Best Things to Do in Tromsø in Winter: Your Guide To The Arctic Capital
I went to Tromsø expecting icy landscapes and auroras – I left with memories of warmth, whales, and a city that feels unlike anywhere else in Europe. If you’re planning a trip to Northern Norway, this guide covers the best things to do in Tromsø, from Arctic adventures to cosy city highlights.
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Is Tromso Worth Visiting
Perfect for … ❄️ Arctic adventures • 🌌 Northern Lights & winter magic • 🏔️ Fjords & mountain views • 🐋 Ethical wildlife encounters • ☕ Cosy cafés & Nordic charm
I’d wanted to visit Tromso since childhood. The strange name, the striking triangle-shaped cathedral and the remote arctic location definitely had something to do with it. Previous trips to Norway had been a blast, so it seemed inevitable that I would eventually make it to Tromso.
When I checked out flight prices and found I could get to Tromso for less than £100 return from the UK, I booked. I expected to go on my own, but my husband, Martin and my eldest son wanted to join me. So here’s our account of what we found and our best things to do in Tromso. We were not disappointed.
Before you go
Here are a few tips to kickstart your trip.
Things to Do in Tromsø
For me, seeing the Northern Lights and whale watching were my two ‘must-do’ activities. With both of these, nature will ultimately decide on how much you say, but Tromso is a city where your success rate is as good as almost anywhere. And the good news is there’s a lot more to do in this beautiful small city, so if you’re not so lucky, you can still enjoy yourself.
Northern Lights Tour in Tromsø (Big Bus Option)
It’s possible to look up at the winter night sky over Tromsø and see the northern lights without going into the Arctic wilderness to find them. But it’s not the same! If you’ve made it all the way to Tromsø, you absolutely should go with an expert who can find the lights for you, help you take pictures, or better still, take professional ones for you. Plus, they’ll make sure you are safe and protected from the elements.
➡️ I took this exact tour: Northern Lights Big Bus Chase, and it turned out to be the best decision we made on the trip.
So here’s the detail, and why this particular tour turned out to be such a good choice.
I’ll be honest, I picked a trip on a big bus rather than a little minibus because it was considerably cheaper, but the reviews were great, so why not? Once on the bus, there were no early regrets. The benefits were immediate. A big, warm coach with a little more space than a minibus. There are other practicalities to consider, too. We were out for several hours, and knowing there was a working toilet onboard was quietly reassuring. We found the smaller minibuses gathered in the same places as our big bus, so the ‘lights’ experience was comparable. I don’t know if that would be the case every night, but that’s how we found it on our visit.
With no guarantee of seeing the lights, I picked an established company with a great reputation and one that would let us go on multiple nights, if we were unlucky on the first night. As it was, we had exceptional good luck and once was enough. I’d recommend booking this trip on the first night of your trip so you can take the option for multiple nights should you need them.
The pickup point was in the harbour area in central Tromso for our Chasing Lights Big Bus Chase. Our tour guides came prepared with professional cameras and equipment. We were offered guidance on how to take the best shots with our phones, but the best advice we received was to put our phones and cameras away and enjoy the show.
We headed west to the island of Sommarøy, where the skies were clear, and the mountains provided a stunning backdrop for the lights. While our trip went west, some trips may go east and over the border into Finland. It all depends on where the guides think the lights will be that night, avoiding areas of significant cloud cover.
We arrived back in Tromso just before 3 am. Early enough for us to get some sleep and make the most of the following day, albeit with a much later start.
Pictures and videos were sent by the guides the morning after the trip. Here is just a small selection of what they sent. The guides also included a trip report detailing our route. I would definitely recommend Chasing Lights if you plan to see the aurora in Tromso.
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Questions and Answers About The Northern Lights Big Bus Tour
What’s The Best Time of Year To See The Northern Lights?
The season for the aurora in Tromso runs from September into April, with peak activity in the depths of winter (January – March),
Do I need to book a tour, or can I see the Northern Lights from the city?
You might get lucky in Tromsø itself, especially on a clear night by the water, but light pollution makes it less reliable. A tour gets you out of the city into darker skies — and the big buses often head to several different locations depending on the weather.
How long does a Northern Lights bus trip last?
Most tours run around 6–8 hours. Be prepared for a late night — buses often leave Tromsø around 6–7 pm and return after midnight.
What should I wear on a Northern Lights trip?
Layers are key. Think thermals, a good down or insulated jacket, hat, scarf, gloves, and warm boots. You’ll be standing around in sub-zero temperatures, so dress warmer than you think you’ll need.
