The Best Things to do in Winter in Tromso (Full Tromso Winter Guide)

Planning a trip to Tromso in winter and looking for all the best snow-filled activities to really get those fingers frosty!? Keep on reading – I’m sharing my top tips on the best 5 day Tromsø winter itinerary! 

Picture snow-capped mountainous landscapes, crystal clear waters glistening under the winter sun, feeding reindeer with the Sami people, admiring dramatic fjords and frozen lakes, and gliding along the snow in a sled pulled by the cutest huskies.

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That’s winter in Tromso, and what an arctic oasis it is!

Wait! We can’t forget about those Northern Lights! As the dark early nights set in, a sea of glowing and dancing green lights appear that make even the most macho-est man squeal with child-like excitement. 

In this (crazy) comprehensive guide to Tromso in winter, you’ll get all my practical advice to plan your trip. Including the best times to see the Northern lights, getting around Tromsø, how to pack for this real-life winter wonderland, and of course the best things to do during a winter in Tromso!

Five days was certainly not enough to explore this snowy metropolis! You’re gonna love winter in Tromso, I promise you!

Before we get into this arctic Tromso itinerary, let’s go over some basics of planning a trip to Tromso in winter.

This post was written by Deborah from @debs.hereandthere, who recently went on a winter trip to Tromso and couldn’t keep this special spot to herself! Enjoy!

Tromso in Winter Itinerary Logistics

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Where is Tromsø?

Tromsø sits in one of the most northern regions of Norway. Not many people realize this, but it’s a city that’s actually located on two separate islands – Troms (Tromsøy) and Kval (Kvaløy). You can even see the divide between the two if you take the cable car up the mountain, but we’ll get to that shortly! 

If you’ve heard of Tromsø, you probably know it’s one of the best places to chase the Northern Lights. But do you know why? Well, Tromsø is found some 2200 km south of the North Pole and 350 km south of the Arctic Circle. To put that into perspective, Oslo, the capital city of Norway, is located 3345 km south of the North Pole and 740 km from the Arctic Circle! Quite the difference!

Don’t worry if these numbers are nothing but numerical geographical jargon to you – basically Tromsø is crazy far up North! 

It’s also nicely situated near the borders of Sweden and Finland. This is especially useful for Northern lights tour guides who may drive to these borders if there is significantly better aurora activity over there. 

How to get to Tromsø? 

I’m from London, UK so getting to Tromsø is pretty easy. A short 2-2.5 hour flight from London will get you to Oslo (Oslo Airport, Gardermoen, OSL), and a connecting flight from Oslo will get you to Tromsø (Tromsø Airport, TOS) in 1.5-2 hours. 

Although, depending on when and where you’re traveling from, you may be lucky enough to get direct flights from London or other countries in Europe, such as Germany, Denmark, Finland, and Sweden. 

If you’re traveling to Tromsø from outside the UK, it would be safe to presume this same route would still apply with a change in Oslo. For example, getting to Tromsø from one of the many commonly used US airports, such as New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco etc., would most likely involve taking 2 connecting flights. 

First, you’d initially fly to a European airport such as one in Amsterdam or London, then onwards to Oslo, Finland, Sweden or another Scandinavian airport. Finally, you’ll hop on another connecting flight to Tromsø. Quite the journey, but I promise you experiencing winter in Tromso is well worth all the effort!

For those conscious about their carbon footprint and lucky enough to have the extra time to travel, taking a flight-free trip from London to Tromsø is also possible. But be warned, it will take significantly longer by a good number of days! 

This will involve taking trains and buses from London > Germany > Denmark > Sweden/Finland > Norway. On the upside, this would make for one heck of a road trip!

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How to Get Around Tromso

Thankfully, once you make it to Tromso, it’s pretty easy to get around. Even in the winter.

Using Tromsø’s city buses will be your most common use of public transport around Tromsø. These run everyday within the city of Tromsø from early morning to late night. Most city buses fortunately provide accessibility for wheelchair users or people with mobility conditions. As an added note, pets and strollers are also allowed on buses, though a small fee of NOK20 may be charged to bring an adult bike on board. 

For ease of using buses around Tromsø, get the Troms Billet app which is the easiest and quickest way of using bus tickets. The Troms Billet app website has loads of info. 

If your phone crashes or you’re not able to get the app for whatever reason, you can buy bus tickets at ticket vending machines in the city center. Bus tickets purchased at the machines or in the app are only valid for 90 minutes so don’t buy a bunch of bus tickets to use for the whole day. 

