Where to Stay in Tromsø: Best Area & Hotels for First Visit (+Map & Tips)

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Planning a trip to Tromsø in Norway and wondering where to stay on your first visit? In this guide, we share our experience-based tips and suggestions for the very best places to stay in Tromso. We also include hotel recommendations for all budgets.

Whether you are visiting in summer or in winter, this guide will help you choose the best place to stay in Tromso, close to everything.

Below, you can find our complete resource on where to stay in Tromso, top hotel picks, and unique winter accommodations where you have better chances to see the Northern Lights. But first – my personal recommendations.

My Favorite Hotels in Tromso

If you don’t have the time to read the entire article or do extensive research and are simply looking for the very best places to stay in Tromso, here are my personal favorite hotels for a first visit, based on location, value, and overall experience.

Simply click on the hotel name for more details and rates:

• Scandic Ishavshotel – Waterside hotel with sea views.
  This modern hotel sits right at the end of the quay, surrounded by water on three sides. The views are as good as it gets in Tromsø! Book a sea-view room and, with a bit of luck, you might even spot the Northern Lights right from your window.

• Clarion Hotel The Edge – Stylish and modern, with an amazing rooftop bar.
  A sleek, contemporary hotel in one of the most central spots in Tromsø. The rooftop bar offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains, and on a clear night, you might catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

• Radisson Blu Tromsø – Popular mid-budget hotel, very central.
  The most popular 4-star hotel in Tromsø, located right in the center and near the harbor. Family rooms are available, making it a great choice for both couples and families.

• Home Hotel With – Great value with half-board included.
  A cozy, mid-range hotel on the harbor that includes both breakfast and dinner in the room rate. Excellent value, especially in expensive Norway.

• Comfort Hotel Xpress Tromsø – Budget-friendly modern stay.
  A modern hotel with a great price/quality ratio, just a short walk from Tromsø’s main attractions.

• Enter City Apartment Hotel – Self-catering option.
  Ideal for families or anyone who prefers having a kitchenette and extra space, right in the town center.

• ❄️ Crystal Lavvo – Unique winter stay with transportation, meals, and activities included.
  For something truly special, consider this unforgettable one-night experience outside the city. It’s perfect for chasing the Northern Lights too.

READ ALSO: Tromso Winter Itinerary

   

Good to know: This article is split into several parts. First, we share more details about the very best hotels in Tromso. Further below you can find recommendations for the best price-quality mid-range hotels as well as budget hotels in Tromso.

We also include best-located self-catering accommodation suggestions for those who travel with a family, like a bit more privacy or are simply looking for a more local experience.

At the bottom of this article, you can also find additional suggestions for more unique winter accommodations near Tromso – perfect if you want to increase your chances of seeing the northern lights. But for the rest, this guide only covers hotels in Tromso town. You’ll soon see why. Read on!

 

Best Area to Stay in Tromso + Map

By far the best area to stay in Tromso is right in the town center close to the harbor (see the map below).

Tromso is a small town and the city center is very compact. Staying in the center makes it easy to explore everything on foot. The downtown and harbor areas are where you’ll find all the best shops, restaurants, museums, etc. Plus, if you take any organized tours in Tromso, they all offer free pick-up and drop-off in the city center.

Furthermore, if you arrive in Tromso by boat, it docks in the town center, right next to a couple of the best Tromso hotels. If you arrive in Tromso by plane, you can take a taxi or a public bus that will drop you off right in the city center as well. If you don’t want to worry about practicalities, you can also pre-book an airport transfer straight to/from your hotel or accommodation in Tromso.

Because of all the reasons mentioned above, I highly recommend that you stay at one of the hotels in Tromso town center. This makes exploring Tromso so easy. Plus – depending on when you travel and what you plan to do – it makes it unnecessary to rent a car (which will save you lots of money).

If you stay in the city center, you can walk to all of the attractions in town, take a bus to the cable car, and, as already mentioned, all the tours and excursions will pick you up from there.

All of this also means that it’s extremely easy to visit Tromso in winter as well. You can stay in the lively town center and explore the beautiful surroundings by taking tours, without having to worry about driving on icy roads.

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Tromso in Winter

Best Tromso Hotels

Now that you know that the very best place to stay in Tromso is the town center, you may be wondering where exactly. Tromso city center is tiny, but locals still refer to the area around the main shopping street Storgata as Tromso Downtown and the area next to the water as Tromso Harbor.

In my opinion, both these areas are just as nice and both are just as convenient for sightseeing. It will take you just 5 minutes to walk from one to the other…

That being said, the nicest Tromso hotels are the ones by the harbor. If you can also get a room with a view, it’s as good as it gets! In winter, you might even be able to see the Northern Lights from the comfort of your hotel room!

