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Tromsø City Guide
At around 69° north, you might expect somewhere remote and isolated, but Tromsø has a lively little centre filled with cafés, restaurants, shops and colourful buildings, with the Arctic wilderness never very far away.
We spent 2 nights in Tromsø as part of a longer trip through Norway, staying at Thon Hotel Polar in the city centre. Two nights isn’t long, but we managed to fit a surprising amount in, including walking to Fjellheisen and taking the cable car up the mountain, a reindeer and Sámi experience and, of course, heading out into the darkness on a Northern Lights chase.
And yes, we were lucky enough to see them.
In this Tromsø City Guide, we’re sharing what we did, what we’d recommend and everything you need to plan your own Arctic break.
Tromsø Mini Guide
Best for: Northern Lights, Arctic adventures, winter breaks & Midnight Sun
Ideal stay: 3–4 nights
Northern Lights season: September–early April
Midnight Sun: Late May–late July
Winter temperatures: Typically around -5°C to 0°C
Summer temperatures: Typically around 7°C to 16°C
Airport: Tromsø Airport (TOS)
Getting around: Walkable centre with a good local bus network
Currency: Norwegian Krone (NOK)
Language: Norwegian, with English widely spoken
Time zone: CET (GMT+1) / CEST (GMT+2)
Don’t miss: Fjellheisen, a Northern Lights chase & a Sámi/reindeer experience
Why Visit Tromsø?
Tromsø is often described as the Gateway to the Arctic, and once you’re there it’s easy to understand why. The city sits around 350 km above the Arctic Circle, surrounded by water and mountains, yet it’s large enough to have plenty going on and compact enough to explore easily on a short break.
It’s also a destination that changes enormously with the seasons. Travel during the darker months and you have the chance to see the Northern Lights, while around late May to late July the Midnight Sun takes over and the sun doesn’t set at all.
That means a summer trip and a winter trip to Tromsø can feel like two completely different holidays.
Did You Know?
Although Tromsø experiences Polar Night, when the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon, that doesn’t mean the city spends weeks in complete darkness. Around the middle of the day there can still be several hours of beautiful Arctic twilight, often giving the sky blue, pink and purple tones.
Our Stay in Tromsø
We stayed at Thon Hotel Polar for 2 nights, and its central location worked really well for the amount of time we had. Tromsø’s centre is compact, so we could walk to restaurants, shops and the waterfront without needing a car.
Our time here wasn’t really about trying to tick off every attraction in the city. We’d travelled north for the Arctic experiences as much as Tromsø itself, so we mixed exploring the centre with Fjellheisen, a reindeer and Sámi experience and a Northern Lights chase.
We proved that 2 nights in Tromsø is doable, but we’d probably suggest 3–4 nights if you’re planning your own trip. That’s particularly true if seeing the Northern Lights is important to you, because no matter how carefully you plan, the weather and aurora don’t work to anyone’s itinerary.
Tromsø City Centre
One of the nicest things about Tromsø is that you don’t need a complicated sightseeing plan to enjoy it. The centre is small enough to wander around on foot, with Storgata running through the heart of town and plenty of cafés, shops and restaurants tucked into the surrounding streets.
Make your way towards the waterfront and Tromsø’s location really starts to show itself. Boats sit in the harbour while mountains rise across the water, and even when you’re wandering through fairly ordinary city streets you’ll often catch a snowy mountain appearing between the buildings.
It’s worth leaving yourself some time simply to walk around rather than filling every hour with booked activities. One of the things we remember about Tromsø is how close the Arctic landscape always feels, even when you’re right in the middle of town.
Fjellheisen Cable Car
If you only have time for one viewpoint in Tromsø, Fjellheisen should be high on the list.
The cable car climbs from Sollivegen on the mainland to Storsteinen, around 421 metres above sea level. From the top you get fantastic views across Tromsøya, the city, surrounding waterways, islands and mountains.
We walked from Tromsø city centre to Fjellheisen, crossing Tromsø Bridge and continuing through Tromsdalen towards the cable car station. It took us over an hour, but it was a great way to see a little more of Tromsø beyond the compact centre. Buses and organised trips with transfers are available if you’d rather save your legs.
The views are the real reason to come. Depending on the season, you could see Tromsø surrounded by snowy mountains, watch the colours of Arctic twilight across the city or experience the landscape beneath the Midnight Sun.
There are walking trails from the upper station too, so it’s worth allowing time to explore rather than simply riding up, taking a photo and coming straight back down. We had a wander around the top before warming up with a hot chocolate in the café at Fjellstua — very welcome after being out in the Arctic cold!
Air-Holiday Tip: Weather can change quickly in Tromsø. If Fjellheisen is one of your priorities, check the conditions and try to keep some flexibility in your plans rather than tying yourself to one particular day.
Arctic Cathedral
You’ll probably spot the Arctic Cathedral before you reach it.
Its distinctive triangular shape sits across Tromsøysundet on the mainland and has become one of Tromsø’s best-known landmarks. Despite its name, it isn’t actually a cathedral but a parish church, officially called Tromsdalen Church.
