7 Absolute Best Things To Do in Tromso in Winter (+Tips & Info)

Thinking of visiting Tromso in Norway in winter and wondering what to do in Tromso during the winter months (November, December, January, February, March, and early April)? In this guide, you can find a complete selection of the VERY BEST places to see and fun activities to do in Tromso. Take a look!

You are going where? People told me I was out of my mind when I said I was going to Norway’s Arctic Capital and visiting Tromsø in winter. Just a few days and many pictures and stories on social media later, those same people asked me for tips to plan a winter trip like this of their own…

If you are also planning a trip and wondering what to expect or what is worth your time the most, this guide will show you the VERY BEST things to do in Tromso in winter. For each activity, I include my experience-based tips and recommendations on where and how to do it.

In this post, I concentrate on the absolute best things to do in Tromso in winter that you really shouldn’t miss when visiting for the first time. In addition, I share some of the best places to visit in town itself, so that you have plenty of ideas of what to do in between all the amazing outdoor activities as well.

At the bottom of this article, you can also find some practical information, such as recommendations on where to eat or where to stay, as well as frequently asked questions about visiting Tromso in winter.

PRO TIP: Make sure to book your accommodation and activities in advance! Check out traveler’s favorite hotels.

READ ALSO: How to plan your trip – Tromso winter itinerary

   

Without further ado, here are the best things to do in Tromso in winter:

1. Dog Sledding (a must in Tromso in winter!)

If for whatever reason, you only have time for one winter activity in Tromso, make it dog sledding. You’re in for a thrilling ride and an experience of a lifetime!

I can’t imagine a better way to experience the Arctic winter landscapes than this, and I can’t wait to go back and do this again, next time with kids.

From the moment you first meet the huskies, you’ll be amazed at how enthusiastic the dogs are and how much they enjoy running. There are many tours to choose from and you can drive the sled or just sit and enjoy the ride.

On most husky sled tours, including the tour I did – you do both – driving and riding because you share the sled with one other person and switch halfway. So you get to experience both – the thrill of steering the dog-pulled sled, as well as the relaxing ride sitting in the sled and absorbing the scenery.

While I heard some people say that it’s a challenge to drive the sled, I found it extremely easy and enjoyable. The dogs are so well trained that they do the job for you. In my case, the dogs were so happy to run that pretty much the only thing I had to do is push on the break once in a while to stop them from overtaking the others.

 

There are several places where you can go dog sledding near Tromso. I took this tour at Tromsø Villmarkssenter and loved every minute of it.

The 30-minute drive from town was so scenic, the guides and the dogs – super friendly, and the location where dog sledding takes place is simply spectacular… Highly recommended!

Good to know: Dog sledding tours are extremely popular and there are only so many dogs (and they are extremely well taken care of and need to get enough rest). So these tours often sell out. Be sure to book your dog sledding experience well in advance!

TIP: For more information on what to expect, best tour options, and practical tips, be sure to read our post about husky sledding in Tromso via the link below. It should answer all your questions and help you pick the best tour to suit your interests and budget.

LEARN MORE: Dog Sledding in Tromso

 

2. Northern Lights

Most people I met in Tromso told me that the main reason for the trip was seeing the Northern Lights. Good choice! Tromso is located right on the Aurora Oval and is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in the world.

I once visited Iceland in winter and was lucky to have good weather and see the auroras there too. But generally speaking, the weather is much more stable in Tromso and therefore your chances of seeing the auroras are much higher here.

As you may already know, you need several factors in order to see the auroras, and dark clear skies are a must. It’s still a matter of luck, of course. But you can increase your chances by actively looking for them instead of just staying in town hoping for a nice show despite the light pollution or local cloud coverage…

 

There are many companies organizing aurora tours in Tromso so the choice is yours to make. Just remember to book in advance as many tours (especially small group tours) sell out very quickly.

Here is a direct link one of the best-rated small group aurora tours in Tromso. If you want to take this one, you’ll have to be quick – it’s often fully booked.

On the other hand, most tours are quite similar and they all do their best to give you the best possible experience, so it doesn’t matter which one you pick. Just make sure to read the tour description so that you know exactly what is included. In any case, be sure to book well ahead! Check here for the best available options.

I took two different aurora hunting tours in Tromso on two different nights. We saw auroras on both nights. One of the tours I took was this aurora photography tour and I was a bit worried how the experience will be traveling on a big bus (vs. small group tours), but I enjoyed it just as much as a small-group tour and the guides also helped everyone to get some amazing photos!

TIP: If your primary focus of the trip is to see the Northern Lights, then you may consider booking a few night tours, or at least one aurora tour in the beginning of the trip. That way, if you don’t get to see auroras on your first night, you can try again before you leave.

The advantage of pre-booking (potentially on several nights) is that you don’t have to worry about the tours selling out (this happens a lot!) And if the conditions are really bad and the tours don’t go, you get your money back anyway.

LEARN MORE: Practical tips and information for watching the Northern Lights in Tromso

 

3. Tromso’s Best View – Fjellheisen Cable Car

No trip to Tromso would be complete without a ride on the Tromso cable car, Fjellheisen. No matter the season, this is one of the best things to do in Tromso! So don’t miss it.

