Best Things To Do in Tromso

Visiting Tromsø is a truly different experience. The Arctic area is unique in the world and the things to see and do in and around Tromsø involve contact with nature, but not necessarily green trails, but icy environments made up of glaciers, fjords, snow-capped mountains, vegetation and wildlife that only exist in areas with low temperatures.

If you venture to Tromsø, I invite you to experience the spectacle of the Northern Lights, which you can experience in an intimate way by going to observation points or from an Arctic cruise. You can also explore various attractions in the city, such as the Polar Museum, go whale-watching in the ocean, join a ski lesson, watch husky puppies getting ready to pull sledges, go ice fishing or meet the indigenous community living in the area. The list is rich and extensive. Here are some more details.

Tromsø's geographical location makes it a prime spot for a natural light show that you can experience by booking an aurora borealis tour. On this experience, you can join an expert guide and a group of up to 15 people to find the best viewing spots and take pictures, of course.

You will depart at the end of the day for the sighting site on the outskirts of the city. As night falls, lights will begin to appear in the sky. Of course, the temperature is likely to drop, which is why on this type of tour a bonfire is lit and participants are given a hot soup to warm them up.

You will also be provided with the necessary equipment to protect you during the activity, such as a thermal suit and footwear (although you should dress appropriately beforehand). Depending on the time of year, it may take more or less time to see this natural phenomenon. You will also receive photographs taken by the organisers.

Useful information

• Price: approximately 228€ per person.
• Duration: between 5 and 9 hours.

One of the best ways to explore the city is to walk around its main sights. To do this, you could either go on your own or book a guided tour of Tromsø. Both options are viable, but keep in mind that you will be accompanied by a local guide to help you along the way. Among some of the highlights you will see:

• The historic centre, dotted with houses made of wood and some centuries old, dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries.
• Storgata Street, which is the city's main street and is the centre of commercial activity, with shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs, ideal for experiencing the local culture.
• The Polar Museum, where you can learn about the history of polar exploration and hunting activities in the Arctic.
• The Arctic Cathedral, which is striking for its iconic triangular design, reminiscent of glaciers, and can be seen from various points in the city.
• Tromsø Cathedral, which dates back to 1861, has a wooden structure and is the northernmost cathedral in the world.
• The local market, where you can sample some typical products and learn more about the daily life of the locals.

Useful information

• Price: the tour starts from 35€ per person.
• Duration: at your own pace, or about 2.5 hours on a guided tour.

If you're attracted to appreciating wildlife, especially in this part of the world, you can book a whale watching cruise in Tromsø during your visit. This is an immersive experience where you will see these immense animals in their natural habitat while sailing on a boat.

For this adventure you will depart from the city's pier and head out into the Atlantic Ocean, which in itself will offer beautiful icy landscapes. You will sail through the waters in a boat with a silent engine, so as not to disturb the whales.

When you arrive at the whale watching area, just wait for the mammals to start showing up. If you are lucky, you will be able to see more than one species, such as humpback whales and killer whales. In addition, the organisers will tell you curious facts to learn more about these animals, their behaviour, ecosystem and the importance of preserving their existence. You will be able to take photographs and videos capturing the whales in all their splendour.

Useful information

• Price: from 158€ per person.
• Duration: between 8 and 9 hours.

Cross-country ski ing is the origin of all skiing disciplines that exist today. Its basic principle is to glide over the snow. During your trip to Tromsø, one of the options you have for fun is to join a cross-country skiing class for beginners.

In this sporting adventure, you will be instructed by a professional skier, who will teach you the main concepts of the discipline and advise you at all times. In this way, you will be able to move initially on flat terrain and, as you feel more confident, you will slide down the hills.

Likewise, in this activity you will be delighted by the beautiful snow-covered landscapes. The best thing is that the practice is focused on beginners, so experience is not an impediment to participate. In addition, all the equipment you need is included (ski poles, skis and poles), along with a snack and a hot drink to replenish your energy, as well as transfers to the slopes.

Useful information

• Price: around 115€ per person.
• Duration: Generally, the stipulated time for this tour is around two and a half hours.

Foodies and lovers of new flavours have a tempting option when visiting Tromsø: head out into the city to sample beers and tapas in its restaurants and bars. This activity will allow you to discover the flavours of the Arctic and get to the best bars in the region.

