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Things to do in Tromsø

Sledding, the Northern Lights, and fjords are just a taste of what this gateway to the Arctic has to offer.

Our most recommended things to do in Tromsø

Tromsø: Self-Drive Husky Dog Sledding Adventure

1. Tromsø: Self-Drive Husky Dog Sledding Adventure

Embark on a guided sledding experience from Tromsø. Take turns directing the sled or simply enjoy the incredible Arctic scenery. After, trade stories around a warm fire with some hot chocolate and cake. Hop on the comfortable minibus and drive to the kennel on the island of Kvaløya. Once kitted out, head to the kennel and see the 130 Alaskan Huskies, who are always excited to meet guests. Get a short demonstration on how to drive a sled and feel free to ask any questions. Then, follow your guide and meet your huskies. Each pair, one passenger, and one driver will have their own sled. Enjoy several opportunities to swap between roles once the trip starts. Finally, head out to the snow and follow the guide along the trail. Take photos throughout the trip and take in the incredible landscapes. After your 90-minute sledding adventure, make your way into the Sami Lavvo for hot drinks and Hege's famous homemade chocolate cake. Trade stories from the trip around the cozy fireplace until it is time to change out of your suits and hop back on the bus. You will be returned to the pickup point. 

Tromsø: Reindeer Sledding & Feeding with a Sami Guide

2. Tromsø: Reindeer Sledding & Feeding with a Sami Guide

Discover the way of life of the Sami reindeer herders on this van day trip from Tromsø. Meet the herders and travel on a sled pulled by reindeer. Savor authentic Sami food as you listen to traditional stories and songs while gathered around an open fire. Be picked up from the city center and relax on a short seaside drive to the reindeer area. Be greeted by your host. Hop on a sled pulled by a reindeer and let your guide lead you on a magical sled ride through the snow. Make your way to the camp and feed the majestic reindeer herd of 300 animals. Gather inside the lavuu (Sami tent) for some warmth and a delicious traditional hot meal. Circle around the campfire as your guide tells stories about Sami culture and sings joiks, which are a form of Sami songs. Return to your meeting point in Tromsø at the end of your tour.

Tromsø: Wildlife Bird Fjord Cruise with Lunch and Drinks

3. Tromsø: Wildlife Bird Fjord Cruise with Lunch and Drinks

Experience the extraordinary scenery around the region of Tromsø aboard a classic mahogany boat. Cruise out onto the Arctic Sea and around the beautiful fjords and straits of the region. Along the way, enjoy delicious Arctic fish, drinks, and snacks. Benefit from pickup at a meeting point in the city center of Tromsø and be escorted to the harbor to climb aboard a classic boat called the "Fjord Queen." Settle down in a warm cabin, or make use of the insulated bodysuits to stay on deck and admire the views. Experience the wildlife of the Tromsø region as you keep a lookout for birds such as sea eagles, guillemots, and eider ducks. Encounter puffins (in season), cormorants, seals, and otters. Keep your camera positioned at all times for some incredible photo opportunities. See small pilot whales and dolphins playing in the water. Look to the shoreline to spot reindeer, and take in the flora and fauna of Tromsø in all its diversity.  Then, journey back to Tromsø harbor, where your fantastic polar tour ends.

Tromsø: All Inclusive Northern Lights Chase Minibus Tour

4. Tromsø: All Inclusive Northern Lights Chase Minibus Tour

Journey outside of Tromsø, away from the city's light pollution, in search of the Northern Lights together with an experienced guide. Marvel at the immense majesty of the Arctic as you share stories with your companions by a crackling bonfire. Depart from the meeting point in the center of Tromsø and embark on a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience in the Arctic wilderness. Your experienced guide will then lead you in the pursuit of the spellbinding natural phenomenon that is the Aurora Borealis. As you search the skies in multiple locations, take in the rugged beauty of your surroundings. Listen to local myths and stories about the lights, as well as a scientific explanation about why they exist. After finding the best spot to watch the lights, crunch through fresh snow surrounded by towering mountains and deep fjords. Take the time to really admire this incredible natural display of light, where colors dance in the air in beautiful, mesmerizing patterns. Keep your energy up with hot drinks, snacks, and warm locally-made stew. Then be taken back to memories of summer camp as you roast marshmallows on a smoky bonfire. Take lots of great photos throughout the night with the tripod provided. Your guide will offer advice to set up your camera properly, and also take photos of your group with the Northern Lights in the background. After a memorable evening, you will be dropped off at your accommodation in Tromsø.

