Tromsø is a small city in super Northern Norway. So far north (69⁰) that it’s actually in the Arctic Circle! Despite the fact that it’s so remote, Tromsø has become a popular tourist destination and there are so many things to do in Tromsø.
In winter in Tromsø you stand a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights then come summer you can experience the midnight sun in Tromsø.
Tromsø to us is a mini Vancouver that’s a little bit closer to home. There are so many awesome things to do in Tromsø no matter what time of year you visit. And if you’re someone who loves the outdoors, you’ll find a never-ending list of fun outdoor things to do in Tromsø!
If you’re planning a trip to this city, here’s everything you need to know about Tromsø, the “Gateway to the Arctic”, and the best things to do in Tromsø!
How to get to Tromsø, Norway
Many visitors to Tromsø arrive either by aeroplane landing at Tromsø Airport Langnes or by cruise or Hurtigruten; the long-distance ferry.
Flying to Tromsø
Since it’s such a popular tourist destination there are a surprising number of flights that land in Tromsø every day. All our guests arriving in Tromsø for our wedding ended up arriving on different flights but on the same evening! We figured there’d have only been 1 or 2 options!
Most flights from the UK fly Gatwick to Tromsø via Oslo. If you’re coming from the UK you can sometimes get direct flights London to Tromsø with WizzAir. However, some of our family booked these and had their flights cancelled so I wouldn’t rely on this.
In most cases, you’ll have to change in Oslo. This is pretty easy and any checked luggage will go straight onto Tromsø for you so you don’t have to pick it up halfway.
We flew with Norwegian Air and some of our friends flew with SAS. Both companies have regular flights from Oslo to Tromso which take roughly 1.5 hours.
Skyscanner is what I use to find cheap flights.
How do I get from Tromso airport to the city Centre?
The easiest way to get to and from downtown Tromso to the airport is by bus. The airport is just 15 minutes from the centre of Tromsø so it doesn’t take long at all.
The Flybussen is the airport express coach. It takes 10-15 minutes depending on exactly where in Tromsø you’re going. A single ticket is 110 NOK and 160 NOK for a return. Children cost 70-120 NOK (single-return).
You can also get the local bus which is the cheapest way to get from the airport to downtown Tromsø. Lines 24, 40, or 42 will get you towards the centre. Get your ticket on the bus or by using the Troms Billet app. The local bus takes around 15-20 minutes.
Bus and Train to Tromsø
If you’re already in Norway and travelling around the country for a while, a cool way to get to Tromsø is to get the train to Narvik and then catch the bus to Tromsø. There is no direct Oslo to Tromsø train.
If you’re looking at going from Oslo to Tromsø, there is another train station in Fauske. This station is served daily by trains from Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim. You can then get the bus to Tromsø from there via Narvik.
There is a daily train service from Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim to Fauske, from where there is a long-distance bus to Tromsø via Narvik.
There’s more information about the trains here.
Renting a car in Tromsø
There are several car rental companies by the airport in Tromsø including big names like Sixt and Europcar. We rented a car for the 6 weeks we spent in Northern Norway through Europcar and it came with studded winter tyres which are a must if you’re visiting Tromsø in winter.
I use comparison sites like DiscoverCars and RentalCars to book my car rentals as it’s easy to check prices and compare the best deals!
Top Travel Tip in Tromsø: If you plan on visiting several Tromsø museums, the Tromsø Pass can help you save money! You get entrance to the museums, public transport for the duration of your pass and access to the Polaria aquarium and Fjellheisen cable car too!
Best things to do in Tromsø all-year-round
There are loads of cool things to do in Tromso that are accessible all year round! Here is my pick of the best!
1. Hike the Sherpatrappa
The Sherpatrappa are the stairs which lead the way up to the top of the Fjellheisen, the cable car in Tromsø. Hiking up them is one of the most popular and best hikes in Tromso.
There are around 1,200 of these man-made stone steps which connect Fløyvegen with the Fjellheisen Cable Car. You’ll climb roughly 400m above sea level as you make your way to the top and there are plenty of beautiful viewpoints along the way.
You can either walk back down or take the Fjellheisen cable car (of course, you could take the cable car both ways!).
Read my guide to hiking the Sherpatrappa in Tromsø.
Can you hike the Sherpatrappa in winter?