It’s easy to combine with Fjellheisen because both are on the mainland side of Tromsø Bridge. If you’re walking from the centre towards the cable car, the cathedral makes a natural stop along the way.
Northern Lights in Tromsø
For many winter visitors, this is the big one.
Tromsø sits beneath the auroral oval and is one of the world’s best-known bases for Northern Lights trips. The season generally runs from around September into early April, when the nights are dark enough for the aurora to be visible.
But being in Tromsø doesn’t guarantee you’ll see them.
Cloud cover can completely hide an active aurora, while on other nights conditions may simply not cooperate. That’s why organised Northern Lights chases often travel away from the city and can cover considerable distances looking for clearer skies.
We joined a Northern Lights chase during our stay and were lucky enough to see them. It was one of the main reasons we’d travelled to Tromsø, and actually seeing the lights dancing across an Arctic sky is very different from simply seeing them in photographs.
If the Northern Lights are a major reason for your trip, we’d avoid relying on a single night if you can. Staying 3–4 nights gives you more opportunities if the weather doesn’t cooperate first time.
Reindeer & Sámi Experiences
Another highlight of our winter trip to Tromsø was the chance to learn more about Sámi culture and the importance of reindeer herding in this part of northern Norway.
The experience we chose was amazing and much more involved than simply seeing the reindeer. We got to feed them, including some of the younger reindeer, before heading out for a sleigh ride through the snowy surroundings.
Afterwards, we went inside to warm up around the fire in a traditional-style tent, where we were served a hot stew — yes, reindeer stew! Sitting around the fire while listening to stories about Sámi culture, history, traditions and reindeer herding made this feel like much more than just another winter activity.
It was also a lovely contrast to our other experiences in Tromsø. Fjellheisen gave us the incredible Arctic scenery, our Northern Lights chase took us out into the darkness looking for the aurora, while this gave us an opportunity to learn more about the people, culture and traditions of the region.
Different reindeer and Sámi experiences in Tromsø vary, with some including feeding, sledding, traditional meals and storytelling, so it’s worth checking exactly what’s included when choosing one.
More Things To Do in Tromsø
We packed a lot into our short trip, but Tromsø is definitely somewhere we could go back to and still find completely different things to do.
Arctic floating is high on our list for next time. You put on a specially designed survival suit and float in the icy Arctic water while staying warm and dry inside it. It sounds slightly mad — which is probably part of the reason we’d like to try it! Some experiences also include transport from Tromsø and time afterwards to warm up with drinks and snacks.
Dog sledding is another classic Arctic experience we didn’t manage to fit in. There are different options around Tromsø, from easier sledding experiences and kennel visits to longer adventures where you head out across the snow with a team of huskies.
For something with a little more speed, snowmobiling is another way to get out into the winter landscape. Tours operate outside the city and range from shorter local experiences to much longer trips into the surrounding Arctic wilderness.
If you’d rather take things at a slower pace, fjord cruises and Arctic sightseeing trips get you out among the mountains, islands and coastline surrounding Tromsø. Some trips travel towards places such as Sommarøy, combining the journey with stops on land and time to enjoy the scenery.
Whale watching is also possible during the winter season. Orcas and humpback whales can be found in the waters of northern Norway, although their movements — and therefore where tours operate — can change from year to year.
For Arctic wildlife on land, another option is Polar Park, which can be reached on organised day trips from Tromsø.
There are plenty of things to do in the city itself too. Polaria focuses on Arctic nature and the environment, while The Polar Museum tells the story of Tromsø’s connection with Arctic expeditions, hunting and polar exploration.
And Tromsø isn’t only a winter destination. In summer, hiking, kayaking, fishing and exploring the surrounding islands all become possibilities — with the Midnight Sun giving you exceptionally long days to fit everything in.
We’d definitely need a longer trip next time!
When Is the Best Time to Visit Tromsø?
Plan Your Trip to Tromsø
Tromsø is surprisingly easy to plan as an independent city break. The airport is close to the centre, you don’t necessarily need a car, and many of the Arctic experiences can be booked with transport included. We stayed right in the city centre and found that worked brilliantly for our short trip. We could walk to restaurants, shops and the waterfront, reach many tour meeting points easily and even walked all the way to Fjellheisen.
Here’s what to consider when putting your Tromsø trip together. We’ve included the practical side of planning in our Tromsø City Guide too, from flights and accommodation to getting around and what to pack.
Flights to Tromsø
Tromsø Airport (TOS) is only a few kilometres from the city centre, so you don’t have a long journey ahead of you once you land.
There are direct flights from a number of European cities, with more seasonal routes appearing during the popular winter period. Another common option is to fly via Oslo, which opens up connections from considerably more departure airports.
If your dates are flexible, it’s worth comparing a few different combinations. Flight prices to Tromsø can vary considerably depending on the season and how far ahead you book.
Getting from Tromsø Airport to the City Centre
One of the nice things about arriving in Tromsø is that the airport isn’t miles away from the city. Tromsø Airport is only a few kilometres from the centre, and you can continue your journey by airport bus, local public transport or taxi. Private airport transfers are another option if you’d prefer to have your onward transport arranged before you arrive, particularly if you’re travelling with lots of luggage or arriving at an awkward time.
