Seven Amazing Places To Visit When You’re In Tromso

Nestled in the far North, Tromso, Norway is a dream destination for many wanderlust-filled travelers seeking the ethereal glow of the Northern Lights.

But what else does this Arctic wonderland have to offer? If you’ve been googling “What to do near Tromso?” – I’ve got your back.

I get it, planning a trip to an unfamiliar place can be tough – questions about how to get there, what to see, and what the weather will be like.

As a seasoned traveler and avid explorer who has roamed the breathtaking landscapes of Norway, I can tell you that the area around Tromso is bursting with natural beauty and cultural wonders just waiting to be explored.

I still remember my first trip to Tromso, the excitement as I packed my bags, the chilly Arctic air as I stepped off the plane, and the sheer amazement as I watched the Northern Lights put on their dazzling show in the sky.

That journey marked the beginning of a love affair with Norway, a love that has only grown with each subsequent visit.

So, whether you’re an adventurous soul craving outdoor thrills or a history buff with a passion for local culture, this post is tailor-made for you.

Best things to do in Tromso in winter

There’s something truly magical about Tromso in winter. The city completely transforms into a snowy wonderland, with these breathtaking landscapes and starry skies that turn into the perfect canvas for the mesmerizing Northern Lights.

The crisp, frosty air, the exhilaration of winter sports, and the cozy warmth of firesides make Tromso an absolute winter paradise.

Whether you’re all bundled up, chasing the Northern Lights, or simply enjoying a cup of hot chocolate at a local café, you’ll definitely find a winter activity that makes your heart sing in Tromso.

So let’s dive into these amazing frosty delights that Tromso has to offer in the winter!

• Chase the Northern Lights: The primary reason tourists flock to Tromso in winter is to witness the spectacular Aurora Borealis. There are numerous local tours that offer excellent viewing opportunities.
• Visit the Arctic Cathedral: Also known as Tromsdalen Church, this iconic and beautifully lit structure is an absolute must-visit.
• Dog Sledding: Experience the thrill of riding a sled pulled by a team of Huskies. This is a quintessential Tromso winter experience that shouldn’t be missed.
• Visit Polaria: An Arctic-themed experience with a panoramic cinema and aquarium. Here you can learn about climate change and its impact on Arctic wildlife.
• Polar Fjord Cruise: Enjoy an intimate experience with the stunning Norwegian fjords. Wrap up warm and navigate the icy waters while observing the local wildlife.
• Visit the Tromso Ice Domes: A hotel made entirely of snow and ice, complete with an ice cinema, ice bars and beautifully lit ice sculptures.
• Take a Cable Car to Mount Storsteinen: Enjoy magnificent panoramic views of Tromso and the surrounding islands and fjords. It’s especially magical when the city is lit up in the winter darkness.
• Samueli Planetarium: Take a journey into space and learn about the Northern Lights and other cosmic phenomena in this fascinating planetarium.

Places to visit near Tromso

If you’re up for extending your Tromso adventure and exploring beyond the city, there are some seriously breathtaking spots nearby that you gotta check out!

These places are full of natural beauty and cultural richness, giving your Nordic journey an extra layer of depth. Don’t miss out on these remarkable locations near Tromso!

The Lofoten Islands

Known for their majestic mountains, deep-sea fishing, and Aurora viewing opportunities, the Lofoten Islands are a must-visit. It’s a 6-hour journey from Tromso, perfect for a day trip.

Senja Island

As Norway’s second-largest island, Senja offers spectacular landscapes, ranging from mountains and forests to beaches and fishing villages. Located just a 3-hour drive from Tromso, it’s ideal for nature lovers.

Nordkapp (North Cape):

Called the ‘end of the world’, Nordkapp is the northernmost point in Europe, offering breathtaking sea cliffs and midnight sun. It’s a long 6-hour trip from Tromso, but worth the journey.

Alta

Known as the city of the Northern Lights, Alta is home to the world’s first Northern Light observatory. It’s a 7-hour drive from Tromso, but the promise of a brilliant light show makes it worth the trip.

Lyngen Alps

A paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, the Lyngen Alps offer skiing, hiking, and fishing opportunities. A 2-hour drive from Tromso, it’s perfect for a short getaway.

Harstad

A beautiful town located on Norway’s largest island, Hinnøya, Harstad is known for its pristine nature, history, and gastronomy. It’s a 4-hour journey from Tromso, a perfect destination for a day trip.