Yes! You can hike the Sherpatrappa in winter but you’ll want some good microspikes and most likely some hiking poles to help you navigate the steeper sections. It’d be a good idea to have snowshoes with you so you’re fully prepared.
All of these can be rented from Tromsø outdoors during your stay in Tromsø.
AllTrails is my go-to hiking app for finding, planning, and navigating while I’m out on the trails. With offline maps on AllTrails+ you can be confident you’re still on the right track, even without mobile signal.
2. Visit Tromso’s museums
Tromsø has a great cultural scene and there are so many museums in Tromsø to explore. They’re the ideal activity for a rainy day in Tromsø. Below is some information on some of the best museums in Tromsø.
Top Travel Tip in Tromsø: If you plan on visiting several Tromsø museums, the Tromsø Pass can help you save money! You get entrance to the museums, public transport for the duration of your pass and access to the Polaria aquarium and Fjellheisen cable car too!
Folkeparken Open-Air Museum
The Folkeparken Open-Air Museum at Telegraftbukta focuses is an open-air museum which can be visited outside of opening hours.
There’s a big boathouse which highlights the contributions of women during the fishing season, and the international export of stockfish and clipfish (the traditional dried fish of Norway), as well as the exhibition called ‘In Cod we Trust‘.
There’s also the main building which has permanent exhibitions, a mural and a snack bar.
- Opening hours: every Sunday from 12 pm – 4 pm from June 19th to August 21st
- Audio tours: Outside of opening hours you can scan the various QR codes around the area to listen to a voice-guided tour.
Troll Museum
The Troll Museum is the first museum in Norway that’s just for trolls and fairy tales. Inside you’ll learn more about all things troll, Vikings and Norwegian folk tales.
- Opening hours: 10 am – 6 pm, daily
- Entrance fees: 180 NOK
The Polar Museum
Tromsø has been known as the “Gateway to the Arctic” since the late 19th century and is considered a base for many polar expeditions today.
The Polar Museum talks about sealing, overwintering trapping and the stories of famous trappers.
- Opening hours: every day, 11 am – 5 pm
- Entrance fees: 100 NOK
The Arctic University Museum of Norway
The Arctic University Museum of Norway is science-focused with information on fossils, rocks, wildlife and nature. There are both permanent and changing exhibitions and there’s a great Northern Lights exhibition where you can learn more about this fascinating phenomenon.
You can also learn about the Sami and their history and culture as well as Viking traditions.
- Opening hours: June – 15th August, 9 am – 5 pm daily | 15th August – 31st May: 10 am – 4.30 pm weekdays, Saturdays 12 pm – 3 pm, Sundays 11 am – 4 pm
- Entrance fees: 100 NOK
3. Walk around Telegraftbukta
No matter the season, walking around Telegraftbukta, Tromsø’s beach is one of the best things to do in Tromsø.
There are some well-marked trails at the beach, white sand and crystal clear (+ cold!) waters. You get great views on a clear day out to the surrounding mountains, fjords and islands too.
4. Visit the Pust Sauna
The Pust Sauna is one of the newest saunas in Tromsø that also has a cafe (Pust Cafe) associated with it.
If you’re wandering around downtown Tromsø you’ll likely see the sauna which uses the same sort of architecture as the fish racks you see trying fish, especially around the Lofoten Islands.
The sauna is floating on the fjord which means it’s perfect for doing a hot-cold session where you come out of the sauna and into the fjord!
You can book a drop-in session or book the whole sauna out for a big group of you.
- Opening hours: Mon-Wed: 6 am – 8 pm, Tues-Fri: 6 am – 6 pm, Sat: 6 am – 12 pm, Sunday 6 am – 10 pm (private bookings Mon-Wed 8 pm – 10 pm, Thurs – Friday 6 pm – 10 pm)
- Entrance fees: Drop in: 195 NOK, private booking: 2,500 NOK (12-16 people)
5. See the Arctic Cathedral
The Arctic Cathedral is a beautiful white cathedral that was built in 1965 and is inspired by Arctic nature. It’s one of the top places to visit in Tromsø.
There are beautiful stained glass windows and it’s a location for summer concerts as well as just impressive to see.
There are also regular organ concerts (included in entrance fees) which you can attend at 2 pm from Tuesday – Sunday from 22 June to 31st July.