Many of the top sights can be reached by walking so if you want to get those steps in, you may not even need the bus outside of getting to and from the airport. But remember – winter in Tromso is beyond freezing; you’ll probably wanna take the bus every so often!

When is Winter in Tromsø Exactly?!

So, winter in Tromsø, compared to anywhere else in the world, is pretty much the real winter deal (editor’s note: way different than winters here in California, haha). Snow is almost always guaranteed at some point during the winter, along with those lovely close-to-zero temperatures. 

The winter season officially runs from December until late March. The coldest month is said to be January where daylight hours are minimal and the weather can be quite volatile. 

So, what is the best winter month to visit Tromso? Depending on who you ask and what you want out of your holiday, the best winter months will vary. 

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Here’s a quick breakdown of the best times to visit based on different experiences:

• Best time to see whales in Tromso: November – January
• Best time to see Northern Lights: September – April, but March is the least cloudy
• Best time for sightseeing: March – April
• Cheapest time to visit: January – March
• Polar Nights (0 hours of daylight): December

Many say March is one of the best months to visit in the winter. This is because you get the added benefit of day AND night which the height of winter doesn’t provide. In March, the days are longer which means more time can be spent soaking in all the best nature Tromsø has to offer. The period of March also offers more clear skies and less volatile weather which means greater visibility for seeing the Northern Lights.

Here’s a breakdown of Tromso winter temps:

• December: 0C(32F) / -4C(24F)
• January: -1C(30F) / -5C(23F)
• February: -1C(30F) / -5C(23F)
• March: 1C(33F) / -4C(24F)

As much as one can try to predict the weather, you should be well aware that winter in particular can be pretty unpredictable in Tromsø and can vary year to year. 

Some years Tromsø can experience above-average snowfall and experience the extremes of weather such as snowstorms and avalanches. Other years, winters may be milder than usual which can lead to a shorter ski season for those ski enthusiasts. 

Basically, nature is unpredictable so don’t let that put you off! No matter what Mother Nature brings you, winter in Tromso is absolutely spectacular.

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A note on Polar Nights: If you are planning a Christmas trip to Tromso, it’s important to mention that Tromsø experiences Polar Nights. The Polar Night season begins around the end of November and lasts until the end of January. During these nights, the sun does not rise at all. Did you hear that?! THE SUN DOESN’T RISE AT ALL! 

Polar Nights only occur in the northernmost and southernmost regions of Earth, inside the polar circles. Think Antarctica, northern Norway, Finnish Lapland, Iceland, Alaska.. those types of places.

But wait… does this mean it’s completely pitch dark the entire day?! Nope! Although the sun is below the horizon (meaning it never actually rises), there’s still some light coming from the sun. That’s when you get those dreamy pink skies 24/7! 

I can imagine it as a weird but awesome spectacle, having the sun never rise. I experienced something similar on a trip to Iceland in December and it’s really not that bad (…she says as a tourist). 

Psst – the opposite thing happens in summer, when the sun never sets! The Midnight Sun comes out from April to August, and there’s hardly any nighttime darkness. You’ll definitely need black out curtains if you intend to get any sleep!

What to Wear and Pack for Winter in Tromso 

I’m probably the most inexperienced winter/outdoorsy traveler and I feel like I managed more than okay in Tromsø. When I tell people in London I went to Tromso in winter, I’m met with a face of shock. 

“Isn’t it cold!?” 

Why yes, yes it is. It’s winter in Tromso…It’s not one bit warm…haha. Thankfully, if you do a little bit of research, you’ll come to find that you can easily equip yourself with the right clothing for these temperatures. 

Bear in mind, I did all of this with a carry on bag! No need for mounds of sweaters or a different set of boots for every terrain. I will say, if you’re a photographer/hiker etc, you’ll probably be bringing your gear in extra luggage which is obviously understandable. And those Tromso winter landscapes sure are something, so don’t leave your gear at home.

If you’ve been to other chilly destinations, please do your research and bring stuff that’ll actually keep you warm! Tromsø is COLD. You’ll know what I mean if you’ve ever experienced the wind chill in a cold climate. 

My everyday outfits included a base layer top to always wear underneath a thick sweater, plus a standard waterproof parka jacket. For your day-to-day wear, it’s important to dress for comfort and in a manner in which you can add and remove layers. The weather can change frequently throughout the day, and you always wanna be prepared!