Why visit Tromso

I visited Tromso in December 2019. After a month in Africa, specifically Morocco and South Africa, I wanted to experience a slightly colder climate. In Africa, my plan was made through which I wanted to explore the Scandinavian countries.

My curiosity arose when I started reading about Norway.

Inspired by winter stories, I booked plane tickets to Tromso. Why did I choose this city? I have visited many European countries, most of whom I know very well.

However, Norway was a completely new place for me. I wanted to see the aurora borealis and take pictures of this fantastic phenomenon.

I had never experienced the polar night because it did not exist in the places where I lived before.

These two factors were the reason I booked tickets to Tromso without thinking twice. As it turned out, it was the best booking in my life.

Upon arrival in Norway, I learned for a few days how to live again. I got used to a short day, to be more precise, not a day but a grey day, which lasted two hours at the most.

I learned about new mobile apps for predicting the aurora borealis and the best places around Tromso to observe it.

How to get to Tromso?

The fastest, easiest and cheapest way to get there is by plane.

Flights to Norway from European cities are cheap. I flew to Tromso by WizzAir from Luton Airport, an hour away from London.

The flight took about 2 hours.

You can find the cheapest tickets to Tromso by using well-known flight search engines like Skyscanner, Expedia, or Kayak. I paid about 50 Euro round trip for my ticket. Cheap!

On arrival in Tromso

When I arrived at Tromso airport, it was twilight. It was 2 in the afternoon. A bit early for the evening, right?

Yes, it is not a coincidence. Tromso is behind the Arctic Circle; there is 24/7 darkness for 6 weeks of the year.

Therefore, Tromso is the right time and place to observe the aurora borealis. The climate in Tromso is relatively mild because of the influence of the North Atlantic Current.

Also read: Tromso Winter Vacation: Plan your dream trip to Norway’s Northernmost City

How to find accommodation in Tromso?

Over the last 10 years, Tromso has become a trendy destination among tourists. During the winter, tourists from all over the world come to Tromso to watch the aurora borealis.

As a result, visitors now have more choices and can decide exactly where to spend their vacation in the city.

Booking and Vrbo are definitely the best places to look for short-term rentals.

During my stay in Tromso, I used Booking.

I found a room located 15 minutes from the city center in a quiet neighborhood. Getting to the center by commuter bus was quick and comfortable. The accommodation cost about 100 Euro per night.

👉 I enjoyed a 20% discount during my stay in Tromso, using this hotel booking platform

What to see in Tromso

In addition to its breathtaking natural landscapes, Tromso itself offers a variety of attractions that are worth exploring. Here are some top picks of 7 places to visit in Tromso:

The Polar Museum

Learn an exciting story about arctic trapping, hunting, and expeditions of famous Arctic explorers. 

Polar Museum commemorates the last period of the 19th century when Tromso was the starting point of many polar expeditions to the Arctic.

The museum preserves historical evidence and accounts from that period. The exhibitions at the Polar Museum are about seal hunting and spending the winter in very harsh climatic conditions.

There are also profiles of famous explorers from that period, especially Henry Rudi, Wanny Wolstad, and the iconic expeditions of Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen. The museum also has a gift store. 

Tromso Fjords

We often call Tromso the gateway to the Arctic. The fjords are a fantastic place to observe wildlife. Fjords surrounded the city, on an island, on all sides.

While in Tromso, mountain views will be an integral sight. Balsfjord and Malangen are the largest fjords in the southern part of the city.

From the north, you can observe, Ullsfjorden and Lyngen, which cut deep into the land and are surrounded by mountains. The best time to visit the fjords is during the summer, from June to August. The weather is then stable and crisp.

Fjords are a fantastic work of nature. Although you can see them in other parts of the world, the Norwegian ones stand out for their uniqueness and unusual landscapes. What is worth mentioning, there are 1190 fjords in Norway!

Fjellheisen Tromso

Tromso city view point – Take a ride on the Fjellheisen Cable Car and reach the top of Mount Storsteinen for a stunning view of Tromso, surrounded by mountains and fjords.

This is also a great spot to catch the midnight sun during the summer months.

The cable car in Tromsø was built in 1961. The investor was the Norwegian company Brødrene Jakobsens Reder, which dealt with fishing, Arctic expeditions, and hunting. Symbols of the company, namely the polar bear and the seal, have decorated the railroad carriages.

