Tromsø is an amazing destination full of breathtaking scenery, unique wildlife and bucket list experiences. If you are planning on visiting this beautiful city, you’ll want to check out my guide to the best hotels in Tromsø!
As someone who has stayed in several different hotels throughout the city, I can confidently say that some of them stand out from the rest.
I tested a few hotels back to back to compare them for my Moon Norway guide (the second edition is out now!). The trip also doubled as research for this hotel guide!
During my travels, I also spoke to other travellers about their experiences with various accommodation options in Tromsø. By doing so I was able to gain a better understanding of which options were the absolute best!
Of course, I also visited some hotel bars even though I wasn’t staying there, as #3 on the list has the best rooftop bar (and views) in Tromsø!
My ultimate goal is to provide you with all the information that you need to make an informed decision about which hotel in Tromsø is best suited for your needs.
Read on for everything you need to know about finding the perfect place for your next stay in Tromsø!
Table of Contents
My Top 3 Picks: Hotels in Tromsø, Norway
These are the top three hotels in Tromsø, shortlisted for those who just want the quick summary.
Quick Tromsø Travel Guide
Where to stay: Tromsø is a small and walkable city, so you’ll find that there are lots of hotels close to the city center. My personal favourites are Clarion The Edge, the Scandic Ishavshotel and the Radisson. Most northern lights tours will actually pick you up from outside the latter two (the hotels are right across the street from each other). More budget-friendly accommodation includes the Tromsø Activities Hostel and the Comfort Xpress. I’ve written a guide to my favourite hotels in Tromsø here.
Where to eat: I have many favourite restaurants in Tromsø, and am particularly fond of NYT (Italian), Restaurant Lotus (international) and Bardus Bistro (Norwegian). I have heard great things about Restaurant Skirri as well (seafood). All are within walking distance in the city center. For after-dinner drinks, the Tromso Ice Bar is a fun experience.
Top activities and tours in Tromsø
- Tromsø Arctic Reindeer – Sami experience
- Polaria Museum
- The Tromsø Cable Car (and mountain top)
- Tromsø University Museum
- Dog Sledding (check out my guide to the best ones here)
- Whale Watching (winter months only)
- Northern Lights Tours (of course – here are my favourites)
My Complete City Guide: The Best Things to do in Tromsø
Packing for Tromsø: Tromsø is a popular winter destination in Norway, and packing for Norway in winter is no joke. Think layers, layers, layers, and always wear a thin layer of wool underneath your clothing on the coldest days.
Getting to the city center: If you are flying into Tromsø airport (TOS), you can book a private transfer to your hotel in advance here. Alternatively, the airport express bus leaves several times a day, and is usually timed with the plane arrivals.
The 5 Best Tromsø Hotels
When it comes to finding the perfect hotel in Tromsø, Norway, I’m your go-to source!
As mentioned, I’ve been fortunate to have stayed at some of the most beautiful hotels in the area, and now I am so excited to share my top picks for this stunning destination with you.
I’ve tried my best to find something for everyone, but keep in mind that Norway is expensive and the price range often stays pretty even between hotels.
The best tip I have for saving money is to book early, and take advantage of deals you find (for example, Booking.com and other sites often do early-bird deals).
There are some truly great things to do in Tromsø. Whether you’re looking for northern lights views or snowy adventures, I’m sure that you will find something that makes your stay in Tromsø truly memorable.
A note about chain hotels in Tromsø
The hotels in Tromso are mostly chain hotels. You’ll find that names such as Scandic, Clarion/Home (Strawberry is officially the name of the company now), Thon and Radisson frequent the hotel scene, all around the city.
This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as they all have high standards and clear styles. And it is pretty common around Norwegian cities.
The result is that you can safely expect high cleanliness levels, great breakfasts (award-winning, even), and overall good service levels.
Let me show you which hotels I recommend so you can make your own unique travel experience!
#1 Radisson Blu Hotel Tromsø
⭐️ RATING: 4/5 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: Sjøgata 7 | ✅ Book it!
The Radisson Blu Hotel Tromsø is #1 on my list for several reasons.
The hotel has everything you need for a comfortable and convenient stay. Located right across the street from the Scandic Ishavshotel, they offer a variety of rooms including family rooms and suites, making it ideal for longer stays.
Side note: Scandic Ishavshotel is #2 on the list, and as I stayed in these two hotels back-to-back during my last trip to Tromsø, I had a hard time picking which one to recommend first. Both are great hotels, and very conveniently located!
Staying at Radisson Blu Hotel Tromsø opens up a world of comfort and convenience for travelers.
Start each day with a delicious and hearty breakfast, guaranteed to fuel your adventures, whether you are off on one of Tromsø’s dog sledding tours or exploring the city’s museums.
You won’t need to venture far to start exploring, most tours leave right from the hotel doorstep!
This was one of my favourite things about the Radisson. It was so nice to not have to leave the warm hotel until 5 minutes before the tour meeting time.
The Radisson has a great in-house restaurant, and their very own pizzeria. Ideal for dining after a long day of adventures.
