Tromsø from A to Z – The Complete Guide and Tips (+ Map)

Welcome to Tromsø, one of the northernmost cities in the world. Although it lies 350 km beyond the Arctic Circle, there are no extreme frosts here thanks to the Gulf Stream. That’s exactly why Tromsø is one of the best places in the world for watching the northern lights, whales and the midnight sun.

I fell in love with Tromsø so much that I decided to live and work here as a guide for a while. Thanks to that, in this article I’ll also share behind-the-scenes tips from practice that you won’t find in other guides.

Do you want to know when the best time to travel is, where to find the finest spots for watching the northern lights, how to prepare for harsh Nordic conditions and what to watch out for when hiring a car?

I also have a tried and tested itinerary for you that will let you experience the best of Tromsø. If you’re planning a trip north, this guide will save you a lot of time and money – let’s get to it!

Planning in a hurry?

• The cheapest cars: Discover Cars or renting from locals through Getaround (you get 20 dollars)
• The best activities:Dog sledding, a visit to a reindeer farm, whale watching trips (from November to January)
• Great accommodation: Outside the city: Cabin Aurora Borealis. In Tromsø with breakfast: Scandic Ishavshotel
• Travel insurance: 50% discount with AXA.

Tromsø – a map of the most beautiful places

We’ve prepared a detailed map of Tromsø and the surrounding area for you, where you’ll find all the most beautiful places, accommodation, restaurants and car parks:

Why go to Tromsø – what do people come for?

You may be wondering why on earth you’d travel into darkness and cold. Here are the reasons:

• The northern lights – Tromsø is one of the best places in the world for watching the aurora
• Whales – From November to January orcas and humpback whales appear in the surrounding fjords
• Dog sledding – an authentic experience in the company of enthusiastic furry friends
• Reindeer and Sami culture – who wouldn’t want to feed these velvety noses and learn something about the life of the indigenous people at the same time?
• Arctic nature – fjords, mountains, snow-covered plains and the endless silence of the wilderness.
• The midnight sun – in summer, endless days await you instead 😊

When to visit Tromsø?

Every season in Tromsø offers a completely different experience – winter means the northern lights and whales, summer endless days under the midnight sun, and autumn a calmer atmosphere with lower prices. So when is the ideal time to visit? Let me break it down month by month:

• September – October: The ideal time, both for watching the northern lights and for some hiking; there’s no snow yet and the temperatures are still relatively kind (above freezing). At the same time you have enough daylight for trips and enough darkness at night for the aurora.
• November – Ideal for combining a whale watching trip, since the whales arrive here every year, with hunting the northern lights. There’s less light and by this time you should expect snow. November is also generally the cheapest month (accommodation, car hire).
• December – January – The polar night; the days are short and cold. You can still go on a whale watching expedition, though, and take some trips in the short windows of twilight. Dog sledding or a visit to a reindeer farm are popular. For me it’s still the period I’d recommend least (and around Christmas it’s expensive and crowded).
• February – March – The busiest months. At this time it’s really lively here and activities need to be booked well in advance (dog sledding especially). Winter is in full swing, but March in particular is one of the two best months for the northern lights (statistically there’s the most solar activity around the equinox).
• April – It’s an in-between month; it’s still cold and the snow is slowly melting, but the nights are getting shorter, so you won’t see much of the aurora
• May – August – From the end of May you have the chance to experience the midnight sun, ideal for treks and trips; I’d choose Tromsø as the starting point for a road trip to the Lofoten Islands!

Read also: The Lofoten Islands: 27 amazing places + an itinerary and map for a road trip from Tromsø

Where to stay – the key recommendation

If you’re coming mainly for the northern lights, I’d definitely recommend avoiding the city centre – light pollution spoils the viewing considerably (unless the aurora is extremely strong). If you have a car, the best choice is accommodation in these areas:

Sommarøy – an island with beautiful beaches, far from the lights

• Ecolodge Båthuset 69Nord
• Sommarøy Arctic Hotel Tromsø
• Cabin Aurora Borealis
• A beautiful cabin with a view – ideal for groups

Kvaløya – mountains, fjords, dark skies

• Ersfjordbotn Brygge

Around Tromsø

• Aera – a glass igloo
• Cozy cabin by the sea 

In these areas you’ll have dark skies and a better chance of seeing the aurora right from your doorstep.

