Tromsø is a city in northern Norway. It’s located in Norwegian Lapland, 350 kilometers above the Arctic Circle. Just this description makes you want to go there, right?
But what to do in Tromsø in winter? In this article, you’ll find the best things to do in Tromso based on my experience.
Tromsø: Arctic Charm in a Vibrant City
The city of Tromsø isn’t very large but it’s the largest urban center in Northern Norway. It’s the northernmost city in the world with over 50,000 inhabitants. In winter, it’s not particularly cold there (usually maximum -10°C), as one might expect. This is due to its proximity to the sea and the Gulf Stream. So, don’t expect to find lots of snow there either. It’s a great destination for those who want to explore the Far North without freezing.
Tromsø is a student city, so there are plenty of activities. It’s a great place to live, actually. However, watch out for your wallet! You’re in Norway, and everything is very expensive (from a French perspective). Even buying a beer at a pub is a luxury! That’s the only downside to going to Tromsø for me, but… the area is so beautiful that it’s worth doing at least once! Are you coming with me?
Exploring Tromsø: What to do, what to see?
I share my must-sees and tips for your visit to Tromsø to help you discover the city. Feel free to ask me any questions in the comments if you have any.
Exploring downtown Tromsø on foot
This is what I recommend to every traveler. I love strolling around this downtown area, and the best way to visit Tromsø is by walking. The city isn’t large, but you can admire the beautiful facades of the houses and even the lovely exterior of the city library.
Visit the Arctic Cathedral
You also can’t miss the Tromsø Cathedral. It’s not in the city center, but you can see it on the outskirts of the city. The cathedral, which is actually a church, has beautiful stained glass windows. There are sometimes concerts in the evenings. A must-see!
To enter, the price is 50 NOK (about £4), but for some reason, we got in for free. Lucky us!
Tromso Arctic Cathedral
Address: Hans Nilsens vei 41 – 9020 Tromsdalen Check the opening hours on the website, but generally, in winter, you should go in the afternoon (closed in the morning) Entrance fee: NOK 50
Take the Fjellheisen Cable Car
I didn’t do this one! Not entirely sure why. Maybe the price put me off (we were on a tight budget trip at the time) and we had a car, so we preferred to wander around by car instead. Anyway, if you’re not driving or if you simply have the budget, I recommend taking the cable car to admire the view over Tromsø and the fjords. The website makes it look really appealing, so I won’t miss out on it next time I go.
The cable car has been there since 1961 but was damaged by a fire in 1979. As a result, the restaurant at the top remained closed for years. It only reopened in 1992. Then, in 2015/2016, the cable car was modernized with a superb terrace. I don’t know what the restaurant is like, so it’s worth a try! (for example: £22 for a reindeer burger)
You can also go up in the evening and try your luck at seeing the Northern Lights. The last cable car departure is at 9:30 PM or 10:30 PM (check to confirm).
As for the price, expect around NOK 210 (about £20). For more information, visit their website.
You can also opt for a guided tour that will take you to the top of the cable car.
>> Tromsø: Daytime Fjellheisen Snowshoe Hike and Cable Car Ride
Visit the Polaria Museum
The Polaria Museum is a nice visit to make. The museum is located 5 minutes from the city center. You can’t miss it with its unusual architecture. Inside, you will learn a lot about the Arctic and its inhabitants. I really enjoyed this visit, except perhaps for the part with the seals. Animals in captivity are not really my thing, and I felt sorry to see them there because the pools were not very big and especially one of the seals clearly looked bored.
There is also the Polar Museum which seems good but I didn’t go there so I’m not sure how it is.
The must-do winter activities departing from Tromsø
From Tromsø, you can explore typical Arctic winter activities such as dog sledding, snowmobiling, aurora borealis watching, and more. I’ll talk about the activities that I think are essential to do when visiting Tromsø (if you have the budget, of course, because it can quickly become expensive!). For each activity, I’ve included a suggestion for outings to book online, often with the option of free cancellation.
Observing orcas and whales around Tromsø
From November to January, it’s possible to observe orcas and whales in the fjord near Tromsø. It’s absolutely magical to see these mammals roaming freely. However, since 2017 (when I visited in 2016), the orcas and whales have left the fjord. You’ll need to venture much further out, but companies in Tromsø still offer the excursion. You can either drive from Tromsø (about a 3-4 hour drive) or take a boat (several hours to reach Skjervøy). When contacting the companies, be sure to ask where they plan to take you to ensure you’re going to the right place. Some companies stay within the fjord, where there’s clearly no chance of spotting them.
Suggested tours
>> Skjervøy RIB Whale Watching Tour
>> All-Inclusive Whale and Sea Bird Boat Cruise
>> Arctic Fjord Cruise by Hybrid-Electric Catamaran
Dog Sledding safari
From Tromsø, you can embark on an excursion for a dog sledding ride. This activity is available between November and March, depending on the snow conditions. I advise you to research the dog sledding company you choose to prioritize one with impeccable ethics.
