Tromso holidays

This flourishing port city on the North Sea has all the trappings of a Norwegian city break. But the true appeal of a holiday in Tromso is the wilderness on its doorstep, where you’ll find some of the planet’s most mesmerising spectacles. From northern lights watch parties and whales feasting in the fjords to sleigh rides in the snow, see why Tromso is the perfect polar getaway.

Tromso holiday highlights

Vegard Stien

Reindeer country

Reindeer herding has long been integral to the Indigenous Sami people’s way of life. Several guided tours allow you to get up close and personal with these hardy creatures and Sami culture. Choose to dash through the snow on a reindeer-drawn sleigh, join the daily feeding of a herd of reindeer or share in Sami traditions and storytelling.

Sensational sea life

A holiday to Tromso is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see humpback whales and orcas in their natural habitat. These huge mammals are lured to Tromso’s fjords by herring between November and January, and there are plenty of eco-friendly tour operators who’ll get you close to the action. Or why not join a fishing tour and catch your own meal. Just don’t forget a fishing licence.

Night lights

Tromso is a perfect place to catch a glimpse of the ethereal northern lights. Take your holiday to Tromso between September and mid-April for the best chance to see them. But if you’re here in June or July, you’ll find the midnight sun is a spectacle all its own. Take the ‘fjellheisen’ (cable car) to the top of the Storsteinen mountain for spectacular views of either, depending on the season.

Tromso: Know before you go

Language

Norwegian

Currency

Norwegian krone (kr)

Time zone

UTC+1 (CET) and UTC+2 (CEST)

High season

December – March

Low season

April – May

Find the best time to go to Tromso

Weather in Tromso

April – May: Spring temps can get warm… by Arctic standards. Daylight returns to the landscape, and locals emerge from hibernation. This is a great time to hit the ski slopes.

June – July: Summer brings the endless sun. Get out on a hike or a kayaking trip. Layers are still a must.

August – October: Autumn is full of colour when the trees burst into golden blazes. And foodies rejoice as the fresh harvest hits plates.

November – March: Polar nights turn the midday sky inky blue, ideal conditions for spotting the northern lights. But bundle up, as those Arctic winds are no joke.

Events in Tromso

Sami Week (February): A celebration of the diverse Sami people through music, dance, talks and traditional food like reindeer stew. You can also catch a reindeer race.

Buktafestivalen (July): Norway’s love for EDM, metal and folkmusicconverge under the midnight sun for a weekend of all-night revelry. Find kid-friendly events on Saturday afternoon.

SMAK Festival (September): This popular festival is a chance for the unique Arctic food culture of northern Norway to shine. Sample Tromso’s best bites at the markets, meet rising local chefs and sit in on talks from industry heavyweights.

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The best neighbourhoods in Tromso

Tromso City Centre

Located on the island of Tromsoya, Tromso’s historic city centre is the best neighbourhood to stay in Tromso. You’ll find plenty of accommodation options here, as well as restaurants and museums within walking distance. Looking to re-energise on your holiday? Relax in the floating Pust Sauna, then dive into the harbour waters for an invigorating dip.

Good for: Fjord excursions, saunas, museums

Telegrafbukta

Telegrafbukta is the best area to stay in Tromso if your holiday is focused on the northern lights. Located on the southern tip of Tromsoya, this is a peaceful spot away from the light pollution of the city centre. In summer, the locals love to explore its accessible forest trails, play beach volleyball and hold barbecue picnics.

Good for: Nature, recreation, northern lights

Tromsdalen

Situated on the mainland and connected to the city centre by a bridge, this urban neighbourhood provides better value for those on a budget holiday to Tromso. Its centrepiece is the Arctic Cathedral, whose striking exteriors look like the mountain peaks on the nearby island of Haja. Visit during a midnight sun concert to fully appreciate the cathedral’s acoustics.

Good for: Budget, cathedral, concerts

Things to do in Tromso

Vegard Stien

Family-friendly things to do

For a fun day out with kids, check out the Troll Museum. Here you’ll not only meet Norway’s most mysterious residents, but you’ll also learn about Norwegian fairy tales and folklore. Or if you’re travelling with a young animal lover, why not go dog sledding? As you speed through a gorgeous winterscape, you’ll wonder who’s having more fun — you or the dogs.