If you’re going for a few days and want to be in the centre, then I have these tips:

• Scandic Ishavshotel – Right in the centre by the harbour, with a great breakfast included
• Radisson Blu Hotel – Right next to the one above
• Tromso Activities Hostel – The cheapest option in the centre, shared accommodation
• Skaret by Vander – Apartments in the centre

If you want to head off for a few days to the beautiful island of Senja, you certainly can – the treks there are divine! Activities in Tromsø will be quite far out of reach at that time, though, so bear that in mind when planning.

Senja – a divine island for lovers of treks and views

• Skagi Bed & Lodge
• Camp Fjordbotn 
• Mettes holiday home

Tromsø and transport

Although Tromsø lies a fair way beyond the Arctic Circle, getting here and around the area is surprisingly easy. Even though you can move around the city by bus, the best option is to hire a car.

Flights to Tromsø – when and where to buy them most cheaply?

Let’s start with an overview:

• Tromsø has an international airport, Tromsø Langnes (TOS), only 5 km from the centre
• The main airlines flying here: Norwegian, Widerøe, SAS, Easyjet, WizzAir, Lufthansa
• There are direct flights from Oslo (1h 50min)

For finding flights I recommend using the Kayak search engine. It helps you compare prices quickly and find the best option. After that, in most cases we buy through the airline’s own website.

You won’t find direct flights to Tromsø from the Czech Republic. The most common route goes via Oslo – just watch out, Oslo has two airports (Gardermoen and Torp).

How to buy the cheapest flights to Tromsø?

• Flights are cheapest in November and April.
• The best value is to drive to Gdańsk in Poland. From there you have a direct flight with Wizz Air.
• Wizz Air also has good flights from Prague via London (just watch out when booking – you have to buy 2 one-way tickets, Prague – Luton and Luton – Tromsø, and the same on the way back).

Return flights to Tromsø, including a larger cabin bag, cost roughly between CZK 7,500 and 10,500. The season affects the price too.

Car hire in Tromsø

If you have an adventurous soul, you simply have to hire a car here – and it works out cheaper than paying for all the tours from the city. So if you’re planning to hunt the northern lights or take a trip to the fjords or Sommarøy, a car is the best choice (you wouldn’t reach a lot of places without one and taxis are hellishly expensive).

Where to find the best prices?

• Discover Cars – the best car hire comparison site, where you’ll find the cheapest offers. I recommend booking as early as possible, because prices go up.
• Getaround – the option of renting a car directly from locals, often cheaper than classic car hire companies. It works like this: you agree on a handover point, photograph the car and off you go. It has to be returned with a full tank. Another advantage is the option of picking it up at the airport (most often at the Circle K petrol station). Watch out for the kilometre limit, which is part of some offers. With this invite link you’ll get a 20-dollar discount on your rental.

Petrol cars vs. electric cars and charges

• Electric cars – Norway really does have a lot of electric cars, but overall, for winter and for this type of trip, I’d recommend a classic combustion engine (you won’t have to deal with charging and you’ll be sure you get there).
• Combustion cars – Petrol and diesel work out at around 20–23 NOK a litre, but petrol stations are available outside the city too.
• Combustion cars have to pay a charge to enter the city – Tromsø has toll gates, so when you drive into the city you pay about 15 NOK (this is deducted automatically – you’ll find little boxes beside the mirror that measure it). The hire company or Getaround will charge you for this afterwards. It’s similar with tolls for tunnels or ferries (that already applies to all types of vehicle). 

What to watch out for – parking

Parking in Tromsø isn’t exactly easy, and above all it’s quite expensive. The city has a zone system and all parking areas are paid. You’ll often find paid parking at the starts of treks around Tromsø too.