Can you really see the Northern Lights with the naked eye, or do you need a camera?
Yes, you can see them with your eyes — though sometimes they appear more as greenish wisps than the bright streaks you see in photos. Long-exposure cameras bring out the colours dramatically. While I tried to take photos on my phone, my pictures didn’t do what I saw justice. The file of pictures and videos sent via a Dropbox link in the morning, along with the trip report showing exactly where we went, was the perfect souvenir of our trip to Tromso. And all included in the price of the trip,
What happens if we don’t see anything?
Most operators don’t guarantee a sighting, since the aurora is a natural phenomenon. On this trip, there was an offer of a second trip if the lights didn’t appear. Check the policy on your Northern Lights Tour before booking.
Are the big bus tours worth it compared to smaller groups?
They’re good value if you’re on a budget and don’t mind sharing the experience with more people. Smaller minibus or private tours are more flexible, but they cost a lot more. In practice, our ‘big bus’ was parked in similar locations to the smaller buses, and I think we were a lot more comfortable on the bigger bus, too. It’s possible experiences may vary, depending on how hard it is to find the lights on any particular night.
How much does a Northern Lights bus tour cost?
Around €100–€150 per person is typical for a big-bus trip. Smaller group tours can be double that.
Whale Watching in Tromsø: Humpbacks & Orcas
So with limited time and budget, I asked my Norwegian friend which activity I should do in Tromsø. He said ‘whale watching in Tromsø’ without hesitating, so that’s what we did. After a previous failed attempt to see whales in New Zealand, I was sceptical. But the silent hybrid catamaran in Tromsø looked warm, comfortable, and less likely to be seasick-inducing — so I booked it.
➡️ We took this exact tour: Silent Whale Watching. The hybrid catamaran was warm and comfortable, and we saw plenty of humpbacks and orcas.
We boarded the catamaran and sailed further north to the islands where the waters are rich with herring. These are the feeding grounds of the humpbacks and orcas. We saw whales in large numbers. The orcas were aggressive feeders, and we watched them work in teams to surround the much larger humpbacks and chase them away.
The catamaran had a large viewing platform with room for everybody. It could get close to the whales as it was so quiet. The catamaran didn’t seem to bother the whales. It was in full electric mode while we were whale watching and reverted to using a regular motor for the journey between Tromso and the feeding grounds.
We were definitely glad we saw the whales. The Arctic coast was spectacular. The marine scientists leading the trip were friendly, attentive and extremely informative. And the whales definitely made an appearance!
Questions and Answers About Silent Whale Watching
When is the best time to see orcas and humpbacks in Tromsø?
The whales usually follow the herring, which come into the fjords from late October to mid-January. Outside those months, you won’t see them — so plan your trip for winter.
Do you always see whales on the tour?
No one can guarantee a sighting. That said, Tromsø has some of the most reliable whale-watching in the world when the herring are in, and most trips do see something.
What’s a “silent” catamaran, and why choose it?
Instead of using noisy engines, the boat runs on electric propulsion near the whales. It’s quieter, better for the environment, and disturbs the whales less.
How cold is it on board?
Standing on deck can feel freezing, especially with the wind chill, so wrap up as if you were heading out for the Northern Lights. The bonus is that there’s usually a warm indoor lounge to retreat to when you’ve had enough fresh air.
Will I get seasick?
The fjords are generally calmer than the open sea, but it depends on the weather. If you’re prone to seasickness, bring tablets or wristbands just in case.
How long does the tour last?
Most silent catamaran trips run 4–6 hours, giving plenty of time to get out into the fjords, watch the whales, and come back without rushing.
Is it worth doing a boat trip instead of a bus tour to see whales from land?
Yes – from land, you’ll be lucky to see more than a distant fin. On the water, you get a much closer (but still respectful) view, and the silence of the catamaran makes it feel special.
How much does a silent catamaran whale trip cost?
Expect to pay around €120–€150 per person. It’s pricier than a bus tour, but you’re paying for the boat, the crew, and the chance of getting close to the whales in comfort.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, whale trips are popular, and the season is short. Tours often sell out, especially at weekends and around Christmas/New Year, so it’s best to reserve before you arrive in Tromsø.
Fjellheisen Cable Car: Best Views of Tromsø
The view from the top platform of the Fjellheisen Cable Car is spectacular. I expected Tromso to be grey and dark in the winter, but I had not prepared myself for the beauty of the pink-tinged skies set above the stunning arctic scenery.
It was 415NOK (around £32) return. Not cheap, but definitely something you can’t miss if you visit Tromso. The base of the cable car is a short walk from the centre of Tromso, and you can hike up or down the mountain to enjoy the view, if you prefer!