However, Tromso hotels that are a bit further from the water tend to be a bit cheaper… So if you are on a tighter budget, check out my selection of the best price-quality hotels in Tromso further below.

But first, let’s take a look at the very best hotels in Tromso. These hotels have excellent location, fantastic customer reviews, and offer the very best experience in Tromso. Find out!

These are the best hotels in Tromso:

1. Scandic Ishavshotel

Scandic Ishavshotel is one of the most luxurious hotels in Tromsø and has a truly unique location right at the very end of the harbor quay, completely surrounded by water on three sides. You simply can’t beat the views here. Many rooms look out over the fjord, mountains, and the Arctic Cathedral, and the city center is just a short walk away.

If you’re hoping to spot the Northern Lights without leaving your hotel, this is one of the best places to stay in Tromsø city center. On very clear nights, you might see the aurora right from your room or just outside the hotel. However, because of the city’s light pollution, sightings are never guaranteed. For a much higher chance of seeing a strong display, it’s best to join an aurora tour or head out of town for the evening.

The hotel offers a variety of room types, including spacious family rooms that are great value for money. Prices vary a lot depending on the season and the type of room you book. Sometimes, Scandic Ishavshotel is surprisingly affordable, and even comparable to some mid-range Tromsø hotels, so it’s definitely worth checking rates for your exact travel dates.

2. Home Hotel Aurora

Home Hotel Aurora (previously Clarion Collection Hotel Aurora) is a modern 4-star hotel is one of the best hotels in Tromso. Located in the harbor area, it offers great value by including breakfast, afternoon tea, and dinner in the – already very reasonable – price of your stay.

Furthermore, this is one of the few hotels in Tromso town center that offers onsite parking.

We recently stayed at this hotel and couldn’t really fault it, except that most rooms don’t really have a view. For the rest, it’s great: location, price/quality, food, and staff. Plus, they have an amazing rooftop sauna and hot tub – you’ll never want to leave.

If you are looking for the best location and good value, you really can’t go wrong with choosing this hotel for your stay in Tromso.

3. Home Hotel With

Home Hotel With (previously Clarion Collection Hotel With) is another very good hotel in Tromso city center. Located directly by the water and overlooking Tromso harbor, this 4-star hotel offers the best views in town, as well as some of the best facilities.

At first sight, it looks like it’s the most expensive hotel in Tromso. However, the price includes a breakfast buffet, free coffee, tea, and fruit during the day, and also dinner. Taking into account how expensive Norway is, having all these meals included actually makes this hotel a really good deal.

One drawback for us, but probably an advantage to those looking for quietness, is that this hotel doesn’t have big family rooms.

4. Radisson Blu Hotel Tromsø

One of the most popular hotels to stay in Tromso, Radisson Blu, also has an excellent location in the harbor area.

In addition, this hotel has nice family rooms and facilities like a gym and a sauna (free for all guests).

The location and the rooms are very comparable to the Scandic Ishavshotel mentioned above, but it tends to be a bit cheaper. No wonder it’s one of the most popular hotels in Tromso.

5. Clarion Hotel The Edge

Located near Tromsø harbor and just steps away from the main shopping street, Clarion Hotel The Edge sits in one of the most central locations in town. It’s a bit further away from the other harbor hotels, but right in the middle of the action.

This modern, stylish hotel is one of the newer properties in Tromsø and offers some of the best value among the 4-star hotels in the harbor area. Rooms are comfortable and well-designed, and there’s a popular rooftop bar with panoramic views over the city and the surrounding mountains.

Because of its location, you might catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights from higher floors or the rooftop. It’s a nice bonus if it happens, but for the best experience, you’ll still want to book a dedicated aurora tour or drive outside the city.

Best Price – Quality Hotels in Tromso

As already mentioned above, Tromso hotels that are located just outside the harbor area tend to offer similar value as the best hotels listed above, but for less money.

Here is my selection of the best mid-range hotels in Tromso, where you get good value for your money. They all have a good location and excellent customer reviews.

• Scandic Grand Tromso. This is a very popular hotel. It’s not the cheapest, but it offers good price-quality in an excellent location. Breakfast is included and the rooms are spacious and modern.

• Quality Hotel Saga. Another great choice in the town center. Breakfast is included and free coffee, tea, and waffles are available in the afternoon.

• Thon Hotel Polar and Thon Hotel Tromso are both good mid-range options located close to the main shopping street.

• Smarthotel Tromso. Good price/quality hotel in Tromso center, but breakfast is charged additionally. Thousands of amazing customer reviews.

