Tromso Travel Guide – Things to do in Winter and travel tips

Tromso (Tromsø) – where do I even start? The snow draped mountains, the stunning fjords or the scenic drives? Or shall I talk about the Northern lights twirling in the sky and the dreamy snowy evenings that awaken a child-like joy? Words falter when I try to capture the magic of this place. It’s overwhelming, in the best possible way.

Tromso had been high on my bucket list – for its true Arctic winter experience and the chance to witness the mystical aurora. But it delivered so much more than I had dared to dream. Even now, I can smell the freshly baked bread wafting through crisp mornings, feel the gentle warmth of the winter sun breaking over the harbour and hear the crunch of snow on walks that led nowhere, yet everywhere. And those cold, silent nights – somewhere in the middle of nowhere, wrapped in layers, sipping hot chocolate under a starlit sky – still tug at me.

Tromsø, without a doubt, is one of the most beautiful winter destinations. And if you’re planning a visit, here’s our heartfelt guide, straight from the magic we lived.

How many days are enough for Tromso

Tromso offers enough experiences to keep you engaged for a week or more, but if you’re short on time, 3-4 nights are ideal to cover the highlights. If seeing the Northern Lights is a priority, set aside at least two nights for better chances.

That said, leave some wiggle room in your itinerary as weather here is unpredictable. During our trip in early March, a full day of rain followed by evening snow forced us to cancel all our plans. Luckily, with four nights, we had enough time to catch up on everything.

Reaching Tromso

The fastest and most convenient way to reach Tromsø is by flight. Tromsø Airport (TOS) has limited direct connections to select European cities, but is well-connected domestically, with regular flights from major Norwegian cities like Oslo and Bergen. 

To reach Tromso, first fly to Oslo. Then take a 2 hour flight from Oslo to Tromso. However, if you have another day to spare, we recommend taking the scenic route, Oslo-Bergen-Tromso. For this, take the train from Oslo to Bergen first and then a 2 hour flight from Bergen to Tromsø. The Oslo-Bergen railway route is considered one of the most scenic in the world. The journey takes about 7 hours, passing through fjords, little villages and postcard like views. 

Reaching Tromso from Finland

If you’re traveling to Tromso from Finland, we highly recommend taking the Arctic Route bus. While the fares aren’t exactly cheap, the journey itself is priceless, offering breathtaking views of frozen lakes, snow-laden trees, and an endless, dreamy whitewashed landscape.

You can board the Arctic Route bus from several locations in Finland, including Rovaniemi, Levi, and Kilpisjärvi. The journey takes about 2.5-3 hours from Kilpisjärvi and nearly 10 hours from Rovaniemi, with multiple stops along the way. 

Make sure to check the complete route, schedule, facilities and price on the Arctic bus official website  to plan your trip seamlessly. You can also book the tickets directly from this site.

Tromsø Airport to the City

You have three main options to reach the city from Tromso Airport: Public Bus, Flybuss Airport Express Coach, or Taxi.

Public bus 

This is the cheapest option and takes about 20-25 mins to reach city centre. These buses leave frequently from the bus stop outside the airport and have some luggage space in the middle. Take bus no. 40 or 42 to city centre. Fare as of Mar 2025 is 44 NOK per adult.

Notes:

• Take the lift from the arrival hall to the parking level. Cross the parking area, and you will find the bus stop on the opposite side of the road.
• Download the Svipper app to check bus schedules and book your ticket online.

Flybuss Airport Express Coach

You will find these big Red buses standing outside the airport. It is faster and offers direct drop-offs at certain hotels. But, it is more expensive compared to the public bus (125 NOK per adult).  And if you are 2 people, the total fare is close to what a taxi would cost.

Note: You can check the stops and book tickets online directly from their website.

Taxi

The most expensive option of all. More suitable in case its raining or snowing or you have heavier luggages to carry around. Also, if you are 2-3 people to share the fare,  taxi is the convenient option.

Notes:

• Download the Taxifix app for Tromsø City Taxi. They offer comparatively cheaper prices.
• Do check with your hotel if they offer Airport shuttle service. 

Where to stay in Tromso

Without a car

Tromso has many hotels and Airbnbs scattered across the city.  Irrespective of what you choose, it is better to find something around the city centre (aka downtown area) for better connectivity. It gives you easy access to the city’s attractions, supermarket, bus station and restaurants. So you can simply walk around and save on the bus and taxi fares. Also, for most of the tours, the pick up point is usually near the hotels close to the harbour or the tourist centre. 