Most parking is paid through the EasyPark app. You can download it in advance. In the app you enter the car’s registration number, upload a card and then start your parking with a single tap.

IMPORTANT! Start paying for parking as soon as you arrive. If you forget to activate it straight away and only start it a few minutes later, you risk a fine of 660 NOK – which is exactly what happened to me; I started the parking 10 minutes late and had to pay…

Public transport in Tromsø

Tromsø has a superbly working bus network that gets you practically anywhere. The buses run every 10–15 minutes, even in the evening. If you’re planning to stay in the centre, it’s a relevant option for you.

• I recommend downloading the Svipper app (iOS / Android), where you can buy tickets online.
• The price of a normal ride: 25 NOK (44 NOK at peak times)
• Good-value fares: You can buy a day, week or month ticket if you’re planning to travel more.
• Tickets aren’t checked when you board; inspectors check them at random.

How do you get from the airport to the centre?

There’s a bus stop right next to the airport, from where you can quickly get to the centre. Google Maps will show the right lines and times, so there’s no need to search for anything complicated.

Travel insurance

Don’t forget travel insurance before your trip. If you don’t have annual cover, take advantage of this unique offer for a 50% discount with AXA.

Prices and paying in Tromsø

Norway is expensive, and Tromsø as a tourist destination is no exception. Compared with the Czech Republic, prices are roughly double, but it depends on the particular item.

• Fuel is roughly 40% more expensive than in the Czech Republic.
• A meal in a restaurant will cost you at least 2.5 times the Czech price.
• To compare prices of individual items I recommend the Numbeo website.

Cash and paying by card

In Norway you don’t need cash. Everything can be paid by card – from restaurants to the supermarket, toilets and parking machines. The local currency is the Norwegian krone (NOK).

How to save when paying by card?

The biggest “hidden fees” come from your bank’s exchange rate – exactly when you pay by card normally. For that reason we recommend the Revolut card, which always gives you the mid-market rate. For the last few years we haven’t paid with anything else abroad.

What to see and experience in Tromsø – the most beautiful places and top attractions

1) Fjellheisen – the cable car to Storsteinen

The best view of Tromsø is from the top of Storsteinen, where the cable car takes you in 5 minutes. From there a panoramic view opens up over the city, the fjords and the surrounding mountains, and it’s beautiful both by day and by night. There’s also a restaurant at the top where you can get refreshments. Walk around the viewing platform, and head a little higher above the cable car station too.

• You can buy tickets on the spot or online (the price has already climbed above 540 NOK)
• If you don’t want to pay for the cable car, you can walk up on foot (about 40–60 minutes). In snow I strongly recommend crampons.
• There’s a paid car park below the cable car

2) The Arctic Cathedral (Ishavskatedralen)

A modern symbol of Tromsø whose shape recalls an iceberg or the tent of Sami nomads. You really can’t miss the building. It’s definitely worth at least a short stop. The cathedral was built in 1965 and dominates the city skyline thanks to its iconic triangular structure.

• Admission: 80 NOK
• Parking is free

3) The floating sauna – Sauna Pust

If you want an unusual experience, the floating Pust sauna offers a combination of sauna time and the chance to swim right in the fjord (and don’t worry, thanks to the Gulf Stream the water is warmer than you’d expect – about 5 degrees). The sauna is right in Tromsø harbour, so while you’re in it you can enjoy the view of the fjords, the city, the cathedral and the surrounding mountains.

• Book the sauna in advance: price 360 NOK/h (book here)
• Bring swimwear and your own towel (it’s already happened to us that the towels for hire ran out)

4) The Polar Museum (Polarmuseet)

This museum draws you into the harsh life of polar explorers, seal hunters and expeditions to the North Pole. It’s housed in a historic building from 1837 right in Tromsø harbour and has exhibitions on polar expeditions, hunting and survival in the Arctic. The captions are in Norwegian, but at the entrance you get a printed guide where you can read about each numbered exhibit. For me it’s interesting reading, and if the weather is bad the museum is the ideal refuge.