Where to Stay in Tromsø
For a first trip to Tromsø, we’d recommend staying in or close to the city centre if convenience is your priority. It puts restaurants, shops, the waterfront and many excursion meeting points within easy walking distance, and you can explore without needing a car. But a central hotel isn’t your only option. Tromsø also has self-catering apartments and some much more unusual places to stay outside the city, including glass cabins designed to make the most of the surrounding Arctic landscape.
City Centre – Thon Hotel Polar – Tried & Tested
We stayed at Thon Hotel Polar for our 2 nights in Tromsø. It’s right in the city centre, so we could walk to restaurants, shops and the waterfront, while many of the meeting points for Arctic excursions were also easy to reach.
Self-Catering – More Space & Flexibility
Prefer your own space? Self-catering apartments are a great option for longer stays, families or anyone who likes having a kitchen and somewhere to relax after a day of Arctic adventures.
Unique Stay – AERA Aurora Glass Cabins
Make the accommodation part of the adventure at AERA Aurora Glass Cabins, an unusual Arctic stay outside Tromsø designed to make the most of the surrounding landscape — particularly tempting during Northern Lights season.
Getting Around Tromsø
You don’t need a car to explore central Tromsø. The city centre is compact and easy to cover on foot, and we walked extensively during our stay. Staying centrally meant restaurants, shops, the waterfront and much of the city were within easy reach.
We even walked from the city centre across Tromsø Bridge and on to Fjellheisen. It took us over an hour, so it’s not a quick stroll, but we enjoyed seeing a little more of Tromsø along the way. Local buses connect the centre with Tromsdalen, the airport and other parts of Tromsø when you don’t fancy walking quite that far.
Many Northern Lights, reindeer and other Arctic excursions also depart from central meeting points or include transport as part of the experience.
Air-Holiday Tip: Winter pavements can be snowy and icy. Footwear with good grip makes a big difference when you’re exploring Tromsø on foot.
Do You Need a Car in Tromsø?
For a short city break like ours, probably not. Between walking, buses and organised excursions, we didn’t need a car to experience Tromsø.
Hiring one becomes much more appealing if you’re planning to explore farther outside the city independently, particularly if you want the freedom to travel around the surrounding islands, fjords and Arctic landscapes at your own pace. If you do hire a car in winter, remember that Arctic driving conditions can be very different from those you may be used to at home. Consider your confidence and experience with snow, ice and winter driving before deciding. We have some tips on our car hire page.
Luggage Storage in Tromsø
An early arrival or late flight can leave you with several hours in Tromsø after you’ve checked out — and dragging suitcases over snowy pavements isn’t our idea of fun.
Luggage storage can give you a few extra hours to explore, have something to eat or enjoy the waterfront without carrying your bags around with you. It’s worth checking available locations against your hotel, the city centre and wherever you need to be later that day.
Staying Connected in Tromsø
Norway has excellent mobile connectivity in populated areas, but it’s still worth sorting your phone before travelling — particularly if you’ll be using maps, checking tour details and keeping an eye on weather or Northern Lights forecasts while you’re away.
For international travel, we recommend DrimSim. Having travel data already arranged means we don’t have to start hunting for a local SIM when we arrive.
If you’re heading farther into the Arctic countryside, remember that mobile coverage can become more limited than it is in central Tromsø.
What to Pack for Tromsø
What you pack for Tromsø will depend on the season, but layers, weather protection and comfortable footwear are useful throughout the year. Winter needs the most preparation, particularly if you’re heading out on Northern Lights or other Arctic excursions where you could spend long periods outdoors. Think thermal layers, warm accessories and waterproof footwear with plenty of grip. Summer is milder, but this is still the Arctic — lightweight layers and waterproofs are worth having even beneath the Midnight Sun.
OHS Teddy Abstract Leopard Print Half Zip Fleece – Burgundy/Pink
OHS Adults Water Resistant Sherpa Drying Robe – Khaki/Beige
OHS Adults Water Resistant Camo Sherpa Drying Robe – Blue/Orange
Our Verdict
We managed to fit a surprising amount into our short stay, including some of the experiences we’d travelled north specifically for — and we were lucky enough to see the Northern Lights too. But Tromsø is somewhere we’d give a little more time if planning the trip again.
Three or four nights feels about right for a first visit. It gives you more flexibility with the Arctic weather, another opportunity to chase the Northern Lights if conditions don’t cooperate and enough breathing room to actually enjoy the city between your booked experiences.
There’s plenty we didn’t manage to do either. We’d love to return for another winter trip, with Arctic floating particularly high on our list, but we’d also be tempted to experience Tromsø beneath the Midnight Sun when the whole landscape must feel completely different.
What we really liked about Tromsø is that it manages to feel like a proper little city and an Arctic adventure base at the same time. You can be drinking coffee in the centre one minute and surrounded by mountains, fjords, snow or an aurora-lit sky a few hours later.
For us, that’s what makes Tromsø such a brilliant introduction to Arctic Norway — and somewhere we’d happily go back to.
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