A few things you’ll 100% want to bring for winter in Tromso:

• Faux fur-lined leggings: A jacket will only cover so much. Invest in keeping those legs toasty too! 
• Snow pants: To use for those long tour days and Northern Lights tours.
• Waterproof parka jacket: A necessity for unpredictable showers!
• Merino wool socks: To keep your feet toasty, merino wool is your best friend! I had a few pairs of these to wear on top of a pair of normal socks. You will need them for those freezing Northern Lights tours! 
• Thermal gloves with touch sensitivity: You want to take pictures right!? There are many thermal gloves with touch sensitivity so I was able to still use my phone whilst my fingers remained intact too.
• Hiking boots with good grip: You don’t have to spend a fortune on these either. Look out for sales in your local sports shop or online and you can find some pretty sweet deals. Just make sure the boots are waterproof! The last thing anyone wants is to be squelching in their boots all day with wet and cold toes. 
• Power bank that can last at least a few hours of charging.
• High quality lip balm to curb the dryness from those frosty winds.
• Polarized sunglasses: If you go to Tromsø in March, there is a good amount of reflective light (especially around large bodies of water).

How Expensive is Tromsø

Tromsø. Is. Expensive. Just like literally everywhere else in Norway. There, I said it – clear as day and no sugar-coating it. 

Food is expensive. Tours are expensive. Accommodation is expensive. BUT with a bit of healthy finance planning, it’s not an entirely unattainable trip. I mean, winter in Tromso is certainly a bucket list trip… so well worth the high expense!

Take a look at these average prices in Tromso… see, told ya it’s an expensive place to visit!

• Hamburger: 130 NOK (~$13 USD)
• Inexpensive meal: 180 NOK (~$18 USD)
• Beer: 100 NOK (~$10USD)
• Hot chocolate: 35 NOK (~$3.50 USD)
• Coffee/tea: 35 NOK (~$3.50 USD)
• Hotel: 2,500 – 3,000 NOK per night (~$250-300 USD)
• Gallon of Milk: 70 NOK (~$7 USD)
• Bottle of water: 30 NOK (~$3 USD)

I recommend booking your flight and hotel together, as hotel availability can vary quite quickly. You don’t want to book a flight and then realize the Ritz is the only option left (there isn’t a Ritz in Tromsø but you get my point, fancy hotel in Tromsø = where do I sell my kidney…). 

How Long to Stay in Tromso during Winter

Honestly, if you’re looking for the ultimate winter wonderland destination, Tromsø really is the most magical city! I spent 5 days here but could’ve easily spent a good 7 days or more. 

Tromsø operates on a lot of tours and there’s so much going on, from reindeer sledding, to snowmobiling, and I don’t need to mention the obvious Northern Lights chasing. There’s also a whole bunch of things to do in Tromso in winter in the city itself – in case you’ve had enough of the arctic landscapes, whales, and huskies (but that’s not possible, now is it?!).

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An important note to mention is that if one of your main aims is to see the Northern Lights, please don’t stay for just a weekend or 2 nights! I was told a lot of people do this and forget that seeing the Northern Lights is never guaranteed. 

Even though Tromsø is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights, Mother Nature may be hiding for a little while so give her some patience. I would recommend at least 3-4 nights and to book a Northern Lights tour early on in your stay. Many tours allow for a free rebooking if your group doesn’t get an aurora show which I think is great so make the most of it!

Basically, the longer your Tromso winter stay is, the greater chance you’ll have to see the Northern Lights.

Outside of these tours, it’s also possible to rent your own car and see the best of Tromsø yourself. I’m not a winter driver so I unfortunately can’t comment too much on this! 

Where to Stay in Tromsø in Winter

Hotels in Tromsø will probably be one of your biggest expenses. I mean it’s Norway, it’s expensive. But on the upside, many of the hotels are located quite centrally and most are within a short walk from each other. 

Since you’ll be signing up for plenty of tours (a must during any Tromso winter itinerary), basing yourself in the city center is a smart choice. Most tours will have a central meeting point in Tromsø (normally somewhere in the city center) and offer to drop people back at their hotels.

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I stayed at the Enter Viking Hotel which had a cute single room with modern amenities. They even provided a big detailed book on all things Tromsø – places to eat, sights to see, cultural traditions etc. 

Breakfast is offered at their larger hotel across the road (Enter Amalie Hotel) which I didn’t really make use of due to early tour timings. Unlimited coffee and tea are provided at their 24hr front desk which you’ll be truly thankful for after a freezing night chasing the Northern Lights, or any cold day for that matter. 