Arctic Cathedral (Ishavskatedralen)
The Arctic Cathedral and the Tromso bridge are the most striking structures in Tromso, especially with the backdrop of the Tromsdalstinden mountain. The cathedral is normally open to visitors in the afternoon, and we took the opportunity to see the impressive triangular stained glass window from the inside. There was a 70NOK (around £5) entry fee per person.
We also walked across the bridge spanning the Tromsøysundet strait, which joins the city of Tromso on the island of Tromsøya with the Norwegian mainland.
More Arctic Adventures to Try
There’s a wide range of trips and activities from Tromso. If you’ve chased the Northern Lights, said hello to the whales, and you still have time, here are some more fun activities you can book.
City Centre and Harbour Area
Tromso is pretty. We arrived just as the Christmas lights were going up and space was being cleared, ready for the Christmas market.
Here are some things to see and do in the city centre, which we didn’t have time for, but maybe you will?
- Troll Museum
- Polaria The Arctic Experience Centre and the world’s northernmost aquarium.
- Visits to see the husky dogs and dog sledging
- Visits to see the reindeer and reindeer sledging
- Sami Culture Tour
- The Polar Museum
- Tromso city library and archives
- MS Polstjerna – a historic sealing ship
- Hiking, skiing and trips in nature
Food and Drink in Central Tromsø
Tromso is a city where you can eat well. We were particularly impressed by the craft ale scene. It was expensive, so we interspersed our ‘splurges’ with bread and cheese and some basic cooking in the apartment. Here are some of our highlights.
Olhalen Brew Pub
As lifetime CAMRA members, we were not going to pass up the opportunity to visit the most northerly brewery in the world, run by MAC Brewery. It also claimed to have one of the largest selections of taps in Europe. 72, to be precise, Olhalen was certainly characterful, and the beers were excellent, but over £30 for 3 drinks!. We limited ourselves to one round, said goodbye to the arctic friends who had been watching us and left in search of something we hoped might be more reasonably priced
Blarock
In search of food, we found Blarock, which describes itself as ‘Northern Norway’s only proper rock ‘n’ roll venue’. It was dark and pink. We had 3 exceptionally good burgers and 3 beers, and left £80 lighter.
Cafe Sann
When you are confronted with a choice of beers, and you don’t know which one to pick, then Cafe Sann comes to the rescue, offering flights in another characterful bar.
You could choose to sit in the light-and-bright section in the middle, or go ‘dark and moody’ around the edges. I naturally headed for the darkest corner! Here you get to see your three Tromso testers.
Skarven Kro
We visited Skarven Kro twice. The first time, we found the incumbents drinking mulled wine and singing traditional Norwegian Christmas carols. It was very full. We moved on.
With its location near the harbour, we wandered in again after our whale watching trip. We had strict instructions from the marine biologists to leave the whale meat alone. We heeded their advice and enjoyed some exceptional (whale-free) fish stew. (£20 per person).
Reindeer Hotdogs!
This cute little kiosk with a fire pit and reindeer-skin-covered benches served as a meeting point to discuss the day’s activities with fellow travellers and also filled us up with Rudolph in a bun! The best Rudolph in the world, apparently!
Tromsø Mikrobryggeri
Our final craft brewery was Tromso Mikrobryggeri. It was the last night, and we picked the 16% Nordic noir! Possibly unwise, but these hardened travellers managed to get back to the apartment, followed the detailed rubbish-sorting instructions, and were ready at 5 am to leave for the airport. Definitely a result!
Where to Stay in Tromsø
There’s no getting away from it, accommodation in Tromso is expensive, and the smart hotels near the harbour area are prohibitive.
The main tours and activities all have pickups in the harbour area in the centre, so choosing a central hotel is important. We picked the Enter Backpack Hotel, which was one of the most budget-friendly central hotels, and it worked very well for us. It was definitely more ‘hotel’ than ‘hostel’,
💡Top tip for finding cheaper accommodation in Tromso. Book early!
Practical Tips for Visiting Tromsø
When is the best time to visit Tromso?
Snow arrives in Tromso in early November. If you want to do the full range of winter activities, it would be best to arrive after that. Peak aurora activity is from January through to March, although you may see the lights from late September to early April. You are most likely to see whales from November through to February as the whales follow the herring, which migrate to the islands just North of Tromso at this time of year.
Norway is an all-year-round holiday destination, and there is plenty to see and do when it is warmer!
How can you travel to Tromso?
