Tromsø is one of the best places to go in Norway for certain activities, such as northern lights, Arctic culture and winter fun. It is one of my favourite destinations, and once you’ve read this list of the best things to do in Tromso you’ll see why!
I first visited Tromsø when researching my book, Moon Norway, and absolutely fell in love with the city. Even though it has only around 65000 inhabitants, it really felt like a city to me.
In fact, it’s the city in Norway with the most bars per inhabitants.
There was just something about the twinkling lights of the city against the backdrop of snow-covered mountains and dark skies that made me really feel at home there.
I know you’ll have an amazing time when you visit Tromso this year – whether you are dreaming of the midnight sun, the northern lights, going dogsledding or visiting some of the amazing museums in the city.
Side note: I’ll be using Tromsø and Tromso interchangeably – but as I’m sure you know, they are the same thing.

Table of Contents
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 La Famiglia (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)
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 arrivals.
Why Visit Tromsø
All travellers to northern Norway have different reasons for visiting, but there are a few highlights that are unique to the region, and to Tromsø in particular.
Below are the main reasons to visit Tromsø, in case you needed one (or two).
Of course, if you are already well aware of these, use the table of contents above, or simply scroll down to my list of the best things to do in Tromso for your trip!
Top tip: download a self-guided audio tour of the city on your first day there, to really get an introduction to the city. You can explore downtown Tromsø at your own pace, as the tour takes you past some of the most famous sights.
Nature and natural phenomenons (midnight sun, northern lights)
Tromsø is a city full of of natural beauty, whether you are enjoying the breathtaking views of the city from the top of the Fjellheisen cable car or from one of the many hikes around the city.
Whilst western Norway is most known for its fjords (and it’s the #1 destination if your main goal is to explore the fjords), Tromsø is also surrounded by them, making for a stunning city setting.
The two main attractions are of course all caused by nature.
The midnight sun can be experienced in the summer, and the northern lights (Aurora Borealis) can be seen in the darker months. Tromsø is amongst the best places to see the northern lights in the country.
Both the northern lights and the midnight sun are reasons to put Tromsø on your bucket list!
Arctic and Sami Culture
You’ll probably hear at one point that Tromsø is known as the “Gateway to the Arctic“. This is due to the city’s location above the Arctic Circle, and that it is easier than some other destination up north due to the direct flights from Oslo.
Tromsø therefore offers a perfect starting point for those interested in exploring the Arctic region, with its museums and history of Arctic exploration.
Additionally, Tromsø is a great place to learn about and experience Sami culture first-hand.
Visitors can dive into Tromsø’s Sami cultural scene by attending events like joik (the Sami traditional song) performances, experiencing traditional food such as bidos (reindeer stew), or head out on day-trips to Sami reindeer camps to learn even more about Sami traditions.
Personally, I think learning about the Sami is especially important if you are visiting northern Norway or Tromsø with kids.

21 Epic and Unique Things to do in Tromsø, Norway
Now, onto the list. Below are some of my favourite things to do in Tromsø, to hopefully help you plan the perfect trip up north.
Of course, if Tromsø is just your starting point for your trip up north, I also recommend checking out my guide to Alta next (an absolute bucket list destination in Norway, in my opinion).
As always, this list is in random order – and I personally recommend each activity and sight on the list!
Where applicable I have specified whether the recommendation is available in winter or summer. Some things can only be done certain times of year, such as whale watching and northern lights chasing.
Read next: The best hotels in Tromsø, Norway
#1 Fjellheisen Cable Car
The cable car “Fjellheisen” is not only a convenient way to reach the top of Mount Storsteinen, but also an attraction in itself.
It is actually one of the top things to do in Tromsø – in both winter and summer.
The cable car takes just 4 minutes to reach the top and leaves the bottom (and top) station every half hour.
In the summer months, you can go hiking up top. Year-round you can enjoy spectacular views of the city below and the fjords surrounding the island that the city center is located on.
The bottom station of Fjellheisen is here, across the bridge from downtown Tromso. You can reach it by bus (the shuttle bus leaves from Kirkegata 1 and takes approximately 15 minutes), or walk.
If you walk, it will take you about 30 minutes. This is ideally paired with a visit to the Arctic Cathedral (below), and a stop to take some photos from the bridge.
The cable car can be taken one-way or return – so it is completely possible to hike up or down (walking on sherpa steps, which is very common on hikes in Norway).