If you want to save a few pennies, there’s one hostel in the city center called Tromsø Activities Hostel. As a solo traveler, I love staying in hostels and meeting new people, though, Tromsø still has a way to go in terms of having an infrastructure more suited to the solo traveler. A few more hostels would definitely be beneficial! 

Two other notable hotels I noticed many people being dropped off too were the Radisson Blu Hotel and the Scandic Grand Tromsø Hotel. I can’t comment on prices but judging by the looks and the names, I wouldn’t be surprised if they were quite a bit pricier than my hotel option.

Other Important FAQS about Winter in Tromso

Currency

The official currency of Norway is the Norwegian Krone. Nope, not the Euro, so don’t bring any of those here! I highly advise you to take out some Krone at an ATM at the airport upon landing (as you’ll get the best conversion rate using an ATM and never at a currency exchange kiosk or beforehand at home).

At the time of writing (November 2022), 100 Norwegian Krone is equivalent to ~$10.8 USD (or $1 USD = ~9.94 NOK). To make it super easy to convert, just remember that 100 NOK is about $10 USD, or 1,000 NOK is roughly $100 USD! See, easy peasy, and way easier to convert than other currencies around the world!

Because most of my time was spent on pre-paid tours, I actually never used cash around Tromsø. Visa and Mastercards are widely accepted. 

I recommend using a credit card that doesn’t charge for exchange fees when used abroad and is known for using a good exchange rate of that day. BUT I will say, have at the minimum, a small amount of cash. Don’t be like me and wander onto a bus thinking they will accept cards (silly, I know). 

Language

Now, it’s not that hard to guess what language is spoken in Norway – Norwegian! It’s the most widely spoken and recognised language in all of Norway. 

But did you know a small portion of the population also speak Sami (or Saami)? The Sami languages are spoken in parts of central Sweden, northern Finland, Norway, and on the Kola Peninsula in Russia. And yes, this includes Tromso!

You don’t have to try and learn Sami as only a minority of the population can speak the Sami languages, plus English is widely spoken in Tromsø. However, I always love learning a few important words in the local language (plus, it’s the respectful thing to do as well). 

I recommend learning a few words in both Norwegian, and also in Saami. Both languages are quite hard (especially Sami), so expect the locals to correct your pronunciation! Hey – I’m sure they’ll be thrilled with your attempts regardless!

Basic Norwegian Words/Phrases

• Hello: Hallo 
• Good morning: God morgen
• See you later: Ser deg senere
• Yes/No: Ja/Nei
• Please: Vær så snill
• Thank you: Takk skal du ha
• Can you help me, please?: Kan du hjelpe meg er du snill
• Where is the bathroom?: Hvor er toalettet

Basic Sami Words/Phrases

• Hello: Bures
• Good morning: Buorre iđit Ipmel atti
• See you later: Oaidnaleabmai
• Yes/No: Jua,Juo,Joo/A-a,Ii
• Please: Leage buorre
• Thank you: Giitu
• Do you speak English?: Humatgo Eaŋgalasgiela?
• Where is the bathroom?: Gos hivsset lea?

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Tipping in Norway

When in Tromsø, you’ll probably be eating out at one point or another. I’m from England and tipping is definitely not the custom here, though I know this isn’t the case for my friends across the pond. If you’re coming from somewhere with a set tipping culture, you should know that tipping is not compulsory in Norway either. 

Saying that, if you feel appreciative of a particular service, whether it’s that of a tour guide, waiter, or hotel staff, you can always leave a little token of appreciation. If this is declined, I would respect their decision and not insist they take your tip.

Finally, what you’ve been waiting for – the absolute best things to do in Tromso in winter! Dog sledding, chasing the Northern Lights, snowmobiling, and visiting ice domes (plus way more) – coming right up!

Best Things to Do in Tromsø in Winter

If you really wanna make the most of your Tromso winter experience, be prepared to sign up for a whole bunch of tours. Much of Tromsø runs on tours conducted by experienced guides, and there’s a whole bunch of amazing options to pick from. 

Whatever you do, DON’T stay in the city center the entire time – you’ll be missing out on the best activities in Tromso in winter. I only recommend attempting some of these activities yourself if, and only if, you have sufficient winter driving experience.

Some of the most notable activities to do in Tromsø in the winter include Northern Lights tours, reindeer sledding and learning about the Sami culture, dog sledding, snowmobiling, snow shoeing, arctic nature tours, whale watching, arctic sailing, and fjord cruises. Other top sites outside of the tours include: the Arctic Cathedral, Troll Museum, cable car, and Polaria aquarium.