• Admission: 120 NOK
• Opening hours: Daily from 11:00 to 17:00
• Website: Polarmuseet

5) Polaria – an Arctic aquarium and education centre

Polaria isn’t a classic aquarium but an interactive centre focused on Arctic nature and life in cold seas. Its modern design recalls ice floes stacked on top of each other. The main attraction is the seal feeding, but you’ll also find interactive exhibitions and panoramic films about Svalbard and northern Norway.

• Admission: from 295 NOK (depending on the programme) – buy online here
• Opening hours: Daily 10:00–16:00
• Website: Polaria

6) The harbour and historic centre of Tromsø

The historic centre of Tromsø is small but lively – it’s made up of beautiful wooden houses, restaurants, bars and a harbour overlooking the fjord. The church and the designer library are worth seeing too. The main street is called Storgata and here you’ll find cafés, boutiques and souvenir shops.

7) Magic Ice Bar – an ice bar where everything is made of ice

If you want to enjoy an icy yet unique evening atmosphere in Tromsø, a visit to this polar bar is the best choice. Everything here is made of ice, including your glass, and a drink is automatically included in the admission (they offer a non-alcoholic version too).

• Admission: 300 NOK
• Website: Magic Ice

Activities

Whatever you want to do in Tromsø, you’ll find it all on GetYourGuide; some providers don’t even have their own websites, they simply use this platform – that’s what works in Tromsø. Nowhere else in the world is there a bigger hub of experiences than right here.

8) Hunting the northern lights

This is THE thing most of you come here for! Tromsø is, without exaggeration, one of the best places in the world for watching the northern lights. It lies beneath the auroral oval, which means you can see the aurora in some form practically every night. But there are 2 conditions – it has to be dark and clear.

The weather can be your biggest enemy, but that’s what the car is for, and you’re here for at least a week. If you’re lucky, you can watch straight from your doorstep. But if there are clouds and a good aurora forecast, you can try driving (following the radar) to somewhere without clouds!

Which brings us to the topic of paid Aurora tours

They can be worth it, especially if you’re in the centre of Tromsø without a car. If you really want to see the aurora, they’ll load you into a minibus and drive as far as the Finnish border just to find you a patch of sky without clouds. I recommend one of these tried and tested companies:

• Northern lights tour 1
• Northern lights tour 2
• Northern lights tour 3

At the same time I have an ANTI-recommendation based on information from guides who know the local scene: try to avoid the companies Northern Lights Safari Tromso and Arctic GM Experience AS.

9) A whale safari – a unique winter experience

From November to January shoals of herring gather in the fjords north of Tromsø, which attracts orcas and humpback whales. A whale watching trip is an unforgettable experience where you can observe these giant marine mammals in their natural environment.

Whale trips leave by excursion boat from the harbour in Tromsø. It’s a full-day experience. You’re in for a cruise between the fjords, light refreshments and a talk on board, followed by whale watching in the Skjervøy and Kaldfjord area. From personal experience I can highly recommend:

• A whale watching cruise on a quiet hybrid electric catamaran

These companies also have excellent reviews:

• Whale watching cruise 2
• Whale watching cruise 3

10) Feeding reindeer, reindeer sledding and Sami culture

If you want to experience an authentic Arctic atmosphere, a visit to a Sami farm in Tromsø is the ideal choice. The Sami, the indigenous people of northern Scandinavia, have lived with reindeer for centuries and herding them is still a key part of their culture.

At the farm the local guides introduce you to their traditions and their way of life in a harsh climate. The biggest draw is feeding the reindeer – you get a bucket of lichen and can feed them straight from your hand.

You can also try a ride on a reindeer-drawn sled, the traditional Sami means of transport. The visit often ends in a warm lavvu, a traditional Sami tent, where you can enjoy bidos reindeer stew and listen to the hypnotic Sami joik singing.

