Tromso is the largest city in Northern Norway, known for being a cultural hub and a fantastic place to visit. Tromso is also known as the Arctic Capital, sitting 350 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle.
Between the months of September and March, many people visit Tromso with the hope of seeing aurora borealis, or the Northern Lights.
Whilst it is certainly known for being a lights hotspot, the city has much more to offer. Let’s delve into the places you should visit in Tromso, the activities and experiences available, and the best times to go. Tromso is not to be missed!
Experience the magic of Tromsø with our Arctic holiday package, including Ice Domes, Northern Lights, dog sledding, and fjord safaris. Enjoy sustainable adventures, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes year-round, with flexible travel options and unforgettable activities in every season.
Stay in beautiful spa hotel accommodation and search for whales and the Northern Lights with a full board stay and Northern Lights alarm. The area is known for its whales and the small boats allow up close and personal opportunities. Available late October to early February.
3 Nights
Arctic Panorama Lodge, Norway, Norway, Tromso
Spa Lodge
Flights Included Activities Included Starting at
Tromso is such a unique and magical place that there isn’t really a bad time to visit. Picking a best time depends entirely on your preferences and the type of trip you want to have.
For example, if you’re after a wintery wonderland where you can enjoy all the Arctic has to offer, then winter or spring may be for you. By May, the days to start to lengthen and the temperature becomes warmer, and by June or July you’ll be able to experience the Midnight Sunlight Northern Norway is famous for – that’s 24 hours of daylight!
Although snowy experiences will be off the table by summer, the warmer months make for perfect hiking and camping weather. Autumn is the best time for the popular activity of whale watching – there’ll be enough daylight to see the whales compared to the 24 hours of darkness common in winter.
For those longing to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights in Tromso, September to March is your best bet.
We can’t deny that Tromso is an ideal place for spotting the Northern Lights, hence why we offer the trip of a lifetime with our Tromso Ice Domes Tour. This unforgettable experience includes direct flights from Gatwick (though other airports could be negotiated), airport transfers, 2 nights in Tromso, 1 night in the amazing Tromso Ice Domes, a wildlife fjord safari, dog sledging, a Northern Lights snowshoeing with dinner cooked over the fire, and the option to add an extra night to your stay. Get in touch today to enquire about the dates we have available!
If Northern Lights chasing isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other cool places to explore. There’s the Arctic Cathedral, an awe-inspiring piece of architecture and modern church available for tours or just quiet contemplation. The Polar Museum, also known as the ‘gateway to the Arctic’, is a perfect spot for any keen explorers and is situated in a picturesque 1830s warehouse on the seafront.
For those looking for a nice drink and sit down, head to Olhallen – the oldest pub in Tromso and a place where locals and tourists meet to sample one of the largest tap selections in Europe. Sightseeing can be thirsty work!
Tromso is rich with activities and experiences for tourists to try, especially for those keen to explore the outdoors. The city is a recognised ‘Sustainable Destination’, commended for its commitment to reduce the negative effects of tourism, whilst promoting the positive effects tourism can have. As a result, activities like hiking, kayaking, fishing are common in Tromso. For a more unusual experience, why not try reindeer feeding or a self-driving husky dog sledding?
If you’re looking for an indoor pursuit, Tromso is famous for its vibrant nightlife and fine restaurants which serve the freshest ingredients the Arctic has to offer. The Northern Norway art museum is always worth a visit, the Ludwig Mack Brewery holds guided tours, and the Polaria experience centre truly has something for everyone. If you’re visiting Tromso in January, don’t miss the Tromso International Film Festival, an important event in the Norwegian film industry calendar.
Tromso is a small but manageable place to visit with friendly and English-speaking locals and staff. It boasts excellent links from airports, a well-managed and reliable public transport system, and payment is made easy everywhere given Norway is essentially a cashless society.
As is the case in many Arctic cities, certain places and commodities are expensive, but you can save money in other areas – one being the fact that Norwegian tap water is some of the tastiest and purest in the world.
We hope we’ve managed to share with you some of the magic of Tromso, but you have to experience it yourself to really bask in the wonder of this city.
At Arctic Direct, we create luxury Arctic holidays that go beyond the ordinary. From staying in a glass igloo under the Northern Lights to sledding across frozen landscapes with a team of huskies, our packages include flights, premium accommodations, and unforgettable activities. With expert planning, financial protection, and 24/7 support, you can book with complete confidence.
Book with total confidence knowing your Arctic adventure is fully protected under ATOL and ABTA, guaranteeing financial security and peace of mind from start to finish.
With years of expertise, our Arctic specialists design bespoke itineraries, from polar bear tracking to glass igloo stays, ensuring every journey is personalised to your travel style.
Our packages cover flights, premium accommodations, and unforgettable Arctic experiences like husky sledding and Northern Lights tours, so you know exactly what you're paying for - no hidden surprises.
With exceptional Feefo reviews and a long-standing reputation for quality, we’re a trusted leader in luxury Arctic travel, delivering unforgettable experiences to thousands of satisfied adventurers.
Secure your dream Arctic getaway with low deposits and interest-free monthly payments, making luxury travel more accessible while giving you full control over your budget.
Enjoy round-the-clock assistance from our dedicated team, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience, whether you're chasing the Northern Lights or exploring remote Arctic landscapes.
For an ideal experience, we recommend a stay of 3 nights/4 days. If you have more time, extending it to 4 or more nights will give you extra opportunities to see the Northern Lights and enjoy additional activities on your Tromso Holiday.
For an affordable yet stylish option, we recommend the Moxy Tromso Hotel. If you’re looking for a more luxurious experience, the Arctic Panorama Lodge and Spa Hotel is a perfect choice.
If you’re travelling from the UK, no visa is required. However, you will need an ETIAS once it is introduced.
Popular activities depend on the season. Whale watching in Norway is best from November to January, while the Northern Lights are visible from September to March.
At Arctic Direct, we specialise in unforgettable Arctic experiences, offering tailor-made holidays across Sweden, Finland, Norway, Greenland, and beyond. With expertly crafted itineraries, premium accommodations, and seamless service, we ensure your journey is truly extraordinary.
