Get to know downtown Tromsø on a Guided Walking Tour
We strongly recommend taking a Guided City Walk when you arrive in Tromsø. This is the best way to get to know the city centre, its stories, culture and the main places to visit.
This is a guided tour with a professional English-speaking local guide lasts 1.5 to 2 hours and you will visit historic remarks such as Tromsø Domkirke, the city harbor area, the old city prison, among others.
Enjoy the views of the city from the top of the cable car
You have probably already heard about Fjellheisen or the famous Tromsø Cable Car. The upper station is situated on a plateau on the mainland overlooking the city and surrounding area. This is one of Tromsø’s most popular tourist attractions.
The trip up to the Storsteinen, which is 421 m above sea level, takes 4 to 5 minutes. On fine days, you will be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views and will be able to spot landmarks such as the Arctic Cathedral and Tromsø bridge as well as several hotels located on Tromsøya (the island of Tromsø).
You can also relax at the Fjellheisen Café, where you can enjoy a meal, snack and drinks, or sit outside on the benches and enjoy the fresh air.
If you are into hiking or are visiting Tromsø on a budget, we recommend opting for Sherpatrappa, a stone staircase leading up to the upper station of the Cable Car. The breathtaking views improve the more steps you walk up!
Go whale watching from Tromsø to Andenes
Yes, whale watching from Tromsø is now possible during summertime too! Thanks to our brand The Arctic Route, we have established scenic bus routes from Tromsø to several places in Northern Norway. One of them is Andenes.
You will leave Tromsø early in the morning (08:45), arrive at Andenes at 16:50 and go on a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) tour the following day (lunch included). You will be back in Tromsø that evening on The Arctic Route bus.
We provide this tour with accommodation included, but you can also book it without accommodation.
Try fishing above the Arctic Circle
This is an authentic Norwegian experience that you can’t miss! Locals love it!
Our Fishing & Fjord Cruise tour offers you an experience on a restored wooden boat where you will be able to admire the Arctic scenery, hear local stories and relax onboard. Fishing gear is included (or you can bring your own) as are warm suits and hot drinks.
You can catch fish like cod, coalfish (saithe), mackerel and haddock and the crew will cook it onboard for you to enjoy with flatbread and butter.
Visit Senja from Tromsø – the second largest island in Norway (and one of the most beautiful)
Located in Troms county and called “Little Norway” due to its beauty and nature, Senja is a miniature version of the best that Norway has to offer – landscapes, fishing villages, exposed coast, great fishing spots and great places to hike! Senja is well worth a visit during your stay in Tromsø.
We have a daily tour from 15 June to 14 August that takes you from Tromsø to Senja and back again on the same day: To the majestic fjords and mountains of magical Senja, from Tromsø.
This self-guided tour brings you from Tromsø early in the morning (08:45) all the way to Hamn i Senja and back again, arriving back in the city at 20:15. You will stop at scenic spots along the way – Katfjordeidet and Ersfjord Beach – to enjoy the scenery and take some photos, while a scenic ferry crossing is also included.
This tour includes lunch at Hamn i Senja (a 2-course tasting platter) and a food bag on your way back to Tromsø (a tasty vegetarian wrap and Arctic water).
You have the option of staying overnight at Senja so you can spend more time there and return to Tromsø the following day. This tour is available with accommodation included and without accommodation.
Visit Lofoten from Tromsø with The Arctic Route – no car rental needed!
Take the opportunity to visit more than Tromsø and enjoy a trip to Lofoten! The Arctic Route brand has daily scenic bus routes from 15 June to 14 August from Tromsø all the way to Kabelvåg, in Lofoten, stopping at scenic stops such as Senja, Andenes, Sortland, Vesterålen and Svolvær.
You will leave Tromsø early in the morning (08:45) and arrive in Kabelvåg at around 21:55 on the same day. If you prefer, you can also buy a travel pass (4, 7 or 10 days) and use this bus route as much as you want to hop on and hop between all its stops.
The travel passes can also be used on the other route that connects Narvik with Lofoten. You won’t need a rental car, there will be no stress with parking and it’s far more environmentally friendly!
Experience the Midnight Sun with an outdoor barbecue at Telegraftbukta
You can experience the Midnight Sun phenomenon in Tromsø from late May until late July. As the sun never sets during this magical period, you can enjoy daylight around the clock. How unique is that?
Enjoy this spectacular natural phenomenon with your friends and family at Telegrafbukta (or Telegraph Bay in English), located close to the city centre on the southern tip of the Tromsø island (about a 3 km walk from downtown Tromsø).
It’s a popular place to chill, relax, exercise, swim, sunbathe and enjoy time with people you love. This is the perfect place for a late barbecue while appreciating the never-setting sun during the summer months.
Spa lover? Tromsø also has several options!
For the self-care and spa people, we have also thought about you in this article. Tromsø has a range of Arctic spa experiences including.
You can enjoy as much time as you want, within opening hours, at Tromsø Badet – the local public wellness spa of the city, built in 2019.
This place features attractions including an Olympic pool, water slides, waves pool, Finnish sauna, steam bath, jacuzzis and an outdoor heated pool. The dream! The excellent, extensive and clean facilities make this a relaxing, fun place to go all year round.
Other time-regulated experiences in Tromsø include Pust Sauna – a small floating sauna located at the harbour in the city centre. You can book admission for 1 hour and enjoy the views while relaxing in the heat. An option for the most courageous ones is stepping outside the sauna and diving straight into the Arctic water to cool off!
Ever been to a spa onboard a small boat? We recommend Vulkana Arctic Spa, a spa onboard a vessel built in 1957, docked at Tromsø city centre. This experience includes an outside wood-fired hot tub, a traditional wood-fired Finnish sauna, Turkish hammam and ice bathing (for the courageous ones – just jump off the boat!).
Animal lover? We also got you covered!
Tromsø and Northern Norway in general are full of interesting flora and fauna. Some cannot be experienced elsewhere, so are certainly worth checking out.
You can visit Polar Park, the world’s northernmost animal park, located around 2 hours and 40 minutes from Tromsø. This is the place to meet Arctic animals, such as wolves, lynx, Arctic foxes, deer, moose and reindeer, in their natural habitat.
Another option is Tromsø Mini Zoo, located around 15 km south of the city, and meet a mix of exotic animals and Norwegian farm animals including alpacas, lamas, emus, peacocks, chickens, rabbits, horses, geese and guinea pigs. This is a great plan, especially if you have children.
These are just some examples of what you can do in Tromsø. Are you convinced? See you in Tromsø this summer!