We opted to use budget airlines to take us from the UK to Tromso. Wizz Air, Ryanair, and Norwegian Air have services to Tromso on their schedules. There were regular public buses from the airport to the city centre.
There are also internal flights from Oslo to Tromso for those arriving in Oslo. If you want to go overland from Oslo to Tromso, you can catch the train via Stockholm and go as far as Narvik. There are buses North for the last 4-5 hours. In total, you are looking at a 30-hour+ journey.
Packing for Tromsø in an Underseat Bag
I always travel with just one small bag, which is small enough to count as an underseat bag on airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air. I’ve pared things down to the point where my pack weighs around 6 kg, including a small laptop, regardless of the season or trip.
My 4-season capsule wardrobe has worked comfortably in zero and a little colder than that, but it did need to be modified for winter arctic conditions in Tromso. These are the changes I made:
- Short-sleeved items were switched to long-sleeved items
- thick thermals (from Uniqlo)
- thicker hat, scarf, gloves and socks
- added a down vest to wear under my puffy jacket (which is not the thickest)
- swapped my regular boots, which work in snow, for some dedicated snow boots with a thicker sole.
That’s it, really. With multiple layers worn together, it worked!
As I packed my bag to leave Tromsø, I couldn’t help comparing it with another place I’ve loved in the far north – Iceland. I’m only writing dedicated posts about trips I’ve taken since starting the blog, so there are no Iceland posts from me about my trip around the island. Here’s a quick comparison.
Iceland vs Tromsø: Which Should You Visit?
Both Iceland and Tromsø make incredible northern adventures – easy to reach from Europe, well connected by flights, and unforgettable once you’re there. They’re also similar in more ways than you might expect: both are famously expensive, both offer world-class Northern Lights and whale-watching opportunities in winter, and both have striking triangular cathedrals that have become city icons.
But the experiences themselves are quite different. Tromsø feels far more remote – a compact Arctic city that’s perfect for a short winter break. It’s small enough to explore on foot, but more limited in day trips once you’ve ticked off the main highlights, unless you’re there to ski or are prepared for long, potentially difficult journeys.
Iceland, by contrast, is a whole island to explore. I’ve visited in summer and travelled as far as the northern fjords and Akureyri, where long daylight hours open up endless options – from driving the Ring Road to snorkelling between tectonic plates, visiting geothermal pools, waterfalls and black-sand beaches, or simply enjoying Reykjavík’s food and culture. Some activities you can only do in the summer, all activities are easier and more pleasurable when it’s warmer!
So my hot take? Visit both. Tromsø shines brightest in winter, while Iceland is at its best in summer. I recommend both of these complementary experiences.
Where to next
Have you been to Tromso (or Iceland)? What’s your experience? Or maybe you’re planning a visit? Drop a note in the comments. I’d love to hear from you.
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Hope you enjoyed this post, and thanks for reading this far!
Very interesting thank you ! Some things you commented on how much they were in local currency which meant little to me -just a thought -sorry to be picky !
Yes, I vacillated on which currency to use, so we have a mixture. I’ll align on GBP! 🙂 Thx for the feedback
I once spent around 4 hours stuck in Tromso airport on my way home from Hammerfest. Your trip was much more enjoyable. Great photos of the lights. I’m green with envy.
Ah thank you for saying so. Yes it was a great trip, hope you make it to Tromso too! I haven’t been to Hammerfest!
Lots of great information about a place that has escaped my notice until now. Your aurora borealis photos are breathtaking! I’m glad you were able to spot whales on your trip. It is always a thrill!
Lyn | http://www.ramblynjazz.com
Thankyou Lyn!
What an outstanding article! Your clarity and attention to detail in explaining the topic are exceptionally commendable. Readers will undoubtedly gain immense value from the depth of knowledge and practical insights you have provided. Your profound understanding of the subject matter is evident throughout the article. I look forward to experiencing more of your exemplary work in the future. Thank you for sharing your expertise and enlightening us with such comprehensive and insightful content.
Thankyou so much for your kind comments. That’s so kind of you to say so.
There will be more very soon for sure. There’s an option to subscribe if you would like to receive new content direct to your inbox. Thank you again.
Hi Christine, I’m in Tromso at the moment and have to agree it’s a charming town that is full of character.
We arrived yesterday morning, on a cruise ship, and are duel to sail later this afternoon. Regrettably, there’s been no sign of the Northern Lights, and at the moment it’s tipping down with rain, not quite what we accepted, but hey, ho.
Contemplating another quick sortie into the town, primarily for some more local beer.
Cheers. Paul