Tromsø is one of the best places on the whole planet to observe this phenomenon due to being placed in the middle of the constant aurora oval and benefiting from the microclimates created by the fjords and mountains. You can check all the different northern lights trips we offer!
2. Try dog sledding!
A fantastic activity that you must experience for yourself. Besides the beautiful snowy landscapes and cute dogs, you will enjoy an action-packed adventure and immerse yourself in the stunning arctic landscape. This classic northern adventure is often number one on the visitor’s bucket list. You can check which dog sledding tours to try in the Tromsø area here.
3. Tromsø Badet
Located on the top of the island (Tromsøya) and just a short bus ride away, you will find Tromsø Badet. Here you can relax or work out in the numerous indoor pools and even an outdoor pool. There is also a wellness area, with a Finish sauna, steam baths, water slides, and a fabulous plunge pool! Tromsø Badet is an excellent alternative for families traveling with children. Tromsø Badet also offers a café where you can buy food and drinks! Try it and let us know what you think!
4. Ice skating
Yes, you can go ice skating in Tromsø during the winter months! Rent a pair of ice skates from our partners Tromsø Outdoor, and take the bus to Prestvannet, located on the top of the island (check the ice conditions and if it is allowed) – it is entirely free to ice-skate here. Another option would be in Tromsdalen, located on the mainland across the bridge, on the Tromsdalen Kunstibane (Elvestrandvegen 22, Tromsø). Here you will find professionally prepped ice and speed skating option in addition to free skating options. There is a small entrance fee. There is also an indoor ice-skating spot at the Fløyahallen. Just take the bus 20 or 24 from the city center. The entrance costs about 100 NOK (adult price), but if you are a student, the ticket is 50 NOK!
5. Learn cross-country skiing!
There is a saying that all Norwegians are bone with a set of skies on their feet – this would certainly explain all the Norwegian gold medalists from the winter Olympics! We offer beginner courses for cross-country skiing to try it for yourself and see what the buzz is about. Experiencing cross-country skiing in Norway is the equivalent of eating cheese in France and biking in the Netherlands.
6. Pust (sauna in Tromsø)
It is located in the middle of Tromsø harbor, in the city center. This sauna has a fantastic view over Fløya, the cable car mountain. This drop-in sauna has room for 12 people, and you can even book it for a private event! You can even jump into the icy fjord right outside if you are courageous enough! According to ice bathing devotees, it is the secret to a long and healthy life.
7. Eat the best sushi in town
There are many great restaurants in Tromsø. However, if you are a sushi lover like us, we strongly recommend Rå Sushi restaurant. Here you will find high-quality sushi, and this restaurant has a unique feature: an aquarium hosting only local fish species right in the middle of the restaurant.
8. Whale Watching
One of the best-selling activities in Tromsø for a good reason! Seeing these majestic creatures feeding on the big herring shoals in the frozen fjords is a unique and spectacular experience. The local whale seasons run from November to January. You can check out our whale-watching tours in Tromsø here.
9. Ice fishing
How does fishing in the middle of an ice lake or on a frozen fjord sound to you? Breathe the fresh air and enjoy the beautiful arctic landscape on this classic polar activity. We will help with drilling a hole in the ice and learn how to attach bait for the fish. Curious already? Check this icy arctic activity!
10. Visit the indigenous Sami people, learn about their culture, and meet their reindeer!
Visiting the reindeer camps is a magical experience transporting you back in time and will leave you with both newfound knowledge and respect for the Sami culture. We recommend this experience for animal lovers and culture seekers alike.
Best northern light tours in Tromsø for groups of friends
Experiencing the Northern Lights in Tromsø with friends can become one of the highlights of a winter trip to Northern Norway. Whether you are celebrating a birthday or simply traveling together, an evening beneath the Arctic sky is an experience worth sharing. But which Northern Lights tour in Tromsø is best for groups of friends? […]
Book the Tromsø Airport Express and get 20% OFF a Northern Lights Tour
Book your Tromsø Airport Express transfer online and receive a 20% OFF promo code for selected Best Arctic Northern Lights tours. Your Arctic adventure can start as soon as you land in Tromsø. When you book the Airport Express online for your transfer between Tromsø Airport and Tromsø city centre (in either direction) you’ll receive […]
What to do in Tromsø with children during wintertime in 2026
Are you planning a family trip to Tromsø in winter 2026? There are plenty of things to do with children, from seeing the Northern Lights and meeting reindeer to dog sledding, whale watching, fjord cruises and Arctic wildlife experiences. The important part when planning Tromsø with children is choosing activities appropriate for their age. Some […]
Fishing is deeply connected to life in Northern Norway and winter is an amazing time to discover this Arctic tradition. You can head onto the Arctic fjords aboard a historic wooden boat or leave the coast behind to try fishing through the ice of a frozen lake. If you are looking for fishing tours from […]
Seeing the Northern Lights in Tromsø together can easily become one of the highlights of a couple’s trip to Northern Norway. But with so many different Aurora experiences available, choosing the right tour depends on whether you prefer a small group, extra comfort or a completely private evening. So, what are the best Northern Lights […]
Is the overnight bus between Tromsø and Rovaniemi worth it?
If you are planning a winter trip to Tromsø and Rovaniemi, combining Northern Norway with Finnish Lapland gives you the chance to experience two iconic Arctic destinations in one vacation. The challenge is deciding how to travel between them without sacrificing an entire day of your trip. This is where overnight travel becomes an interesting […]