Looking for things to do in Tromsø? Norway’s “Gateway to the Arctic” is a wondrous place, overflowing with stunning natural beauty and rife with exciting activities.
Located in the northern part of Norway and the cultural hub in the arctic circle, Tromso boasts of some of nature’s grandest marvels. From scenic landscapes to historic landmarks, this lovely city has welcomed visitors worldwide to awe them with its beauty.
From experiencing the breathtaking Northern Lights phenomenon to quite literally crossing boundaries in search of wildlife like reindeer and moose on Kvaløya Island – there are countless ways to make your stay in this picturesque location memorable!
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or simply looking for a unique cultural experience unlike any other, here is our list of the top 8 BEST things to do while visiting Tromsø that will undoubtedly make your visit to Norway even more special.
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Top 8 BEST Things to do in Tromsø (Norway)
The Arctic Cathedral
The Arctic Cathedral in Tromsø is one of the must-see attractions in the city due to its unique architecture and location.
Situated on a hill overlooking Tromsø, it is visible from most parts of the city and has become an iconic symbol of the Northern Lights region.
The church’s striking design features white marble walls, glass windows, an angular roof, and two spires rising up into the sky. Visitors can marvel at colorful stained-glass adorning each window – depicting religious themes such as Judgment Day and God’s Commandments – while also taking in beautiful views across Tromsø Island.
It also hosts various organ concerts throughout the year, making it one of Tromsø’s top attractions for music lovers.
Where to stay in Tromsø? Check out this list of beautiful hotels, great bargains, and how to book!
Are you planning your travels? Here’re my top travel resources!
I’m a serial planner both in life and in travel – I have bucket lists, things to do, see, and everything. So, I always love when my life is sorted easily using tools and resources that would make my general planning a little smoother and easier. Therefore, in my many years of traveling the world, I’ve seen myself returning to these travel resources repeatedly. And here I am, sharing my tips to make your life easy and breezy so you can stress less, travel heaps, and focus on the fun part of travel!
- Booking.com – I book all my hotels through this website and don’t honestly use anything else. They always have the best prices, in my opinion.
- Airbnb – If I’m traveling long-term to one destination, I book my flats through Airbnb.
- Skyscanner – The best place to find cheap flights on flexible dates. I use this a lot to score cheap flights within Europe!
- SafetyWing – Always travel insured! Never leave your home country without one. It is worth the extra money, I promise you!
- GetYourGuide – Hands-down, the best place to find cool and unique tours if you don’t feel like winging it, and go straight to a local expert. I use this a lot in new destinations to get acquainted with the area!
- My Pretty Wild World Travel Diary (coming soon) – A book you can write down your travel plans, create itineraries, track down your budget, and dot down memories along the way! A handy book you can keep and read later to revisit memory lane.
- Pretty Wild World Travel Planning Printables (coming soon) – Are you a nut like me when it comes to planning? Yes? Good. My travel planning resource in one zip file is an easy-to-use printable planner that comes with tips that helps you plan your travels during the planning stage, a pre-flight checklist, an itinerary planner, and so on.
Experience Fjellheisen
Located between Tromsø and Tromsdalen, Fjellheisen is also one of the most popular attractions in Tromsø, Norway.
It is a cable car that takes visitors up to the top of Mount Storsteinen for spectacular views of the surrounding area and breathtaking nature. The amazing panorama from 420 meters above sea level can be enjoyed along with activities such as hiking, skiing, toboggan, and snowshoeing.
Fjellheisen offers an exciting experience along with stunning scenery that provides visitors with unforgettable memories.
Additionally, it serves as a great starting point for exploring further into Tromsø’s mountains which are rich in culture and history.
If you’re interested to know more about Norway, here’s our post about all the interesting facts about this beautiful country!
Where to stay in Tromsø? Check out this list of beautiful hotels, great bargains, and how to book!
The Polar Museum
The Polar Museum is one of the things to do see in Tromsø. It is a museum dedicated to the people and animals who live around the Arctic Circle, Polar expeditions and explorers, and traditional Norwegian culture. Visitors are taken on a journey through time that starts in the Stone Age and ends with modern-day life in northern Norway.
The museum also displays artifacts from Arctic expeditions of earlier centuries, such as hunting tools and harpoons to skis, kayaks, snowshoes, sleds, and costumes – all giving visitors unique insight into life at extreme latitudes. Alongside this rich cultural exhibition lies an outdoor area where visitors can observe typical northern flora while surrounded by authentic wooden buildings built using traditional Nordic construction techniques.
The Polar Museum is a great way for tourists to explore and learn more about Northern Norway’s fascinating history while gaining insight into its unique culture.
Where to stay in Tromsø? Check out this list of beautiful hotels, great bargains, and how to book!
Hold up! Have you thought about the importance of travel insurance?
Remember this: anything can happen. Travel is fun, but your health is more important; thus, I always, always, always recommend getting insured during the duration of your trip. I have benefitted from having one multiple times, and it has been covered for thousands of euros!
The latest one is not necessarily “health” related – it was during the peak of the unspeakable terrible C that consumed the world. I was living in Vietnam when I received an email from SafetyWing (my travel insurance) that if I want they’ll fly be back home to Finland as the world goes through a global emergency alert. I flew back fully covered, and dealing with SafetyWing was a breeze despite the roar of people in contact with them trying to get back home.
I can’t highly recommend them enough. Otherwise, I rarely get sick; hence I don’t always need to head to a hospital, but knowing that I have travel insurance makes me feel safe at the very least.
Read my post about why you should get travel insurance for more information. Otherwise, you can get a free quote from SafetyWing – they’re the best, in my opinion.
