fjellheisen Cable Car to Storsteinen Mountain

For the most panoramic views of Tromsø, and its surrounding mountains and fjords, take a ride on the Fjellheisen cable car.

The Fjellheisen Cable Car goes from Solliveien in Tromsdalen up to Storsteinen Mountain (421 metres above sea level). From the various lookout points Storsteinen Mountain, you can soak in the breathtaking landscape and really get a sense of the beauty of this region.

The cable car also offers stunning views of the Northern Lights during the winter months.

The cable car is open daily from 09:00 till midnight. Tickets can be purchased on the lower cable car station or online. There is also a shuttle bus that connects Tromsø city to the lower cable car station.

5. Go Snowshoe Hiking

Storsteinen Mountain is also a popular location for snowshoe hiking in Tromsø. We recommend joining a guided tour for your snowshoe hike to fully appreciate the scenic views of the city, as well as the surrounding mountains and sea.

Speaking from experience, most hikes begin in the morning. So, if you have planned a Northern Lights tour, we advise against scheduling a snowshoe hike the following morning.

6. Visit the Arctic Cathedral

The Tromsdalen Church, also called the Arctic Cathedral, is a landmark in Tromsdalen. Its unique design consists of 11 aluminium-coated concrete slabs on each side of the roof, giving it a distinctive appearance.

The Arctic Cathedral can be seen from most parts of the city, especially the Tromsø waterfront promenade.

Visitors must pay an entrance fee to enter the Arctic Cathedral.

7. Admire the Tromsø Cathedral

Perhaps the oldest landmark in the city is the Tromsø Cathedral (Tromsø Domkirke). Located in the heart of the city centre, the cathedral was constructed in 1861 primarily using wood.

The interiors are features numerous antiques and a beautiful organ. But the Tromsø Cathedral is best known for its midnight concerts that feature psalms, folk tunes, songs, traditional Norwegian music and indigenous Sami music performed by the region’s leading musicians.

Entrance is free, but visitors must pay for the Midnight Concerts.

8. Go Husky Sledding

Nothing says Arctic adventure like a husky sledding safari.

Dog sledding is a must-do activity if it’s your first visit to the Arctic Circle. There’s no other experience like being pulled by dogs through a snow-laden landscape, surrounded by majestic mountain!

9. Visit the Troll Museum

Trolls are a big part of Norwegian folk beliefs and fairy tales. So, it would be rather unfortunate if you don’t visit the Troll Museum while in Tromsø.

The museum is situated in the heart of the city centre, in a cosy space. But don’t let the small size fool you. The museum contains tons of information about trolls, their origins, and stories.

Not to mention, the Troll Museum in Tromsø uses augmented reality (AR) technology, making many of their exhibits interactive.

10. Visit the Polar Museum

Located close to the Troll Museum is the Polar Museum in Tromsø. The museum features exhibits that showcase expeditions, everyday life and adventures in the Arctic from the 17th century up to the present. Most exhibits focus on the life of Willem Barentsz, an Arctic explorer.

11. Catch a Polar Sunrise / Sunset

There is something magical about the polar sky, especially during the winter months. While it is mostly dark with no trace of the sun, when the sun does appear, it shines for only a short duration. This means that sunrise and sunset are just a few hours apart, resulting in skies that are always painted in phenomenal colours.

During our four days in Tromsø, we witnessed the sky transform into fiery shades of orange, purple, pink, blue, and everything in between! It was truly spectacular!

12. Take a Sami Culture Tour

The Sami people have a rich culture and history deeply connected to the Arctic region. Joining a cultural tour or visiting a Sami camp allows you to experience their traditional way of life first-hand.

You can participate in activities such as reindeer sledding, and learn about Sami handicrafts, and enjoy traditional Sami food.

13. Visit the Aquarium at Polaria

The Arctic Cathedral isn’t the only building with a unique design in Tromsø. Polaria, the frontend of the High North Research Centre for Climate and the Environment, is housed in one such visually stunning building that represents ice floes being pushed onto land by the harsh Arctic Ocean.

Inside the building, is a small aquarium with species from the Arctic seas, around Tromsø and Svalbard. A visit to Polaria gives you a unique opportunity to study life under the sea in the Arctic up close.

14. Stroll Along the Tromsø Waterfront

I found myself taking a leisurely walk along the Tromsø waterfront promenade. From here, you can find stunning views of the surrounding mountains, the iconic Arctic Cathedral, and the Tromsø Bridge (Tromsøbrua).

