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.
The easiest way to visit two Arctic icons in one journey Planning a winter trip to the Arctic and trying to choose between Tromsø, Norway, and Rovaniemi, Finland? The good news is that you do not have to choose. With the Aurora Express Nightliner bus by Best Arctic, you can combine both destinations in one […]
In most places, midnight time means darkness. In Tromsø, it can mean golden light over the fjords, people walking by the harbor in sunglasses, coming back from the bar at 2 am under a sunny sky and mountain views that look like sunset but refuse to fade. This is the Midnight Sun, one of the […]
May is one of the most underrated months to visit Tromsø. Winter has loosened its grip, the days stretch longer, the fjords begin to feel more open, and by late May, the Midnight Sun season starts to transform the city into a place where evening plans can feel just as bright as daytime adventures. In […]
Looking for an easy summer day trip from Tromsø without renting a car? The summer bus route between Tromsø and Sommarøy is one of the most scenic and convenient ways to experience the coastal beauty of Northern Norway. Operated as part of The Arctic Route, this direct shuttle connects Tromsø city centre with Sommarøy, a […]
If you’re planning a trip to Norway, one question comes up again and again in our customer service queries: are there polar bears in Norway? The short answer is yes, but not where most travelers expect. While mainland Norway, including popular Arctic destinations like Tromsø, does not have wild polar bears, there is one remote […]
Traveling to Norway as a student often means balancing big dreams with a careful budget. The good news is that exploring Tromsø and the Arctic does not have to be out of reach. At Best Arctic, we accept student discounts on several tours and experiences, making it easier for students to enjoy unforgettable moments in […]
