Tromsø on a Budget: 5 Days of Arctic Adventures

Discover the magic of the Arctic without breaking the bank in Tromsø.

21 June 2023

Tromsø, Norway offers a range of budget-friendly activities for travelers. You can go hiking, fishing, and experience the Arctic wildlife in the wilderness. Tromsø also has many cultural attractions, such as museums, galleries, and concerts, which are free or inexpensive to visit.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Arrival and Northern Lights Hunting

Check into The Edge Hotel, situated on the waterfront and boasting panoramic mountain views.
Fueled up by salmon burger lunch at Café Sånn, take a leisurely stroll around the city center.
Visit the Tromsø University Museum and marvel at the extensive exhibits of Sami culture and Arctic wildlife.
Set off on a Northern Lights hunting tour, complete with a cozy bonfire and hot cocoa.

Day 2

Dogsledding and Arctic Cathedral Visit

Hop onto a sled pulled by adorable huskies and enjoy a scenic ride through the Tromsø wilderness.
Warm up with a hearty lunch at Mathallen Tromsø, where fresh seafood is the highlight.
Visit the iconic Arctic Cathedral, an architectural wonder inspired by the Northern Lights.
Attend an evening concert at the cathedral and bask in the acoustics and warm atmosphere.

Day 3

Fjord Cruise and Café Culture

Board a fjord cruise and explore the picturesque Lyngenfjord, hemmed in by snow-capped peaks.
Soak up the panoramic views with a warm lunch of traditional Norwegian fish soup.
Back in Tromsø, embrace the café culture at Fruene kaffekråm, a cozy spot for a caffeine fix and conversation.
Delight in a visit to the Polaria aquarium, home to bearded seals and the Northern Lights experience.

Day 4

Snowshoeing and Sami Experience

Lace up your snowshoes and embark on a scenic trek through the birch trees, accompanied by a guide.
Lunch at Biffhuset and chow down on tender reindeer steak and creamy mashed potatoes.
Gain an insight into the Sami culture with a visit to the Tromsø Lapland reindeer camp.
Enjoy a traditional Sami meal of bidos, reindeer stew, and relax in a Sami tent while storytelling ensues.

Day 5

Skiing and Departure

Enjoy skiing, snowboarding or sledging at the Tromsø Alpine centre, the perfect place for outdoor adventure.
Refuel with lunch at the cozy ski lodge, with a toasty fireplace and warm wool blankets.
Take a final walk around the city and appreciate one last glimpse at the Arctic Cathedral.
Depart feeling revitalized, enthusiastic and enchanted by Tromsø’s winter wonderland.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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