Best Budget Hotels in Tromso

Norway is an expensive country, so budget hotels in Tromso might not be as cheap as you expect.

Here are just a few budget hotels in Tromso that I want to highlight. I only include the ones with good reviews, because I believe that budget accommodation has to offer good value as well. After all, it’s your vacation and you deserve to enjoy it!

• Comfort Hotel Xpress Tromsø. This is one of the most affordable 3-star hotels in Tromso town center that has great customer ratings. However, breakfast isn’t included in the price, so keep that in mind when budgeting for your trip or comparing different hotels.

• Ami Hotel. The location is a bit less central, but still very good and this hotel offers a very good price/quality ratio.

Best Self-catering Accommodation in Tromso Town Center

In addition to traditional hotel rooms in Tromso center, there are also several hotels that offer apartments with a kitchen.

One of the best options is the Enter City Apartment Hotel. This hotel is located in the town center and offers rooms and apartments with a kitchen. Good value and good customer ratings. They also have family rooms for up to 4-5 people.

There are also some nice privately rented apartments that are perfect for bigger families or groups of friends traveling to Tromso together. However, only a few of these are located in the city center. Most others are located further away, so you’ll need to use a bus for everything.

TIP: Using the map below, you can compare hotels and short-term rentals in Tromso. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay. Check it out!

 

Best Places to Stay for the Northern Lights

If you’re looking for a unique stay near Tromsø or want to maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights, there are several incredible accommodations just outside the city. These places offer darker skies and more secluded locations, giving you a much better chance to watch the aurora right from your bed.

While hotels like Scandic Ishavshotel and Clarion Hotel The Edge in Tromsø city center sometimes offer aurora sightings from higher floors or the waterfront, light pollution makes it hit or miss. For a more reliable experience – and a truly magical Arctic getaway – consider staying outside the city – even if just for one night.

Here are some of the best options:

• Crystal Lavvo Overnight Experience. Spend a magical night in a cozy crystal lavvo – a modern, glass-topped tent designed for aurora viewing. Each lavvo is private for your family or group and accommodates 2–4 people. This experience includes transportation from Tromsø, meals, and a few activities, making it ideal if you don’t have a car but still want to escape the city lights.

• ÆRA – Glass Cabins. This stylish, eco-friendly accommodation with glass cabins and igloos is one of the most unique places to stay near Tromsø (30-minute drive). With big windows and a remote setting, you can watch the Northern Lights dance across the sky without even leaving your bed. While it’s close enough to Tromsø to combine with city activities, the cabins feel a world away once you’re there.

• Ersfjordbotn Brygge. This cozy waterside property is about a 30-minute drive from Tromsø and offers spacious self-catering apartments, making it ideal for families or groups. It’s located in Ersfjordbotn, one of the most popular spots for Northern Lights viewing near the city. Keep in mind that there’s no restaurant or grocery store nearby, so you’ll need to bring groceries and prepare your own meals.

• Yggdrasil Farmhotel Retreat. Located about 50-60 minutes from Tromsø, this charming farm hotel offers a peaceful, rural setting with minimal light pollution – perfect for Northern Lights viewing. The cozy rooms and welcoming atmosphere make it feel more like staying with friends than at a hotel. There’s a small on-site restaurant serving homemade meals with local ingredients, so you can relax and enjoy the experience without having to cook.

• Sommarøy Arctic Hotel Tromsø. Located on a small island 70 minutes drive from Tromsø, this beautiful beachfront hotel is perfect for a peaceful escape surrounded by nature. It’s really far from the city, but the setting is absolutely worth it. In winter, you can hunt for auroras right outside your door, and during the day, enjoy stunning views of the fjords and islands.

READ ALSO: Northern Lights in Tromso: Complete Guide

So, this is our guide to the very best Tromso hotels and other accommodation options for all budgets.

Once again, book your lodging in Tromso as soon as you have your travel dates because the best deals are gone very quickly. In the peak winter season, many hotels sell out and whatever is left, is usually very expensive.

More tips for your trip to Tromsø:

• Winter: Things to Do in Tromso in Winter
• Itinerary: Weekend Break in Tromso in Winter
• Auroras: How to See the Northern Lights in Tromso
• Packing: What to Wear in Norway in Summer and What to Wear in Norway in Winter
• Must-do: Dog Sledding in Tromso
• Ice hotel: Tromso Ice Domes

More tips for visiting Northern Norway:

• Itinerary: Northern Norway Itinerary
• Lofoten:
  • Lofoten Travel Tips
  • Where to Stay in Lofoten
  • Lofoten in Summer
  • Lofoten Rorbuer
• Budget: How Expensive is Norway
• Norway: For more travel tips, please check our Norway travel guide.

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