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Welcome to Tromsø, where polar nights shimmer with northern lights and endless summer days blur into magical twilight. If you're wondering about the top things to do in Tromsø, Norway, you've come to the right place.
Tromsø punches well above its weight. Sure, it's home to less than 100,000 people, but don't let that fool you. This compact destination above the Arctic Circle delivers everything you're dreaming of and more.
So, whether you're mushing huskies through the snow or chatting with locals at a museum, you'll leave with stories worth retelling.
Read on to discover the 11 best adventures waiting for you in Norway's Arctic capital.
- Discover Norway’s wild north with these Tromsø tours
1. Hunt for the northern lights
Let's start with the big one.
Seeing the northern lights is what draws most visitors to Northern Norway, and Tromsø sits right in the sweet spot. From late September through March, the aurora borealis can put on a show that'll leave you speechless.
The best viewing happens during polar night (November to January) when darkness blankets the city for months.
Don't worry though, you won't be fumbling around in the dark. Tromsø's location means you get those magical blue twilight hours. This is when the sun hovers just below the horizon, casting a soft, dreamy glow over the snowy landscape.
Northern lights tours take you away from city lights to prime viewing spots. Whether you choose a cosy bus tour or combine aurora hunting with other winter activities, these guided experiences increase your chances of witnessing nature's greatest light show.
This is definitely a Tromsø must-do – after all, you can't see the aurora borealis like this anywhere else on Earth.
Side note: Like all natural phenomena, aurora sightings aren't guaranteed.
- Chase auroras on a northern lights tour in Norway
- Related: Best time and places to see the northern lights in Norway
2. Experience reindeer sledding
Reindeer sledding connects you to an Sámi tradition that's been part of Arctic life for centuries. These gentle animals have been the lifeline of Indigenous communities throughout Scandinavia and into parts of Russia.
On the tour, you’ll glide through the snow with these calm, sure-footed animals, then gather around a campfire to learn more about Sámi traditions.
Hear stories, share a cup of coffee made over the flames, and gain insight into how reindeer herding has shaped life in Northern Norway – then and now.
- Related: Things to do in Norway in winter
3. Ride the Fjellheisen cable car
Want the perfect vantage point? The Fjellheisen cable car takes you up to Mount Storsteinen, 421 metres (1,381 feet) above sea level. The 8-minute ride whisks you above the city for views that stretch across fjords, islands, and mountains.
Time your visit right, and you'll catch the midnight sun painting everything gold. During winter, this becomes one of the best spots to enjoy the northern lights away from street lamps. The upper station has a café where you can warm up with coffee while you wait for a chance to spot the auroras.
- Discover breathtaking beauty on a Norway small group tour
4. Go dog sledding through rugged wilderness
Dog sledding is pure Arctic adventure. These huskies live for the trail, and their excitement is infectious. You'll learn to harness the team, understand basic commands, and then experience the thrill of gliding through snow-covered forests.
These aren't just working animals, they’re skilled, spirited companions who love what they do.
Many tours let you drive your own sled, though you can ride as a passenger if you’d rather sit back and enjoy the view.
5. Snowmobile across frozen landscapes
Snowmobiling opens up Tromsø's backcountry in ways that aren't possible on foot. These powerful machines carry you across frozen lakes, through Arctic valleys, and up mountainsides for wide-open views of Northern Norway.
No experience necessary, guides provide full instruction before you head out.
The mix of speed, scenery, and Arctic air creates an adrenaline rush that's hard to match. Some tours also include northern lights hunting – a thrilling way to experience the landscape, day or night.
6. Go whale watching in Arctic waters
Whale watching around Tromsø offers front-row seats to nature’s aquatic show. Orcas and humpbacks arrive in the fjords from November to February, following massive schools of herring.
Silent whale watching tours use electric engines to get you closer without disturbing these magnificent creatures. Imagine watching a pod of orcas glide past while snow-covered mountains tower overhead. It's the kind of moment that makes you appreciate just how wild Northern Norway really is.
7. Adventure at Camp Tamok
Camp Tamok serves up multiple Arctic activities in one spectacular wilderness setting. Located about an hour from Tromsø, this adventure camp blends traditional Sámi culture with heart-pumping outdoor activities.
