Tromsø, a Norwegian town located beyond the Arctic Circle, has everything to seduce lovers of the Far North. Situated on a small island, the city attracts tourists and scientists from all over the world, who come to discover the gentle atmosphere that reigns in its streets, and above all to enjoy or analyse in greater depth the wonderful nature that surrounds it. From the midnight sun in summer to the northern lights in winter, dog sledding, whale watching, getting up close and personal with the queens and excursions into the fjords, Tromsø is an incredible nature destination. But don't forget to explore the city itself, for a taste of everyday life in a northern Norwegian town. Here are 13 not-to-be-missed activities in Tromsø, a city full of charm.
1. Explore Tromsø city centre
Tromsø, the gateway to the Arctic, hasa small town centre that is easy to explore on foot. It's great fun to explore the different streets and admire the traditional wooden houses. Rue Storgata is the main thoroughfare, with its many shops. Those who wish can take part in a guided tour of the town, an opportunity to learn more about its history and pass by picturesque sites such as Tromsø's oldest pub.
2. Watch the Northern Lights, a must-see in Tromsø
Tromsø is a prime destination for watching the magnificent spectacle of the Northern Lights. You need to plan a trip between the end of September and March to be lucky enough to see them, and particularly between the end of November and mid-January. Seeing these luminous phenomena with your own eyes is a magical and incredible experience. We recommend taking part in a supervised excursion with a guide to make the most of the spectacle. You will then be taken to an observation site away from the lights of the city.
Go here to book your guided excursion to see the Northern Lights during your stay in Tromsø. If you want to combine the experiences, we also recommend this one-day reindeer sleighexcursion including dinner and the Northern Lights.
Related article: Where to go to see the Northern Lights? Top 11 best places
3. Take a stroll along the harbour
In the early hours of the morning, or after a nature break around Tromsø, we highly recommend a stroll along the harbour. The quay, almost 2 km long, is the perfect place to see the colourful wooden houses on the one hand, and the many boats on the other. You can admire the sweep of fishing boats, cargo ships, cruise ships and, of course, the traditional Hurtigruten ships (white, red and black), which call at the port before heading north.
Fancy a little idleness? Treat yourself to a day of relaxation in a spa including a bath, a sauna and a heated outdoor pool by booking right here.
4. Go out to sea to watch humpback whales and killer whales
In Tromsø, boat trips are available to observe the humpback whales and orcas that frequent Norwegian waters to feed on herring between November and February. The trip lasts around 7 hours, as the whale watching takes place around the island of Skervøy, 150km from the city. Throughout the trip, guides will explain the life of the cetaceans. It's worth noting that the sea trip is aboard a silent hybrid electric boat so as not to disturb the wildlife.
Get a unique view of the majestic fin whales, sperm whales, humpback whales and/or orcas feeding in the herring-rich Arctic fjords by booking this whale-watching excursion in a silent hybrid-electric boat.
5. Take a dog-sleigh ride
This is one of the highlights of a trip to Tromsø in the depths of winter. After a short training session, travellers can put themselves in the shoes of a musher and take control of their dog-drawn sled. It's a chance to admire the immaculate landscapes and magnificent relief. The excursion, which generally lasts 1? hours, ends with a hot drink and cake around a campfire. It's a memorable moment of communion with the dogs and nature!
Book my dog-sledding adventure in Tromsø
6. Visit the Arctic Cathedral
Impossible to miss from Tromsø town centre! The Arctic Cathedral catches the eye with its bold triangular silhouette. Built in 1965, this Protestant church, called Ishavskatedralen in Norwegian, can be seen after crossing the bridge. Its monumental stained glass windows and architecture blending modern design with inspirations from nature make it one of the emblems of the Norwegian city.
Discover enchanting psalms, folk tunes, traditional music from Northern Norway and Sami music by booking your ticketshere for the midnight concert at Tromsø Cathedral.
7. Feeding reindeer on a Sami farm
The Sami people are the last indigenous people in Europe. During our stay in the northern Norwegian city, we loved taking part in an expedition to a farm run by Sami people. There we met some lovely people who told us all about their culture and traditions, while sharing a hot drink. Another highlight was meeting a herd of reindeer, which we were able to feed. It felt like Christmas. An experience not to be missed.
Are you tempted? We recommend this day trip from Tromsø. You' ll visit a reindeer camp and feed the animals before delving into the history of Sami culture while enjoying a meal by the fire.
8. What to do in Tromsø A snowmobile outing
Between November and March, a fun activity to do in Tromsø is a snowmobile ride. You need to take a bus and then a ferry to reach the Lyngen Alps. Once there, a few instructions and off you go to discover breathtaking snow-covered landscapes. Please note that you need a driving licence to take part in this activity. Agencies often offer a break with a hot drink and a meal at the end of the session. It's great fun!
Book my snowmobile safari in Tromsø
You can also book this sea kayaking excursion with wildlife observation.