Traveling by train takes only 4 minutes. From 50 m above sea level, we get to 421 m above sea level. The endpoint is called Storsteinen. And then it’s just a splendid view!

From here, we can look at the entire city from above; only from this perspective can we see that Tromsø is an island. In addition, you can admire the high, majestic mountains all around.

An hour will be enough if you drive up, mainly to see Tromsø. However, I recommend going on a long walk. It’s also a great place to watch the sunrise or sunset.

Pro Tip! Visit the cafe, lookout point, and souvenir store at this spot, which is perfect for hunting the aurora. Tickets available on-site or online. Paid parking in front of the railroad, so be prepared for fees if arriving by car. Address: Kirkegata 2, 9008 Tromsø, Norway.

Polaria

Polaria is the name of the aquarium and museum dedicated to the polar regions in Tromsø, the world’s northernmost aquarium. It is on the coast, in a building with a specific shape intended to resemble falling ice blocks.

The aquarium is home to two species of seals, including two bearded seals, the only representatives of this species living in captivity, and two common seals.

In addition, the aquarium presents fish species characteristic of Arctic waters, primarily those found off the coast of Norway and in the Barents Sea.

They regulate the water temperature in the pools according to the weather outside the aquarium. As a result, its temperature never exceeds 6°C.

In the museum next to the aquarium, they present exhibitions on bivalves and their role in marine ecosystems, the impact of human activity and climate change on the Arctic areas, and the formation and melting of the ice caps around the poles.

The museum also houses a cinema with seating for 175 people. The screen is 21 meters long and 3.2 meters wide, and five specially recorded projectors project onto its movies to achieve a wide-screen image.

A trip to a reindeer farm

Winter in Norway is not just about the aurora borealis. One of the top attractions in Tromsø County is a visit to a reindeer farm run by the Saami people. You can take a ride on a reindeer-drawn sleigh or feed the animals.

There are also wild reindeer in this area; they may not be fed or touched. As beautiful as these animals may not be, they are wild animals, and this is the main thing to remember.

Besides visiting a reindeer farm, you can as well eat them. This region is famous for its reindeer meat served. You will have many opportunities to taste it.

Also, you will buy reindeer skin and products decorated with it in many places. I said it is hot and many people use it for hiking.

I will not hide the fact that I stay away from such products. There are many organizers of trips to reindeer farms.

I recommend a farm near Tromso, about 25 minutes away. The fastest and easiest way to get there is by rental car. You can book a reindeer farm tour here. 

Dog sledding 

Dog sledding in Norway is one of the best ways to get close to nature, and, for many, it is an unforgettable experience during a Norwegian adventure. The best place to organize dog sledding is the northern part of Norway.

The Finnmark region is where most tours take place. These tours are also popular in the Tromso area.

Many tourist offices organize these tours of varying lengths and difficulty. In most cases, however, these small family-run companies offer several types of tours.

For example, you can go on a one-day trip as a passenger and a several-day trip with your sled pulled by a pack of Alaskan huskies (5-7 dogs). Prices start at NOK 1,000 and go up to NOK 15,000, depending on the tourist’s preferences.

The ideal option for those with low budgets or little time is a quick trip on a single sled in pairs. First, there is a brief introduction – getting to know the dogs and mastering the dog sled, and then the journey begins – one person sits on the sled, and the other steers the ride.

It is also possible to go on a day trip, where you are provided a hot meal along the way, or for a multi-day trip.

👉 In addition, you can find a dog sled ride, which I highly recommend. 

How and when to observe the northern lights?

Mount Storsteinen in Tromso

The chances of seeing this phenomenon are from September to April. Also, the most significant frequency is from mid-November to mid-December. We know this period as the polar night when the sun does not cross the horizon line.

The best places to observe the aurora borealis are far away from cities. You will avoid excessive light, and the aurora will be more visible. During my trip to Norway, I used the website light pollution map. This website informs about light pollution.

Thanks to the map, you can quickly find a place free from the influence of artificial lighting. While waiting for the aurora borealis, you can indulge in other trendy activities in the area. I am thinking of dog sledding or snowmobile rides.

