Travel guide to visit Tromsø Norway

N°1 Tromsø travel guide: a trip to northern Norway (Lapland)

Tromsø Norway

Visiting Tromsø in Lapland and Norway: TromsoTravelGuide.com is the travel guide with the best information for your city trip, tips on attractions, and activities in Tromsø.

Tips for visiting Tromsø (Norway)

The city of Tromsø, located above the Arctic Circle in Norway, is famous for its pristine nature, breathtaking views, and the magical Northern Lights. Whether you are an adventurous explorer or just want to enjoy the Arctic beauty, Tromsø offers something for every visitor with its Tromsø attractions. In our travel guide, you will discover why this city, with just 78,745 inhabitants, is so special and what you can do when you visit Tromsø in Lapland. Welcome to my Tromsø travel guide.

Top 20 Things to do in Tromsø

Visit Tromsø in Winter: The Northern Lights

Tromsø is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. This magical natural phenomenon, also known as the aurora borealis, attracts thousands of visitors to the city every year. The dark winter months (from September to March) offer the best chance to witness this breathtaking light show. Tromsø is located right in the so-called "Aurora Zone," where the chances of seeing the Northern Lights are very high, especially during January and February. There are various Northern Lights tours available that help you reach the best spots to see this phenomenon. From jeep safaris and minibus trips to remote areas, to boat tours on the fjords where you can quietly enjoy the lights stretching across the mountains. Professional guides not only take you to the best locations but also share fascinating insights about this magical natural spectacle.

TromsøThe iconic bridge that connects Tromsø with the island of Kvaløya
Visit TromsøVisit the city of Tromsø in Norway

Snow Activities in Winter

Tromsø Lapland is famous for its winter adventures. During the winter months, you can join spectacular husky tours, where you glide through the snowy landscape in a dog sled. It’s my favorite activity in Tromsø and offers an unforgettable experience. The huskies are enthusiastic and patient, making it a great way to explore the Arctic wilderness. Additionally, Tromsø offers other snow activities such as snowmobiling, ice fishing, and snowshoe hiking. These Tromsø activities provide an excellent way to experience Tromsø’s winter landscape, covered in a thick layer of snow and ice during the season.

Visit Tromsø in Summer: the Midnight Sun

In summer, Tromsø offers another impressive phenomenon: the midnight sun. From late May to late July, the sun remains above the horizon 24 hours a day. This provides unique opportunities for outdoor activities, even in the middle of the night. You can explore the city and its surroundings without it ever getting dark. I enjoy walking through nature, taking a boat trip, or climbing the surrounding mountains for a panoramic view. Summer is also my favorite time to explore the fjords of Tromsø Lapland. The waters and impressive mountains around Tromsø are perfect for kayaking, hiking, and boat tours. Nature comes alive with flowers, lush forests, and an abundance of wildlife.

Visit Tromsø NorwayVisiting Tromsø in winter
TromsøThe city center of Tromsø Norway

Discover the Sami Culture in Lapland

Tromsø is not only a city of nature but also a city rich in culture and history. The city has several interesting museums that highlight the history of the Arctic region and the Sami culture in Lapland. The Polar Museum, for example, offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the North Pole expeditions and the role of Tromsø in the exploration of the Arctic region. Another interesting museum is the North Pole Museum, which teaches you more about the nature, wildlife, and history of the north. A visit to a Sami and reindeer farm provides a unique opportunity to learn more about Sami culture. You can feed the reindeer, take a ride in a reindeer sled, or simply enjoy the hospitality of the Sami people, who play an essential role in the history of the polar region.


Places to visit around Tromsø

Places to visit in Tromsø

Top 20 Things to do in Tromsø

Tromsø is a city full of fascinating sights. Discover the Arctic Cathedral, stroll along the historic harbor, or explore the museums during a snowfall. Read all about the 20 main attractions and things to do in Norwegian Tromsø.

reindeer visit Tromsø

Sami and Reindeer Farm

During these tours, you learn about the Sami culture, their traditions, and lifestyle. You get the chance to get close to reindeer, which are essential to the Sami in Lapland. Often, you can participate in activities such as feeding the reindeer or even taking a ride in a reindeer sleigh.

Tromsø Travel Tips

Northern Lights Tours

Tromsø lies at the heart of the Northern Lights zone, making it one of the best places in the world to see this natural phenomenon. There are various tours available, from jeep or minibus trips to remote areas to boat tours on the fjords. Guided tours help you find the best locations.

Husky Excursion from Tromsø

Husky Tours

Husky tours in Tromsø are a fun and adventurous way to explore the enchanting Arctic surroundings. You can join sledding tours, sliding through snow-covered landscapes powered by an enthusiastic pack of huskies.

Tromsø Airport

To and from the Airport

In Tromsø, various airport transfers are available to take you to and from Tromsø Airport (TOS). The Flybussen is a popular option, offering regular connections to the city center. Additionally, you can take a taxi for a quick and comfortable ride.

Hotels Tromsø

Hotels in Tromsø

Tromsø offers a wide range of hotels for every preference and budget. From luxury five-star hotels in the heart of the city to cozy boutique hotels and rustic lodges. In this article, you can read more about the 8 best hotels to stay at in the center of Tromsø, Norway.

Visiting Tromsø: Best Time to Travel to Norway

Tromsø and Lapland are fascinating destinations all year round, but each season offers something unique:

  • Winter (November to March) is the most popular time for those who want to see the northern lights, especially in the months of January and February, when the chances of clear nights are particularly high. This magical natural phenomenon is visible during the clear, dark nights above Tromsø, and the winter landscape is enchanting with snow-covered mountains and fjords. Temperatures can range from -6°C to -15°C, but due to its coastal location, it is usually less cold than expected. During winter, you can also enjoy snowmobiling, husky tours, or whale safaris, for example.
  • Spring (April to May) offers milder weather and longer days. It is a good time to visit Tromsø if you want to experience the midnight sun, which appears above the horizon from late May. Nature comes alive with blooming flowers and the first signs of the summer wilderness.
  • Summer (June to August) is ideal for those who want to experience the midnight sun in all its glory. During these months, the sun does not set, offering a unique experience. It’s a great time for hiking, kayaking, and exploring the surrounding fjords. Temperatures range between 5°C and 15°C, perfect for outdoor activities.
  • Autumn (September to October) is the time to see the vibrant colors of nature. In these months, you can experience the peaceful side of Tromsø, with fewer tourists and beautiful landscapes. Late autumn is also an excellent period for whale watching.
Weather Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
min. temp (°C) - 5 - 6 - 4 -2 3 7 9 9 5 1 - 2 - 4
max. temp (°C) 0 - 1 1 4 9 12 16 15 11 6 3 1
hours sun / day 0 1 3 5 7 7 7 5 3 1 0 0
mm precipitation 105 95 90 60 55 55 60 75 100 125 95 110

Video: Impression of a City Trip to Tromsø

Where is Tromsø located in Norway?

Tromsø is located in the northern part of Norway, above the Arctic Circle, on the island of Tromsøya. It is the largest city in Northern Norway and serves as a gateway to the Arctic region. Tromsø is about 350 kilometers from the North Pole, is part of Lapland, and is no less than 1150 kilometers north of the Norwegian capital Oslo.

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Tromsø city trip
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April 10, 2025 : "We had a fantastic holiday in Norway thanks to the great travel tips about activities and sights in Tromsø."