Best Arctic

Best Arctic Logo color version with white letters
people in the midnight sun

What to do in Tromsø, Norway in the summer

Tromsø is extremely popular as a winter destination for its famous Northern Lights, snow activities, fjords and beautiful winter landscapes (and it’s becoming even more popular). But is Tromsø worth a visit during summer? Yes, of course! Learn more about the capital of the Arctic and gather ideas about what to do in Tromsø this summer.

Take a full-day trip to Senja with bus transportation from and back to Tromsø

Girl sitting at a beach in Senja, Norway

During summertime the landscapes outside of Tromsø Island are beautiful and you should see them! Senja is one hidden gem for many travellers, with its pure blue waters, green forests and white mountain tops. We have a daily tour from 15 June to 14 August that brings you here, from Tromsø!

Take a full-day fjord trip by bus to Senja, with lunch included at the resort Hamn I Senja. This self-guided tour includes 1 scenic ferry trip and several photo stops.

 There will be photo stops at Kattfjordeidet lake and Ersfjord beach (one of the most beautiful beaches in Norway), with the final stop at Hamn I Senja resort, located in Senja, often nicknamed “Norway in miniature”.

Enjoy the views of the city from the top of the cable car

Cable car in Tromsø

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

Whale watching by RIB in 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.

You can read more information about this whale-watching tour from Tromsø and book it here (mind that you will need to book an overnight in Andenes, as you come back to Tromsø the day after the tour).

Try fishing above the Arctic Circle

old wooden boat with snowy mountains in the background

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.

You should definitely try kayaking in beautiful Sommarøy with lunch, sauna and transport from Tromsø included

Sommarøy

Visit the summer island, Sommarøy, only 1 hour away from Tromsø, and kayak in Caribbean-like waters, with lunch afterwards and sauna

Leave Tromsø early in the morning, at 08:30 (am) with our comfortable bus towards Sommarøy, an island located 1 hour away from Tromsø. Sea kayaking is one of the best experiences you can do in the beautiful island of Sommarøy.

After two hours of kayaking, you will be served the best fish soup in the region at Sommarøy hotel. You can also access the public sauna in the hotel and relax your muscles and mind. The bus to Tromsø picks you up at 19:10 (7.10pm) – back in Tromsø at 20:25 (8.25pm).

Visit Lofoten from Tromsø with The Arctic Route – no car rental needed!

Lofoten

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 Svolvær or Kabelvåg, in Lofoten, stopping at scenic stops such as Senja, Andenes, Sortland and Vesterålen.

You will leave Tromsø early in the morning (08:45) and arrive in Svolvær at around 21:30 and to Kabelvåg at 21:45 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

photo of a midnightsun tour taken in Tromsø

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!

two people in the pool in Tromsø Badet in Tromsø

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!

Polar park - wolf

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!

How to travel between Tromsø and Lofoten this Summer 2024

How to travel between Tromsø and Lofoten this Summer 2024

In this ultimate guide, we will explore how you can travel this Summer 2024 between Tromsø, the Gateway to the Arctic, and the beautiful Lofoten islands, by choosing the Arctic Route: the perfect choice for your summer travel, how to navigate through this transportation option, must-see attractions and activities along the way, and accommodation options. Get ready to unlock the beauty of the Arctic Route!

What to do in Tromsø during April – Activities, tours and adventures

What to do in Tromsø during April – Activities, tours and adventures

Welcome to Tromsø, a picturesque city nestled in the heart of northern Norway. Known as the “Gateway to the Arctic,” Tromsø is a vibrant and lively destination that offers a wide range of activities, tours, and adventures for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or a culture lover, Tromsø has something to offer everyone. In this article, we will guide you through the best things to do in Tromsø during the month of April, ensuring an unforgettable experience in this stunning Arctic paradise.

Tromsø in winter: Why you should pre-book your tours in advance

Tromsø in winter: Why you should pre-book your tours in advance

Tromsø, a city nestled in Arctic Northern Norway, is a winter wonderland offering an array of tours from the mesmerizing northern lights tour, whale watching, to exhilarating dog sled adventures. As the gateway to the Arctic, Tromsø provides unique experiences like fjord cruises, food tours, and sightseeing tours, making pre-booking your tours in advance crucial to ensure you don’t miss out on what this vibrant city has to offer during your visit.