Thrilling Tromsø: An Arctic Adventure Guide
Experience the magical northern lights in Tromsø, Norway.
04 June 2023
As a tourist in Tromsø, Norway, it is impossible to miss the breathtaking natural beauty of Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, during the winter months. Visitors can also explore the city's fascinating Sami culture, which includes reindeer husbandry and unique culinary traditions. Finally, Tromsø is home to numerous museums and cultural sites, including the Arctic Cathedral and the Polar Museum.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Check in at the Tromsø Lodge & Camping, a cozy hotel with a rustic feel.
- Start the day with a snowmobile safari to experience the snow-covered mountains and stunning Arctic landscapes.
- Head out on a reindeer sled ride with the Sami people, learning about their culture and traditions.
- Hunt for the Northern Lights on a snowshoe hike, surrounded by the peace and quiet of the wilderness.
- Have dinner at Emma's Kitchen, a local restaurant with a warm atmosphere and hearty dishes like reindeer stew and fish soup.
- Breakfast at Fiskekompaniet, a seafood restaurant with fresh catches straight from the harbor.
- Take a cruise along the Tromsø fjords, catching glimpses of whales and other marine wildlife.
- Visit the Polar Museum, which tells the story of Norway's explorers and their expeditions to the Arctic.
- Check out the stunning Tromsø Cathedral and its iconic stained-glass window.
- End the day with a meal at Blå Rock Cafe, known for its burgers and lively atmosphere.
- Start the day with a visit to the Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden, filled with rare plant species from around the world.
- Stroll through Tromsø's cozy streets, stopping at local shops and cafes.
- Visit the fascinating Perspektivet Museum, which showcases Tromsø's history and culture.
- Have lunch at Mathallen, a food hall with a selection of local cuisine options.
- Take in a show at the stunning Arctic Cathedral, known for its modernistic design.
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Tromsø by plane is to fly into Tromsø Airport (TOS) which has direct flights from major cities in Norway such as Oslo and Bergen, as well as international cities such as London and Helsinki.
Car
Driving to Tromsø is possible but can be challenging due to the long distance and weather conditions in northern Norway. The E6 highway connects to Tromsø, but it is recommended to have a 4-wheel drive vehicle and be prepared for snow and icy conditions.
Train
Unfortunately, there are no direct trains to Tromsø due to its location in the far north of Norway. The closest train station is in Fauske, but a bus or car would then be necessary to get to Tromsø.
Boat
Tromsø can be reached by boat from some coastal towns in northern Norway such as Harstad and Svolvær. The Hurtigruten coastal ferry service also stops in Tromsø on its route along the coast of Norway.
Bus
The best way to get to Tromsø by bus is to take a coach from Oslo or Narvik, both of which have direct bus connections to Tromsø. The journey from Oslo takes around 24 hours and from Narvik around 5 hours.