With a car

If you have a car, then you can choose anything a little away from the town. There are beautiful Igloos and wooden huts to choose from if you do not have the area constraint.

Where we stayed

We found regular hotels in the city centre quite pricy compared to the room size and amenities they offered. So, we chose a one-bedroom Apartment in an apartment hotel via Booking.com that suited our needs. It had everything we needed – ample space, a comfy bed, and a kitchen plus dining with a view of snow-capped mountains. The kitchen was well-equipped with a dishwasher, coffee maker, microwave, and stove, while the bathroom had heated floors, a washing machine, towels, and toiletries. WiFi was reliable throughout.

Our favourite spot was the balcony, perfect for morning views with hot noodles or admiring the night scenery. Though not exactly cheap (like any other stay in the town), it felt like a home away from home. The best part? A bakery downstairs, plenty of cafes nearby, and key attractions like the Polar Museum just steps away. 

Book well in advance for better deals as Tromsø is a very popular winter destination. Also, prices seemed to rise closer to the date.

Things to do in Tromso

Reindeer feeding and learn about Sami culture

You can’t leave Norway without meeting the reindeer! Ever since I saw them “flying” Santa’s sleigh (in movies of course 😀 ), they felt almost mythical to me, especially with their majestic, branching antlers. So, when the chance came to see them up close, I just couldn’t miss it. Plus, it’s a great way to learn about the Sami people, the Arctic’s indigenous community with a very unique culture and age-old ties to reindeer herding.

Many tours from Tromso offer visits to Sami camps, where you can feed reindeer, hear Sami stories, and even go reindeer sledding. Some evening tours also include dinner and the chance to see Aurora if you visit in peak Winter time. We visited a family-run camp just a few kilometres from Tromsø, with hundreds of Reindeer in a very scenic setting. Feeding them was fun as they are quite enthusiastic eaters. One even tried to climb onto Sush just to get to the food 🙂 .

Afterwards, our Sami host shared insights into the lives of these shy creatures and herding practices while we sipped on hot tea inside the traditional tent. It was a fascinating experience, making us ponder how deeply human survival has been intertwined with animals for ages!

Book a Sauna session

After a day of adventures, nothing beats unwinding in a sauna, followed by a cold plunge into the icy Arctic sea. Or let’s be honest, sometimes just a quick butt dip 😀 . Either way, it’s an experience like no other. Tromso has two floating saunas near the harbour – Vulkana and Pust – both offering direct access to the sea and panoramic views of the scenic surroundings.

We chose a two-hour session at Vulkana, a former fishing boat now transformed into a spa. Inside, there is a traditional wood-fired sauna, a Turkish Hammam, and a hot tub on the deck with gorgeous Arctic scenery. And when the heat gets intense,  climb down the stairs for a dip in the icy waters or take the full plunge if you’re feeling brave! 

The day we visited, it was cold and rainy, and the warmth of the sauna was so comforting. But what truly made the experience unforgettable was the people we met – travellers from different corners of the world, sharing stories and laughter. When I hesitated to take the cold plunge, they cheered me on and even volunteered to click our pictures. It was more than just a sauna session – it was an experience we would love to repeat again.

Check Vulkana’s website for opening times, slot availability and prices. Also, I would recommend to go with a booking to confirm your spot even though they also accept drop ins. For Pust, please check their website.

Experience Ice floating

If you’re up for a unique adventure, ice floating in Tromsø is a must-try! I had long dreamed of this experience after discovering the icebreaker cruises and arctic floating in Finland. But with steep prices and mixed reviews, I held back, until I found this small-group tour in Tromsø at one fourth of the price. Bonus: it included photos, snacks, and hot drinks!

So, coming to the experience, a 30-minute scenic drive from Tromsø brought us to a frozen fjord. After a briefing session, we suited up in striking red survival gear and then the real fun began. Floating effortlessly in the icy water for almost an hour, surrounded by snow-covered peaks and chunks of ice just felt surreal. Though our hands and feet still felt a little cold, the weightless, worry-free sensation was unbeatable.

After the activity, we warmed up with hot cinnamon buns and tea, and the best part? We got certificates for ice floating (Yayyyy!).

Note:

• This tour is available on GetYourGuide. As it remains in high demand and has limited slots, book well in advance.
• A few other ice floating tours are also available in Tromsø, but check their location before booking. Some take place near the harbour, and did not look as interesting.