- Opening hours: January 2 – May 31: 1 pm – 5 pm, daily (Wednesdays 2 pm – 6 pm) | June – 15 August, Monday to Saturday 9 am – 6 pm, Sundays 1 pm – 6 pm | 16 August – 30th December, 2 pm – 5 pm
- Entrance fees: 55 NOK free for under 12s
6. Enjoy the views from the Tromso library
The Tromsø library is another beautiful building and top Tromsø attraction that’s worth visiting.
It’s a white-domed building that offers those visiting beautiful views of the mountains from the huge windows inside.
We’ve gone there to work a few times and the views and sunlight streaming in make it such a nice atmosphere!
7. Wander through downtown Tromso
Downtown Tromso is super cute with a great mix of shops. There are outdoor shops, boutiques, high-street shops and plenty of gift shops where you can pick up a Norwegian-style sweater or other Arctic gifts.
8. Spas experience on a boat
The Vulkana Arctic Spa in Tromsø is another cool spa experience you can enjoy.
The Vulkana is a ship that was built in 1957 and designed for seasonal fishing. In 2009, she was redesigned and restored and now has a wood-fired sauna on her main deck as well as a Zen lounge and a Turkish hammam inside.
There’s also a hot tub and, of course, you can do an ice bath by jumping off the boat too!
Vulkana also hold super clubs which are supposed to be amazing!
9. Eat incredible food
You might not expect that this small city in the Arctic would be home to some incredible food and restaurants but it is! As always, discovering the best food in a new city is one of my favourite things to do and it’s one of the best activities in Tromsø!
There is no shortage of great places to eat in Tromsø there are lots of restaurants offering tasting menus as well as more comfort food but done really, really well.
Some of the best restaurants in Tromsø include:
10. Visit Tromsøbadet
Tromsøbadet is a huge sports centre located on top of the hill in Tromsø.
There’s a beautiful outdoor pool looking out to the mountains, a steam bath and sauna with acold pool, a 50m swimming pool and even a wave pool.
It’s one of the best activities for kids in Tromsø for sure but adults will have fun here too.
11. Tromso Aquarium
Discover the underwater life of the Arctic at the Polaria Aquarium in Tromsø. The aquarium is located downtown and depicts ice blocks being pushed on land by the ocean.
You can learn about animals such as bearded seals, catfish and tiny sharks as well as many of the fish and flora you find in the cool Arctic waters.
It’s a great family activity in Tromsø which everyone will enjoy.
- Opening hours: daily 10 am – 6 pm
- Entrance fees: Adults 210 NOK | Children (to 16 years old) 105 NOK | families (2 adults, 3 children) 535 NOK
12. Ride the Fjellheisen – Tromso Cable Car
Another fun, year-round activity in Tromsø is to ride the cable car; the Fjellheisen.
The Tromsø cable car was built in 1961 and goes up to the mountain ledge known as Storsteinen which sits just below Fløya Mountain.
On a clear day you get the most incredible panoramic views of the islands, fjords mountains and the ocean. Behind you, there’s Fløya and Tromsdalstinden mountains, the latter of which is 1,238m above sea level!
At the cable car there’s a cafe with drinks and snacks and a deck that is ideal for seeing the Northern Lights over Tromso in winter, or enjoying the midnight sun in summer.
- Opening hours: 10 am – midnight, daily. Cable car runs every 30 minutes on the hour and half hour.
- Return Tickets: 340 NOK for adults, 170 NOK for children under 15
- Single trip (up or down): Adults 225 NOK, children 115 NOK
13. Take a fjord cruise in Tromso
Whether you’re visiting Tromsø in the summer or winter, taking a fjord cruise is one of the best things to do.
There are lots of different fjord cruise companies. Some even have saunas on the boat or focus on fishing. Below are some recommended fjord cruise companies in Tromsø.
14. Take a polar plunge
Love a cold dip? It doesn’t get much colder than taking a polar plunge in the Arctic and ice swimming in Tromsø.
There’s a group who regularly take dips in the water at Telgraftbukta but it’s something you can do with your travel partner (I wouldn’t recommend doing it alone unless you’re used to doing this!).
15. Grab a drink at the Magic Ice Bar
In downtown Tromsø, there’s a Magic Ice Bar which is similar to those in other cities.
You walk in, don a fetching warm jacket and cold-weather gear and then head into the ice bar to enjoy Magic Ice Bar’s signature cocktail. There are also some ice sculptures inside!