Try fitting these all into a jam-packed winter Tromso itinerary! Told you you’ll want at least 5 full days here!

Witness the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)

Marveling at the northern lights is easily one of the best things to do in Tromso in winter! And understandably so. It’s a real bucket list experience, and you honestly won’t believe the lights until you see them in person yourself.

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So when can you see the northern lights in Tromso? Anytime during September through April. This is when the sky is dark enough to see the colorful lights dance vividly across the sky. Luckily, being in the center of the northern light’s oval, Tromso has a prime location for viewing the northern lights. This means you can see the northern lights even when the activity is low!

This natural phenomenon is quite unpredictable and super surprising! The lights may appear out of nowhere, and then they may fade away in a matter of minutes, and then reappear again! You never really know what you’re gonna get.

Witnessing the northern lights depends on four main factors:

• Weather: Cross your fingers for a clear night, as this is when there’s the best chance of seeing the northern lights. But even a small break in the clouds may let the lights shine through! March is known to have the clearest skies.

• Light pollution: You’ll need to head to an area with extremely minimal light pollution (since light pollution makes it infinitely more difficult to see the northern lights)! You may actually be able to see the lights in the city center, but going on a guided tour to more remote places will highly increase your chances!

• KP Index: Solar activity is measured by a KP-index, from 0 (low activity) to 9 (high activity). Anything above 4 there’s a really good chance you’ll be able to see the lights. The forecast is usually given as a three day prediction, but they’re unfortunately kinda unreliable so I wouldn’t bank on seeing them yourself solely based on this alone.

• Patience: You need to be at the right place at the right time. That’s why it’s so important to go on a guided tour – the staff know exactly the best spots and how to find them (plus they communicate with other guides in the area).

If you want the best possible chance of seeing the Northern Lights, I HIGHLY recommend joining a guided tour. You need local knowledge of the area, and there’s actually a decent amount of organization that goes into seeing them. Thankfully, there’s loads of tours to choose from, but make sure to book in advance as this is easily the popular thing to do in Tromso during the winter. 

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My recommendation – book two tours for your trip, one on your first/second night, and then later on in your trip. This way if you don’t see them on your first tour, you’ll already have a second tour lined up! Way less stress this way.

This all-inclusive tour by Polar Adventures has great reviews, and the company even sends you professional photos after the tour (plus gives you tons of photography advice if you’re interested).

A few other recommended tours (they all have such positive reviews):

• Northern Lights Guided Bus Chase
• Aurora Borealis Small Group Tour
• Tromso Small Group Northern Lights Tour with Free Professional Photos
• Northern Lights Chase in Tromso
• Tromso Northern Lights Tour with Campfire and Snacks

As amazing as my Northern Lights tour was, I would strongly recommend not to go in with the expectation of seeing the Lights. I had previously been on a Northern Lights tour in Iceland and didn’t see the Lights and the disappointment was HEAVY!

But remember, Tromso is one of the best places in the world to see this unique phenomenon… way better than Iceland. 

Go in with an appreciation of nature and bask in the wonderfulness of the experience as a whole. If you see the Lights, it will be an awesome surreal experience. If you don’t see the Lights, it will still be an amazing experience to see Tromso late at night! But your best bet of seeing the Northern Lights is definitely on a guided tour, for sure.

Reindeer Sledding

You can feed reindeer!!! This experience definitely ignited my inner child. If you don’t know much about reindeers and how they integrate with Norwegian culture, be prepared to learn a lot from these friendly creatures and their herders. My main takeaway from this was that reindeers are super friendly! 

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The sledding was a slow relaxing ride led by a reindeer herder. After everyone had a ride, the reindeer herders kindly sang us a traditional yoik song which is one of the oldest vocal traditions in Europe. It was definitely unique to say the least!

You’ll 1000% wanna book this advance, as it’s easily one of the most unique things to do in Tromso in winter and everyone’s favorite! I mean, you get to hang out with real-life reindeer! A few recommended tours:

• Tromso Reindeer Sledding and Feeding with Sami Culture: Visit a reindeer camp and feed the animals before immersing yourself in Sami cultural stories while enjoying a delicious meal by the fire. 

• Tromso Reindeer Sledding with Northern Lights and Dinner: Feed the reindeer and go reindeer sledding at night time on this day trip from Tromsø. Savor a Sami dinner with reindeer herders and keep an eye out for the dazzling northern lights.

• From Tromsø – Reindeer Ranch and Sami Culture Tour: Hand feed reindeer at a ranch near Tromsø and learn more about the Sami people. Get invited into their traditional dwellings and enjoy a meal cooked over a fire. Gather around to listen to ancient stories and songs.

