20 TOP Things to Do in Tromso – Activities, Itineraries & Day Trips

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Now, if you’re backpacking through Norway, Tromso might not be a primary stop on your trip. Having said this, it’s an absolute must-see destination for avid explorers and nature lovers alike, packed full of epic adventures and jaw-dropping landscapes.

There is a great mix of things to do to suit all ages and interests from solo and budget travellers to families and everyone in between. So let’s get cracking with some of the favourite activities in and around the city!

1. Hop on the Husky Sled express

One of the most exciting ways to explore Tromso as well as the surrounding areas is by sled, pulled either by huskies or reindeer. Before you ask if this is considered animal cruelty, the huskies absolutely love it and it’s a real part of the way of life around Tromso.

It’s very different to animal tourism in other parts of the world. Sledding is a great wintertime activity as it is best enjoyed when there is plenty of ground snow, which usually occurs between the months of January and March.

It’s also possible to enjoy husky sledding in the summer months, the only difference being that the sleds are replaced with carts on wheels. If you want a real, authentic experience then I’d recommend doing it in winter. These tours are often combined with other wintertime activities such as hunting the Northern Lights and hiking excursions so there’s plenty to keep you busy.

2. Head out snowshoe trekking

I remember as a kid watching animated movies where the characters would have snowshoes on and trek through the blistery winter conditions. It always fascinated me and coming from a warmer climate where it doesn’t snow, I couldn’t quite comprehend it. So for me, traditional snowshoe trekking is an absolute must. It’s a great way to really slow down, take it easy, and absorb all of the stunning local scenery and a great substitution for hiking in the winter months.

It’s also a great way to experience the diverse ecosystem of wild Tromso and encounters with foxes, reindeer, and sea birds are common. It’s an incredibly peaceful way to explore the great outdoors as you traverse blankets of powdery snow and gaze in awe up at snow-capped mountains.

3. Get the adrenalin pumping on a snowmobile tour

One of the more adrenalin-pumping things to do in Tromso is to head out on a snowmobile tour through the remote Arctic wilderness. It’s an extremely popular activity and believe me, it’s a lot of fun. It’s essentially like going on an enduro ride on a motorbike, except you’re on blankets of thick, powdery snow. The mighty machine below you is rather different though. Instead of wheels, it has a belt that propels you forward and a type of ski below in the front.

You will traverse the wild landscapes under the careful watch of an experienced guide as you pass frozen rivers and lakes, valleys, and snow-covered mountains. If you love a bit of adventure and excitement, then it’s definitely something that can’t be missed when visiting Tromso.

4. Hit the local hiking trails

One thing is for certain in Tromso – there’s surrounded by some of the best hiking in Norway. Hiking is a great summertime activity and there are plenty of routes of varying difficulty to suit all ages and fitness levels.

The beauty of hiking in the summer months is the long days and plenty of sunlight. This means you can be out in nature for hours on end. Heck, you can even go on a night hike under the Midnight Sun. Let that sink in!

Depending on the time of year that you visit, there might still be a fair bit of snow around or even snowmelt. The best is to find out from the locals where the top places to go hiking are because you don’t want to put yourself in any danger or need to get airlifted out. Another fun way to do it is to hike up and take the cable car down if you’re feeling lazy or have the family in tow. But more about that later!

5. Go kayaking on the mighty fjords

An epic way to experience the fjords is by means of a kayak. It’s a great hands-on approach that combines being outdoors with a bit of exercise. It’s an awesome activity in both summer and winter but I like to recommend heading out during the winter time. You’ll get kitted with a dry suit to keep to dry and warm and you graciously traverse the local fjords.

The crystal clear waters, although bitterly cold in the winter, are home to a diverse range of sea mammals and ocean birds. You can spot things like seals, sea eagles, and even cute families of otters as they go about their daily business. And by business, I mean frolicking in the icy waters or gliding high above in the sky. The surrounding scenery is also absolutely incredible and you will be completely dwarfed by some 3000-feet high mountains.