Visit Ølhallen
Located near the Arctic Circle, Ølhallen offers locals and visitors alike a unique place to sample some of Norway’s finest beers. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, with plenty of room to sit back, take in the view, and enjoy delicious food paired with local craft beer on tap.
Whether you’re looking for an evening out with friends or simply want a break from sightseeing attractions, Ølhallen is certainly worth considering when visiting Tromsø!
Where to stay in Tromsø? Check out this list of beautiful hotels, great bargains, and how to book!
Check out Polaria
Polaria in Tromsø is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the Arctic ocean, its wildlife, and culture. Visitors to Polaria can enjoy interactive exhibits about the northernmost part of Norway and its native people, as well as a stunning aquarium with species from the North Sea and the Arctic Ocean.
Suppose you want an educational experience and want to know and have a deeper understanding of Norway’s sea expedition traditions. In that case, Polaria is an aquarium and a museum with interactive exhibitions about the marine life that took place in Norway. This is a good place to visit with the family.
Where to stay in Tromsø? Check out this list of beautiful hotels, great bargains, and how to book!
What are my favorite travel must-haves?
As a frequent traveler, I’ve learned a lot throughout my years of travel, and there are five items that I always carry with me regardless of where I go and how long the trip is. Here are my five travel must-haves!
- Warm packable jacket – I always carry a light jacket, even when heading to warm countries. There hasn’t been a time I never used it, especially in airports and planes.
- Transparent toiletry bag – I often bring a carry-on if I’m only traveling within Europe for a few days. Life is so much easier to go through security checks with a transparent toiletry bag.
- Kindle Paperwhite – I love a good read and always take my Kindle everywhere. It keeps me entertained during long flights and waiting times.
- Powerbank – I don’t know how I could travel without one! Having a power bank saved me a ton since I carry a lot of electronic devices with me.
- Travel Adapter – I never leave my luggage without a travel adapter! I carry one with me all the time. It is just one of that travel-must haves that doesn’t hurt to have in your bag at all times.
Go Whale watching
The best time to go whale watching in Tromsø, Norway is typically between April and October as this is when the whales are most active.
You can also observe Orcas from February to December and other species such as White-Beaked Dolphins and Humpback Whales throughout the summer months. The best whale-watching spots near Tromsø include Hillesoya Island, Risoyrenna, Gjesværstappan Nature Reserve and Hogskjerfa Mountain Viewpoint. This is also one of the unique things to do in Tromsø.
In addition to being a great way to connect with nature, whale watching in Tromsø is also a great opportunity to learn more about marine life as knowledgeable guides can provide insight into the behaviors, biology and ecology of these beautiful animals.
Where to stay in Tromsø? Check out this list of beautiful hotels, great bargains, and how to book!
Book this unforgettable experience: All-Inclusive Whale and Sea Bird Boat Cruise from Tromsø
Tromsø Aurora: Watch the Northern lights
Since Norway is in Northern Europe and Tromsø is in the very north of the country, there’s a huge chance for you to see the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis. The best time to see this natural phenomenon is between September and January.
Where to stay in Tromsø? Check out this list of beautiful hotels, great bargains, and how to book!
Book this unforgettable experience: Aurora Borealis Tour from Tromsø
Tromsø excursions: Go dog sledding
Play with huskies and let them tour you around Tromsø and see the beauty of the scenic mountain view from a different angle. You can book a full-on dog sledding tour, including lunch, to make the most out of your experience
Where to stay in Tromsø? Check out this list of beautiful hotels, great bargains, and how to book!
Book this unforgettable experience: Tromsø Husky Sled Self-Drive with Traditional Lunch
FAQ’s about Tromsø
What is Tromsø famous for?
Tromsø is famous as the spot to see Northern Lights. Many tourists travel here to see just this and to experience winter and whale watching.
What is there to do in Tromsø in January?
This is perhaps one of the best times to visit Tromsø and the highest tourist season. People come here around this time of the year to experience the Northern Lights and whale watching, so book your tours and expeditions in advance!
Can you see the Northern Lights in Tromsø?
Absolutely! If you come between late September to January and March, you’ll have a good chance to see the Northern Lights as it is one of the best things to do in Tromsø. However, you’ll have greater chances of seeing this natural phenomenon in October, November, and March!
How far is Tromso from the North Pole?
The North Pole is about 2200km from Tromsø.
What should I wear in Tromso?
It absolutely depends on what time of the year you are coming. That said, Tromsø is located up north in Norway, and although summer can be warm, it is still best to bring enough clothes to keep you warm when it does get chilly. However, if you’re coming in winter, you must come prepared. We have compiled a packing list for those interested in coming to Europe in winter; check it out here. Spring and autumn can both be wet so bring warm clothing and possibly waterproof shoes, an umbrella, raincoats, and windbreakers.
When can you see whales in Tromsø?
Yes, and the best time to do this is during winter!
Is Tromsø inside the Arctic Circle?
It is located 250km north of the Arctic Circle
What is the best time to see the Northern Lights?
Between September and January.
Planning to visit Norway? Check these posts out!
- Norway Points of Interests: Places to visit, Hiking spots, Beaches to chill, Camping spots, Small towns to visit, UNESCO sites, National parks to check out, Museums to visit, and Castles to check out
- When is the best time to visit Norway? Check out this detailed post!
- Oslo Points of Interests: Things to do in Oslo, Museums to check out, Cafes to check out, and Restaurants to try
- Norway Culture Overview: Tipping culture, Interesting facts, Norwegian drinks to try, Norwegian food to try, and Supermarkets to do groceries
- Places to visit in Norway: Alta, Røros, Fredrikstad, Bodø, Westerdn Fjords, Bergen, Lofoten Islands, Stavanger, Svalbard, Trondheim, Helgeland, Åleslud, and Tromsø
Where to stay in Tromsø
Booking.comActivities to do in Tromsø
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