At a Glance
Quick OverviewTromsø stands as Norway’s Arctic capital—a vibrant university city of 77,000 people located 400 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle. Known as both the “Gateway to the Arctic” and the “Paris of the North,” Tromsø combines urban sophistication with immediate access to Arctic wilderness, making it the perfect base for Northern Lights adventures, whale watching expeditions, and polar exploration.
According to Visit Tromsø, the city offers a unique combination where “city life and raw surroundings” merge seamlessly, providing everything from world-class restaurants to dog sledding adventures just minutes apart.
Why Visit Tromsø
The Aurora Capital
Tromsø sits directly within the auroral oval, making it one of the world’s most reliable Northern Lights destinations. From September through early April, aurora chasers flock here to witness the dancing lights. The city’s developed tourism infrastructure means dozens of tour options, from budget bus excursions to luxury small-group experiences.
Arctic Access with Urban Comfort
Unlike remote Arctic destinations, Tromsø offers:
- International airport with direct European connections
- Quality hotels, restaurants, and nightlife
- Museums and cultural attractions
- All amenities of a modern city
- Yet wilderness is just minutes away
Historical Significance
Tromsø served as the launching point for famous Arctic expeditions, including Roald Amundsen’s polar journeys. The Polar Museum preserves this heritage, and the city’s connection to Arctic exploration continues today.
Top Attractions in Tromsø
The Arctic Cathedral (Ishavskatedralen)
Tromsø’s most iconic landmark is the Arctic Cathedral, a striking triangular structure completed in 1965. According to architectural descriptions, “the 11 triangles of the Arctic Cathedral suggest glacial crevasses and auroral curtains.”
Highlights:
- Glass mosaic: The eastern wall features one of Europe’s largest glass mosaics, depicting Christ’s second coming. The 3cm-thick pieces become almost transparent in morning sunlight.
- Historic organ: Built in 2005 with 2,940 pipes in the French Romantic tradition, the largest measuring 9.6 metres
- Architecture: Designed by Jan Inge Hovig to evoke Arctic ice and snow
Visiting information:
- Location: Tromsdalen, across the Tromsø Bridge
- Access: 20-minute walk from city centre, or buses 20, 24, 26, 28
- Concerts and midnight sun concerts in summer
Fjellheisen Cable Car
The Tromsø cable car whisks visitors 420 metres up Mount Storsteinen for panoramic views of the city, surrounding mountains, and fjords.
Details:
- Duration: 3-4 minute ride
- Departures: Every full and half hour
- Tickets: No advance booking required; valid for 3 months
- At the top: Fjellstua Café with spectacular views
Best for:
- Photography (especially Northern Lights from above)
- Sunset/sunrise viewing
- Midnight sun observation (summer)
- General orientation to the region
Polaria
This Arctic experience centre offers:
- Seal aquarium and feeding sessions
- Exhibitions on Arctic climate and wildlife
- Panoramic Arctic films
- Family-friendly activities
The Polar Museum
Located in the historic harbour district, the Polar Museum chronicles Tromsø’s role in Arctic exploration and hunting expeditions to Svalbard and the pack ice. Essential for understanding the city’s heritage.
Mack Brewery
The world’s northernmost brewery offers tours and tastings at Ølhallen, their historic beer hall. A perfect way to warm up after outdoor adventures.
Browse Tromsø ToursSeasonal Experiences
Winter (November - March)
Winter is Tromsø’s peak season, drawing visitors from around the world.
Northern Lights (September - early April)
- Multiple nightly tours chase clear skies
- Photography tours for serious shooters
- Success rates of 90%+ over multi-night stays
- Read our complete Tromsø Northern Lights guide
Whale Watching (November - January)
- Orcas and humpback whales follow herring into the fjords
- Day trips from Tromsø harbour
- One of the world’s most accessible whale watching destinations
- Learn more about whale watching in Norway
Dog Sledding
- Full-day and half-day experiences
- Self-drive or guided options
- Visit husky kennels and learn about Arctic dogs
- Combine with aurora viewing on evening tours
Reindeer Sledding & Sami Culture
- Visit reindeer camps
- Learn about indigenous Sami traditions
- Traditional meals in lavvu tents
- Cultural storytelling by the fire
Polar Night (November 21 - January 21) The sun doesn’t rise above the horizon, but the “blue hour” twilight creates magical lighting. Don’t fear the darkness—it makes Northern Lights viewing exceptional.
Summer (May - August)
Midnight Sun (May 20 - July 22) The sun never sets, enabling 24-hour adventures. Hiking, fishing, kayaking—all possible at any hour.
Hiking
- Lyngen Alps (spectacular peaks)
- Local trails around Tromsø
- Guided glacier walks
- Midnight sun hikes
Fjord Activities
- Kayaking
- Fishing trips
- Boat cruises
- RIB safaris
Wildlife
- Sea eagles
- Seabird colonies
- Marine life on boat tours
Getting to Tromsø
By Air
Tromsø Airport (TOS) receives:
- Direct international flights: London, Helsinki, Copenhagen, Stockholm
- Frequent domestic connections: Oslo (2 hours), Bergen, Trondheim, Bodø
The airport is just 5 km from the city centre. Airport buses, taxis, and hire cars available.