Ride the Fjellheisen cable car for views and more

The Fjellheisen cable car is consistently ranked among the top things to do in Tromsø and it’s easy to see why. The ride to the top of Mount Storsteinen is quick, but the views are incredible. From the top, you get sweeping, panoramic views of Tromsø, the surrounding fjords, and snow-covered mountains. Especially after sunset, when the city lights come on, it creates a beautiful contrast against the snowy landscape. On clear nights, this is also a great spot to watch for the northern lights.

Keep 2-3 hours for your visit. Head up while there’s still daylight to explore the scenic walking trails – it felt a bit too pricey just to visit for the evening views alone. When it gets cold, warm yourself up with some hot chocolate in the café there. Since the cable car runs until 11:30 PM, you can stay longer and try your luck with the elusive Northern Lights.

Notes:

• Take bus no. 26 from Tromsø city centre to reach the cable car station (and vice versa). It is a 2-3 mins walk from the bus stop to the cable car. 
• You can also hike to the top without using the cable car, but remember that’s not an easy hike in the snow.
• Book your tickets online to avoid delays and long wait in the queue.

Go Aurora Hunting

Tromsø is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. But it’s weather can be quite fickle, and the city lights don’t help too. We spent four nights in town and spotted the aurora only once – through gaps in the clouds. The rest of the nights, it was either snowing or overcast.

So, to increase your chances, I highly recommend joining a tour (may be even two). These tours take you beyond the city, where the skies are darker and clearer. Sometimes, it’s a short drive to a nearby fjord; other times, the chase leads all the way to the Finnish or Swedish border. Either way, its part of the adventure. 

From our experience, local aurora guides are a better bet than big tour companies. Locals have a network of contacts and know exactly where to find clear skies. Check out Tromsø Guide for a list of local guides and activities. We chose Friluftsenter, also listed there, and had an unforgettable first Aurora experience. 

Note:

Aurora tours are not cheap. So in case your budget does not allow multiple tours, do try these spots around Tromsø (only works for good weather days though). These were suggested to us by locals and both are accessible by bus.

• Telegrafbukta Beach
• Prestvannet Lake

Explore Tromso’s local attractions

Apart from the tours, Tromsø as a city also offers many things – museums, cathedrals, market and a beautiful harbour. So, take some time to explore the town’s attractions. The Polar Museum is a good place to know about Norway’s history of Arctic exploration and insight into its arctic wildlife and indigenous cultures. Another intriguing spot is the Troll Museum. What better place to know about the Troll folklores than the land where it originated? Also, it has interactive exhibits making the whole experience very unique. If aquariums interests you, visit Polaria to see the bearded seals and other arctic marine life. 

My favourite spot in Tromsø is the harbour, which always carries a dreamy vibe whether its snowing or sunny. On a sunny day, you could simply sit on a bench soaking in the lovely views, take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront or even indulge in some photography. From here, the sight of the Arctic Cathedral against a backdrop of snow-draped mountains is simply gorgeous.

Take a trip to Kvaløya and Sommarøy

This is a trip we simply cannot recommend enough – a  5–6 hour tour with dreamy pit stops that feel straight out of a dream. But the main attraction? The drive itself, which proves that sometimes the journey truly outshines the destination. Throughout the drive, the scenery keeps shifting – from frozen fjords lined with colourful fishing villages, to snow-covered stretches dotted with bare birch trees, and finally the brilliant blue sea with soaring seagulls. Our guide called it “The Postcard Drive,” and we couldn’t agree more.

If the weather allows a visit to Sommarøy, you’ll witness one of the most surreal sights – turquoise waves lapping against sandy shores, framed by snow-dusted mountains. A contrast so striking, it feels almost unreal. And yes, you can also see the mountain that inspired the design of the Arctic cathedral in Tromsø.

You can explore Kvaløya and Sommarøy by renting a car or joining a guided tour. We opted for a tour, and it was nothing short of spectacular. Our guide was an absolute gem – patient, knowledgeable, and a pro with the camera. He captured some of our best moments and shared incredible local stories along the way.

The highlights? Spotting reindeer in the wild and a cozy seaside picnic in Sommarøy. Under a cloudy sky, we savoured biscuits, warm fruit tea, and vegan sandwiches stuffed with tangy lingonberry jam – a simple yet unforgettable experience. This was, without a doubt, one of the biggest highlights of our trip.

We booked this tour with Northern Soul Adventures  and highly recommend it. 

Other things to do

If you have more time in Tromsø, there are many other interesting activities to try. Just choose what excites you most.