From Tromsø: Reindeer Ranch and Sami Culture Tour

5. From Tromsø: Reindeer Ranch and Sami Culture Tour

Enjoy a magical experience feeding reindeer in Tromsø and have an unforgettable day visiting a ranch. Tuck into a tasty home-cooked meal, listen to folk songs and hear stories about the Arctic wilderness. Depart Tromsø and travel to a nearby ranch where you will have the chance to feed a herd of around 300 wild reindeer. Marvel as the friendly animals swarm around you and eat straight from your hands. Learn more about the Sami culture of the Arctic. They have been living and working on this land for centuries and have only recently invited guests to be part of their daily lives. Get invited inside a typical game (hut) and be served warm drinks and a traditional meal that has been cooked over the fire (vegetarian option available). Then, gather around the fire at a traditional Sami lavuu (tent) to listen to stories about their culture. Hear what it is like to live as a reindeer herder, and watch a performance of a traditional joik (song) before making your way back to Tromsø.

Tromsø: Reindeer Sled, Dinner, and Northern Lights Day Trip

6. Tromsø: Reindeer Sled, Dinner, and Northern Lights Day Trip

Experience the magic of the artic on this nighttime reindeer sledding day trip with a bus or van transfer Tromsø. Enjoy a traditional Sami dinner with reindeer herders while they tell you about their culture and their beliefs. Have the chance to spot the northern lights dancing above you.  Board your bus or van in Tromsø and embark on your artic adventure. Stop at a Sami camp and have a chance to feed the herd of around 300 wild reindeer who will eat from your hands. Feel the thrill of riding on a sled pulled by majestic reindeer. Be invited for a cup of hot tea, coffee, or hot chocolate and warm up around the fire inside a candle lit gamme (traditional Sami hut). Taste a three course meal including bidos (a traditional Sami stew which is often served at Sami weddings and other special occasions) cooked over the open fire. Join your hots in a lavuu (Sami tent) and gather round the fire to listen to stories about Sami culture. Learn what it is like to be a reindeer herder. Watch as your guide performs a joik (traditional Sami song).  Step outside to see if the northern lights appear above the reindeer camp. Return to your meeting point in Tromsø at the end your tour. 

Breivikedet: Fun and Easy Dogsledding Adventure

7. Breivikedet: Fun and Easy Dogsledding Adventure

Drive your own team of huskies in an extraordinary experience and a must-do for anyone visiting Northern Norway. Get up close to raw Arctic nature and try this adventurous way of travel. Be welcomed by the activity staff upon arrival at the camp in Breivikeidet. Put on thermal suits, boots, hats, and mittens before heading out to meet the huskies, hear the safety instructions, and be taught the basics of driving the sled. Enjoy a fun and easy and a great way to experience Northern Norway's unparalleled landscapes. Two people will share one sled: one as a driver and the other as a passenger, with the chance to swap halfway through the tour.

