Tromsø Travel Guide: Complete Winter and Summer Guide

Tromsø is Norway's largest city north of the Arctic Circle and, by most measures, the world's most visited Arctic destination. In winter it draws aurora photographers, whale watchers, and northern lights tourists. In summer it is a midnight sun city with hiking, kayaking, and a vibrant outdoor culture. This guide covers both seasons with the practical detail that most travel content skips.

Getting to Tromsø

Tromsø Airport (TOS) has direct international connections from London Gatwick (Norwegian), Amsterdam Schiphol (KLM), Frankfurt (Lufthansa), and Copenhagen (SAS). Domestic connections from Oslo Gardermoen run multiple times daily via SAS, Norwegian, and Widerøe. Flying time from London: 3 hours. From Oslo: 2 hours.

The airport is on Tromsøya island, 5km from the city centre. Airport buses (Flybussen) run every 15-20 minutes and cost approximately NOK 100 (€9). Taxis cost NOK 250-350 (€22-30). Most city hotels are within walking distance of the main bus stop.

Getting Around Tromsø

The city centre is small and walkable — most of the main attractions, restaurants, and hotels are within a 1km radius of the main harbour. City buses cover the rest of the island. A car is not needed for city exploration but is strongly recommended for self-drive aurora hunting, which requires exiting the island via the bridge.

What to Do in Tromsø in Winter

Northern lights

Aurora hunting is the primary reason most visitors come to Tromsø in winter. Guided tours (€85-130/person), photography tours (€150-250/person), and self-drive options are all available. The season runs from late September to late March. See our separate Tromsø Northern Lights Guide for the full detail.

Fjellheisen cable car

The Fjellheisen gondola takes you 421m above the city in 3 minutes, with panoramic views across the island, the fjord, and the surrounding mountains. In winter it operates in darkness, giving views of the city lights below and — when conditions are right — the aurora above. In summer the midnight sun from the top is extraordinary. Cost: approximately NOK 280 (€25) return. Operates year-round, weather permitting.

Arctic Cathedral (Ishavskatedralen)

Tromsø's most distinctive building — aluminium-clad triangular architecture that resembles a glacier crevasse or a traditional tent. It is a functioning church and open to visitors. The stained glass window (the largest in Scandinavia) is best seen in daylight. Evening concerts are held regularly in winter — check the schedule when you arrive. Entry: approximately NOK 60 (€5.50).

Dog sledding

Multiple operators run kennels 20-40km from Tromsø with half-day and full-day sled experiences. A 2-hour drive-your-own-sled tour costs €150-250. One of the most memorable Arctic activities available from the city. Book ahead in peak season.

Whale watching (November-January)

Orcas and humpbacks in the fjords during the winter herring migration. Boat tours from the harbour, 4-7 hours, €80-150 per person. High sighting rates in peak season. See our Whale Watching Norway guide for detail.

Polaria Museum

A good Arctic nature museum, well suited for 2 hours of exploration during the daytime twilight window. Has an aquarium with bearded seals and an exhibition on the history and ecology of the Arctic Ocean. Entry: approximately NOK 175 (€16). Worth it for context on what you are experiencing in the landscape around you.

What to Do in Tromsø in Summer

Midnight Sun Marathon (June): An internationally known marathon race that starts at midnight in full daylight. Watching or participating is a unique experience.
Sea kayaking: The calm fjords around Tromsø in summer are excellent for kayaking. Multiple operators offer half-day and full-day tours.
Hiking: The island of Tromsøya and the surrounding mountains have extensive marked trails. The walk up to Fjellheisen on foot (rather than by gondola) takes approximately 2 hours and provides panoramic views.
Midnight sun viewing (May-July): The sun does not set from approximately 20 May to 22 July. The Fjellheisen plateau at midnight, in full golden light, is the most accessible viewpoint.

Where to Eat in Tromsø

Tromsø has a surprisingly good restaurant scene for its size. Seafood is the focus — the Arctic waters produce exceptional quality cod, king crab, halibut, and salmon.

Arctandria: Tromsø's most famous seafood restaurant, specialising in stockfish (dried cod) and traditional Norwegian Arctic recipes. Expensive but genuinely good.
Emmas Drømmekjøkken: Excellent mid-range restaurant with a changing seasonal menu. Arctic ingredients cooked with technique. One of the best value fine-dining options in the city.
Bardus Bistro: Casual, good food, reasonable prices by Tromsø standards. Popular with locals.
Rema 1000 / Kiwi: For self-catering, these supermarket chains have good quality and the lowest food prices in the city.

Practical Information

Currency: Norwegian Krone (NOK). Cards accepted everywhere; cash is rarely needed.
Language: Norwegian, but English is spoken fluently by virtually everyone in the tourism industry.
Mobile coverage: Excellent in the city; variable in the surrounding fjords and mountains. Download offline maps before driving out.
Pharmacies: Apotek 1 on Storgata in the city centre. Prescription medications require a Norwegian or EU prescription.
Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated — 10% in restaurants is standard.