Arctic Adventures: Tromsø Travel Guide in 4 Days

Discover the magic of the Arctic Circle in Tromsø, Norway.

04 June 2023

Visiting Tromsø as a tourist offers a unique experience as it is known as the "Gateway to the Arctic". With stunning views of the Northern Lights, visitors can take part in a range of activities such as husky sledding, snowmobiling and reindeer sleigh rides. Additionally, Tromsø has a lively city centre with a range of restaurants, bars and shops to enjoy.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Arrival and Northern Lights Hunting

  • Check into the Radisson Blu Hotel, boasting panoramic views of the harbor and mountains.
  • Head to Tromsø Outdoor for a Northern Lights hunting tour, complete with hot drinks and snacks.
  • Keep your eyes peeled for the dancing greens and pinks of the Aurora Borealis.
  • Refuel with a cozy reindeer stew at the quirky Fiskekompaniet restaurant.
  • Wander around the charming Old Town and its colorful wooden houses.
Day 2

Whale Watching and Snowshoeing

  • Start the day with a hearty breakfast at the Scandic Ishavshotel, featuring local specialties like smoked salmon and brown cheese.
  • Embark on a whale watching tour with Arctic Adventure Tours, where you might spot orcas, humpbacks, and more.
  • Take a scenic drive to Kvaløya Island and hike with snowshoes through the snowy terrain.
  • Warm up with a hot cocoa at the cozy café Blårock.
  • Catch a show at the world-famous Tromsø International Film Festival.
Day 3

Dog Sledding and Arctic Cathedral

  • Enjoy a lavish breakfast at the Clarion Hotel The Edge, with a wide selection of cheeses and freshly baked bread.
  • Head to Tromsø Villmarkssenter for a thrilling dog sledding experience through the Arctic nature.
  • Visit the distinctive Arctic Cathedral, with its iconic triangle shape and stunning stained glass windows.
  • Savor some Arctic delicacies at the Mathallen food hall, like reindeer meatballs and aquavit.
  • Join a guided aurora photography tour with Tromsø Fotoklubb.
Day 4

Cable Car and Museums

  • Take the Fjellheisen cable car up to Storsteinen for breathtaking views of Tromsø and its surroundings.
  • Visit the Polaria Arctic Experience Center, with interactive exhibits and cute seals to admire.
  • Learn about Northern Norwegian art and culture at the Perspektivet Museum.
  • Grab lunch at the cozy Café Sånn, with tasty sandwiches and homemade cakes.
  • End your Tromsø journey with a stroll along the scenic beachfront and a fond farewell to this magical Arctic city.

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.

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