Tromsø: Camp Tamok Snowmobiling & Guided Ice Domes Visit

8. Tromsø: Camp Tamok Snowmobiling & Guided Ice Domes Visit

Join in for this authentic combination tour to Camp Tamok and Tromsø Ice Domes, both located in the beautiful Tamok Valley, a 90-minute scenic drive away from the city center of Tromsø. Upon arrival at the camp, get ready to set off on your snowmobiling adventure. You will be provided warm winter clothing and the necessary snowmobile gear. Go through the safety instructions and listen to a practical demonstration on how to drive a snowmobile. You will be driving in pairs, one driver and one passenger on each snowmobile, with the opportunity to switch places during the trip. The tour will take you past scenic mountains, through the snow-covered Finn valley, starting at 250 meters above sea level. You will be on this snowmobiling adventure for approximately 2 hours, depending on the weather and snow conditions. After the snowmobiling activity, settle in for lunch before your tour continues with a guided tour at the Ice Domes. Marvel at the incredible ice sculptures and snow carvings, learn about the construction process of the domes and the impact the snow has on all life in the Arctic, and have a non-alcoholic ice shot at the ice bar. As part of this combination tour, there will be some free time to walk around by yourself and visit the reindeer that are herding next to the Ice Domes. Eventually, your daytime adventure has come to an end and it will be time to board the bus back to Tromsø city center.

Tromsø: Lyngen Alps Snowmobile Safari

9. Tromsø: Lyngen Alps Snowmobile Safari

Experience the thrill of a snowmobile ride through the Lyngen Alps on this guided tour. You’ll see the beauty of an arctic fjord, take in an amazing mountain view, learn local history from your guide – and then warm up with delicious soup at a fishing village.  Departing from Tromsø, you’ll take a bus through arctic scenery and then transfer to a ferry to cross Ullsfjorden. After being escorted to the fishing village, you’ll get ready for the tour with driving and safety instructions, and be outfitted with warm clothing and safety equipment. Taking turns driving the snowmobile with a partner, you’ll follow the tour guide through epic nature with mountains surrounding you. Throughout the 2-hour trip there will be various stops at viewing points for photos and to learn the history of the area.  Once the trip is over, you’ll return to the fishing village for a warm homemade soup with fresh bread in a restaurant with a panoramic view. A warm drink and sweet cake will be the perfect end to a memorable day.

From Tromsø: Northern Lights Guided Bus Chase

10. From Tromsø: Northern Lights Guided Bus Chase

Experience the northern lights on a guided excursion from Tromsø. Board a bus and head to a location where the chances of seeing this natural phenomenon are high. As you wait to spot this incredible light display, enjoy hot drinks and biscuits. Set off from the center of Tromsø and head to a location with low light pollution, minimal cloud coverage, and the highest chances of aurora viewing that day. Upon arrival, hot drinks will be served along with biscuits while you wait for the northern lights to occur. As the weather in Tromsø can change, you may need to throughout the night. Your guides will make sure you are as comfortable and warm as possible. If you're lucky and the northern lights start flickering above you in the sky, your guides will take some photos which will be sent to you after the tour.

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Frequently asked questions about Tromsø

What top attractions are a must-see in Tromsø?

The must-see attractions in Tromsø are:

What are the most popular museums and exhibitions in Tromsø?

Insider tips: Planning a trip to Tromsø

Capture the Atlas is an award-winning travel and photography blog run by Dan and Ascen, a jet-setting couple who travels the world and documents their adventures. While Dan is in charge of photography, Ascen is the travel expert with a knack for finding unique spots to visit and condensing her experiences into helpful articles for fellow travelers. If you’re traveling to the Arctic Capital of Norway, checking their travel guide to Tromso is a must!

What should I do on my first trip to Tromsø?

Whether it’s your first trip or not, anyone visiting Tromso from September to April should go aurora hunting. Witnessing the beautiful colors of the Northern Lights dance across the sky is an utterly unforgettable experience and one of the best things to do in Tromso. Other than that, visiting Tromso Harbor is a must-do at any time of year. The charming, colorful waterfront buildings make for the perfect photo, and the views of the city skyline from the harbor are magical.

What are some hidden gems to see in Tromsø?

Plenty of people know about Tromso’s most popular museums, like the Polar Museum and Tromso Museum, but more unique spots like the Perspectives Museum often get overlooked. This museum aims to foster respect for different perspectives, hence its name, through various temporary exhibitions on art, culture, and more, so there’s always something exciting on offer. Another hidden gem is the Tromso Public Library and City Archives. Here, you can learn more about the history of Tromso with the archives and local history collection, admire the building’s beautiful architecture, and enjoy lovely views of the city from the large windows.

