Tromso is the largest city in Northern Norway, situated 350 kilometres inside the Arctic Circle. The city centre is spread along the shore of an island (Tromsøya) flanked by mountains and fjords that provide a bounty of opportunities for exhilarating outdoor adventures, from husky sledding and snowmobiling to whale watching and snowshoe hiking. And of course, it’s renowned as one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. There’s also no shortage of interesting museums, cosy bars and excellent restaurants, making Tromso a superb choice for an Arctic adventure that offers a rare mix of urban attractions alongside a plethora of awe-inspiring experiences in the surrounding nature. Without further ado, here are our top 10 things to do in Tromso.
1. See the Northern Lights
Northern Lights in Tromso
Tromso’s status as a Northern Lights hotspot has long been established, but in an era of endless social media content and more expansive flight connections than ever before, its reputation really has boomed over the past decade or so. And, it’s certainly not just hype – owing to its location directly beneath the auroral oval at 69 ⁰N, Tromso really is one of the best (and most accessible) places on Earth to see the Northern Lights. They can be seen here any time from late August to early April, although we recommend visiting between mid-September and March for the best window of opportunity for aurora hunting. Outside of this period, the nights are simply too bright for the Northern Lights to be visible in this part of the world.
At these latitudes, even relatively low levels of geomagnetic activity can produce mesmerising Northern Lights displays; the key factor is cloud cover, as you need clear (or partially clear) skies to see the Northern Lights. Sometimes, it’s possible to see the Northern Lights in Tromso without leaving the city centre, but it’s always best to find a viewing location away from light pollution to see the colours and shapes of the aurora at their most vivid. The best way to maximise your chances is to join a Northern Lights tour, as your guide will plan a route based on the latest weather conditions to find an area with clear skies. If the conditions are favourable in Tromso, you might not have to go far at all; if it’s cloudy (which is often the case), you might end up driving as far as the Finnish border. Generally, the more nights you spend in Tromso, the better your chances of success.
2. Experience the thrill of husky sledding
Husky sledding in Kvaløya, near Tromso
For thousands of years, husky sledding has been an integral part of life in the Arctic, and experiencing it for yourself is a genuine thrill. As well as getting to meet and learn all about these furry, energetic creatures, you’ll be shown the traditional techniques of ‘mushing’ (steering the sled) as you glide across the wild, snow-blanketed landscapes of Northern Norway. Typically, one person mushes while the other person sits beneath, and there’s usually an opportunity to switch roles along the way. Most tour operators in Tromso will provide thermal suits and boots to keep you warm throughout your husky sled ride. While husky sledding is usually possible in December, January to March tends to be the most period for snow conditions.
3. Take a trip on the Fjellheisen Cable Car
View from the top of the Fjellheisen Cable Car
The Fjellheisen cable car travels up and down Mount Storsteinen every full and half hour, taking around five minutes to reach the observation deck at 421 metres above sea level. From the top, the views overlooking Tromso and the surrounding islands are truly spectacular. In the evenings, this is often a prime vantage point for watching the Northern Lights. There’s also a cafe at the upper station where you can enjoy a drink and a bite to eat. The base station is around a 30-40 minute walk or a 10-minute bus ride from Tromso city centre.
4. Enjoy a Sámi reindeer experience
Sámi reindeer lodge near Tromso
The indigenous Sámi people have inhabited the northern regions of Scandinavia for thousands of years, carving out a unique way of life in harmony with nature. A core part of Sámi culture is reindeer herding, and there are several places in the Tromso region where Sámi people will introduce you to their reindeer and allow you to feed them. You’ll also hear about the myths and legends of the Sámi, and, in many cases, be invited to enjoy a hot drink next to a roaring fire inside a traditional lavvu tent. After such an experience, you’ll have gained a much deeper understanding and appreciation of the Sámi people and their cultural heritage, which is deeply rooted not just in Northern Norway but also in neighbouring Finland and Sweden.
5. Marvel at the Arctic Cathedral
The Arctic Cathedral by night
With its distinctive triangular shape and enormous stained glass mosaic, the Arctic Cathedral is Tromso’s most recognisable architectural landmark. Since its inauguration in 1965, opinions have varied as to whether it resembles a shard of ice, a mountain peak or a Sámi tent; what isn’t up for debate, though, is that it has become an iconic symbol of the city. Somewhat ironically, it isn’t actually a cathedral, but a parish church for the Tromsdalen neighbourhood. Reaching the Arctic Cathedral requires a 15-minute walk across the Tromsøbrua bridge, or a short bus or taxi ride from the city centre. For a small admission fee, you can also take a look inside. It’s arguably at its most impressive, however, when viewed from across the water by night, when its aluminium-coated concrete panels are illuminated.
6. Join a whale watching safari
Orcas near Tromso
The icy fjords around Tromso offer fantastic whale watching opportunities, particularly between November and January, when herring gather in the region to spawn, subsequently drawing whales to feed in large numbers. It’s also possible to see whales in the region at other times of the year, but sightings are much less frequent than in winter. Humpbacks and orcas are the most common species to spot on a whale watching safari, but you might also be able to spot fin whales and harbour porpoises. As well as day excursions, which typically last several hours, you can also join an overnight whale watching trip, which doubles up as a chance to spot the Northern Lights from the sea.
7. Try your hand at snowmobiling
Snowmobiling near Tromso
Another of Tromso’s most popular winter activities, snowmobiling is a fantastic way to explore the region’s magnificent landscapes, weaving between snow-laden valleys, frozen lakes, rugged mountains and wide open tundra. It’s considerably faster than husky sledding, and takes a little getting used to, but once you get to grips with how to drive a snowmobile, it’s an adrenaline rush that’s difficult to beat. Do bear in mind that you need to be a minimum of 18 years old and hold a valid driver’s license in order to operate your own snowmobile. Most tours range from two to four hours and typically include thermal clothing and a stop for a snack and a hot drink along the way.
8. Visit the Polar Museum
Polar Museum, Tromso (Credit: Marie Nystad Helgesen - nordnorge.com)
Housed within a red-painted timber wharf on Tromso’s waterfront, the Polar Museum tells the story of trappers and expedition explorers in the Arctic, and how traditional hunting methods have enabled people to survive in such harsh environments over the centuries. You’ll also learn how the Dutch navigator, Willem Barents, accidentally discovered Svalbard in 1596 while searching for the Northeast Passage, giving rise to the name ‘Spitsbergen’, which means ‘pointed mountains’. There are also exhibitions on seal and polar bear hunting, the legacy of Roald Amundsen, and Fridtjof Nansen’s famous attempt to reach the North Pole between 1893-1896.
9. Relax in a floating sauna
Pust sauna (Credit: Yngve Olsen - Visit Norway)
What better way to warm up after a day’s Arctic adventures than a soothing session in a floating sauna in Tromso’s harbour? At Pust, you can relax while enjoying wonderful views of the Arctic Cathedral and Tromsdalsinten mountain across the water. And, if you’re feeling especially brave, you might even take a cold water plunge before retreating back to the warmth of the sauna – a Nordic wellness ritual that brings with it a whole host of health benefits.
10. Beer tasting at Ølhallen
Ølhallen, Tromso's oldest pub
Ølhallen opened in 1928 in the cellar of Macks Bryggeri, formerly the world’s northernmost brewery before the title was taken by Svalbard Bryggeri when it was established in 2015. It’s Tromso’s oldest pub, taking pride of place on Storgata, with a warm, cosy ambience and no fewer than 72 taps pouring beer from some of Norway’s finest breweries, alongside a selection of international offerings. Struggling to choose? Opt for one of the tasting flights.