6. Catch a tan down at Telegrafbukta

Who doesn’t love a good old relaxing day at the beach, soaking up some rays, catching a tan, and having a refreshing dip? I certainly do and I jump at the opportunity to dive into the ocean or any body of water for that matter. Telegrafbukta is Tromso’s southern beach and is the perfect spot for those relaxing summer days.

You know what they say, the locals know best, and on any given day in the summer, you’re bound to bump into locals soaking up the sun down here. Whether simply relaxing, reading a book, braving the nippy waters, or having a barbecue or picnic, it’s great fun if you’re travelling as a couple, family, or solo travelling.

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7. Ride the Fjellheisen cable car

One of the best things to do in Tromso shortly after arriving is to head up the Fjellheisen cable car. Seems like an unusual activity to do straight off the bat, hey? Well, there’s a very good reason why. Not only does the ride-up offer unparalleled views of the city and surrounds, but it’s the perfect way to get an orientation of the city.

It’s a great activity to do all year round and each season offers a slightly different experience. In the summertime, you can hike up to the top and catch the cable car down to conserve energy and save time. During the winter months, and the polar night in particular, the city lights are really beautiful to witness from above. You might even strike it lucky and witness the Northern Lights from the viewpoint at the top or even from the cable car itself.

8. Go for a boat cruise on the fjords

When visiting Scandinavia, a boat trip on the fjords is an absolute must. The fjords are synonymous with the Nordics and it’s essential that you explore them and learn about their history. Hopping on a traditional boat is an exciting way to cruise and see Tromso from a completely different perspective. It’s also a much quieter and more relaxing way to discover the fjords compared to a high-speed rib boat. But don’t get me wrong – they have their time and place too!

Not only will you be treated to uninterrupted views of the surrounding city, landscapes, and water but you’ll probably some stunning wildlife too. From puffins and sea eagles to whales, dolphins, seals, and otters, there’s plenty for your eyes to feast on.

9. Sweat it out in a local sauna

Another one of those activities that is synonymous with Norwegian culture is the sauna. The sauna is a place where locals like to head to cleanse their minds and cleanse their bodies. It’s a real serene environment made possible with the combination of heat and the scent of the wood. You’ll usually find saunas alongside or near cold water sources such as the fjords, a river, or a lake. And there’s a very good reason for this.

Locals like to alternate between cold dips and hot saunas – a somewhat Ying and Yang combination that makes you feel like a million dollars afterwards. You can find a super cool sauna at Pust with incredible views of the Arctic Cathedral and it’s right next to the water. Another great option which is a bit fancier is the Vulkana spa boat complete with an onboard sauna and spa. It’s a real treat!

10. Wander the streets in downtown Tromso

One of the really cool free things to do in Tromso is to just wander the streets of the downtown part of the city. There are a plethora of colourful wooden buildings, cafes, restaurants, and shops to gaze at and take photos of as you wander by. It’s one of my favourite ways to discover a new city and to absorb the local culture and the sights, smells, and people that go with it.

You also never know what hidden gem you’re going to stumble upon that you would’ve missed taking local transport. It’s also the perfect spot to find a souvenir to take home with you as a reminder of your time in the city.

11. Hunt down the spectacular Northern Lights

Right, now the next activity is one of those bucket list items for any budding traveler – to witness the Northern Lights in all their spectacular glory. Tromso is one of the best places to see the Aurora Borealis (the fancy name for the Northern Lights) because of its northern location in the Arctic Circle. There is also little light pollution, especially if you head out of the city a bit so it’s really an ideal location. The best times to see the lights are over the winter months (September to April) on evenings with clear skies.

There are also a number of different ways to see the lights, each with its own charm and attraction. Depending on where you’re staying in Tromso, you can head up the local cable car to the viewpoint, sit on the fjord shoreline, head into the remote wilderness, or even watch from a boat.

