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.
If you book a Northern Lights tour from Tromsø, you might be surprised by how far you travel to find clear skies. Northern Lights tours can stay relatively close to Tromsø when conditions are good, but on more challenging nights they may travel several hours away from the city in search of clearer weather. At […]
Northern Lights minibus vs boat tour: which is better?
If you are planning a trip to Tromsø to see the Northern Lights, one of the first decisions you may face is whether to book a Northern Lights minibus tour or a boat tour. Both allow you to leave the lights of Tromsø behind and experience the Arctic night, but they offer very different experiences. […]
Watching the Northern Lights together can be one of the most memorable experiences of a family trip to Northern Norway. Tromsø sits within the aurora oval and offers many ways to experience the Aurora Borealis, whether your family prefers a classic Northern Lights chase, a smaller group, a comfortable boat trip or even a private […]
7-Day Rovaniemi and Tromsø itinerary for Northern Lights travelers
If you’re planning a winter holiday in the Arctic, combining Rovaniemi, Finland, and Tromsø, Norway is one of the best ways to experience the magic of Lapland while maximizing your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Both destinations lie within the Auroral Oval, making them excellent places to hunt the aurora. Each offers a unique […]
If you’re visiting Tromsø in September, October or early November, you might think it’s too early for dog sledding. After all, the Arctic winter hasn’t fully arrived yet. Fortunately, that’s not the case. Autumn dog sledding with carts (also called dog carting or wheeled dog sledding) lets you experience the excitement of being pulled by […]
Bus vs flight the smartest way to travel between Tromsø and Rovaniemi
Are you planning a winter journey between Tromsø in Northern Norway and Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland this winter? Although flying may initially appear to be the fastest option, the total travel experience involves much more than the time spent in the air. Traveling by bus between Tromsø and Rovaniemi can be simpler, more scenic and […]