- Opening hours: Sept – October 31: 4 pm – 9 pm (midnight on Fri + Sat) | May 15 – September 15: 2 pm – 11 pm (midnight on Fri + Sat) | November 1 May 14th: 11 am – 11 pm (midnight on Fri+Sat).
- Entrance fees: 250 NOK
Best things to do in Tromsø in winter
Winter may be dark and cold but it’s also full of fun adventures that you just can’t do in the summer in Tromso! We love winter and these winter activities in Tromsø.
16. See the Northern Lights in Tromso
If you’re planning a trip to Tromsø in winter your chances of seeing the Northern Lights are pretty high!
Because of how far north Tromsø is, you’ve got a pretty good chance of seeing them when the skies are clear between September and March.
While you can see the Northern Lights in the city, your best chance of seeing them is heading out to where it’s even darker.
Make sure you wrap up warm, pack a flask of something hot to drink, and some hand warmers, and look up!
Don’t always expect a display that’s super obvious to the naked eye (although that happens too!). You’re looking for cloudy streaks across the sky that have a slight green tinge, they move differently from any clouds that are in the sky. If you see this, try taking a long exposure shot on a camera and the green colours will be revealed to you.
It’s also completely possible to see the green lights with the naked eye from Tromsø island itself. We’ve seen them both from Prestvannet, a lake in Tromsø, and from Telegraftbukta beach.
Best time to see Northern Lights in Tromsø
The Northern Lights season is from September – March and you can see them any night during those months.
There’s no solid way of forecasting how strong they’re going to be since they’re so unpredictable – but that’s what makes them special!
I’ve been using the Aurora Forecast app and it’s been pretty good so far as a Northern Lights forecast in Tromsø but it doesn’t take into account the weather.
Northern Lights tours in Tromsø
The best way to see the Northern Lights in Tromsø is to take a guided tour. Your guide will provide warm clothes, drinks, and often a campfire too and take you out to wherever the skies are clearest.
Sometimes this means going to the Finnish border too which is a cool experience in itself!
Recommended Northern Lights Tours from Tromsø
- Tromsø: Northern Lights Tour with Free Professional Photos – 4.6/5
- From Tromsø: Aurora Borealis tour – 4.9/5
- Northern Lights Sailing excursion in Tromsø – get out in to truly dark skies! 5/5
- Tromsø: Northern Lights Chase Minibus Tour – 4.7/5
- Tromsø: Reindeer Sled, Dinner, and Northern Lights Day Trip – 4.5/5
17. Go whale watching in Tromsø
Whale watching season in Tromsø runs from November to February and the waters up here are the perfect place to spot orcas as they return to the air every winter.
While you may be able to see them from the land on occasion, the best way to see them is to take a whale-watching tour. Even if you don’t see any whales, you’ll have enjoyed some fantastic scenery along the way!
Recommended whale-watching tour in Tromsø:
- Silent Whale Watching trip from Tromsø – uses an electric + silent engine to cause less disturbance.
- Tromsø: Whale Watching Tour by Hybrid-Electric Catamaran – Electric catamaran means the boat is silent and causes less disturbance to the whales!
18. Go Snowshoeing near Tromsø
If everywhere is covered in snow and you still want to get out, rent some snowshoes and go snowshoeing near Tromsø.
You can go snowshoeing anywhere you’d ordinarily hike and some of the best areas in Tromsø itself are around Varden, or up from the top of the Fjellheisen.
You can also take a snowshoe tour in Tromsø if you’re doing snowshoeing for the first time and not sure where to go!
This snowshoe tour on Kvaloya island takes you up near Brosmetinden and past some beautiful scenery along the way.
19. Experience the Polar Night in Tromsø
From the end of November to January 15, it’s Polar Night Season in Tromsø!
During this time, the sun does not rise at all however there is a subtle twilight light from about 9 AM to 2 PM which can actually be super pretty if it would otherwise be a sunny day.
This is when the city gets super cosy and the Northern Lights are popping (hopefully). If you’re visiting in winter, be prepared for no sunlight but lean into it and embrace the darkness!
20. Go cross-country skiing in Tromsø
Norwegians love their cross-country skis! Every time we walk past someone’s house and their garage door is open you can see a whole rack of skis!
While we’ve yet to try x-country skiing in Tromsø, we’ve enjoyed it many a time while living in Canada! It’s a great way to get around not to mention extremely good exercise too!