12. Embark on a whale-watching excursion

An ethical whale-watching excursion is an absolute must when visiting Tromso as you witness these majestic beasts in their natural habitat. It’s also a great way to explore the fjords and see what life is like in these large bodies of water. During the winter months (November to January), you will be able to see a variety of different whale species, from playful humpback and sperm whales to the mighty killer whales.

Not only will you get to see these mammals but a whole lot of other marine animals too. From puffins and sea eagles to dolphins, seals, and otters – it’s a wonderful sea spectacle. You can go on a relaxing traditional boat but an adrenalin-pumping rib boat tour is also plenty of fun for the more adventurous travelers!

13. Visit Tromso’s iconic Arctic Cathedral

The Arctic Cathedral is one of Tromso’s most iconic landmarks, and it’s easy to see why. The impressive structure, inspired by ice and snow, stands tall and is a real symbol of the city. It first opened in 1965, known officially as the Tromsdalen Church, and thanks to its clever design and integrated strip lights, can be seen throughout the city.

One of the most stunning features, however, is the massive, east-facing glass mosaic. Remember the Midnight Sun I mentioned early on in the article? It shines through the mosaic and creates the most spectacular sight in the summer months. There are also Midnight Sun concerts held at the cathedral in the summer months, which are a must. Think classical music and traditional Norwegian folk tunes.

14. Discover the local history at a museum

Now, I’m definitely more of an outdoor adventure kind of person but museums are a must when it comes to delving deeper into the history of a place. Some of the most highly recommended museums in Tromso include the Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum, the Polar Museum, and Perspektivet.

If life hands you lemons and you’re unlucky enough to witness the Northern Lights, then a road trip to the Planetarium is the next best, lemonade-making option. There is a man-made visual of the Northern Lights projected onto the domical roof with a full explanation of the natural phenomenon. This is a great activity for the whole family and the kids will love it too.

TOP TIP: Included in your entrance fee to the Planetarium is free entry to the Norwegian Science Center. There are plenty of fun science activities and interactive exhibits for the kids (and the adults too).

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15. Have a dip at Tromsøbadet swimming pool centre

As I mentioned before, Norwegians love their cold water dips and hitting the sauna afterwards. An alternative option for swimming in natural pools, lakes, rivers, or the fjords is at the local swimming pool centre. Tromsøbadet is an awesome indoor swimming pool complex in the city and is made up of a number of different pools, including several different indoor pools. There’s also a large outdoor pool that is heated and offers some pretty epic views of the surrounding city.

And what would a swim be without a visit to the sauna? You guessed it, there’s not only a sauna but a steam room too. It’s the perfect activity for when the weather is poor as well as a great option for those with kids.

16. Jump on a traditional reindeer sled

Reindeer are a massive part of life in the Arctic Circle and you’re bound to come across them during your time in Tromso. Whether you see them roaming freely on the outskirts of the city or up close and personal on a visit to a camp, you will cross paths with them. Traditional reindeer sleds are also very much a part of life, especially for the local Sami people.

These traditional herders also use the reindeer as a means of transport, and instead of husky-pulled sleds you’ll find reindeer-drawn ones. Besides, it must be a great form of transport especially since reindeer are Santa Claus’ preferred means of travel. You can also visit the camps where the reindeer are housed, feed them, and interact with these majestic ungulates.

17. Head out cross-country skiing

Cross-country skiing is one of the most popular sports in Norway. Locals love to hit the trails on their skis during the winter months when there is plenty of ground snow. As a visitor, it is essential that you give it a bash if you find yourself in the city during wintertime. While it might seem a bit intimidating, there are plenty of easy trails close by for beginners.

It’s also relatively painless to rent cross-country skis in downtown Tromso and there are dedicated shops where you can do so. If you’re an absolute beginner and have never been on skis before, then you might think of going for a lesson with an experienced guide. These also include all rental equipment and will have you up and running in no time.