• Dog sledding – This is one tour we highly recommend in Tromsø. You can either choose to steer your own team of energetic Alaskan huskies or sit back on a musher-led ride. The tour usually includes time to meet and cuddle the huskies after the ride, which is a true highlight. Book early though – we missed out as the tours we liked were already filled up!
• Ice Fishing – A traditional winter technique once used by indigenous Arctic communities, ice fishing is now a popular tour activity around Tromsø. You’re taken to a frozen lake or fjord, where you drill a hole in the ice, drop your line, and with a bit of luck – you might just catch your lunch!
• Snow Shoeing – A fun and exciting way to explore the arctic wilderness around Tromsø. Simply strap on the snow shoes and you are all set to explore the deep snowy trails.
• Visiting Lyngen alps by snowmobile – Take a day trip to the Lyngen alps, the most stunning mountain range near Tromsø. And explore its dramatic landscapes, majestic peaks and pristine fjords on a snowmobile – a thrilling adventure for those who crave the wild.
• Fjord cruise and Whale Watching – Whale watching season is November-January 
• Midnight concert at Tromsø cathedral –  This may not be as talked about as other activities, but if you love music, the Midnight Concert at Tromsø Cathedral is a hidden gem. Held every night for half an hour, it features beautiful folk and traditional Norwegian music in an intimate setting. We, unfortunately, missed it due to bad weather, but it comes highly recommended. You can book it on  GetYourGuide.
• Tromsø ice domes – Set in Tamok Valley, about 1.5 hours from Tromsø, the Ice Domes are rebuilt each winter and are an enchanting world of delicate carvings and icy artistry. Enquire before you visit as the sculptures had started melting by March 1st week this year.

Food in Tromso and Where to eat

Tromsø’s food scene is a cozy mix of Norwegian delicacies and global bites. The food is predominantly non vegetarian with fish and meat taking centre stage. If you love seafood, you are in for a treat –  think of the famous Norwegian salmon, Arctic char to cod fish and the much-loved king crab. Meat options are largely reindeer and pork.

For vegetarians and vegans, options can be limited. But thankfully  most restaurants do offer at least one plant-based dish – usually a burger, salad, or noodle dish. So I survived 🙂 . As we both don’t eat meat, we focused on seafood and vegetarian choices. If you eat fish, don’t miss the salmon soup. Sush did not stop raving about it.

Here are a few places we tried in Tromsø.

Kaia Bar and Bistro

A lovely spot right by the water, offering stunning mountain views – perfect for a relaxed lunch or a drink. We tried their baked salmon and veg burger. While the salmon was delicious, the veg burger was just okay. I did not find any other vegetarian options in the menu. So, may not be an ideal option for vegetarians or vegans.

Bardus Bistro

A quaint restaurant near Storgta and quite famous in town. Reservation recommended as they normally run full, especially on weekends. We tried their Fish special and Rice noodle soup(vegan) and both were delectable. Their marinated cabbage is worth trying too.

Burgr

A tiny, retro-style burger joint with a fun video game theme. The menu is simple but features some unique burger flavours. They offer vegetarian options and are happy to customise their burgers for vegan or vegetarian requests. Plus, their French fries are really good!

Notes:

• Food in Tromsø, like everything else, is quite expensive. A decent meal at a restaurant, including food and a drink, will typically cost around 250–350 NOK per person.
• If you’re on a budget, you can save significantly by opting for supermarket meals. Stores offer a variety of salads, baked goods, fruits, and ready-to-eat meals at a fraction of restaurant prices. Among the supermarkets we visited, Coop in Storgata had the best selection with a wider range of options.

Travel Tips

No Need for Cash: There’s no need to carry Norwegian Krone (NOK) for your trip. Cards are widely accepted in shops, supermarkets, restaurants, and for booking tours. We completed our entire trip without using any cash.

Book Tours Well in Advance: Secure your tours at least a month before your trip. This not only gives you more options but also helps you find better deals. We booked just 10 days prior and had to pay more for some tours. We also missed out on a husky farm visit, because the only available options were extremely expensive.

Be Punctual for Tours: Always arrive at your tour pick-up point at least 15 minutes early. Operators in Tromsø are very punctual, and delays could mean missing your tour.

Shopping in Tromsø: If  you’re looking for souvenirs, check out Way Nor Souvenir Shop in front of the church on Storgata. They have a great selection of woollens and knick-knacks at reasonable prices, and the staff is very welcoming.

Conclusion

We spent 4 incredible nights in Tromsø. Every morning brought a new adventure. And every night came with the anticipation to see the magnificent aurora. Even the simplest walks around the city felt very special. We truly loved our time there and can’t wait to go back.

That’s all from our end on Tromsø. If you liked this blog or have any queries, leave us a comment and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

For more such destinations around the world, refer our other blogs here.