There are two types of cross-country skiing: classic, where your heels lift up a little and you do almost a walking motion and skate where your motion is more like ice skating. Skate-skiing is typically faster and more tiring and doesn’t require a set track on the snow.
In Tromsø, there are loads of places you can go x-country skiing. There’s the Vinterløypekart on Tromsøya (the main island of Tromsø); a flood-lit ski trail in Tromsø which stretches from one end of the island to the other, Tromsdalen valley with ski trails for all levels of skiers and plenty more long-distance ski trails nearby.
You can rent cross-country skis from Tromsø Outdoors or take a guided tour on cross-country skis which is great if you’re a beginner!
21. Go dog sledding in Tromso
Another big bucket list item for many people is to go dog sledding! Having done it twice in Canada I can vouch for the fact that it’s extremely fun!
In Tromsø, there are lots of dog sledding tours you can choose from.
This full-day dog sledding adventure in Tromso where you’ll meet the dogs and have the chance to try out being a musher yourself is a great option. You can also do half-day dog sledding experiences in Tromsø if you don’t want to spend the whole day doing it.
On previous times I’ve been dog sledding, you can tell the dogs really love what they get to do and you usually get a few doggie cuddles afterwards.
22. Go downhill skiing in Tromsø
Tromsø Alpinpark is the closest ski area to Tromsø and it’s just 10 minutes from the centre of Tromsø.
There are five slopes of varying difficulty so there’s something for everyone whether you’re just getting started or are more experienced. There’s also a toboggan run at the Alpinpark in Tromsø!
You can rent skis from the Tromsø Alpinpark and there’s also a cafe where you can warm up with a hot drink or get a snack.
And you can also enjoy both the midnight sun and the Northern Lights during one season which is super cool!
- Opening hours: Mon: 6 pm – 8.30 pm | Tues – Fri: 12 pm – 8.30 pm | Weekends: 10 am – 5 pm
- Ski lift price: Adults 370 NOK per day | Children 320 NOK per day
23. Take a snowmobile tour
Tromsø is also the perfect place to experience an exhilerating snowmobile tour.
The snowmobile tours often take you outside of Tromsø to areas with little to no light pollution. So, if you’ve booked an evening snowmobile or one during polar nights, your chances of seeing the Northern Lights are pretty good!
You can also take snowmobile tours during the day time so you can soak up the super impressive views around Tromsø.
Recommended snowmobile tours near Tromsø
- From Tromsø: Daytime Snowmobile Safari at Camp Tamok – 5/5
- Snowmobile Safari in the Lyngen Alps – 4.9/5
- Tromsø: Evening Snowmobile Tour – 4.4/5
24. Experience the Tromso Ice Domes
The Tromsø ice domes are quite far out of Tromsø itself (~95km) but well worth visiting if you’re staying in Tromsø for 5 days or more.
The ice domes are built every year once there’s enough snow and have bedrooms carved into them so you can even stay overnight in the Ice Domes.
Enjoy a snowshoe tour, cook dinner on an open fire and look up to the sky for the northern lights! Such is a unique thing to do in Tromsø.
You can also just go and visit the ice domes for a tour or to see some reindeer!
25. Go on a skiing and sailing trip from Tromsø
For skiers visiting Tromsø in the winter, one of the coolest things to do is to take a sailing and skiing trip.
You’ll head out from Tromsø on a sail boat with a guide and every day explore new mountains and find the best snow before returning to your sailboat for food and drink.
These trips are best done in March and April when you get more daylight and it’s a little bit warmer.
My pick of skiing and sailing companies in Tromsø would be MarineWide which focuses on eco-friendly expeditions, contributing to science and raising awareness of climate-related issues.
26. Go reindeer sledding
Done dog sledding before? How about tying reindeer sledding in Tromsø?
Reindeer have been part of Sami culture for centuries and on a reindeer tour you can learn more about this while enjoying a reindeer sledding ride, Sami food and possibly seeing the Northern Lights.
Recommended reindeer tours in Tromsø
Best things to do in Tromsø in summer
Summer in Tromsø is magical and things open up a bit more. Get outside and enjoy the sunlight!
27. Attend a festival in Tromsø
Tromsø has a lot of festivals, especially during summer. See if your trip to Tromsø lines up with any of the big ones and get your tickets!
Some of the best festivals in Tromsø include Rakketnatt and Buktafestivalen which take place in August and July respectively.
Rakketnatt is a fun music and arts festival in the centre of Tromsø, while Buktafestivalen takes place at Telgraftbukta and has more of a focus on rock music.
28. Run the midnight sun marathon
If you’re someone who’s pretty active and wanted to try running a half-marathon or a marathon then the Tromsø midnight sun marathon should be on your radar!
The Tromsø marathon happens at night so you can run under the midnight sun! It’s the northernmost marathon in the world and takes place annually in June.
You can also run a half-marathon during the Polar Night in January. You could even be running under a sky full of Northern Lights!
29. Experience the midnight sun in Tromsø
From the middle of May to the end of July it’s midnight sun season in Tromsø. During this time the sun never properly sets which means you can adventure in the daylight no matter the time of day!
It’s a unique thing to experience and most locals use this time to get outside and adventure!
You can go mountain biking, hiking or just enjoy some more time exploring.
30. Go hiking in Tromsø
One of the best things to do in Tromsø is to get out of the city and go hiking.
There are so many places to go hiking around Tromsø and they all have spectacular views. Even on a cloudy day, you’ll likely still get some great views.
Besides the Sherpatrappa hike, you could hike up to Tromsdalstinden, hike to Varden or the Skihytta or head to Kvaløya and hike Brosmetinden Mountain or Smørstabben!
31. Visit the husky cafe
In the summer, Tromsø’s main husky sledding company opens its doors and allows you to come to play with the dogs so that they stay socialised.
They call it husky cafe and it’s such a cool idea!
32. Go mountain biking in Tromsø
Another fun outdoor activity in Tromsø is mountain biking. Though you can rent fat bikes for mountain biking in winter, the best time to go mountain biking in Tromsø is in summer.
You can rent mountain bikes from Tromsø outdoors and then get out and hit the trails!
33. Visit the Arctic Botanical Garden
You might not expect there to be a botanical garden in the Arctic but there is!
The Tromsø botanical gardens are the northernmost botanical garden in the world. Though the gardens are open all year round, they’re best from May to October as this is when most of the plants are in bloom.
During this time, the gardens are green and colourful with beautiful flowers and plants from all over the Northern hemisphere. There’s a cute cafe in the gardens for snacks and drinks too.
- Opening hours: Open all day, every day
- Entrance fees: Free
34. Go kayaking in Tromso
Kayaking in Tromsø is the best way to experience the beauty of the fjords and mountains. From the water, you’ll get a whole new perspective.
Taking a kayak tour is high on my list of what to do in Tromsø, especially during the summer months when it’s not quite as cold out there!
Recommended kayaking trips in Tromsø:
35. Take a sailing trip in Tromso
Another fun activity in Tromsø on the water is going sailing. Sailing tours in Tromsø are similar to fjord cruises. However, I personally think it’s much cooler to go out an explore the fjords by sailing boat than on a motor boat.
Recommended sailing trips in Tromsø:
- Tromsø: Arctic Sailing Safari – 4.8/5
- Tromsø fjord cruise by luxury yacht – 4.9/5
- Tromsø: Fjord and Islands Luxury Catamaran Cruise – 4.5/5
Top tips for visiting Tromsø
When it comes to planning your trip to Tromsø, you may find the following travel tips useful for getting around and experiencing the city.
Getting around by bus – Troms billet mobile app
The main island of Tromsø is quite small but there may be times you don’t want to walk from place to place. In this case, the best way to get if you haven’t hired a car, is by bus.
The Troms billet mobile app is a must for visitors and locals in Tromso. It means you can buy your bus ticket in advance without needing to deal with cash. You can also look up bus timetables which is super handy as you’re going from place to place.
Alcohol in Norway
It’s true what they say, Norway is expensive and that’s even more true when it comes to alcohol.
Alcohol is a heavily taxed item and there are a lot of laws and regulations around it.
You can only buy beer and lower alcohol content drinks in supermarkets. If you’re looking for spirits and wines, you’ll need to go to a liquor store. In Tromsø, these are Vinmonopolet which is a state-run shop. They’re pretty expensive and have limited hours
In grocery stores, you cannot buy alcohol after 8 pm on weekdays, or after 6 pm on Saturdays.
On Sundays, you cannot buy alcohol anywhere.
The price of a pint in Norway costs upwards of US$10 so chances are you’re not going to want to drink too much during your visit to Tromsø.
Parking signs in Tromsø
The parking signs in Tromsø are a bit confusing if you’re not used to them! The first line on the sign means the hours you cannot park in, or the hours you must pay to park if you also see the words ‘mot avgift’.
Underneath you may see some times in brackets. These are the times you need to pay to park on Saturdays.
Sundays are normally free to park unless you see the word ‘Søndag’.
The ‘no parking’ sign is a blue circle with a red border and a red line through it diagonally. You cannot park here during the times specified on the
More information on parking can be found here.
Payment is done at machines either with coins, or over the phone.
Stores and Supermarkets are closed on Sundays
Another thing to note is that supermarkets are closed on Sundays. Therefore, if you’re planning to stay in self-catering accommodation, make sure you’ve got food for Sunday!
That being said, there are a couple of stores in Tromsø that are open on a Sunday. Two of these are the Joker stores in Dramsveien and Storgata.
You’ll also find many other stores are closed on Sundays including clothing stores, electronics stores and any sort of service business. The tourist shops in Tromsø typically stay open on Sundays though.
Visiting Tromsø in winter
If you’re visiting Tromsø in winter, there are some extra things to know that’ll help make your trip more enjoyable and they mostly relate to staying warm!
If you’re from somewhere that’s typically considered to have a cold climate e.g. parts of Canada, then much of this won’t be new to you. But if you’re not used to temperatures below zero celsius then listen up!
When it comes to what to pack for Tromsø you’ll need some good winter gear. This means lots of layers! Thermals are a great base layer paired with a smaller fleece sweater, a puffy insulated jacket and then a good winter coat on top. Your winter coat should be waterproof and windproof to help lock in that heat and stop you from getting wet in rain or snow.
You may want to wear thermals under whatever you’re wearing on your bottom half too.
Of course, pack a hat and gloves, good socks and some winter boots. You want your boots to be waterproof so that your feet don’t get wet. There’s not much that’s more miserable than walking around with wet feet!
It can get super slippery on the streets in Tromsø so wearing microspikes is another good idea for your trip. They’re small studs that you can put on the bottom of your shoes which give you extra grip and (hopefully) stop you from taking a tumble.
You can get some in advance if you think they’re something you’ll use again elsewhere, or just rent some from Tromso Outdoors during your stay.
Another good idea is to get some hand warmers. I like to keep one inside my gloves so my hands stay nice and toasty. Foot warmers are also available if you typically get cold feet!
When is the best time to visit Tromso
While Tromsø sees the most tourists in winter since Northern Lights tourism has exploded, summer is also an amazing time to visit Tromso.
It really depends on what you’re hoping to get out of your trip. If you want a chance of seeing the Northern Lights and enjoying a snowy landscape then visit in winter (November – February).
If you want to enjoy the midnight sun, go camping, hiking and kayaking in Tromsø then visit in summer (June-August).
Where to eat in Tromso
As mentioned above, there are loads of great restaurants in Tromsø. They are expensive though since you’re still in Norway after all!
Some of the best places to eat are which won’t completely break the bank are:
- Bardus Bistro: A fun bistro with a downstairs bar. They have a great menu with Norwegian ingredients and it’s plated beautifully
- Full Steam: For Northern Norway specialities and there’s also a museum with an interesting history of fishing
- Fiskekompaniet: For fish fishes
- Mathallen and Smak: for delicious, high-end food.
Best bars in Tromsø – Where to drink in Tromsø
As a university city and tourist city, there are quite a few places to go out in Tromsø.
There’s Øhallen brewpub which is the oldest pub in Tromsø having opened in 1877. There’s Bardus Bar and Huken which are both super cosy places for a casual drink with friends.
There are plenty more options for wine too including Agenturet (which also does beer), Helmersen which is a deli too so you can enjoy charcuterie boards alongside your wine, and Vinsmak.
If you like beer, be sure to head to Bryggeri 13 which is a microbrewery in Tromsø with plenty of beers on tap.
It’s also a shared space with a wine bar next door so you can get cocktails and wine as well as beer.
Storgata Camping is a great place to hang out with friends while enjoying mini golf, shuffleboard and karaoke. It’s a huge space that also serves pizza and there are loads of couches and tables.
There’s also the Raketten, which is Norway’s smallest bar. You’ve probably walked past here while wandering around Tromsø; it’s the small yellow kiosk in the town square.
It’s been open since 1911 and is a super popular place which serves drinks, hot dogs (including a reindeer hot dog) and has a fire pit there.