Snowmobiling

Any adrenaline enthusiasts out there? I bet there are! This is the perfect type of tour for those who want that pulse-racing, hair-standing, and thrilling adventure! Whizz around the Arctic wilderness on a jazzy snowmobile and marvel at the stunning scenery. 

Many of the wilderness centers where these tours generally take place are located a short distance from Tromsø. You’ll be greeted by a guide where you’ll be provided with the appropriate clothing and equipment, plus the all important safety briefing. These tours are not available to those without a driver’s license unfortunately! 

• From Tromsø: Daytime Snowmobile Safari at Camp Tamok: This snowmobile safari gives you the opportunity to venture far into the wilderness between the snow-covered mountains up to a frozen lake. After driving back down the trail and parking the snowmobiles, enjoy a hot meal in a traditional North Norwegian setting around the open fire in a reindeer herder’s tent. 

• From Tromsø: Snowmobile Safari in the Lyngen Alps: Experience the spectacular Lyngen Alps up close while driving your own snowmobile on this trip from Tromsø run by Camp Troll, where everything is inspired by trolls. Ride your own snowmobile beneath giant mountains and learn how these spectacular summits inspired Norwegian Folklore.

Dog Sledding

Now who doesn’t love dogs!? If traveling through the Arctic landscapes on a sled led by a pack of fluffy, excitable Alaskan huskies doesn’t sound like a dream come true, then I don’t know what does! 

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There are a number of operators that offer a fun-filled ride around the Arctic landscape so be sure to read what each tour entails and pick what suits you best. Some will offer self-driving options, others will offer lunch as part of the tour, and some will offer…wait for it…cuddles! With the huskies! The most important criteria right? 

Here’s few tours that sound absolutely incredible:

• Tromsø: Self-Drive Husky Dog Sledding Adventure: Enjoy a guided sledding experience while mushing your own team of huskies across the Arctic wilderness. You’ll be able to drive your own team of huskies across the Arctic wilderness while learning how to control your sled and following an experienced guide on the trail.

• Fun and Easy Dog Sledding Adventure in Breivikeidet: Take part in an authentic Arctic adventure and drive your own dog sled at a camp in Breivikeidet. Marvel at breathtaking views of Northern Norway as you cruise around on an easy and fun-filled ride.

• Half Day Tromsø Husky Sled Drive with Lunch: Get back to nature and experience the dramatic landscapes of the Arctic Circle on a dog sled ride in Tromsø. Let the lovable husky dogs pull you across the snow and get the chance to take control. 

Visit the Tromso Ice Domes

Have you ever seen a hotel made entirely of snow and ice?! That’s the Tromso Ice Domes for ya! If you’re interested in learning about how they’re made (and/or just wanna take a bunch of cool pictures), you should really consider a tour.

On a guided tour of the Ice Domes, you can see intricate ice sculptures and snow carvings lit with magical special lighting effects.  The guides are super knowledgeable about Vikings, the Sami culture, and the Norwegian themes of the snow and ice sculptures.

Plus take a shot out of a shot glass made of ice in the ice bar! You can also visit the herd of reindeer near the Domes, warm up around the fireplace, and relax in a warm wooden lavvu (traditional Sami dwelling) while enjoying a traditional Norwegian soup or stew.

Sounds like a fun way to spend an afternoon!

If you wanna combine a visit to the Ice Domes with a dog sledding tour, that tour comes highly recommended! And if you’d rather go snowshoeing, and then visit the Ice Dome, THIS tour is perfect for that!

Snow Shoeing

For those up for a bit of a challenge, why not try your hand at snow shoeing? Join a small group tour and explore the Arctic countryside on foot where you can see all of Tromsø’s amazing nature up close. Imagine a snowshoe walk in the countryside in the middle of the beautiful mountains and fjords.

The snowshoe tour gives you everything you need – snowshoes, poles, a warm thermal suit, and even winter boots if you need them. Plus hot drinks and snacks afterwards!

Arctic Nature Tours

Ready to explore one of the purest natural regions in the world!? Joining an arctic nature tour is a great way to experience the natural scenery of the Arctic outside of central Tromsø. 

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A small group of us got whisked around some of the most beautiful islands in Tromsø by a knowledgeable and enthusiastic tour guide. Expect an afternoon full of fjords, mountains, sandy beaches, and cute villages. You may even spot some reindeer and the polar night sunset. On this tour you even get to have a picnic alongside one of the most stunning fjords in the area!