For this experience, you can either go on your own or book a beer tour in Tromsø. Unless you go to the trouble of researching where to go, I recommend joining the tour, as you'll have an itinerary prepared by an expert guide and you won't be disappointed.

The tour usually includes tasting at least 10 local beers (some are likely to be from Mack Bryggeri, one of the most northerly breweries in the world). In addition, you'll probably visit Ølhallen, which is the oldest pub in the city and has a very good selection of local beers. All this is accompanied by typical Arctic tapas, such as reindeer carpaccio and smoked salmon.

Useful information

• Price: from 98€ per person.
• Duration: approximately 3 hours.

The icy environment in and around Tromsø holds life and food for locals and visitors alike. So, when visiting the city, you can join an ice fishing experience in Tromsø This is an adventure where you will head out into the Ullsfjord to learn how to fish in these extreme conditions and catch some fish.

For this activity, you will join a guide and ice fishing expert, with whom you will head to a remote area just outside Tromsø. Initially, you will receive a short training to learn the techniques of catching fish under the ice. Afterwards, you will start the practice.

You will have to pierce the ice and cast your hook until you get a catch. At the end, you will also learn how to clean and cook the fish according to the Norwegian style. You can also admire and take pictures of the Arctic scenery, with towering mountains and clear waters. The tour usually includes lunch, hot drinks and winter shoes (on request).

Useful information

• Price: from €137 per person.
• Duration: about 5 hours.

Nordic life is full of surprises and richer than we usually imagine. If you want to get to know an essential practice of this culture, then you can take part in a puppy training experience at a husky farm. This activity is ideal if you are travelling with children, as the little ones will come into contact with these charming animals.

After a short drive around the city, you will arrive at the husky farm. There, the handlers will show you this beautiful species of dog and explain about the training session, in which the animals are prepared to participate in sled races.

It is also possible to take a walk to interact with several of them (it is estimated that the farm is home to over 300), to learn more about their behaviour and abilities. To replenish your energy, lunch is often provided on the farm with typical meals.

Useful information

• Price: approximately 123€ per person.
• Duration: 4.5 hours.

Tromsø and its surroundings hold a natural universe unknown to many, and when visiting the city, you have the option to discover it for yourself. To do so, you can book an Arctic nature tour from Tromsø, where you will venture around the city to discover fjords, glaciers, towering mountains and pristine beaches.

This type of adventure is usually done in a minibus, which departs from the city in search of natural wonders. The idea is to appreciate the most emblematic natural landscapes, such as the Kvaløya Fjord, which offers beautiful panoramic views. It is also possible to see the wildlife in the area.

You can see animals such as sea eagles, moose, reindeer and learn about the local flora and fauna. On the other hand, in this type of experience, a guide will provide more facts and context to get a better idea of the culture and history of the region. Finally, it is common to include lunch, as well as warm clothing and footwear to protect you from the cold.

Useful information

• Price: from 123€ per person.
• Duration: an average of 5 hours.

Norway is home to the Sami, an indigenous people who also have inhabitants in Finland, Sweden and Russia. This people have a rich culture and history that you can learn about by booking a visit to a Sami camp and reindeer sleigh ride in Tromsø.

For this cultural immersion and sleigh ride, you will travel through the Arctic Ocean landscapes to the indigenous community. An expert guide will tell you about the history and traditions of the Sami culture, to learn more about their origins and current situation.

You can also have lunch in a "lavuu", a traditional Sami tent, and listen to traditional music. As for the reindeer, you will not only ride on the sledge but you can also interact with the reindeer by participating in a feeding session. Without a doubt, this experience will give you a better insight into life in the Arctic.

Useful information

• Price: around 158€ per person.
• Duration: about 4 hours.

Among the ways to see the Northern Lights, one of the most comfortable and comprehensive is to join a Northern Lights dinner cruise in Tromsø. On this experience you will have the best of both worlds: you will see the beauty of the lights in the night sky, while enjoying the tranquillity of the Arctic waters as you sail.

From the pier, you will board the boat and cruise around the city while waiting for the light show to begin. You will learn about this natural phenomenon from the information provided by the organisers of the activity, who will also help you capture the best night-time photographs.

To complement the sightseeing experience, the cruise usually includes a dinner, where you can enjoy typical Norwegian food, prepared with fresh ingredients produced in the region. It will be a ride where you will be comfortable and warm while appreciating the natural beauty of the area, mixed with the lights of the city.

Useful information

• Price: from 158€ per person.
• Duration: about 3 hours.