Of the reindeer farms I recommend:

• Reindeer farm 1
• Reindeer farm 2

11) Dog sledding – the best experience on snow

A dog sledding ride is one of the best winter experiences you can have in Tromsø. Huskies are incredibly energetic, they love moving and running in the snow comes naturally to them. When you arrive at the farm the guides explain how a dog team works, and if you choose the more active option you get the chance to drive the sled yourself.

When you get back, a warm drink in a traditional cabin awaits you, along with the chance to cuddle the huskies, who are friendly and happy to be stroked.

• Dog sledding ride 1
• Dog sledding ride 2

12) A snowmobile ride

A snowmobile ride is adrenaline in the Arctic wilderness. After a short briefing you set off across the snowy landscape over frozen lakes and mountain plains, where you’ll enjoy wonderful views and a proper dose of action. You can drive the snowmobile yourself or take turns with a passenger. Just note that you need a car driving licence to drive one!

• Snowmobile ride 1
• Snowmobile ride 2

13) Fishing trips in the Arctic

If you like fishing, Tromsø is one of the best places in the world for sea fishing. Some boats offer the chance to cook your catch right on board.

• Fishing trip 1
• Fishing trip 2

14) And how about floating:

• A floating trip

Trips in the surrounding area

15) Sommarøy

Distance from Tromsø: 60 km, about 1 hour’s drive

Sommarøy looks like the Norwegian Caribbean, but instead of palm trees you’ll find white sand and turquoise water surrounded by dramatic mountains. In summer it’s a great place for coastal walks, kayaking or watching the midnight sun; in winter it offers silence, calm and beautiful views of the snow-covered mountains.

If you want to escape the city’s light pollution, Sommarøy is also an excellent spot for watching the northern lights.

Tip: Take the short climb up Hillesøytoppen, which gives a wonderful panoramic view over the whole archipelago.

16) Ersfjordbotn

📍 Distance from Tromsø: 20 km, about 25 minutes’ drive

Ersfjordbotn is one of the most beautiful fjords around Tromsø and a favourite spot with photographers. Surrounded by steep mountains rising dramatically straight out of the water, it’s beautiful in any weather. On top of that there’s the wonderful Bryggejentene café, where besides coffee you can also have lunch.

 In winter it’s a perfect place for watching the northern lights, because there’s no light pollution here. If you want to enjoy the calm atmosphere, you can walk along the shore. There’s also the option of driving on to fishing villages such as Tromvik.

17) The Lyngen Alps

Distance from Tromsø: 80–120 km (depending on the route), about 2 hours’ drive

If you’re looking for a harsher Arctic landscape with high mountains, glaciers and deep fjords, the Lyngen Alps are the perfect destination. This range offers amazing hiking routes, from easy walks to demanding mountain ascents. The area is also popular with ski tourers, who come here for some of the best freeriding in Norway.

What’s worth seeing?

• Steindalsbreen – an easily accessible glacier
• Blåisvatnet – a lake with incredibly blue water (best in summer)
• Lyngstuva Lighthouse – a lighthouse on the northern tip of Lyngen with a breathtaking view of the sea

If you’re planning a winter trip, don’t forget crampons, because the trails are usually icy.

Where to eat well and what to taste in Tromsø?

Tromsø offers a varied range of restaurants and cafés where you can taste both traditional Norwegian cuisine and international dishes. Below you’ll find recommendations for some of the best places in the city, along with an overview of traditional Norwegian dishes you shouldn’t miss.

The best restaurants and cafés in Tromsø

• Bardus Bistro: This restaurant focuses on European and Scandinavian cuisine. It serves dishes made from fresh ingredients in a pleasant atmosphere.
• Art Café Bistro: An ideal place for lovers of international and European cuisine. Known for its excellent soups and desserts.
• Fiskekompaniet: For seafood lovers this restaurant is a great choice. It offers fresh fish and other specialities from the sea.
• Blårock Café: This place is known for its classic burgers and unique rock atmosphere. Popular with younger visitors.
• Risø Food & Coffee Shop: A great place for breakfast or brunch. It offers quality coffee and a varied choice of dishes in an informal setting.