You can try ice fishing, take scenic snowshoe walks, or warm up in traditional lavvu tents around crackling fires. A highlight is the Ice Domes Snow Park (open from 11 December). Here, artists create stunning ice sculptures and snow carvings that transform the landscape into a frozen art gallery.
The camp often combines several activities in one visit. You can snowmobile to scenic Finnvatnet lake, followed by reindeer feeding and northern lights viewing, all while learning about Indigenous Sámi traditions.
For something extra special, go glamping at Camp Tamok. This lets you sleep under the Arctic sky in a heated tent that pairs comfort with wilderness.
8. Discover local culture in town
The Polar Museum tells the gripping stories of Arctic hunters, trappers, and explorers who called this harsh landscape home. Housed in an 1830s customs house, the museum brings polar history to life with artefacts, photographs, and tales of survival that'll give you goosebumps.
You'll learn about Roald Amundsen's polar expeditions and get a real sense of what life was like for the hardy souls who ventured into the Arctic wilderness. The museum also covers the region's hunting and trapping traditions – fascinating if you're curious about how people lived here before modern comforts.
For something completely different, the Troll Museum celebrates Norwegian folklore in the most charming way. You'll meet everything from tiny house trolls to massive mountain trolls, each with their own personality and backstory. The museum weaves together mythology, history, and local legends.
While you're exploring the city, don't miss the Arctic Cathedral. This striking white building, with its 11 triangular panels, has become Tromsø's unofficial symbol since opening in 1973. Inside, the massive stained-glass window depicts the Second Coming of Christ, spanning 140 square meters (1,506 square feet).
The acoustics here are incredible, so if you can catch one of the midnight concerts during summer, you're in for something special. The combination of music and that ethereal midnight light filtering through the glass? Pure magic.
- Find your adventure with these bestselling Norway tours
9. Take an Arctic fjord cruise
Take to the waters on an Arctic fjord cruise to experience Tromsø's dramatic landscape from a different perspective. These boat trips navigate between snow-capped peaks and past glaciers that have been carving this coastline for millennia.
Fjord cruise options range from short scenic trips to full-day adventures. Winter cruises offer the chance to spot wildlife and maybe catch the northern lights reflecting off the water.
For a truly epic experience, consider a Norwegian coastal cruise that explores the entire dramatic coastline of Northern Norway.
- Take to the waters with these fjord and train tours
- Related: The best fjords in Norway
10. Experience the midnight sun
While most visitors come to Tromsø during winter to chase the northern lights, summer offers its own magic.
From mid-May to late July, the sun never sets in Tromsø. This phenomenon turns the entire city into a 24-hour playground where time seems to lose all meaning.
Locals embrace this endless daylight with midnight golf tournaments, late-night hiking, and festivals that celebrate the light. It's oddly energising – you'll find yourself staying up far later than usual, simply because it feels like early evening even at 2 AM.
Helpful tip: Pack an eye mask. Your body clock will need all the help it can get adjusting to this topsy-turvy schedule.
11. Stay in cosy cabins
Imagine lying under a glass roof, wrapped in a thick duvet, as green ribbons of light ripple across the Arctic sky. Around Tromsø, you’ll find cabins designed with the northern lights in mind. Remote, quiet, and far from light pollution.
These aren’t just places to sleep, they’re part of the experience. Some are minimalist wooden retreats tucked deep in the forest. Others are sleek, modern spaces with floor-to-ceiling windows and heated floors. What they have in common is this: you don’t need to step outside to catch the show. Just pour a hot drink, settle in, and let the sky do its thing.
Get ready to experience Arctic magic
Tromsø delivers experiences that'll reshape how you think about winter, darkness, and the raw beauty of the Arctic. Whether you're watching the aurora borealis dance overhead or soaking up the midnight sun at 2 AM, this city offers moments you'll treasure forever.
These Tromsø tours blend natural wonders with local culture, and adventure with comfort. Go dog sledding in the morning, try reindeer sledding in the afternoon, then chase the aurora at night.
This winter wonderland is waiting for you – and trust us, it's every bit as magical as you're imagining. Contact our travel experts to start planning your dreamy Nordic getaway.