#2 Hiking on Mount Storsteinen
Once you’ve made it to the top, it’s time to explore! In addition to the restaurant up top (Fjellstua Restaurant), there are several hiking trails up there – ideal in the summer.
Whether you just want to follow a trail for a little bit, or go on a proper hike (such as to Tromsdalstinden at 1238 meters above sea level), you’ll find the perfect hike for it.
Hiking on Mount Storsteinen is best in summer, but it is possible in the winter with the right gear (and with a guide) – see the next thing to do on the list!
#3 Snowshoe Hiking (Winter)
If you own a pair of snow shoes (these are great), the top of Mount Storsteinen is a great place to test them out.
However, there are also several tour companies in Tromsø offering snow shoe hikes in the area – from shorter 2-hour guided walks for beginners, to 5-hour excursions out of the city.
Browse some of the top snowshoe hikes in Tromsø below!
#4 The Arctic Cathedral
The Arctic Cathedral, also known as Tromsdalen Church (or Ishavskatedralen in Norwegian) is a beautiful church and piece of modern architecture. It is also an iconic symbol of the city of Tromsø.
The church was designed by Jan Inge Hovig, and draws inspiration from nature and the surrounding Arctic landscape. It resembles both an iceberg or a fisherman’s tent with its distinctive triangle shape.
Don’t miss a photo stop by the church, and take note of the stunning glass mosaic facade.
Find it just across the bridge from the Tromso city center. As mentioned, it is on the way to Fjellheisen, so if you are walking over the bridge (like me) both can easily be crossed of your list at the same time.

#5 Northern Lights Chase (Winter)
Chasing the northern lights is probably the most popular thing to do in Tromsø. Plenty of tours leave the city on any given day in search of the lights. This makes it super easy for visitors to the city to see them!
The best Tromsø northern lights tours take you out of the city with professional guides that know what they are doing. Some tours even have a “northern lights guarantee”! This means that if you don’t see them, they’ll put you on their tour the following night.
Top tip: I recommend joining a northern lights chase on your first night in the city. Therefore, if you have to use the northern lights guarantee, you’ll have plenty of nights to choose from. It would suck to do it on your last night and not get to go again if you don’t see them.
Of course, it is also completely possible to see the northern lights from the city. But going with a small group will get you away from the lights and increase your visibility.
Browse some of Tromsø’s highest rated northern lights tours below.
#6 Fjord Cruise
Even though I grew up by the fjords, I couldn’t not go on a fjord cruise whilst in Tromsø.
Of course, the fjords there are not as dramatic as the ones back home (sorry, not sorry!). However, the experience was great and there is such beautiful scenery surrounding the city.
I went on a half-day fjord cruise, and had a lovely time onboard the boat. Additionally, we saw some wildlife up close, as a beautiful eagle came to catch fish near us!