Traditional Norwegian dishes you have to try

• Smoked salmon (røkt laks): Norwegian smoked salmon is famous all over the world. It’s often served with scrambled eggs and dill or in a sandwich with mustard sauce.
• Fårikål: Norway’s national dish, consisting of stewed mutton with cabbage and whole black peppercorns. Traditionally served with boiled potatoes.
• Gravlaks: Salmon cured in salt, sugar and dill. It’s often served on toast with a creamy or mustard sauce.
• Kjøttkaker: Meatballs similar to burgers, often served with mashed potatoes, brown sauce and lingonberries.
• Lutefisk: A traditional dish of fish soaked in lye, which gives it a gelatinous texture. Usually served with potatoes, peas and bacon.
• Brunost: A brown cheese with a caramel flavour, popular for breakfast or as a snack. It’s often served on bread or waffles. This cheese is also a popular souvenir.

How to pack for a trip beyond the Arctic Circle?

The weather in Tromsø is unpredictable – in winter you’re in for frost, snow and sometimes wind, while in summer or autumn it can be warm, but count on rain and cold evenings too. The right clothing and gear will save you a lot of trouble.

Winter clothing

Winter in Tromsø isn’t extreme (usually around -5 to -10 °C), but because of the humidity and wind it can feel colder, especially on a boat. The key is layering:

• 1. base layer: Thermal underwear (merino wool is the best choice)
• 2. insulating layer: A fleece, a down jacket
• 3. outer layer: A windproof and waterproof jacket
• Trousers: Waterproof winter trousers or lined softshells
• Footwear: Warm waterproof boots (ideally with thermal insulation)
• Accessories: A hat, gloves (mittens are best), warm socks, a scarf or neck warmer

If you’re going for the northern lights, take extra warm clothing (ski gear is fine) – you’ll be standing outside waiting for a long time. You’ll also find these useful:

• A head torch – In winter it’s dark for a long time; a head torch is useful mainly on trips
• A power bank – Batteries drain faster in the cold
• Crampons – useful especially on hikes
• A camera/phone with a tripod – A tripod is a must for photographing the northern lights
• A thermos – Hot tea or coffee saves the situation in the frost

Summer clothing

Summer in Tromsø is beautiful, but don’t expect the tropics. The weather changes fast – a sunny day can turn into rain and wind within an hour.

• A lighter softshell or waterproof jacket
• A functional long-sleeved T-shirt
• Comfortable hiking trousers (ideally quick-drying)
• Waterproof hiking boots – rainy days are common
• A light hat and gloves – useful for mountain hikes even in summer
• Sunglasses and sun cream – the midnight sun can be deceptive

Layering applies in summer too. It can be 20 °C, but also only 5 °C.

Practical tips for a trip to Norway

• Sockets – You don’t need an adapter. Norway uses the same type C and F sockets as we have in the Czech Republic.
• Payments – Norway is an almost cashless country. You hardly need cash anywhere; even small shops, car parks and public toilets take cards or mobile payments.
• An ID card is enough – You don’t need a passport to travel to Norway, an ID card is enough, because Norway is part of the Schengen area (unless you fly via the UK).
• SIM card, data and coverage – EU roaming applies in Norway, so you can use mobile data as you would at home without extra charges. Coverage is good in the towns, but in the mountains and remote areas the signal can be weaker or non-existent.
• Travel insurance – Don’t forget to arrange travel insurance. Take advantage of the 50% discount with AXA

Itinerary – 7 days in Tromsø

1. day – arrival, car hire, shopping, accommodation
2. day – Exploring the city, the cable car, the walk up Fjellheisen, Magic Ice Bar, Polarmuseet
3. day – A trip to Sommarøy, a stop at the local café and walks up the local viewpoint hills
4. day – A trip to Ersfjordbotn, the island of Kvaløya and the fishing village of Tromvik
5. day – A trip to a reindeer farm, with a stop on the way back to see the Arctic Cathedral and the centre
6. day – A trip into the wilderness with a dog sled, the sauna in the afternoon, souvenir shopping in the centre
7. day – Departure (flights are often early in the morning)

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