9. Visit the Polaria
This aquarium-museum is a must-see in Tromsø. The Polaria has a number of tanks where you can admire seals and fish. Another part is devoted to Arctic flora and fauna. We personally loved the exhibitions and the short films shown. The public is also made aware of the effects of climate change. A very interesting visit to make alone, in pairs or with the family when the weather is fickle outside.
10. Enjoy the view from Storsteinen mountain
You absolutely must take the Fjellheisen cable car from Tromsø to the top of Storsteinen mountain to enjoy the incredible panoramic view of the city and the fjords once you reach the summit. There is a terrace for taking photos and a restaurant. Once up there, visitors can take part in a variety of activities, including hiking and paragliding. The top of the mountain is also a prime spot for watching the northern lights in winter and the midnight sun in summer.
Enjoy the city's magnificent scenery by booking this dinner cruise on a hybrid-electric catamaran around the island of Tromsø. You'll pass snow-capped mountains, landmarks such as the Arctic Cathedral, and icy waters after sunset.
11. Stroll through the Polar Museum
The Polar Museum is a great place to learn more about the history of Tromsø. The collection includes traditional objects, equipment, scientific instruments, photographs and stuffed animals. You can find out all about ancient Arctic expeditions, as well as fishing practices, traditional hunting methods and survival techniques used by Arctic communities.
Are you interested in Norwegian culture? Discover northern Norway on this tour of the Tromso countryside. You'll set off on an excursion along the coast to discover picturesque fishing villages and magnificent fjords.
12. Take a cruise in the Norwegian fjords
From May to September, visitors can embark on a sailing cruise through the heart of the Norwegian fjords under the midnight sun. You can admire the magical colours of the sky, where dusk and dawn merge into one. It's a chance to admire majestic mountains and grandiose landscapes. Drinks, snacks and a naturalist guide accompany the adventure, as does the chance to go fishing in the sea. There are several options in Tromsø, but the midnight outing promises an unforgettable experience.
What to book: Explore the Arctic landscapes near Tromsø by booking this half-day guided tour. You'll admire the local landscapes, sample local produce at a picnic on the beach, and experience an Arctic swim on the beach of the Sommarøy Islands.
13. Drink mulled wine at the smallest bar in the universe
You can't stay in Tromsø, one of the most beautiful places in Norway, without visiting the Raketten Bar & Polse. This little kiosk claims to be the smallest bar in the universe! With its yellow facade and cupola, the place is as picturesque as it gets. You can order mulled wine, a tasty hot dog, or toast some marshmallows by the brazier. It's the perfect place to warm up in the heart of the city.
Where to stay in Tromsø?
Tromsø, the gateway to the Arctic, offers a range ofaccommodation to suit all tastes: from low-budget to refined comfort. Here are three addresses to discover, each with its own style, assets and atmosphere, to make your stay unforgettable.
- L'Ami Hotel, affordable charm in the heart of Tromsø
Located just a few steps from the centre, theAmi Hotel, which you can book here, focuses on friendliness and practicality. It offers rooms with private or shared bathroom facilities, two fully equipped kitchens, self-service laundry facilities and welcoming communal areas. The hotel also offers Northern Lights viewing trips departing from the hotel.
- The Thon Hotel Polar, comfort and centrality
The Thon Hotel Polar is a modern, centrally located option, just a short walk from major attractions. Breakfast is included, and a restaurant adjoins the hotel for evening meals. Rooms can be booked here and are comfortable, with free Wi-Fi and facilities to make your stay both practical and enjoyable.
- Enter Backpack Hotel, ideal for smart, social travellers
Bookable right here, theEnter Backpack Hotel targets budget travellers who like the hostel spirit. Centrally located, it offers a communal kitchen, a friendly lounge, and rooms with private or shared bathrooms. The emphasis here is on simple comfort and proximity to attractions such as the Polar Museum and the Polaria aquarium-museum.
What to do in 3 days in Tromsø?
The trip can start with a visit to Tromsø city centre, a very pleasant place with its colourful houses and various monuments. We then visit the Polar Museum to discover the history of Arctic explorers, before taking the cable car up to Mount Storsteinen for a magnificent sunset over the fjords. In the evening, dinner in a local seafood restaurant.
The second day begins with a crossing of the bridge to reach the Arctic Cathedral and admire its unique architecture and stained glass windows. Then it's on to the Polaria Museum to learn more about the wildlife of the Far North. In the afternoon, we head to a Sami farm to meet the locals and feed the reindeer. If it's the right season, we'll go hunting for the Northern Lights in the evening.
On the last day, we leave early for a boat or kayak trip in the fjords, or a whale-watching trip depending on the season. The holiday can end with a stroll through the local cafés and galleries, followed by some souvenir shopping before enjoying a final typically Nordic meal .
Discover also the most popular activities to do during your stay in Tromsø:
