Are you looking to visit Tromsø in Winter? In this guide, I will detail the best things to do in Tromsø during winter, from northern lights tours to whale watching and everything in between.
Below are some of the top tours, hotels, and more! Donʻt forget to plan ahead when visiting Tromsø and nearby! 🇳🇴 Top activities and tours in Tromsø: 🛌 Top places to stay in Tromsø: 🚗 Visiting Tromsø independently? Be sure to book your Tromsø rental car ahead of time to ensure availability!
Tromsø is unparalleled in the European Arctic region when it comes to things to do in winter. Located on the coast, it gives you a far wider range of activities compared to the big destinations in Finnish Lapland and Northern Sweden.
For this reason, when I am not in Rovaniemi, you can generally find me in Tromsø, walking through the quaint streets and breathing in the fresh sea air.
Part of the reason I love the city is that it is nearly impossible to be bored, especially during winter, when the night skies are alive with aurora and the daytime can be filled with snow-filled fun.
I still remember my first trip to the city; I was instantly mesmerized by it. Arriving during the depth of polar night, I did as much as I could, unsure if I would ever return. Thankfully, life took me back to Northern Norway and Tromsø.
In this guide, I have listed the best things to do in Tromsø in winter. If you think I have forgotten any Tromsø winter activities, leave a comment below.
Best Things To Do in Tromsø in Winter
1. Chase the Northern Lights
Tromsø holds a special place in my heart when it comes to seeing the northern lights. On my first visit to the city, I was greeted by one of the strongest displays I have seen, with vibrant greens dancing and streaking across the sky, fully visible to the naked eye.
However, seeing the aurora from the city is not always common, and therefore, it is best to head away from the bright lights and into the Arctic wilderness to see them.
I always recommend people take an aurora tour, especially if it is their first time trying to find them, or if you do not plan on renting a car.
For first-time visitors to the Arctic, knowing how to spot the aurora can be a little challenging and a guide will help you understand what to look out for. The aurora does not always appear green to the naked eye!
I suggest booking a tour with Arctic GM, who offer an 8-hour, small-group northern lights tour with guarantee that takes you into the wilds of the north to try and find the lights.
Unlike many of the other companies, they don’t go to set places but rather head to the areas where there will be clear sky, which drastically increases your chances of seeing the northern lights.
Aurora hunts tend to run very late into the night, so be prepared to feel tired the next day. Arctic GM will provide you with thermal suits to keep warm, which go over your regular clothes and are advisable no matter how confident you are in your own gear!
This tour also offers a guarantee, which essentially means that if there is bad weather on the day of your tour, you can opt to cancel it, reschedule it, or take the risk of going and hope you find clear skies.
2. Spend a Day Whale Watching
Each year between November and January, the waters close to Tromsø become home to whales looking to feast on shoals of herring that have migrated south from the Barents Sea. To see the whales, you will need to head out on a bucket list whale watching excursion.
My favorite whale watching company is Brim Explorer. They are one of the more ethical whale watching companies and use environmentally conscious boats that are specifically designed for whale watching.
Whale watching tends to be a very long day; the tour itself is 9 hours! Once on board, you will depart Tromsø and head north to Skervoy, where the whales tend to hang out these days. If you are lucky, you will see plenty of activity, but as always with nature, nothing can be guaranteed.
The tour does not include food! There is a cafeteria on the boat where you can buy hot drinks, but I suggest packing a lunch and plenty of snacks.
3. Learn About Sámi Culture at a Reindeer Farm
Reindeer in mainland Europe are nearly all semi-domesticated, and in Norway, they are nearly all owned and herded by the Sámi. The Sámi are the indigenous people of Northern Europe, living across Norway, Sweden, Finland, and into Russia.
I always recommend people learn as much as they can about the Sámi when they visit Tromsø (and the rest of the Arctic). The best way to do it in Tromsø is via a Sámi cultural experience where you also get to feed and hang out with reindeer!
You can choose between taking this tour during the day or in the evening. The advantage of the evening tour is that it gives you another chance to see the aurora, but surrounded by hundreds of reindeer.
On the tour, you will head out to the farm where you will have the chance to feed the reindeer by hand. After feeding the reindeer, you will head inside to warm up and enjoy some bidos, a traditional Sámi stew made from reindeer meat and root vegetables.
As you eat, you will learn all about the history of the Sámi, reindeer herding and listen to a traditional joik. If the northern lights happen to make an appearance, you will be taken outside to view them, but it is not guaranteed that they will appear!
4. Feel the Heat (and the Cold) at Pust
My favorite place to relax in Tromso is Pust Sauna at the Tromsø harbor. The second best thing about Pust is that it gives you the perfect opportunity to experience a true polar plunge.
Pust consists of three different sauna types that all surround a roped-off section of the harbor where you can cool off after the heat of the sauna.
Getting in the water can be a daunting prospect, and simply standing out in the cold may feel enough, but I really recommend getting in the water as it’s a feeling you will not be able to easily recreate back home!
Sauna packages can be booked for an hour or two hours. If you are travelling with a larger group, you can also choose to book an entire sauna for your private group.
Given the relaxing nature of a sauna, I would personally opt to do it in the evening after a more adventurous daytime activity.
The sauna is open every day of the year from 6 am to 11 pm I recommend booking your slot in advance via the website to avoid disappointment, as the sauna is popular with both tourists and locals!
Address: Sjøgata 41, 9008 Tromsø
5. Have the Ride of Your Life While Dog Sledding
One of my favorite activities in the Arctic is dog sledding. The joy of racing through the snowy landscapes with a team of dogs is magical.
If you are planning to go on an amazing dog sledding tour, it should be one of the first things you book. There are a very limited number of husky farms around Tromsø, and they sell out quickly!
There are two types of dog sledding tours you can choose between: a self-drive experience or one where you are just a passenger. I would always opt for the self-drive option as you truly immerse yourself in the experience.
Luckily, dog sledding is very beginner-friendly, and the dogs tend to know where they are going, so you are not required to give them too many instructions!
However, dog sledding is hard work and you will be required to help the dogs go up little hills by running and pushing the sleigh, so it is a bit more physical than it may look in pictures!
6. Experience Live Art at Blåst Glass Blowing Studio
One of the coolest little places I have discovered in Tromsø is Blåst Glass Blowing Studio. It is the world’s northernmost glass-blowing studio, where you can watch the artists create incredible glassware.
You can watch the glass blowing for free, and the artists will happily chat as they work through the process, explaining all the steps as they go along. At the front of the studio is a shop, where you can purchase the glassware.
They even offer a delivery service, where you can have your purchased items securely sent to your home without having to risk taking them in your luggage!
If you are looking for a truly unique souvenir from Tromsø, you can even work with artists to design your own custom piece. The studio is open from Monday – Saturday (10 am – 5 pm on weekdays and until 4 pm on Saturdays) and is free to visit.
Address: Strandvegen 6, 9007 Tromsø
7. Get a Hot Dog From Raketten Bar & Pølse
Raketten Bar & Pølse is hands down my favorite place in Tromsø. Located in the middle of Storgata (Storgata 94B to be exact), the historic Kiosk opened in 1911, where it has acted as a meeting spot for the locals ever since.
However, the majority of people come here as they, in my humble opinion, serve the best hot dogs in Tromsø (possibly even the world).
You can choose between two hot dogs, a reindeer and beef one, or a pork and beef mixture, and then select your desired toppings. However, I suggest going with their recommended toppings. The hot dogs are surprisingly filling and make for the perfect affordable lunch.
During the high season, the queue can be rather long, but in my opinion, very worth it! Raketten Bar & Pølse is open daily from 12 pm – 7 pm.
8. Take in the Views on a Fjord Cruise
Norway is famous for its fjord system that stretches the entirety of its coast, creating one of the most stunning coastlines in the world. Tromsø sits right on the fjords and is the perfect place to board a ship to explore them and the abundant wildlife that calls the region home.
The best way and only of experience the fjords is on a peaceful fjord tour, especially if you are visiting Tromsø outside of the whale watching season. During the tour, you will cruise through the fjords, taking in the scenery, keeping an eye out for eagles, seals, whales, and reindeer feeding on the coasts.
One of the unique things about the tour I recommend is that you will also get to try fishing for your lunch, right off the side of the boat. The fjords are teeming with cod and red fish, so catching a fish is not usually an issue!
The fish will be used to make a traditional Norwegian fish soup (vegetarian and vegan options available on request), which will be served up for lunch.
The tour lasts for around 5 hours and is the perfect way to spend a chilled-out day after a night of hunting the northern lights. If you are visiting the city between October and January, I would opt to do a whale watching tour instead of this tour.
9. Devour a Burger at Burgr
One of my favorite places to eat in Tromsø is Burgr, a cool little burger joint with a retro gaming aesthetic. The inner nerd in me finds this place very cool. The walls are adorned with old-school game covers that you can’t help but scan to find the ones you played as a child.
There is also a retro gaming machine where you can play some games while you wait for your food. As an added benefit, Burgr is definitely one of Tromsø’s more budget-friendly spots.
Located at Skippergata 6A, Burgr is open every day during the week, 3-9 pm on weekdays and 12-9 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. They do not take reservations, so seating is first-come, first-served.
Alternatively, they have a second smash burger restaurant at Jekta Storsenter, a mall close to the airport.
10. Power Through the Snow on a Snowmobile
Snowmobiling is fun. There is no other way to say it. Speeding through the arctic wilderness, you can power your way through to areas that are otherwise challenging to reach.
To go snowmobiling, I recommend taking an exhilarating snowmobile tour with Camp Troll. On this 6.5-hour excursion, you will be taken out of the city and into the Lyngen Alps, where you will meet your guide.
After getting kitted out in snowsuits, boots and helmets you will be given a brief tutorial on how to drive a snowmobile before heading out into the wilderness.
Snowmobiles tend to follow the rule that you will go as fast as the slowest driver, so the distances and speed you travel will really depend on who is in your group.
After you return to the base camp, you will sit around a fire to warm up and enjoy a hot lunch, before returning back to the city.
There are two options for this tour, one with transfers to and from Tromsø and one without. Make sure you book one with transfers if you do not have access to a car during your trip.
11. Soak in Panoramic Views on the Fjellheisen Cable Car
One of the most famous things to do in Tromsø is to take a trip up the Fjellheisen Cable Car to experience the best views over the city and surrounding areas. From the base station, you will ascend 421m (1,381 ft) to the top of the mountain in around four minutes.
At the top, there is a cafe, where you can get light meals and drinks, and a viewing platform where you can take in the breathtaking views. During the day, you can use the top as a launch pad for hikes with or without snowshoes!
As darkness falls, the area is perfect for hopefully catching a glimpse of the northern lights. One of the advantages of being higher up is that there are low-lying clouds; you will be transported above them to witness auroras that those below can not see.
The cable car operates daily from 10 am to midnight, while the cafe closes at 11 pm. There is also an option to book a dedicated Fjellheisen cable car tour, which includes pick up and drop off in Tromsø city center, cable car tickets, and a hot drink and waffle in the cafe at the top.
12. Marvel at the Arctic Cathedral
The Arctic Cathedral, also known as the Tromsdalen Church, is one of the most notable buildings in Tromsø. Its unique architectural design and fantastic stained-glass images are well worth checking out when spending a day exploring the city.
In the evening, there are occasional concerts in the church, with Norwegian and international acts putting on shows within the church. The church is open every day until 5 pm; however, as it is a working church, it can be sporadically closed for weddings, funerals, and other religious events.
The cathedral is located on the other side of the fjord at Hans Nilsens veg 41, so you will need to walk over the bridge to get there. I suggest combining your visit with taking the Fjellheisen cable car as they are located more or less next to each other.
Once you arrive at the church, you will need to pay an 80NOK ($7.60) entrance fee, unless you plan to attend a service, which is free to do so.
Payment for the church will need to be done in cash or with Vipps (which is only available for Norwegians); this is also the only way to pay for concerts.
The general opening hours to visit the church change throughout the season, so it is best to check their website before visiting for the most up-to-date hours.
13. Go With the Flow While Arctic Floating
One of the more novel things to do in Tromsø during winter is Arctic floating. To go Arctic Floating, you will need to book a spot on a tour, with options available in the city or further afield.
I recommend going Arctic floating in the center of Tromsø, as it’s the perfect way to burn a few hours between tours or to relax during a down day in the city!
After putting a survival suit on, jump into the frigid waters of the Tromsø Fjord and simply float. You will spend around an hour floating in the water, although you can opt to get out earlier if you have had enough.
During certain points of winter, when it’s exceptionally cold, there might even be thin layers of ice covering the water. From the harbor edge, you can add a little thrill to your experience by jumping in, crashing through any ice that might be there!
Thankfully, the suits are designed to keep you buoyant and able to survive in the water, warm and mostly dry for up to 12 hours!
During the polar night, if you book the 7.30 pm slot, you might be lucky enough to be floating while the northern lights dance above.
14. Visit the Tromsø Cathedral
The center of Tromsø is dominated by a large wooden cathedral. The Tromsø Cathedral is the only protestant cathedral built out of wood in Norway and is the northernmost protestant cathedral in the world.
To visit the church, you will need to check the opening hours on their website, which change day by day. On the days it is open to visitor, it is free to enter. As a working church, the hours can change last minute for weddings and funerals.
The biggest draw to the cathedral is the midnight concerts. Each night at 11 pm (doors open at 10.30 pm), the church hosts half-hour concerts that celebrate music from the Arctic with numerous musicians performing each night.
The midnight concerts are hugely popular, and while tickets can be bought directly from the church (Kirkegata 7), you can also book concert tickets online before your visit.
15. Immerse Yourself in Norse Mythology at the Troll Museum
Norse mythology is full of stories about trolls. These solitary beings were believed to live in the wildest areas of the country, away from humanity, amongst the rocky mountains and into the sea.
If you are interested to learn more about these mythical creatures, look no further than The Troll Museum!
Spread across two exhibition rooms, you will learn all about the different types of trolls, from those in Norse myths to more commonly known trolls in fairy tales.
To accompany the more traditional exhibits of handcrafted trolls, artworks, and examples of trolls in literature, the museum has an augmented reality (AR) system that brings the trolls alive. Using AR, you can interact with certain exhibits, bringing parts of the display to life or adding additional elements to tell a story.
Once you are done with the main exhibition areas, you can opt to play some troll-themed games or sit with a hot drink in the reading room surrounded by books about trolls.
The museum is located at Kaigata 3, and is open every day from 9 am to 6 pm. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance.
16. Dine at Art Cafe Bistro
The Tromsø food scene is awesome. While there are plenty of great places to eat, my favorite is Art Cafe Bistro. They serve up delectable homemade food that is made with love and care.
The reason I loved this restaurant so much was their amazing seafood soup, which might be one of the best I have had in the world. If fish soup is not your cup of tea, the menu has other options along with the chance to try reindeer.
The aesthetic of the restaurant is also very charming, with the walls decorated with hand-drawn pictures of Arctic wildlife that really emphasize the cozy atmosphere.
Located at Richards Withs Plass 2, they are open Tuesday-Sunday between 12 pm and 9 pm, the kitchen, however, closes at 8 pm. If you are not looking for a dinner spot, then I recommend stopping by to escape the winter cold and having a coffee and a slice of cake!
17. Grab a Coffee at Smørtorget
There are a few things better to do in Scandinavia than enjoy the famous coffee scene. My favorite cafe and hangout in Tromsø is Smørtorget, a charming little cafe in the center of the city. Smørtorget has a cool retro vibe and is a hub for art, design, and upcycling.
I love coming here for a coffee or tea to relax and warm up before heading back out into the city. They also have a lunch menu and a superb selection of cakes.
Within the cafe, there is also a small secondhand shop where you can pick up cool vintage items. As it is a creative space too, there are often art exhibitions within the cafe or small concerts. Smørtorget is located at Fredrik Langes Gate 9, and open Monday – Sunday throughout the day.
18. Get to Grips With the History of the Arctic at the Polar Museum
The Polar Museum (or Polarmuseet) is the best place to learn about the history of Tromsø and the Arctic. Through several permanent displays, the museum will guide you through the human history of the region from the first seasonal visitors who came to hunt and fish in the region up until the modern day.
Given Tromsø’s important role as the starting point for arctic expeditions throughout history, there are dedicated exhibits to those explorers who explored the lands and seas once thought to be inaccessible, including Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen.
Along with the permanent exhibits, there are a few temporary displays that showcase various things, such as Sámi artwork.
At the entrance, you can pick up a free to use museum guide that is available in a number of languages. I recommend doing this as it is the only way to really understand what you are seeing throughout the museum.
The museum is located at Søndre Tollbodgate 11B by the harbor, and open daily from 11 am to 5 pm.
19. Drink a Local Beer at Mack
The Tromsø beer scene is dominated by Mack, which claims to be the world’s northernmost brewery. This title is somewhat disputed by the Svalbard brewery, which stole their crown in 2015.
While it may no longer be the most northern brewery, they do have the Ølhallen, which is Tromsø’s oldest pub.
With 72 beers on tap, including a full suite of Mack beers and a rotating selection of beers from around Norway. I suggest getting a flight of beer so you can try five different beers.
There are also daily drop-in guided tours of the brewery at 3.30 pm on weekdays and 2.30 pm on Saturdays. On the tour, you can learn all about the history of the brewery, how the beer is made, and most importantly, enjoy a beer tasting at the end.
20. Strap on Some Snowshoes
I love snowshoeing as it allows you to escape from the trodden walking paths in the forest and nature around Tromsø and really immerse yourself in nature. In the areas surrounding the city, there are plenty of great places to go snowshoeing, including from the top of the Fjellheisen cable car.
If you have been snowshoeing before, I recommend renting a pair from Tromsø Ski and Bike Rental. For about 340 NOK (34$, 30€) you can rent snowshoes and poles and head out into the nature around the city. I suggest renting them when you plan to visit Fjellheisen and exploring the area on top of the mountain.
Alternatively, if you have never been snowshoeing or do not feel comfortable exploring the area without a guide, then I recommend taking an awesome guided snowshoeing tour. On the tour, you will be provided with everything you need for a fun day out snowshoeing in the nature around the city.
While snowshoeing may look easy, if you have never been before, it can be a little challenging, and you may not fully enjoy it without guidance on the basic techniques. The tour lasts for about four hours and includes a light lunch.
21. Volunteer With Rissa Citizen Science
There is no denying that tourism takes a lot from a city and the surrounding nature. You may see on northern lights tours fires being built in the wild, while beautiful at the time, they leave their mark.
Thankfully, there is a way you can give back through citizen science! I regularly volunteer with Rissa Citizen Science, who offer a range of activities that encourage regenerative tourism.
In late winter, you can join the Kittiwalkers, who walk around the city to count the number of kittiwakes, an endangered bird in Norway, that are starting to build their nests in the cities.
Alternatively, head into nature with the team at Rissa to maintain the tit nest boxes. On their website, you can find a list of projects, which you can dedicate some of your vacation time to supporting.
Tromsø in Winter FAQ
When is Winter in Tromsø?
Wintery conditions typically arrive in November, although these days, nothing can be guaranteed. While the temperatures drop, there is no guarantee of snow in early winter. However, by mid-December, there is generally enough snow on the ground to do all the main activities.
The snow in the Arctic generally remains until April, but the conditions get icier as spring approaches and the snow melts during the day and refreezes at night. As the planet warms, these weather patterns are getting harder to predict.
How Cold is Winter in Tromsø?
Given Tromsø’s location on the coast, the weather is drastically different from more inland areas. The sea around the city does not freeze, and warm winds rush in from the ocean, keeping the temperatures from dropping. Below, I have broken down the temperatures per month:
November – average high: 2.1°C ( 35.8°F), average low: -1.9°C (28.6°F)
December – average high: 0.3°C (32.5°F), average low: -3.9°C (25°F)
January – average high: -1°C (30.2°F), average low: -5.3°C (22.5°F)
February – average high: -1.2°C (29.8°F), average low: -5.6°C (21.9°F)
March – average high: 0.6°C (33.1°F), average low -4.4°C (24.1°F)
These temperatures are for the city itself; as you head more inland to enjoy the various activities on offer, the temperatures will plummet. It is important to consider this while packing.
How Dark is Winter in Tromsø?
Tromsø is located 350 km (217.5 mi) above the Arctic Circle, so it does experience polar nights where the sun does not rise above the horizon. Polar night in Tromsø begins at the end of November and lasts until the middle of January; during this period, you will not see the sun, but it will not be dark all day.
Instead, you will see light emanating from the horizon during the middle of the day for a few hours. Towards the end of winter, the light situation changes quickly, and by the end of March, the days are already fairly long. If you struggle without sunlight, I suggest planning a trip later in the winter.
Do I Need to Book Tours in Advance?
Yes! Tromsø, in recent years, has seen a huge influx in the number of Airbnb rentals available in the city. While this makes finding accommodation easy, the number of tourists outstrips the number of places available on tours.
Many people have recently visited the city, thinking they would easily be able to get on to tours to discover that there is nothing available during their entire stay. I would recommend booking everything far in advance to avoid disappointment.
What to Pack for Tromsø in Winter
There are a few items that I recommend taking with you on your trip to Tromsø in winter!
Electronic hand warmers – I love rechargeable hand warmers; they can be set to different heat levels and charge quickly overnight when you do not need them. Make sure to pack these in your carry-on baggage, however.
Spikes – The walkways and paths can be pretty slippery, especially towards the end of winter.
Headlamp – During the middle of winter, it can get pretty dark, so I suggest bringing a headlamp with you or a flashlight if you plan to explore areas outside of the city!
Tripod and remote – If you are planning to photograph the northern lights, you will want to bring a tripod and a remote for your camera or phone!
What to Wear During Winter in Tromsø
While the temperatures in Tromsø may not seem too cold, I suggest investing in the best possible clothing! I recommend investing in the following clothing items:
Long Parka – A parka is essential as it will protect you from the wind and keep you well-insulated. Ideally, you will want your park to be relatively long to give you as much protection as possible.
Wool Sweater – Nothing will keep you as warm as a thick wool sweater. I own several Devold sweaters that are great at keeping you warm!
Wool base layers – Layering will be your friend. I recommend buying merino wool base layers to keep the cold out!
Gloves – I suggest purchasing a decent pair of gloves, as there is nothing worse than getting cold hands. I use Valleret photography gloves designed for use in the Arctic.
Reflector Vest – It is dark, and if you are planning to walk around, especially away from the city, I recommend wearing a reflector vest or straps that help cars spot you during the polar night.
Where to Stay in Tromsø in Winter
There are plenty of places to stay in Tromsø, and I have selected three options for differing price ranges.
For budget accommodation, it is important to note that in general, Norway is a very expensive country, and therefore, the prices for budget accommodation might still seem high!
High-end – Clarion Hotel The Edge – located right by the harbor, this stunning hotel is one of the best in the city. The rooms are comfortable, and those on higher floors have stunning views over the city and the Fjord. My personal favorite thing about this hotel was the breakfast!
Mid-range – Comfort Hotel Xpress Tromsø – An eco-friendly hotel directly in the city center. The rooms are cozy and provide a good night’s sleep. Breakfast items and snacks can be purchased from the lobby throughout the day.
Budget – Tromsø Coco Apartments – Offering a range of rooms from private to mixed dorms, the hostel is located in downtown Tromsø. There are large shared communal areas and a shared kitchen, where you can cook in the evenings.
I hope you enjoyed reading my best things to do in Tromsø in winter guide! If you have any questions or feel that I have missed something, please leave it in the comments below!