>> Book a dog sledding excursion
This activity may seem expensive, but it’s important to understand that it’s necessary to cover the costs of feeding and caring for the dogs year-round, even though excursions only take place in winter. I always caution against “cheap” outings because unfortunately, there are companies without scruples that prioritize profit and may dispose of their dogs at the end of the season (yes, it happens more often than you might think).
Snowmobile ride
Snowmobiling serves as a means of transportation for some locals, such as reindeer herders, who require this vehicle to access untouched areas and find their herds. When traveling in the Arctic, you may be offered the chance to explore vast white landscapes on a snowmobile. It’s an activity accessible to everyone, enjoyable, and offers the opportunity to discover landscapes that may not be visible from the road. There’s no particular difficulty in driving a snowmobile, so go ahead and give it a try!
Selection of Snowmobile Excursions
>> Snowmobile Safari in the Lyngen Alps
>> Daytime Snowmobiling at Camp Tamok
Discovering Sami culture and reindeers
If you leave Tromsø, you might see reindeer near the roads, especially on Sommarøy Island. But to learn more, you can visit a reindeer farm run by the Sami people, Europe’s last indigenous group. Here, you’ll discover their way of life, traditions, and have some great interactions. Just make sure to avoid overly touristy spots for a more authentic experience.
>> Reindeer Feeding and Sami Cultural Experience
Visiting an Ice Hotel
If you’ve never visited an ice hotel before, now’s your chance! The Ice Domes appear every winter only to disappear in spring. It’s an informative visit that will leave you in awe!
>> Ice Domes Guided Tour and Reindeer Visit
Seeing the Northern Lights in Tromsø
Tromsø is renowned for Northern Lights viewing. The sky is often clear, and its far-north location is perfect for spotting them. To see them, you’ll need to leave the city to get away from light pollution. If you have a rental car, it’s relatively easy to venture out. Otherwise, many companies offer evening tours to see the auroras. You can find my tips for aurora hunting on the blog if you want to chase them yourself.
My Selection of Northern Lights Tours
>> Aurora Borealis Tour
>> Northern Lights Photography Tour
Exploring the Islands around Tromsø
Surrounding Tromsø are absolutely stunning islands. We roamed around them for a week. The winter landscapes and lights are breathtaking. I love this part of Norway. I’m sure the area is equally beautiful in summer. I’ll go check it out!
And keep an eye out because you’ll definitely see reindeer roaming freely! I loved observing them and getting closer to take photos. Such magnificent animals!
Where to Eat in Tromsø?
As I mentioned earlier, life is expensive in Norway. Dining out is a bit of a luxury. We mostly grabbed quick bites, but we treated ourselves to a restaurant meal with friends we met there. It was at O.L. Aune, one of the oldest buildings in Tromsø. We had a good lunch there, but unfortunately, the restaurant closed in 2018.
Here are some other restaurants where you can eat well in Tromsø (which were recommended to me):
- Art Café – Richard Withs plass 2, 9008 Tromsø Ideal for breakfast or lunch (soups, salads, pasta, and local dishes like reindeer stir-fry).
- Hildr Gastro Bar – Skippergata 11, 9008 Tromsø A more upscale option with themed menus like “Norwegian” or “French”. Expect to pay around £45 for the menu without wine.
- Cous restaurant & bar – Storgata 132A, 9008 Tromsø A good choice for dinner with plenty of options.
- Charly’s Restaurant & Bar – Sjøgata 7, 9008 Tromsø This is the restaurant at the Radisson Blu, more of a safe bet with specialties like reindeer, king crab, etc.
Where to Stay in Tromsø?
Accommodation in Tromsø can also be pricey. When I travel in Europe, I often book through Booking.com, and this holds especially true for Lapland, where you can find a variety of options including hotels, chalets, cottages, and more.
During our week-long stay, we didn’t have accommodation because we were focused on chasing the Northern Lights. We wanted to spend as much time as possible hunting for them, so we chose to sleep in our car with all the necessary cold weather gear.
The city has quite a few hotels, so I recommend doing some research to find the one that suits you best.
In Short: Planning Your Trip to Tromsø
From the UK, there are flights with at least one stop (in Oslo) via several airlines. The price of plane tickets is not very expensive (unlike Finnish Lapland). You can find tickets starting from £250. Tromsø Airport is located 5 kilometers from the city center. You can take a taxi or a bus to reach the center.
>> Check prices for car rental via RentalCars: good rates (cheaper than renting directly from the rental company), easy to book (option to modify or cancel up to 48 hours before the rental date)
How long to stay in Tromsø?
I would say a week, but not necessarily spending the whole week in Tromsø itself. It’s best to stay in the city for one or two nights and then explore the surrounding islands. Tromsø can be quite touristy, so if you prefer a quieter experience, consider staying outside the city. There are beautiful places in the islands where you can enjoy solitude.
When to go to Tromsø in winter?
If you want to see the Northern Lights, it’s best to go between September and March. Be mindful of December and January due to the polar night, where there isn’t constant darkness but reduced daylight. If you want to see orcas and whales, it’s between November and January. Keep in mind that you’ll need patience as they aren’t as close to Tromsø since 2017. February and March offer longer daylight hours, which is quite nice! The choice is yours.