The tour was only 5 hours, though I felt like we covered a lot of ground in this time. Because this isn’t a full day tour, you return to central Tromsø where you can finish off the day by grabbing a bite to eat at one of the many Norwegian restaurants in town (suggestions below!).

This small-group minibus experience tour of the arctic is also highly rated! If you’re not a fan of the cold, you can still see plenty of stunning landscapes, right from the comfort of the warm bus!

Whale Watching in Tromso

If you’ve ever wanted to see these beautiful giants of the sea, there’s no better place to witness this than in Tromsø! Gain a unique and up close perspective on whale watching tours where you can see orcas and/or humpback whales in their natural habitat. Yes, I just said killer whales! 

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Many of these tours will offer this smooth ride on a silent catamaran while you sail gently through the waters. The best time to go whale watching in Tromsø is between November and February so this should fit nicely in your Tromso winter itinerary. 

There’s a whole bunch of tour options; here’s a few highly rated ones that look pretty epic:

• From Tromso: Whale Watching in Magic Skjervoy: Explore the beauty of the Kvaenangen Fjord by Skjervoy and see orcas and/or humpback whales chasing large amounts of herring fish.

• Tromsø: Whale and Arctic Wildlife Cruise Safari by Catamaran: Cruise from Tromsø to the whale sighting area along the coast of Northern Norway. Enjoy the arctic scenery along the way and get to observe the whales in their natural habitat.

• Tromsø: Silent Whale Watching Tour by Hybrid-Electric Catamaran: Gain a unique perspective on majestic humpback and killer whales as they feed in the herring-rich fjords of the Arctic. Get close to the animals on board a silent hybrid catamaran cruise.

• From Tromsø: All-Inclusive Whale and SeaBird Boat Cruise: Take to the waves and take in Norway’s native marine life by boat on this polar whale and bird safari from Tromsø. Cruise in comfort towards the North to Skjervøy as you admire the magnificent mountain scenery and seascapes.

Arctic Sailing

Arctic sailing?! Have you ever heard of that before? It’s definitely one of the most unique things to do in Tromso in winter, so… all the more reason to do it, right?! Expect a fun-filled day on the icy water, sailing through the majestic Norwegian fjords and spotting Arctic wildlife. 

Some even offer the opportunity to try your hand at fishing! Like Atlantic cod.

This arctic sailing tour is highly rated and takes you out on a comfy catamaran to explore the breathtaking fjords around Tromsø. And you don’t even have to do any of the leg work – the sailing crew does it all for you, haha! You get to sit back, relax, and look out for wildlife… while hanging out in the warm overalls provided by the company! Think seabirds, eagles, seals, and massive fish. Ohhh… seals! Those are my favorite.

Fjord Cruises

If you’re looking for a way to end your awesome Norwegian trip, a fjord cruise would tick all of those end-of-trip boxes! Board a catamaran and depart from Tromsø to explore the bays, straights, and fjords of the Arctic. Sit back and admire the panoramic views of the fjord landscapes and watch nature in all of its magnificent glory. What a way to end huh!

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There’s plenty of options, but there’s a reason THIS ONE has over 1,250 positive reviews! I recommend booking early because it’s obviously quite popular! You’ll look out for wildlife (seals, otters, birds, and maybe even puffins) and admire the stunning scenery from a classic mahogany boat! 

You even get to fish for your lunch in the gorgeous waters – definitely not something you do everyday! Don’t worry, they don’t make you go hungry if you don’t catch anything!

If you’d rather admire the fjords from an electric catamaran, be sure to check out this Tromso fjord wildlife cruise instead!

Tromsø Fjellheisen Cable Car

Looking for some of the most spectacular views during your time in Tromso in winter? Look no further than the Fjellheisen Cable Car – from up here on Storsteinen mountain expect some truly magnificent panoramic views of all of Tromso.

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The Fjellheisen Cable Car has been providing amazing views 421m above sea level since 1961! This may not be one for those with a fear of heights, though if you can stomach it, in 4 minutes you will be treated to the most amazing views over Tromsø. 

There’s a lovely cafe and restaurant situated at the top where you can sit and look over all of Tromsø. Take a trip in the evening to see Tromsø lit up at night! Buy a ticket here and read up on the cable car! 

And get this – the Fjellheisen Cable Car viewpoint is a magnificent place to spot the Northern Lights. Did you read that correctly?! You can head up here to hopefully catch the Northern Lights! Truly unbelievable. 