There are several fjord cruises running out of Tromsø year round, all with a different focus. In the winter, whale watching is a big thing, and during those months you can also head out on a northern lights cruise.
In the summer, the eagles and the scenery take the front seat, giving you an equally spectacular experience.
Browse some of the best fjord cruises from Tromsø below!
#7 Whale watching (Winter)
As mentioned, going whale watching in Tromsø is one of the top things to do there in the winter.
In the winter months, mainly from November to January, both orcas/killer whales and humpback whales frequent the Norwegian coastline outside of Tromsø.
One tour will take you up close and personal with the whales on a small RIB boat. This one is ideal if you want a truly unique whale watching experience in a small group.
If you don’t mind a bigger group, and prefer seeing the whales from inside a warm, electric vessel – the silent whale watching cruise will be more your speed.
Last, but not least, if you are feeling adventurous, why not head out on a 4-day all-inclusive expedition? On this tour you will stay onboard the boat, and get the chance to snorkel with the whales!
#8 See the midnight sun (Summer)
One of the most popular things to do in Tromsø and northern Norway is to see the midnight sun.
Experience it in Tromsø from the end of May until the end of July. It truly is something quite special. Basically, the phenomenon occurs when the sun doesn’t set – so you experience 24 hours of sunlight.
Fun fact: in spite what some people think, the midnight sun is *not* a different sun from the one we have in the rest of the world. It is simply the same sun that never sets.
You don’t have to go on a tour to experience the midnight sun. Simply stay in Tromsø between the end of May (around the 20th) and July (around the 25th), and there you go.
It is really unique, and there is even a midnight sun marathon that might be of interest if you are a runner!
#9 Polaria Museum
One of several great museums in Tromsø is the Polaria Museum. It is more than a museum, and is probably better referred to as an experience.
At Polaria, you will find an aquarium and several exhibitions relating to life above the polar circle. From seeing bearded seals (one of only two places in Europe where you can see them up close), to movies – there is plenty to do here.
Polaria is open year-round, with added events and happenings during school holidays. Their panoramic cinema screen showcases a journey through the four seasons of the Arctic.Don’t miss it!
#10 Tromsø University Museum
My favourite Tromsø Museum is found at the end of the island, surrounded by a park with some lovely walks. Their exhibitions focus on nature, Sami culture and of course natural history.
My favourite permanent exhibitions here included learning about the Sami way of life, and their fight for their rights. Additionally, their Under the Lights display about the northern lights was really fascinating. This is the perfect place to visit after you’ve seen the northern lights, to understand them more.
The museum is open every day, and is just a half hour walk from the city centre. Find it here.

#11 Tromsø Botanical Gardens
The botanical gardens are not the best-known attraction in Tromsø, but stands out as a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. In my opinion.
It is actually the world’s northernmost botanical garden, focusing on arctic and alpine species of flora and fauna.
Nature-enthusiasts will love it for it’s diverse collection of plants, but also for its great views of the surrounding mountains.
The gardens are open 24/7 and are free to enter. On their website you can find an overview of which plants are in bloom each week of the summer.
If you are visiting in the winter months when the plants are not in bloom, check out the video below for a peek!
#12 Historical Walking Tour
Tromsø is a really interesting city with lots of cool things to take note of. From polar explorers to fishermen, there are plenty of things to learn about the city’s history.
The 2,5 hour walking tour below will take you on a walk around downtown Tromsø. You’ll hear stories that make the city come alive, and end at a local pub. It also includes a visit to the Polar Museum.
I recommend booking it in advance, as the tour can get cancelled if there are not enough participants. That way, by booking in advance they know how many people are joining.
#13 Visit the most unique pub in the city
Raketten bar and hot dog stand is a over 100-year-old staple of Tromsø. This tiny little hut in the city center is a go-to spot for a hot dog as locals go by.
The little kiosk was built in 1911 by an 18-year-old girl, and has since then been selling hot dogs in the square.
But, they also have a liquor license – so grabbing a beer (or a glass of wine) here is a must. It truly is the most unique “pub” in Tromsø.

#14 Dog sledding (winter)
Going dog sledding was one of my favourite experiences I had up north. Sailing through the forests behind 6 excitable huskies was unlike anything I’d experienced before.
Meeting the dogs, learning how to harness them properly, made for a truly unique outing. The dogs were so happy and excited to go running, and the excitement rubbed off on me.
It was such a magical experience, and I even saw moose (Norway’s national animal) in the forest as we zoomed past!
I got to try both “driving” the dog sled, and being a passenger. I personally preferred getting to sit on the sled, probably because it was a *tad* more relaxing.
I’ve written a detailed guide to the best dog sledding in Tromsø to help you pick the right tour for you!