This area is perfect for both day and night strolls, especially when the skies light up with the colours of the setting sun. We even caught the Northern Lights from the waterfront promenade on one of the nights.

15. Enjoy the Local Cuisine

Tromsø offers a variety of dining options, from traditional Norwegian cuisine to international options. Don’t miss out on trying fresh Arctic seafood or enjoying local reindeer dishes, which are a staple in the region.

Our recommendations can be found below, under the “Restaurants and cafés in Tromsø” header.

Helpful Information About Tromsø For Travellers

And now, let’s get some of the most frequently asked and logistical questions out of the way.

How to get around Tromsø? Do you need to rent a car?

Tromsø is a well-connected city, offering easy access to public transportation through buses and taxis. While taking taxis in Norway can be a bit pricey, buses are relatively economical. We were able to navigate our way using Google Maps and the Tromsø bus app.

For those who may not know, Tromsø is essentially a small island, with the city centre located on the south-east shore. Once you’re in the city centre, it’s quite easy to explore on foot.

If you stay in the city centre, you’ll find buses and taxis readily available, and most tours begin from this location. We spent four nights in Tromsø and never felt the need to rent a car. However, if you want more flexibility or want to explore beyond the island, renting a car isn’t a bad idea.

Best time to visit Tromsø

As September and October arrive in Tromsø, the city starts to cool down, and the days grow shorter. By late November, the Polar Night officially begins, bringing with it just a few hours of daylight.

However, by mid-January, the sun starts to reappear, and the days gradually brighten up again. February remains freezing, while March and April usher in warmer temperatures.

With a long and cold Polar Winter, it’s easy to see why September/October and March are popular months for Tromsø. You may also get to see the Northern Lights before the oldest weather sets in.

However, having said that, we visited Tromsø in January and absolutely loved it! We got to see the Northern Lights, three out of the four nights, and got to experience the magical colours of the Polar Sky during the day.

Weather in Tromsø

Here’s a fun fact, the temperature in Tromsø during winter is relatively warmer than some other cities at the same latitude. This is thanks to the Gulf Stream (or the North Atlantic Current) that emits heat into the atmosphere along the Norwegian coast. Without the Gulf Stream and the westerly wind belt, Norway would be 10–15 degrees Celsius colder.

Tromsø is still freezing, but if were to compare the temperature to say, Inari in Finland, you’ll notice the difference. It’s best to layer up as the temperature can be very erratic thanks to the Gulf Stream.

Best hotels in Tromsø

Based on our experience of staying in different parts of Tromsø, let me give you an idea about the best accommodation options in the city.

Given that Tromsø is essentially an island, you want to stay on the island as that’s where most of the tour operators, hotels, shops, cafés, and restaurants are located.

Most popular options

The two most in-demand hotels in Tromsø are:

1. Scandic Ishavshotel: Enjoy stunning harbour views, authentic Norwegian cuisine, and a vibrant waterfront atmosphere in Tromsø.
2. Radisson Blu: Stunning harbour location, mountain views, cosy rooms, excellent dining, sauna, and potential Northern Lights sightings just outside the hotel.

These hotels are located a short walk from the city centre, next to all the activity, and serve as the pick-up location for most tours. They are also close to the harbour, making them an ideal choice for those early morning ferry cruises.

Other options in the city centre

There are plenty of apartments and hotels close to the city centre. After all, the area is quite compact and easy to walk from one end to another.

Here are some options worth considering:

1. Elegant apartment centre of Tromso: Elegant, central Tromsø apartment with modern amenities, close to attractions, offering comfort, convenience, free Wi-Fi, and easy city access.
2. Skaret by Vander: Modern aparthotel with fully equipped kitchens, central Tromsø location near attractions, free Wi-Fi, dining, fitness, and comfortable amenities. We stayed here.
3. Home Hotel Aurora: Harbour views, central Tromsø location, cosy rooms, hot tub, gym, potential Northern Lights sights, near most attractions.
4. Enter City Hotel: Central Tromsø hotel near Storgata, cosy rooms with kitchen, free Wi-Fi, breakfast options, and close to attractions and ferry terminal.
5. Quality Hotel Saga: Mountain, harbour, and cathedral views, central Tromsø location, modern rooms, free Wi-Fi, meals, lounge, fitness, close to attractions and transport.