Arctic Cathedral

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This will probably be one of the coolest church structures you come across – I mean, just look at it! Striking and modern and oh so unique. A true landmark of the city, and easily one of the most famous tourist attractions in the city center of Tromso. 

In all its striking architectural beauty, the design of this church was inspired by Arctic nature and built in 1965. It’s impossible to miss across the water. 

It’s definitely a unique sight to see during winter in Tromsø. Entrance fee is NOK55. Don’t miss the French Romantic organ inside.

Troll Museum

You may be interested to know that the Troll Museum in Tromso is the first and only troll museum in all of Norway! And it’s dedicated entirely to trolls and fairy tales! With Norway’s vast history in Norse mythology, this is a great and unique way to expand your knowledge on the subject. 

Learn all about these Norwegian folk beliefs and the creatures that populate them. AND the museum’s got augmented reality, so you know it’ll be a good time.

I was surprised to learn just how much our everyday media has been influenced by Norse mythology – Beauty and the Beast, Attack on Titan, and pretty much all of Thor’s storyline in Marvel is influenced by Norse mythology. Interesting stuff! Did you know this? Because I sure didn’t.

Polaria

Here’s one thing not to include on your Tromso itinerary – Polaria, the world’s most northerly aquarium. 

I’m not usually keen on recommending zoos or aquariums, and I can’t recommend this one either. Just read the reviews… visitors said the fish tanks were way too small, and the enclosures for the other animals felt kinda sad and not stimulating enough for them. Just keeping it real over here, as always. I can never recommend attractions where the animals’ wellbeing isn’t put first.

The outside of the building is pretty cool though, so it’s worthwhile to check out the structure if you’re into architecture and photography.

Where to eat in Tromsø During Winter

Hey, you’re in Tromso – one of the chillest destinations in the world! You gotta keep that belly full to keep warm! Visiting Tromso in winter is way different than visiting in summer, and your meals should and will reflect that!

Unlike other cities around the world, you won’t find many chain restaurants here in Tromso. The only spot I recognised was Burger King! I quite liked the idea of these smaller independent food vendors dotted around Tromsø. It felt a lot more authentic than seeing the streets lined with a load of big chain brands.  

Because most of my time was spent on tours, I actually didn’t have too much time to eat breakfast and/or lunch. Keep that in mind if you’ll be doing a bunch of tours too (which you should!). Don’t worry – full day tours will feed you to some extent (hot chocolate and cookies are almost guaranteed on every tour)!

Early-Morning Tour Tip: Since a lot of the winter Tromso tours start early in the morning, you’ll probably only have time to grab a quick coffee or hot chocolate beforehand. I recommend stocking up on some snacks (from the local shops in the city center) to have on hand before the tours start.

Here’s a few restaurants in Tromso I visited and/or had on my list to check out:

Kaia Bar & Bistro: For a classic midday meal (the only midday meal I seemed to manage), I had fried cod tongues and chips at Kaia Bar & Bistro. Cod is the staple fish of Norway and cod tongues definitely seemed like an interesting take that I couldn’t pass up trying. For what it’s worth, the ‘tongue’ element tasted like any other fried cod – crispy and fresh! 

This venue is a casual eatery in the city center and was practically empty when I was served. If you like an up-close mountain landscape view with your meal, choose to be seated outside if the weather permits. 

Restaurant Egon: Another casual dining experience I had was at Restaurant Egon. I would describe this restaurant as a Norwegian Nando’s (a popular fried chicken chain in London). I always love a Nando’s back home and this reminded me of just that! I had fried chicken bao buns with chips. 

Risø mat & kaffebar: The only true breakfast I managed to have was on the day of my flight back home. One thing I will say about this place – best breakfast ever! 

I had a walnut and honey omelet that was the fluffiest omelet I’ve ever had in my life. The walnuts (used as a garnish) added the perfect amount of crunch and the honey just added that tinge of sweetness to round out the flavor. 

Unfortunately, this may have been a special of the week but this dish alone would make me want to return and try everything else on their menu! 

Bardus Bistro: And lastly, for a more traditional Norwegian dining experience, I had dinner at Bardus Bistro which prides itself on serving traditional Norwegian cuisine. Think reindeer steak, to fresh fish, to a warming soup of the day, and more. 

I had another popular fish of Norway which was the stockfish served on a bed of salad. Fresh, melt in your mouth, and tantalizing, need I say more? This venue also has its own bar conveniently located next door if you don’t want the night to stop at dinner.

Hope this helps you plan the ultimate trip to Tromso in winter! What Tromso winter activities are you most looking forward to?!