8 May 2024
After landing at Tromsø Airport, take the Airport Express bus, which waits just outside. It is easily recognized by its red color. You can book the ticket online here and check routes and schedules here.
When considering things to do in Tromsø in May, you can start with a guided walking tour, the best way to get to know Tromsø city center. We recommend the Essential Tromsø: Historical City Walk, available every Wednesday (10:30 – 13:00) or Saturday (15:00 – 17:30).
If you enjoy craft beer, join our Tromsø Beer Safari, every Tuesday and Thursday (14:45 – 17:45). For a “cold” experience, visit the Magic Ice Bar downtown, a bar made entirely of ice (open Sunday–Thursday: 14:00 – 22:00 / Friday–Saturday: 14:00 – 24:00).
Going on a boat trip in Tromsø in May is an exciting way to explore the stunning Arctic landscapes and rich marine life. Some top options include:
With the midnight sun illuminating your adventures, May in Tromsø offers endless daylight to discover the city’s treasures.
Although it is no longer possible to visit reindeer camps in May, you can still travel to Polar Park in Bardu, about 2 hours and 40 minutes from Tromsø (car rental required). Here you can see reindeer roaming freely, as well as other animals such as Arctic foxes, wolves, wolverines, lynxes, bears and more.
In Tromsø, you can visit Polaria, an Arctic aquarium where, in addition to many Arctic fish, you can observe seals. We recommend checking feeding and training times.
If you enjoy self-care, relaxation, spa experiences, heated pools, and saunas, you should try Tromsø Badet (on top of the island, public bath with slides, jacuzzis, sauna, outdoor heated pool, and wave pool) or Pust Sauna (downtown, with waterfront views, where you can also jump and bathe outdoors).
In May, Tromsø has a relatively mild climate influenced by the Gulf Stream. Expect:
With crystal-clear water and pristine sandy beach, Telegrafbukta is perfect for peace and nature experiences, about 30 minutes walk from Polaria. Ideal for relaxation, picnics, or a refreshing swim. At sunset, you can see the midnight sun create magical colors across the horizon.
On the top of Tromsø Island lies Prestvannet, a peaceful and beautiful lake area. Perfect for birdwatching and walking. You can also participate in the traditional activity of feeding the ducks.
The midnight sun, a natural phenomenon occurring from May 20th to July 22nd in Tromsø, offers 24 hours of daylight. This happens due to the tilt of the Earth, which keeps the sun above the horizon during this period.
No, seeing the Northern Lights in Tromsø is never guaranteed. The Aurora Borealis is a natural phenomenon and whether you see it on a particular night depends on several factors, including aurora activity, cloud cover and local weather. However, Tromsø is one of the world’s best-known destinations for Northern Lights hunting. Located within the auroral […]
Dreaming of seeing the Northern Lights, going dog sledding, meeting reindeer, or exploring snow-covered Arctic fjords? Getting to Tromsø is easier than you might think. During the 2026/2027 winter season, Tromsø has direct international flight connections with numerous European cities, allowing many travelers to reach Northern Norway without connecting through Oslo. From London, Paris, Amsterdam, […]
When you picture dog sledding in Tromsø, you probably imagine energetic huskies racing across a snowy Arctic landscape. But what happens before the snow arrives? You don’t necessarily have to wait until winter to experience the excitement of traveling with a team of huskies. Autumn dog sledding with carts in Tromsø offers a snow-free alternative […]
Yes, you can see whales and the Northern Lights during the same trip to Tromsø and it may even be possible to experience both on the same day. Whale watching takes place during the daytime, while Northern Lights tours depart later in the day, once darkness falls. This makes Tromsø an exciting winter destination for […]
September is one of the most interesting months to visit Tromsø. Summer is giving way to Arctic autumn, the mountains and forests are turning shades of gold, orange and red and darker nights mark the return of the Northern Lights season. At the same time, there is still plenty of daylight for exploring the fjords […]
When you travel to Tromsø to see the Northern Lights, flexibility can make a big difference. The Aurora Borealis is a natural phenomenon, and although Tromsø is an excellent destination for Northern Lights hunting, the weather does not always cooperate in exactly the same place. That is why a flexible Northern Lights tour in Tromsø, […]