To observe the aurora borealis, you need a cloudless and black sky

A clear sky is a necessary condition to observe the unique phenomenon. The aurora borealis is a phenomenon connected with the current flow in the ionosphere. Magnetic storms cause it on the Sun, which ejects vast amounts of charged particles towards our planet.

These particles encounter the Earth’s magnetosphere, boosting hydrogen and nitrogen, resulting in this extraordinary spectacle.

Auroras come in many forms and colors. It can appear as arcs, rays, bands, or curtains of green, blue, purple, pink, and even red. I have seen the aurora borealis with shades of green, which is evidence of an abundance of oxygen.

Before deciding to head out of town to observe the aurora, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the current KP. The KP scale describes the extent of the aurora, with KP0 being the lowest value and showing visibility only near the pole, and KP9+ being the highest value.

You can observe the chances of the aurora borealis at Norway – Lights. It is important to remember that just going to observe does not guarantee that you will see the aurora.

Auroras also occur at different times; the best times to observe them are between 11 pm and 2 am. However, remember that it is quite a capricious phenomenon, so we will never be 100% sure that we will see it. The aurora shows itself only to a few, so will and patience are not enough.

Above all, you need a lot of luck. Observing the aurora doesn’t need special equipment, just your eyes.

If you want to capture this phenomenon, you can take a camera. If you already know the aurora forecast, head out of town, as far north as possible. Don’t forget to have a good view of the north.

The 4 best places to observe the aurora borealis in and around Tromso

Brosmetinden Mountain

The well-known mountain, 525 m above sea level, is on the northeastern part of the island of Kvaløya, an hour’s drive from Tromso.

Climbing Brosmetinden is easy. The mountain is suitable for climbing for all age groups. While climbing, you can enjoy endless views of the ocean and the surrounding islands.

The path to the summit is easy to follow and well-trodden. The path first crosses the moor, and then the cliffs appear to our eyes with picturesque views all around.

I recommended this excellent climbing route to all who like short hikes and unforgettable experiences. To the top, you will enjoy the fantastic scenery of the island of Kvaløya.

Also, this hike does not require much effort. The route is about 2 miles one way. In addition, Brosmetinden is one of the most accessible peaks in the area. There are other prominent peaks in the area, like Sørtinden and Tromtinden.

Skulsfjord

A 25-minute drive from Tromso is another unique place that I recommend to all tourists. It is ideal for aurora watching and is far from the city.

By choosing this place, we increase our chances of seeing the aurora borealis. Skulsfjord is a settlement in the municipality of Tromso, between the fjord and the mountains north of the village.

As the locals say, it is a settlement of beauty. Just get to the water and start preparing for the aurora sighting. The place does not require climbing.

Otertinden

If you want to hike up this mountain, be prepared for hours of climbing. Depending on the conditions and preparation, climbing Otertinden can take anywhere from 6 to 10 hours.

Otertinden is one of the best-known mountains in the area. There is a unique and breathtaking view at the top of the mountain.

You can start the climb in Lupphujohka. That’s where the starting point is, over 9 kilometers from the junction with Signaldalen. Before climbing, be sure to wear comfortable footwear.

👉 I enjoyed a 20% discount during my stay in Tromso, using this hotel booking platform

Ersfjord

Ersfjord is one of the best photo op places that northern Norway can recommend. The village is a settlement in the municipality of Senja.

It is in the innermost part of Ersfjord. You can see the Okshornan mountains above the fjord. Ersfjord has a well-known white sand beach adapted for picnicking and campfire preparation.

I know the place for its amazing pictures of the aurora borealis. I highly recommend this place, both for camping and spending the night under the open sky and waiting for the aurora borealis. There are quite a few tables beside the beach where you can prepare food.

Conclusion

Tromso is one of the north coastal cities in Norway. It is known as the “Venice of the north” due to its Medieval architecture, canals, and the Viking Ship Museum.

The city is also an essential gateway to the Arctic Ocean and the best place to experience Norway’s wildlife and landscape. If you visit Tromso, you should visit these seven unique places.

Here are some helpful resources to assist you in planning your trip:

• Best Tromso Northern Lights Tour Experience – Your Insider’s Guide
• Guide to the Best Tromso Hotels for Every Budget
• Your 2024 Ultimate Travel Guide To Tromso
• Best Tours In Tromso For An Unforgettable Arctic Experience
• Tromso Winter Vacation: How To Plan Your Dream Trip to Norway’s Northernmost City

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