By Hurtigruten
The coastal voyage stops in Tromsø northbound and southbound, offering a scenic sea arrival.
By Car
Driving from:
- Oslo: ~18 hours (scenic but long)
- Bodø: ~8 hours
- Narvik: ~3.5 hours
Winter driving requires winter tyres and confidence with Arctic roads.
Getting Around Tromsø
Walking
Tromsø’s city centre is highly walkable. Most attractions, restaurants, and hotels cluster in a compact area. Even the walk to the Arctic Cathedral (20 minutes across the bridge) is pleasant.
Public Transport
Local buses serve greater Tromsø and surrounding areas. The city is the region’s transportation hub.
Taxis and Hire Cars
Taxis readily available. Hire cars useful for exploring surrounding regions (Kvaløya, Sommarøy, Senja) but unnecessary for city activities.
Find Tromsø AccommodationWhere to Stay
City Centre
The best location for first-time visitors:
- Walking distance to restaurants and bars
- Easy access to tour departures
- Close to museums and waterfront
Hotel types: Boutique hotels, business hotels, hostels
Tromsdalen (Near Arctic Cathedral)
Quieter location across the bridge:
- Closer to cable car
- Less city noise
- Still accessible to centre
Surrounding Areas
For unique experiences:
- Sommarøy: Coastal village, aurora viewing
- Kvaløya Island: Darker skies, remote feel
- Wilderness lodges: Full Arctic immersion
Booking Tips
- Peak season (December-February): Book 3+ months ahead
- Shoulder season (October, March): Book 1-2 months ahead
- Summer: More flexibility, but book popular hotels early
- Consider flexible cancellation policies for weather-dependent plans
Where to Eat and Drink
Fine Dining
Tromsø punches above its weight for a city its size:
- Arctic-focused tasting menus featuring local ingredients
- Fresh seafood (Arctic cod, king crab, whale)
- Game meats and reindeer
- Award-winning restaurants
Casual Dining
- Traditional Norwegian dishes
- International cuisine
- Excellent coffee culture
- Bakeries and cafés
Nightlife
The “Paris of the North” nickname extends to nightlife:
- Cocktail bars
- Live music venues
- Ølhallen (historic beer hall)
- Student-driven scene (Tromsø has Norway’s northernmost university)
Local Specialities
- King crab: Often caught same-day
- Stockfish: Traditional dried cod
- Reindeer: Arctic game
- Cloudberries: Arctic berries in desserts
Day Trips from Tromsø
Kvaløya and Sommarøy
Just 45 minutes west, these islands offer:
- Darker skies for Northern Lights
- Beautiful beaches
- Traditional fishing villages
- Excellent photography locations
Senja
Norway’s second-largest island features:
- Dramatic mountain scenery
- Scenic driving routes
- Fewer tourists than Lofoten
- Excellent aurora viewing
Lyngenfjord
Spectacular fjord and mountain landscape:
- Lyngen Alps (glacier peaks)
- Skiing and hiking
- Sami cultural experiences
- Remote wilderness
Practical Information
Climate
Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Tromsø is surprisingly mild:
- Winter average: -3°C (but feels colder with wind)
- Summer average: 12°C
- Coastal climate means weather changes quickly
What to Pack
Winter essentials:
- Warm, waterproof layers
- Insulated boots with good grip
- Hat, gloves, neck gaiter
- Tours provide thermal suits
Summer essentials:
- Layers (weather varies)
- Sunglasses (midnight sun)
- Rain gear
- Good walking shoes
Currency and Costs
Norway uses Norwegian Kroner (NOK). Tromsø is expensive:
- Budget meal: £12-20
- Mid-range dinner: £24-40
- Hotel room: £100-200
- Aurora tour: £100-200
Cards accepted almost everywhere.
Language
Norwegian, but English widely spoken. Tourism industry fully English-capable.
Safety
Tromsø is very safe. Main concerns:
- Winter weather (dress appropriately)
- Icy pavements (wear good boots)
- Wildlife on rural excursions (follow guide instructions)
Sample Itineraries
3-Day Winter Trip
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive, Arctic Cathedral, cable car, city exploration |
| 2 | Northern Lights tour (evening), polar museum (day) |
| 3 | Dog sledding or whale watching, departure |
5-Day Winter Trip
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive, city orientation, Arctic Cathedral |
| 2 | Whale watching (if Nov-Jan) or Sami experience |
| 3 | Dog sledding, Northern Lights tour |
| 4 | Day trip to Sommarøy, evening aurora hunt |
| 5 | Free morning, cable car, departure |
4-Day Summer Trip
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive, city exploration, evening hiking |
| 2 | Midnight sun hike, fjord cruise |
| 3 | Day trip to Senja or Lyngen Alps |
| 4 | Kayaking, museums, departure |
Final Advice
Tromsø delivers the rare combination of authentic Arctic experience with genuine urban comfort. Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights, seeking whale encounters, or simply wanting to experience life above the Arctic Circle, this remarkable city provides the perfect gateway.
Book early for winter visits, embrace the polar night rather than fearing it, and allow enough time—Tromsø and its surrounding wilderness deserve more than a quick stop. The Arctic capital rewards those who linger.
Information in this guide is sourced from Visit Tromsø and Visit Norway. Last updated January 2026.