Other notable options on the island

Moxy is another popular hotel in Tromsø, but it’s situated right next to the airport, on the opposite side of the island. It’s a good option if you need to get to the airport quickly.

If you’ve rented a car, and want a quiet place with the possibility of seeing the Aurora from your accommodation, check out Spacious & Lovely Aurora Apartment, next to Lake Prestvannet.

Restaurants and cafés in Tromsø

And finally, this is something I wish someone had told me beforehand — There are a few really popular restaurants in Tromsø. And if you don’t make a reservation for your preferred days, then it’s highly unlikely that you’d get a table.

The local cuisine in Tromsø, much like the rest of Norway is primarily seafood, with some of the best salmon, cod, and crabs that I’ve ever eaten.

Fiskekompaniet

Situated on the harbour is Fiskekompaniet, a local seafood restaurant. We highly recommend making a reservation 4–5 days in advance if you want to experience some of the best halibut, cod, or king crabs in Tromsø.

Killengreens gate, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
Website

Bardus Bistro

Located in the heart of Tromsø is another fine dining, traditional Norwegian restaurant — Bardus Bistro.

Apart from the usual seafood delights, their menu also features reindeer and moose. Once again, we recommend making a reservation.

Cora Sandels gate 4, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
Website

Restaurant Smak AS

A 15-minute bus ride from the city centre will bring you to Restaurant Smak AS, an exclusive fine-dining restaurant with only 18 seats.

With an ever-changing menu, the restaurant focuses on serving set menus prepared with local produce. Reservations are not recommended, but required.

Stakkevollvegen 39, 9010 Tromsø, Norway
Website

Mathallen Tromsø

Mathallen Tromsø is another fantastic option for those in the city centre, seeking traditional Norwegian cuisine, sourced locally, and served to perfection.

Diners have the option to pick a tasting menu, or go a-la-carte.

Grønnegata 60, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
Website

Bengts Bistro

If you’re unable to get a reservation at any of the restaurants above, then do we have an option for you!

Bengts Bistro, located in Tromsdalen (just across the harbour from Tromsø island), serves up some of the best Norwegian comfort food for the winters. There are plenty of options and the portions are quite sumptuous! Thanks to the locals for recommending this restaurant and café to us!

Solstrandvegen 19, 9020 Tromsdalen, Norway
Website

Størhus

There are more probably more restaurants serving pizzas in the centre of Tromsø than I would have liked to see. But a hot pizza, straight out of the oven, in the freezing winter of Tromsø is also good comfort food.

We tried a few places and the one where we loved the pizza the most was Størhus. In fact, that’s all they serve, delicious, authentic pizza.

Storgata 65, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
Website

CASA INFERNO – Pizza Restaurant

Another pizza joint worth mentioning is CASA INFERNO, where you can grab some of the most authentic pizzas in Tromsø.

Although not as centrally located, the restaurant is located a short walk from Tromsø Cathedral (I told you, the city centre is small).

Vestregata 2, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
Website

Wedeb’s Restaurant

If you’re looking for a change of scene, and want to try something unique, we recommend Wedeb’s Restaurant. It’s hard to imagine that you get such delicious Ethiopian and African food in Tromsø.

Skippergata 27, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
Website

Raketten Bar & Pølse

Hot dog stands are iconic establishments in many Norwegian cities. And the one in Tromsø is the Raketten Bar & Pølse, where you can try their reindeer & beef, or pork hot dogs.

If you’re unsure what toppings to get, just ask and the staff will be more than helpful.

Storgata 94B, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
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Our Guide To Tromsø

We hope you enjoyed our guide to visiting Tromsø in the winter. Honestly, this list of things to do in Tromsø seems small. There is really so much to do in this beautiful city!

Tromsø, with its blend of adventure, culture, and breathtaking natural beauty, offers a truly unforgettable experience for travellers. From chasing the Northern Lights to indulging in local cuisine, there are endless opportunities to create lasting memories in this Arctic gem. It truly deserves the title of the “Arctic Capital” in my opinion. And speaking of capitals, don’t forget to read up on the top things to do in Oslo during the winter.

You can experience more of the city through our Tromsø photo gallery and learn all about our experience chasing the Northern Lights in Tromsø.

If you enjoyed this guide, feel free to share it with your friends. And do drop us a comment if you found it helpful. We’d love to hear from you.