This piece highlights several great options. You can visit the fascinating Polaria or design your own silver ring, among many others. The city offers cultural experiences like midnight concerts at Tromsø Cathedral and wellness activities at Pust’s urban sauna. These alternatives make your Tromsø visit memorable and worthwhile even when outdoor tours aren’t possible.
Indoor cultural experiences
At the time Arctic weather throws a curveball at your outdoor plans, Tromsø’s cultural scene rescues you with captivating indoor activities. The city offers numerous opportunities to explore its heritage while you stay warm and dry.
Visit Polaria
The Arctic’s premier experience center welcomes you to watch bearded and harbor seals play during their daily training sessions at 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 3:30 PM.
Through collaboration with researchers from the Fram Center, the exhibits help you learn about Arctic climate change and observe its fauna and flora.
You can read more information about Polaria here.
Explore Magic Ice Bar
Magic Ice Bar offers a spectacular winter wonderland whatever the weather at the coolest (literally) bar in town. Renowned artists have crafted intricate ice sculptures that tell Tromsø’s fascinating history. The staff welcomes you with a warm poncho and a signature drink of Arctic crowberry.
You’ll discover an enchanting atmosphere as colored lights dance across the ice gallery and soft music fills the air.
Design your own silver ring
Create your own truly personal souvenir at the 1.5-hour Mingle workshop where you can craft your own silver ring.
A professional goldsmith will guide you through the production process. You will learn everything from shaping to melting at 1000 degrees. The workshop’s intimate setting with only five people will give a personalized experience as you create your unique piece of Arctic jewelry.
Get to know Tromsø's favorite drink brand: Mack
Mack Brewery’s 135-year legacy comes alive through their Mack Brewpub Guided Visit at their historical downtown location. You’ll see the brewing process firsthand and learn about their microbrewery operations.
The tour helps you understand the special ingredients that create their unique drinks. A tasting session rounds off the experience where you can enjoy their distinctive Arctic brews.
Midnight concerts at Tromsø Cathedral
The Midnight Concerts at Tromsø Cathedral have engaged visitors with their magical atmosphere for more than 20 years.
Norway’s only wooden cathedral provides an unforgettable experience where the region’s finest musicians perform a mesmerizing blend of psalms, folk tunes, and indigenous Sami music. The timber structure’s exceptional acoustics make each performance special.
These concerts are a great way to get deep insights into Arctic culture’s soul and serve as the perfect evening activity when outdoor adventures aren’t possible.
Taste some King Crab
Join this unique food tour: Learn all about the history and culture behind the appreciated King Crab, watch live king crabs and retrieve some of them from a saltwater aquarium. You will later on be served some fresh king crab with views over magical snowy mountains in the north of Troms (transport from and back to Tromsø included).
You can read more information about this tour here.
Outdoor tours & activities
Even when tours are cancelled (such as whale watching, dog sledding or snowmobile), due to the weather, that doesn’t mean you can’t opt for other outdoor tours. Tromsø is a sheltered city in the middle of the Arctic due to the mountains that surrounds us.
This means it’s softer in terms of wind, snow and rain.
On the other hand, if you didn’t get a hold of the tours you had in mind due to being sold out, don’t worry: there are so many more you can join and explore!
A must do: The Cable Car in Tromsø
The cable car in Tromsø (or Fjellheisen in Norwegian), is a bucket-list must do once in Tromsø! Take the cable car up the mountain and enjoy the panoramic view. You can be up as long as you want and take the cable car down when you wish.
There is also a café-restaurant on top where you can warm yourself and eat and drink something.
Join a 3.5 hours Arctic Fjord Cruise
Navigate through stunning vistas surrounding the Tromsø’s vibrant downtown from the water perspective of a boat. This distinctive 3.5-hour voyage with knowledgeable guides showcases magnificent terrain, featuring islets, fjords, steep peaks, and, if fortunate, sea creatures.
Read more about this cruise tour here.
A Fjord Tour by Minibus
If you would rather see the Norwegian fjords around Tromsø by minibus, instead of boat, we strongly recommend you this one! Our Fjord Tour by Minibus is a half-day sightseeing tour that lasts 5 hours with lunch included and several scenic photo stops, with a small group up to 14 people.
Are you a photography lover?
If your answer is yes, we recommend embarking on a 1-hour Photo and History Cruise around the Tromsø fjord. This tour is a visual expedition and a heritage voyage: savor a serene journey through the Arctic waters while delving into the intriguing past of the distinctive vessel Hermes II.
This brief yet thrilling excursion provides an excellent opportunity to explore Tromsø from a maritime perspective.
Ski or snowshoe? We also have it
Try Norway’s national sport: Cross-country with our Guided cross country ski trip in Tromsø – beginner ski course where, for 3 hours, we will teach you the basic techniques on a flat terrain, moving to small hills by the end of the tour.
Another fun option is our Guided snowshoe trip on Tromsøya, especially designed for those who have never tried snowshoeing before, and also adapted to families with kids from 8 years old. For 2 hours you will walk through flat and slightly hilly terrain, on a wonderful scenic area on Tromsø island.
What about a guided walking tour in Tromsø city center?
Learn the history, culture, traditions and development of our beloved city on this 2.5 hours guided tour, which also includes entrance to the Polar Museum. Discover the city’s secrets, its explorers and importance.
Read more about it and book here this Essential Tromsø: Historical City Walk incl Polar Museum.
Cruise around Tromsø fjord on board a hybrid-electric catamaran
Do you want to check the sightseeing of the area around Tromsø island, on a silent and modern boat?
Then this one is for you. A half-day sightseeing tour on a steady vessel, with guiding included. Check more about our Arctic Fjord Cruise here.
Relaxation and wellness activities
The time spent learning about Tromsø’s cultural offerings leads naturally to experiencing the Nordic tradition of wellness and relaxation. The weather outside might be challenging, but nothing compares to a warm sauna paired with an invigorating Arctic experience.
Try urban sauna experience at Pust Sauna
Pust Sauna sits right in Tromsø harbor’s heart. This peaceful sanctuary offers stunning views of Tromsdalstinden, the Arctic Cathedral, and the cable car. The sauna stands out with its breathable solid wood construction and unique character from repurposed historical materials that blend perfectly into this modern retreat.
Combining a traditional Finnish sauna culture with a cold safe dip in the Arctic Ocean makes this hot-cold contrast a Scandinavian wellness tradition for centuries. This guided ice-bathing and sauna experience includes natural oils/scrubs and tea.
Bad weather or cancelled tours can’t take away the magic of Arctic adventures in Tromsø. Each spot or activity connects uniquely to the region’s character. Tromsø’s amazing indoor spots turn bad weather into a chance to dive deeper into the local culture. The city’s museums, craft workshops and music shows highlight its rich heritage.
These alternatives show that Tromsø’s appeal is way beyond the reach and influence of outdoor attractions. Every visit becomes special through real experiences that capture Arctic life’s true spirit.