How much time should I spend in Tromsø?

Spending 3 to 4 days in Tromso should be enough time to hit all the highlights. You’ll have one day for exploring the city center and Arctic Cathedral, another day for visiting some museums and taking a fjord cruise, and another day or two to go hiking, take a day trip, or go aurora chasing. If you’re visiting Tromso in winter, however, there are so many things to do (Northern Lights tours, dog sledding, visiting the Tromso Ice Domes, reindeer sledding) that 5 days may be a better amount of time for fitting everything in.

What food is Tromsø known for?

As a coastal city, Tromso is, of course, famous for its fresh fish and seafood: crab, herring, cod, shrimp, oysters, and more. After all, these ingredients don’t have to travel very far to get to your plate! There are plenty of excellent fish and seafood restaurants in Tromso, including Mathallen, Fiskekompaniet, and Arctandria Seafood Restaurant, all of which use only the freshest local marine ingredients. If you’re more of a meat lover, reindeer is another delicacy that’s worth sampling. I highly recommend the reindeer stew at Full Steam Tromso, which includes mushrooms, potatoes, and cranberries - it’s absolutely delicious!

What is the best way to get around Tromsø?

Since Tromso is a relatively small city, walking is the best way to reach most places in the city center. For attractions that are a bit farther away, like the Tromso Museum and Northern Norwegian Science Center, Tromso’s city buses are your best bet. They run seven days a week and are quite reliable. If you want to venture even further afield on day trips or to hiking trails, I recommend booking a Tromso rental car, as it’s the simplest and most convenient way to explore the area around Tromso.

What are the best months to visit Tromsø?

The summer (June to August) and late fall to early winter (November to January) are the best times to visit Tromso. The summer’s mild weather makes it the perfect time to go hiking and camping or take a wildlife fjord cruise. Additionally, in June and July, you can experience the beautiful midnight sun, or 24 hours of daylight. On the other hand, the long, dark nights in late fall/early winter create ideal conditions for aurora viewing, plus November to January is whale watching season, so you’ll have a high chance of seeing cetaceans if you book a whale watching tour.

What neighborhood should I stay in when I visit Tromsø?

Definitely Tromso Harbor! Most of the best hotels in Tromsos are located here, and you get absolutely incredible views of Tromso Sound, the Arctic Cathedral, and the city skyline from here. On top of that, you’re centrally located by many of the best attractions, including the Polar Museum and Storgata, and top restaurants, like Rå Sushi and Full Steam Tromso. Whether it’s your first time visiting or your tenth, you can’t go wrong with staying here!

What is the best family-friendly thing to do in Tromsø?

Taking the Fjellheisen cable car is an activity that’s fun for the whole family. The four-minute cable car ride up to the mountain ledge of Storsteinen is exhilarating enough to pique kids’ interest but short enough that they won’t get too impatient on the way to the top. Once you reach Storsteinen, you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous views of the city and surrounding islands and fjords. If you or the kids get hungry, grab a bite at Fjellstua, a restaurant at the upper station where you can take in the views while you eat.

What are the best things to do around Tromsø?

The area around Tromso boasts a lot of incredible hiking trails. Some of my favorites include the trail to Steindalsbreen, which takes you through a valley to a beautiful glacier that you can admire up close; the route to Blåvatnet, which leads you to an intensely blue alpine lake; and the hike to Rødtind, a mountain with stunning views of the area. Also, while you’re outside Tromso, I recommend staying in a charming, private cabin, like the log cabins at Viking Cabins, so you can enjoy some peaceful solitude and immerse yourself in nature.

Other Sightseeing Options in Tromsø

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What people are saying about Tromsø

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 13,743 reviews

Very nice tour. Unfortunately we did not manage to see the Northern Lights, however the driver did what every was possible, really appreciate it.

The captain is experienced and humorous. We caught some big fish and the soup is delicious

A must do when visiting Tromsø, brilliant guides and the dogs are well looked after.

They really drive until you can see the Northern Lights.

Informative, and interesting tour. Guides were great!!