Best Hotels in Tromsø – Where to stay in Tromsø
We got married in Tromsø and spent quite a while researching places for our friends and family to stay for the weekend of our wedding.
The places we picked out as the best accommodation in Tromsø are:
- Blu Radisson Hotel: Where we stayed for a few nights. Right near the water with great views
- Smarthotel Tromsø: We’re fans of Smart hotel for budget-friendly prices and everything you need for your trip. We’ve stayed at the one in Oslo twice now and one of our friends stayed here. It’s one of the better options for cheap hotels in Tromso.
- Thon Hotels: There are two Thon hotels in Tromso, the Thon Hotel Polar and Thon Hotel Tromsø.
- Clarion Hotels: Again, there are two of these. The Clarion Hotel The Edge is right on the water and has a sky bar, while Clarion Collection Hotel Aurora has a rooftop hot tub and the building is pretty!
- Scandic Ishavshotel: Picturesque location with great views of the sea from some rooms.
Camping in Tromsø
If you’re visiting Tromsø in summer a great way to save money in Norway is to camp for your accommodation. You can either bring camping gear with you or rent it from Tromsø outdoors.
Then, you can camp anywhere you want in Tromsø as long as it’s not on privately owned land (e.g. someone’s garden unless you have permission).
Remember to pack away everything you take with you and leave the area better than you found it. Don’t make a lot of noise and cause disturbance either.
Best day trips from Tromsø
One of the best things about Tromsø and what drew us to stay here during our year of travel was that it’s super close to so many beautiful places where we can do the outdoor adventures we love.
If you’re staying in Tromsø for more than 3 days you should spend at least one day getting out of Tromsø and exploring further afield.
You can get to all of the below destinations as a day trip and they’re accessible by bus. However, having a car does make things easier.
Senja
Senja is a beautiful part of Northern Norway that’s about a 3-hour drive away.
While there are many beautiful hikes and areas to explore in the Senja region, the best thing to do in Senja is to explore the Senja Scenic Route.
Read more: Best things to do in Senja
Lyngen
The Lyngen Alps are another beautiful destination near Tromsø. To experience this area I’d definitely recommend staying at least one night.
There are so many hikes to beautiful lakes like the ones you get in Canada including Blåisvatnet (Blue Lake) which is one of the most popular hikes in Lyngen.
Sommarøy
If beaches are your thing then head to Sommarøy. Not only do you get white sand beaches but there’s gorgeous turquoise water too.
The Ørnfløya hike is the main one to experience in Sommarøoy. It’s a short hike with super pretty views of the water, islands and bridges below.
Read more: Best things to do in Sommarøy.
Kvaløya
Kvaløya is the island right next to Tromsø and is easily doable as a day trip. There are some awesome hikes around here like Brosmetinden and there’s the beautiful Grøtfjord beach which is where we’re getting married!
Make sure to stop off at Ersfjorden on the way there or back and visit Bryggejentene. It’s a very pretty cafe-shop which does great pastries, coffee and light lunches. You can sit out on their deck with views over the water, or grab an inside table with equally pretty views.
They stock some super cute household decor items too and I couldn’t resist a little ceramic mug!
FAQs about Tromso Norway in winter
What to do in Tromso Norway?
There are so many things to do in Norway but my favourites are to hike the Sherpatrappa, grab a beer in a microbrewery in town and visit the Troll Museum!
Final thoughts on the best things to do in Tromso Norway
When it comes to what to do in Tromso you’re spoilt for choice, especially if you love the outdoors. The city in the north holds festivals and sporting events all year round and there are so many delicious restaurants and great bars and pubs to check out.
I highly recommend walking up the Sherpatrappa or taking the Fkellheisen cable car in Tromso to the top for amazing views of the city, visiting one of the breweries, and exploring the pretty old town.
Last Updated on August 9, 2024 by Hannah
Hannah started That Adventurer after graduating back in 2013 and has documented all of her adventures since then. From backpacking South America to city breaks in Europe, a 3 month road trip across the USA in a self-converted van and 6 years living in Canada, you’ll find posts on all of this.
Hannah specialises in active travel and on That Adventurer you’ll find hiking, walking, biking, skiing and all sorts of active travel guides to allow you to see a destination in an adventurous way.
Now back in Europe, you’ll find new guides as Hannah and her husband spend the next year ‘digital nomading’ from Norway to Portugal, Switzerland to Scotland and places in between.
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