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Winter Tromsø

What to do in 1 day in Tromsø during winter time

Are you a cruise traveler and your itinerary includes a stopover at Tromsø? Or maybe you are passing by Tromsø on your way and you are asking yourself: "What to do in Tromsø for a day?". This guide is for you. In this post, we've curated an exciting list of tours, activities, and experiences you can indulge in during your brief stay in Tromsø.

Dog Sledding tours

Dog sledding

If you always wanted to try dog sledding but you are short on time, once in Tromsø, we can recommend you a 5-hour dog sledding tour, with transport from and back to Tromsø on our morning Tromsø Dog Sledding (starting time: 08:30). If you are in Tromsø a bit later, we do have a later departure (11:50), lasting for 4.5 hours.

Reindeer tours

Reindeer feeding and Sami Culture

Are reindeer on your bucket list? Did you ever want to pet or feed them? Try reindeer sledding? That is also possible during the wintertime.

30 minutes approximately from Tromsø, we have our Sami Reindeer Feeding tour (lasting 4 hours, with transport from and back to Tromsø city center). You can also add the sled experience to that tour and try our Sami Reindeer Short Sledding. Both are at the same location, with the same provider.

 If you wish to go a bit further away from Tromsø and experience the beautiful views of the snowy Lyngen Alps, 45 minutes away from Tromsø, we offer Reindeer Feeding and Sami Culture and the same tour with sledding included.

Available until mid-April (check each tour to see full availability)

Go on a historical walking tour

This 2.5 hours essential walking tour will show you the secrets of the City of Tromsø and its century-long history, historical sites, but also statues, busts, and murals, telling stories of people who crafted their destiny in the Arctic. Admission to the Polar Museum is also included in this tour.

Available Wednesdays: From 10:30 to 13:00
Available Saturdays: From 15:00 to 17:30

Visit the Arctic Cathedral

The Arctic cathedral

Your Tromsø adventure should include a visit to the Arctic Cathedral. Known as Tromsdalen Church in Norwegian, this iconic structure is a symbol of northern Norway. Its angular architecture and unique glass mosaic make it a must-visit.

Mack’s Brewery: A taste of Norway

Mack Brewery building in Tromsø

Head to Mack’s Brewery in downtown Tromsø, where you can learn about the beer-making process and sample beers named after famous rock musicians. Read more about this quick tour here.  

Available Monday to Friday at 13:00 (lasting 1 hour)

Polaria: A unique Arctic experience

Polaria tromsø

Polaria, an Arctic-themed experience center, is another place you should add to your itinerary. Here, you can learn about the Arctic’s wildlife and watch seals at play.

Opened daily from 10:00 until 16:00

Catch a view from the Cable Car

cable car of Tromsø with view over the city

For panoramic views of Tromsø, ride the cable car to the top of Mount Storsteinen. The view from the top is simply breathtaking. The Cable Car should be on your bucket-list once in Tromsø.

Open daily from 10 am to 12 am

Chill at the Magic Ice Bar

Magic Ice Bar Tromsø

At the Magic Ice Bar, you can sip on your favorite drink in a glass made of ice while surrounded by ice sculptures. It’s a cool way to end the day.

Open daily from 11:00 to 23:00 (00:00 on Fridays and Saturdays)

Learn about the fishing culture in Northern Norway and the Sami people

Full Steam tour with Best Arctic

Depending on your interests, you can also choose to go on experience the Full Steam museum, a Sami and Maritime museum, an exhibition about the Sami, the maritime, and coastal history of Northern Norway. It exhibits real artifacts, clothing, and pictures, as well as exhibitions about historic vessels, maritime artifacts and unique exhibits that bring the polar maritime history to life.

Available for visits between 10:00 to 18:00

Here you can also join the Stories and Local Food Tasting at Full Steam museum in this 1-hour guided tour with five food tastings, learning about the importance of cod and stockfish in Northern Norway.

Starting time of this tour: Daily at 16:50 (it lasts around 1 hour)

Small, short boat trip

We offer a 1-hour photo and history cruise (available daily from Tuesday to Saturday, starting at 09:50), where you get to see the surrounding landscapes of Tromsø in an historical wood vessel or, if you are into fishing, try our Fishing & Fjord Cruise (every Sunday, Tuesday and Friday, lasting for 4.5 hours, starting at 09:00).

Remember, no matter what you choose to do in Tromsø for a day, the important thing is to immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy the unique Arctic experience.

Happy traveling!

What to do in Tromsø during May

What to do in Tromsø during May

Tromsø, known as the “Gateway to the Arctic,” awaits your exploration during the vibrant month of May, offering a unique blend of cultural and outdoor activities. From embarking on boat tours to experience the Arctic fjords, ascending the mountain via the cable car for breathtaking views, to immersing yourself in local history and culture at the Polaria and Polar museum, your visit to Tromsø is guaranteed to be memorable.

The history behind the Arctic Route

The history behind the Arctic Route

Embarking on the Arctic Route opens a gateway from the magnificent beauty of Tromsø, Norway, and beyond to the stunning landscapes of Northern Norway and Finland. This travel service/ hop-on/hop-off bus, born in 2016 from the collaboration of Bussring, Best Arctic, Innovation Norway, Eskelisen Lapin Linjat, and VY, aims to provide you with an eco-friendly journey across the Arctic, underpinned by a commitment to environmental stewardship, boasting features like Ecolighthouse certification and ISO 14001 standards. It connects Tromsø with destinations like Lyngen, Narvik, Skjervøy, Storslett, and further to Rovaniemi in Finland, during winter. During summer, the Arctic Route connects Tromsø with Lofoten, Narvik (and Evenes Airport) with Lofoten, and within Lofoten, with several bus stops. It’s a testament to the brand’s commitment to sustainability, easing travel stress, and fostering local tourism by making remote locations accessible.

Whale watching in Norway this Summer 2024

Whale watching in Norway this Summer 2024

Embarking on a whale watching adventure during the summer in Norway offers an unparalleled experience, especially in prime locations like Andenes in Northern Norway. With the opportunity to spot species such as sperm whales and orcas in their natural habitat, Norway’s summer months present a unique opportunity for enthusiasts and casual observers alike. Additionally, responsible whale watching practices are emphasized, ensuring these magnificent creatures are protected while providing an educational and thrilling experience for visitors.