18. Feel the wind in your hair on a sailing trip

During the summer months, sailing is one of the best things to do in Tromso on the fjords. Good weather, light winds, and fresh air are the perfect combination. Sailboats are also a much more relaxing way to discover the fjords, with no engine noise to disturb the peace. I also love the fact that you are at the mercy of the wind gods to propel you on your onward journey.

It’s also a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and you can really relax and take in the stunning local scenery. Doesn’t the idea of sipping on your favourite beverage while taking in the incredible sights not just sound magical to you?

19. Try your luck fishing in the fjords

Another really fun activity if you’re travelling as a family is to try your luck fishing on fjords. If you’re anything like me, you’ll jump at the opportunity to wet a line when you’re travelling the world. While it can be incredibly frustrating, it can be incredibly rewarding too. Especially when you feel that mighty tug of a trophy fishing on the end of your line!

It also kills two birds with one stone as you will also get the chance to explore the fjords a bit and take in the local surroundings. The bonus to all of this? If you do manage to catch something big enough, you will get the chance to taste your prized catch. Personally, I can’t think of anything better – fresh air, fresh fresh, and a fresh perspective.

20. Go ice skating on a frozen lake

To end things off is something that many people won’t get the opportunity to experience in their lives -ice-skating on a frozen lake. When the weather gets cold enough and there’s not too much snow about, the lakes in Tromso freeze over. When this happens, you can bet your bottom dollar that you’ll see most of the town hitting the frozen lakes on the weekends with their ice skates in tow.

Again, it’s a pretty painless process to rent skates in downtown Tromso and partake in the action yourself. It’s fun for all ages and skill levels and you’ll see locals of all ages whipping about on the ice. And don’t worry about falling on your bottom – it’s all part of the fun!

To make your life a little easier, I’ve created this handy dandy map to help you plan your adventures in this beautiful location.

Walk

The beauty of this cute, Nordic city is that it is relatively small, and as a result, it’s very much walkable. I always love walking around new cities as I feel you really capture the true essence of the culture and the local vibe.

Local Bus

The local bus service in Tromso dominates the public transport service and is by far the best way to get around. The buses operate 7 days a week, from early morning until late night, and are incredibly reliable. A single journey ticket will cost you around a few dollars – remember, Norway is NOT cheap.

Uber and Taxi

Tromso also has Uber so that’s always a win as well as local taxi services that run throughout the city as well as to and from the airport. A 5 km trip, for instance, will set you back about $20 for each service, although prices do change depending on the time of day and demand.

Hop-on Hop-off Bus

Another great way to get around and see the city is the hop-on hop-off bus. The bus makes several stops throughout the city and a day ticket will cost you about $27 for a day pass.

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Here are a few quick answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about things to do in Tromso:

Right, it’s time to bid farewell to Tromso (for now) but this is just the beginning of your incredible adventure. If you are currently in the city, then embrace the spirit of this Arctic jewel and create memories that will last you a lifetime.

Take that cold plunge, hit the sauna, explore the fjords, and pray that the Aurora Borealis Gods are in your corner. If you are still gearing up for your trip, I can only tell you one thing – you’re in for an adventure of a lifetime!

The natural world really takes center stage here so prepare to have your heart captured. From the jaw-dropping landscapes and snow-drenched forests to the Midnight Sun giving rise to endless days. Long after you depart this remote Arctic city, you will reflect on your time there and the incredible memories you created. Remember, Tromso isn’t just a destination, it’s an experience.

Experiencing the magic of the Northern Lights just once will be enough for any person but let me tell you, you’ll want more! There’s a contagious energy that Tromso oozes which is the result of the combination of human resilience and the raw power of nature coming together in one harmonious environment.

There are an endless number of epic things to do in Tromso and the city will always beckon you back, trust me. Until then, may the magic of the Arctic sky stay with you as endless as the sky above and the stars that fill it.

Safe travels – Tromso awaits!

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