Whilst I went dog sledding in Alta, there are plenty of opportunities to do so in Tromsø as well. Some of the nighttime tours even have a high chance of seeing the northern lights!
Browse some of the top dog sledding activities in Tromsø below.
#15 Visit the Ice Domes (winter)
In the Tamok Valley, almost 60 miles from Tromsø, you will find the Ice Domes. Even though they are quite a drive out of the city, they are amongst the top things to do for visitors to Tromsø.
The ice domes are open from December to April, and it is actually possible to stay the night.
If you don’t want to stay in the domes, you can join one of two day-trips from Tromsø. One is a full 8-hour trip, including a snowmobile tour and reindeer visit (book it here – $250).
The other is a 5-day excursion, similar to the one above, but without the snowmobile trip. It is a little cheaper ($120) and can be booked here.
Both need to be booked in advance, and include round-trip transfers from Tromsø and a guided tour of the Ice Domes.
#16 Sami Reindeer Experience
As mentioned, Tromsø is a great place to learn about the Sami people and their heritage. During my trip to Tromsø, I went on an excursion with Sami-operated family company Tromsø Arctic Reindeer.
Read my complete review of the tour here!
Their camp is a 25-minute drive out of the city center. They have around 300 reindeer in total, and some (or all) of them are at the camp, ready to greet you.
Their day trip experiences include a reindeer sled-ride around the camp, reindeer feeding and lunch consisting of bidos (a traditional Sami meal).
At the end of the day, you gather around the fire to listen to the Sami hosts share their culture and history. This was my favourite part of the excursion, for sure.
There are several options to choose from, varying in length:
- Short: 3-hour visit including reindeer feeding, lunch and Sami storytelling ($125)
- Medium: 4-hour visit including reindeer feeding, a short sleigh ride, lunch and Sami storytelling ($154)
- Long: Half-day tour including all the above and a longer sleigh ride ($165)

#17 Perspektivet Museum / The Perspective Museum
Perspektivet is a great museum that is all about perspective (duh).
Their main focus is on cultural diversity and tolerance, and this really shines through in their exhibitions. From exhibits on national costumes, the Kven people (an ethnic minority in Scandinavia) and women in Afghanistan, they share alternative perspectives on culture and society.
The museum is closed on Mondays, and can be found at Storgata 95 in the city center.
#18 Snowmobiling (Winter)
Going snowmobiling is a great activity when visiting Tromsø in the winter. It is basically like a safari, but on snow (and you get to drive yourself).
This full day (10 hours) snowmobile adventure will take you all the way to the border where Norway, Sweden and Finland meet. On the way, you’ll make several photo stops, through the wintery terrain of northern Norway.
Lunch is included, and a visit to the Finnish village of Kilpisjärvi, where you’ll get suited up and hop on your snowmobile.
For a slightly shorter snowmobile excursion, this is a great option!

#19 Nordlysfestivalen “The Northern Lights Festival”
The largest musical happening in Tromsø takes place in June every year. The Northern Lights Festival is a 10-day long festival with a large variety of bands and musical acts. From jazz to pop music, there are lots of great artists performing around the city.
If you are visiting Tromsø in June you shouldn’t miss it. Check dates and acts on their website.
#20 Go on a Beer Tasting (aka a “Beer Safari”)
If you aren’t the outdoorsy type, this is the “safari” for you. Or, if you just love beer and want to try some of the local brews in Tromsø.
The Tromsø Beer Safari lasts for around 3 hours. You’ll sample several local beers, learn about Norway’s brewing traditions, and try some Arctic delicacies (such as reindeer carpaccio).
During the tour you’ll get to try 10 different beers. This is a great way to explore the city, as you do a little bit of walking between pubs.
#21 Go Skiing (Winter)
Skiing is a huge activity for Norwegians, and winter sports is amongst the things Norway is most famous for.
As a visitor, it is thus exciting to know that you can actually take a beginner’s cross country skiing lesson in Tromsø! During the 3-hour excursion you’ll be joined by a professional instructor who’ll show you the ropes.
By the end, you can even try to challenge yourself on some small hills, if you feel like it.
FAQ About Things to do in Tromsø
Below are the most frequently asked questions about Tromsø and things to do there! I have tried to answer them all, but leave a comment if anything is missing.
I recommend spending at least 2 days in Tromsø to see the most important sights there. Of course, if you plan on joining a northern lights tour or other day trip from the city, I would add another day.
Yes! Tromsø is a beautiful city, with lots of great things to do. In addition to the northern lights you can go dog sledding, experience Sami culture and visit the many museums in the city.
The northern lights, the midnight sun, and plenty of winter activities!
I recommend Tromsø, as it is on the mainland and will make it easier to explore other, nearby sights and towns in Norway.
Any time of year is great in Tromsø, but the winter months are best for seeing the northern lights and going whale watching.