Shopping

Tromso’s main street has a selection of stores, while Nerstranda shopping centre is downtown. Tromso Gift & Souvenir Shop sells a range of souvenirs representing the culture of northern Norway from both local and national vendors. Pick up everything from jewellery to ‘kuksas’ (hand-carved wooden cups traditionally made by Sami people).

Places to eat

It’s no surprise that seafood is the go-to ingredient in Tromso, one of Norway’s largest fishing ports. But meat dishes like reindeer, moose and lamb served with root vegetables are also popular after a day in the snow. On a tight budget? Load up on reindeer hot dogs or warm waffles topped with the ubiquitous brown cheese.

Nightlife

You’ll find an assortment of classic wine bars and traditional brewpubs in Tromso. Open-air and rooftop bars allow you to enjoy the northern lights or midnight sun with your drink. Magic Ice Tromso doesn’t just sell cocktails — it’s also a gallery of ornate ice sculptures. And because the sun doesn’t set in summer, activities like hiking and kayaking continue all night long.

Free things to do

Explore a wide variety of polar plant life from around the world at the Arctic-Alpine Botanical Garden. The site also offers dreamy views of the surrounding mountains and fjords. For even more spectacular views, hike the ‘Sherpatrappa’ (Sherpa stairs) to the top of Storsteinen mountain. Or visit Telegrafbukta park for outdoor recreation.

Take in the culture

You’ll find several museums and galleries in Tromso. The Polar Museum covers life north of the Arctic Circle, including Norway’s contribution to polar exploration. At The Arctic University Museum of Norway you can learn about everything from the northern lights to the region’s changing landscape to the traditions of the Sami people.

Plan your holiday to Tromso

Budget

Looking for a cheap holiday to Tromso? With a bit of planning, it’s doable. Balance your travel budget by exploring the city’s incredible nature, architecture and cosy cafe lifestyle. This is a remote locale, so expect food and drink to cost a bit more. You can usually find an affordable meal for about 300 Norwegian kroner (kr) and a cappuccino for kr60.

Day trips from Tromso

Just under two hours from the city centre, you’ll find the remote Arctic village of Skibotn. Spend a day here hiking, snowmobiling, riding a dogsled or visiting a Sami camp. Tromso’s surrounding mountains beckon day-trippers with epic ski runs and cosy base camps. Choose from Kvaloya, Ringvassoya and Malangen, all between 30 and 90 minutes from the city.

Getting around Tromso

Tromso’s city centre is very walkable. But if you’re resting your legs, city buses run daily from early morning to late at night. Buy tickets at kiosks or on the Troms Billett app. You can also purchase fares from the driver but only with cash, and prices can be a little higher. For maximum convenience, taxis and rideshare services are readily available.

FAQs about Tromso holidays

You'll be using the Norwegian krone (NOK) while on your trip to Tromso. In addition to your debit and credit cards, consider carrying some cash for things like minor purchases and public transport fares.
Three to five days is enough for a trip to Tromso if you're just a short drive or flight away. Consider staying for a week or longer if you're travelling from afar. You'll be able to check out the most popular sights and include a few side trips to nearby areas.
Your city break in Tromso can differ in price based on anything from your chosen hotel to trip length. To score the best deals on Tromso flights and hotels, be flexible with when you go and take advantage of early booking promotions.
July is the warmest month in Tromso, with temperatures reaching highs of 18ºC (64ºF).
Norwegian is widely spoken here. Familiarise yourself with some local words and phrases during your city break in Tromso and you'll fit right in.
With an average rainfall of 13 cm, September is the wettest month to go on a Tromso holiday. When the weather shifts, head indoors and make the most of the city's galleries, shops, museums and more.
January brings the coolest weather. Set off on your Tromso trip then and you can expect lows of -12ºC (10ºF).
The season for northern lights is between late August and mid-April, while whales descend on the fjords between November and January. If you’re looking to have a cheap holiday to Tromso, you’ll certainly find better deals outside this period, and the midnight sun allows for endless wilderness exploration.
Norway is one of the safest countries in the world. But your holiday to Tromso will require some unique precautions. Watch out for reindeer and elk while driving. Take a tour instead of travelling on winter roads in search of the northern lights. Pay attention to avalanche warnings, and hike with a qualified guide.
A holiday to Tromso is an excellent decision. Enjoy all the fun of a city getaway along with once-in-a-lifetime highlights like the northern lights, whale watching and reindeer sledding.

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