A well-equipped gym and sauna are available for your fitness routine, both with stunning views of the water and the cathedral across the bay. The sauna was especially cool, so make sure to set aside time for it.
For the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and a touch of luxury, Radisson Blu Hotel Tromsø is the place to stay for travelers to Tromsø.
I recently had the pleasure of staying at Radisson Blu Hotel Tromsø and I must say, it exceeded all my expectations.
My room was spacious and comfortable, complete with a balcony that offered breathtaking views of the water and the cathedral – perfect for catching a glimpse of the mesmerizing northern lights!
I visited in late April, which is not really the ideal time of year to see the northern lights, but I got lucky!
Top 3 reasons to choose the Radisson in Tromsø
- Location Advantage: Radisson Blu Hotel Tromsø is strategically located across the street from the Scandic Ishavshotel, acting as a gateway to explore the charm of Tromsø, as most tours start there. Its unique positioning also allows guests to conveniently partake in tours that leave right from outside the hotel, making it an effortless journey to experience the city’s abundant attractions.
- Culinary Delights: The hotel boasts of a sumptuous breakfast to kickstart your day and a diverse dining scene featuring an in-house restaurant and pizzeria. These culinary offerings ensure that you have a variety of options to choose from without the need to step out.
- Fitness & Relaxation: A unique feature of the Radisson Blu Hotel Tromsø is its small gym and sauna with views of the water and the cathedral across the bay. It provides a perfect blend of wellness and relaxation, allowing guests to maintain their fitness routine while enjoying the stunning vistas.
The hotel is conveniently located in the city center. It is situated near a bus stop with connections to the airport, and Northern Lights viewing tours depart from right in front of the hotel. The beds are comfortable, but the room is very small; if you have a lot of luggage, there is hardly any space left to store your belongings. Breakfast is very good—a great way to start the day.
– Ada, travelled October 2026 (read more reviews here)
#2 Scandic Ishavshotel
⭐️ RATING: 4/5 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: Fredrik Langesgt. 2 | ✅ Book it!
The Scandic Ishavshotel was my first stop in Tromsø. Nestled right along the water, this gem of a hotel serves up some great views, just like the Radisson.
Now let’s talk about the rooms. I swear, my bathroom was designed by someone who truly understands the concept of ‘showering in style’. Picture this – a floor-to-ceiling window in the shower!
You can literally lather, rinse, and repeat while soaking up the views of the water and the Tromsø cathedral across the fjord. I mean, who said showers have to be boring?
As for the staff, they’re the kind of folks who would probably lend you their own thermal socks if you forgot yours.
Side note: don’t forget your own thermal socks, especially if you’re visiting in the winter. Most Tromsø northern lights tours go late into the night, and you’ll be surprised at how cold it can get.
A hearty breakfast each morning and a cozy bar for that much-deserved night-cap. All in all, the Scandic Ishavshotel made my Tromsø trip a classy, comfy, chuckles-filled affair. I highly recommend it!
Top 3 Reasons to Choose the Scandic Ishavshotel
- Location, Location, Location: Tours leave right from the hotel, meaning you can roll out of bed and straight into your next exciting adventure. And between us, when it’s -5°C outside, less time walking to the pickup point equals more time for hot coffee. Win-win, right?
- Room with a View: Remember the water views I gushed about? Those aren’t exclusive to the bathrooms. Most rooms have stunning waterfront views (not all, of course). Imagine waking up to that every morning.
- Friendly Faces: Last, but not least, the staff. These folks redefine the word ‘helpful’. I experienced great service during my stay, and they really made a difference.
Room was comfortable clean and had a great view of the Harbor , Breakfast had enough choices for most dietary needs hot and cold beverages. Location of this hotel is top notch as most Northern lights tours leave from directly out front and has its own Roast restaurant and many other eateries a short walk from your door ,fast food and fine dining with all local attractions within easy reach .
– Ashwon, travelled October 2026 (Read more reviews)
#3 Clarion The Edge
⭐️ RATING: 4/5 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: Kaigata 6 | ✅ Book it!
Next on the list is this gem of a place called The Edge Hotel, right in the heart of Tromsø.
Side note: the Clarion chain has been rebranding their hotels from Clarion to Home Hotels. The chain itself is also renaming from Clarion to Strawberry. So, at one point in the next year or so, it is likely that The Edge will be renamed Home Hotel The Edge (but everyone just calls it The Edge, anyway).
With its killer rooftop bar, where the drinks go down as smoothly as the views, it’s a must-visit whether you’re staying there or not. Trust me, it’s so good, you’ll find yourself magnetically drawn back to it, again and again.
Personally, I visited the Edge several times, just to chill in their rooftop bar and enjoy the views. In the evenings, you may even see the northern lights from here!
Side note: here’s how to photograph the lights using a GoPro!
The Edge also houses The Social Bar & Bistro – a place where the food is as tempting as the name suggests. It’s the perfect spot for those inevitable hunger pangs after a day of gallivanting around Tromsø. And if you’ve overindulged (which I bet you will), there’s a gym to get you back on track.
What makes The Edge really stand out, though, is the Clarion/Strawberry brand’s commitment to social causes. They’re all about being loud LGBTQ+ Allies and sustainability champions, which we applaud.
Every room is equipped with a coffee machine, and the friendly, cool vibe carries throughout the hotel. I mean, what’s not to love about a place that makes you feel at home, and stands up for what’s right?
Top 3 Reasons to Choose the Edge
- The Rooftop Bar: At The Edge, you’ll feel like you’re living on top of the world. And that’s not just because of the altitude. You’ll be sipping on your drink, watching the world go by from the best seats in the house (aka their rooftop bar). It’s a treat for the senses, and trust me, it’s worth every penny.
- The Social Bistro: With The Social Bar & Bistro on-site, you’re never more than a few steps away from a delicious meal. It’s the kind of place where the menu never gets old, and the chefs cook up a storm. You won’t even have to brave the cold to sample some of Tromsø’s finest fare.
- Sleep Easy: At The Edge, you’re not just booking a room – you’re signing up for peace of mind. With a gym, coffee machine in every room, and a brand that stands for all the right causes, you’ll sleep like a baby knowing you’ve made the right choice. Not just for you, but for the world too.
Excellent. Loved it. The location. The room with a great view. The breakfast. One of the best hotels so far on our euro trip
– Anna, travelled October 2026 (Read more reviews)
#4 Comfort Hotel Xpress Tromsø
⭐️ RATING: 3/5 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: Grønnegata 35 | ✅ Book it!
The Comfort Hotel Xpress Tromsø is a great option for travellers to Norway looking for a more budget-friendly option. This hotel offers basic amenities, including Wi-Fi and a complimentary breakfast buffet, with comfortable beds for a good night’s sleep.
I often stay at Comfort Xpress hotels in Oslo, as hotels there can get so expensive unless you book early.
The hotel is eco-certified and centrally located in Tromsø so guests can easily explore the city. Being in the heart of the city gives you easy access to local restaurants, attractions and cultural experiences that can’t be found anywhere else.
They opened in 2014, so you can expect a modern and inviting hotel. The front desk is open 24-hours a day, and the staff is super friendly. The rooms are small, but smartly decorated – giving you all the basics in a compact environment.
GREAT central location, easily walkable to many hotspots and for a decent price
– Emeline, travelled October 2026 (read more reviews)
#5 Enter Tromsø Exclusive Apartments
⭐️ RATING: 4/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: hours OR 📍 LOCATION: locationhere | ✅ Book it!
Enter Tromsø Luxury Apartments offer a luxurious stay for travellers to Norway.
They have several large apartments that are perfect for families or bigger friend groups who want to share the costs, but still enjoy some privacy. You have the option to cook yourself thanks to the well-equipped kitchen, although there are plenty of great restaurants and cafes nearby that you can enjoy as well.
The apartments have large windows which let in plenty of natural light and offer stunning views across Tromsø.
Whether you’re just passing through Norway, or spending an extended period here, Tromsø Luxury Apartments provide a comfortable and high-quality stay.
They also have laundry facilities. So if you are spending more than a week in Norway, a place like this could be ideal!
The location is very good, very close to the city center! And the hotel front desk staff will take you directly to your room, and you can also store your luggage for free after check-out, this trip is really great.
– Huitian, travelled March 2026 (Read more reviews)
The Best Tours in Tromsø
As mentioned, the first two hotels on the list (the Radisson and the Scandic), are ideal if you plan on going on many tours during your trip.
Tromsø is a perfect place to stay if you plan on joining excursions and tours, as there are so many starting from the city. From whale watching and dog sledding, to northern lights and even skiing – there are endless options.
Below are some of the most popular (and top-rated) tours starting and ending in Tromsø.
FAQs About the Best Hotels in Tromsø
Below is a list of frequently asked question about where to stay in Tromsø, and the best hotels in the city. I have done my best to answer them all, but let me know if you find any that are missing!
This really depends. Some say that the best time of year to travel to Tromsø is between late May and August. During this period, the days are longer, the temperatures warmer, and more activities are available. However, Tromsø is a winter destination, so visiting from November to March still gives you lots to do. This is also when you are most likely to see the northern lights.
Yes – there is a wide range of hotels in Tromsø that cater for all kinds of travellers. From budget accommodations to luxury hotels, you will find something to suit your needs.
Yes – there are several hotels located close to popular attractions in Tromsø such as museums, galleries and outdoor activities. You can easily access these areas from your hotel when looking for things to do during your stay.
Yes! Tromsø is a great hub for chasing Northern Lights in Norway.
Final Thoughts: Tromsø Accommodation
Tromsø offers so much to travelers who seek adventure, with skiing, snowmobiling and ice fishing as well as a vibrant nightlife. Whether you’re looking to relax in one of the city’s many hotels or explore its fascinating culture, it an ideal holiday destination.
If you’re planning a trip to this winter wonderland, or to Norway during the winter months in general, don’t forget to pack for the weather! This guide is full of helpful tips on what clothes and gear are essential for your cold-weather getaway. And if you need someplace to stay once you get there, check out this list of top-rated hotels in Tromso for all budgets.
Looking for somewhere truly unique to stay? Don’t miss my review of the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel in Alta!