Fjellheisen cable car is Tromso’s most popular tourist destination and it’s easy to see why. The panoramic views over the city surrounded by islands, fjords, and mountains are simply phenomenal!

In the summer it’s an ideal place to see the Midnight Sun, and in winter you may even get lucky and spot the Northern Lights from here.

TIP: If you have an hour to spare, make sure to go for a short hike in the direction of Steinbohytta. There is another viewpoint, a bit higher, from where you can see even more spectacular views. It’s not an easy walk, however, especially with the snow. In winter, you need very good winter boots (hiking poles and crampons would make it even more enjoyable). But it’s so worth the effort!

 

4. Fjord Cruise & Whale Watching

One of the most popular day trips in Tromso is a fjord cruise.

In the winter whale season (+- November to February), you can expect to see whales (orcas). But even if you come outside the season, a fjord cruise is a really nice day trip from Tromso. The scenery is beautiful, and if you are lucky you can see dolphins, seals, or eagles.

I went on this Polar Fjord Cruise on a cold, windy, and snowy winter day. Despite that, it was still a really fun trip. Warmly dressed in a thermal suit provided on the boat, I spent hours on deck enjoying the views, fishing, and trying to spot some wildlife. If this trip was so enjoyable even in such bad weather, it can only be better in other conditions. Recommended!

This tour offers a possibility to fish from the boat. At the end of the trip, they serve a freshly made soup with the catch of the day.

This is another extremely popular activity in Tromso and because spots are limited, it often sells out. Check availability here and reserve in advance!

TIP: Dress warm and in winter use the free overalls provided by the tour company.

 

5. Reindeer Sledding & Sami Culture

Have you ever decided to take a trip based on pictures? I’ve been following Visit Tromso Instagram account for a while and it was their cute reindeer pictures that convinced me to visit the place. I knew that there was so much more to Tromso than the reindeer, but I just had to see them! And then there was this little girl’s dream of riding in a reindeer-pulled sled…

If reindeer sledding is on your bucket list too, you’ll be happy to know that it’s one of the most popular winter activities in Tromso. So there are quite a few possibilities to interact with reindeer or book a seld ride – see here for all the best options.

Good to know: Reindeer sledding is a really family-friendly experience because the sleds don’t go that fast and you just sit and enjoy the scenery. You can also cuddle these cute animals and learn a bit about the Sami people and their culture.

I went on an evening reindeer tour and was happy to find that the actual sledding took longer than I expected. It was snowing that night, so we couldn’t see the Northern Lights, but the auroras would have just been the cherry on the cake. What a unique experience – reindeer sledding in a beautiful winter landscape, followed by a warm meal and some Sami stories at the end.

TIP: There are many options when it comes to reindeer sledding in Tromso – during the day, as well as in the evening, as I did. Some rides are longer, some shorter, or you can meet the reindeer without booking the ride… So do your research and find a tour that meets your dream.

If I were to go back and do this with the family, I would opt for a daytime reindeer sledding experience. I think younger kids would enjoy it more during the day. On the other hand, if you get to see the auroras, it would be magical… Either way, it’s a fairytale-like experience and one not to be missed in Northern Norway!

 

6. Tromso Ice Domes – The Ice Hotel of Tromsø

If you want to visit an igloo complete with an ice bar, ice cinema, ice restaurant, and an ice hotel, then don’t miss Tromso Ice Domes in winter.

The beautiful location in the heart of the Arctic wilderness, as well as some incredible world-class ice art, turns this place into a real winter wonderland.

Tromso Ice Domes (aka the Ice Hotel of Tromso) was first opened in the winter of 2017/2018. Following the big success, the project is now open every winter and has expanded in recent years.

If your budget allows it and you want to experience something unique, you can opt to spend a night there. But you can also just visit the Ice Domes on this half-day excursion from Tromso, as I did.

Sometimes, it’s also possible to see reindeer or go husky sledding in the beautiful surroundings near this ice hotel. Here you can see all the best tour options at Camp Tamok (where Ice Domes are located).

Via the link below, you can read more about my experience visiting Tromso Ice Domes. Take a look – it’s a real winter wonderland (lots of pictures and a short video included)!

LEARN MORE: What To Expect at Tromso Ice Domes

 

7. Tromso Museums and Other Attractions

No list of things to do in Tromso would be complete without mentioning the main sights in the city itself!

For a rather small town, Tromso has quite a big variety of interesting attractions and museums. From the world’s northernmost University, Brewery, Cathedral (with midnight concerts!), or Glass Blowing Studio to some interesting museums, art galleries, and also an aquarium.

Adults love the Nordic Spa experience. And if you are visiting Tromso with kids don’t miss the Troll Museum with its Augmented Reality Experience. These are both great options for dark and cold winter evenings.

Tromso also has a really nice waterfront area – Tromso Harbor, and if you like shopping don’t miss the main shopping street – Storgata.

TIP: If you’d like to explore Tromso with a local guide, check out the city walking tours. It’s a nice way to get to know this unique Arctic city a bit deeper and discover its history, culture, and landmarks.

 

As you can probably see from all the activities I described above, my three days in Tromso were packed, so I only had the time to visit just a few places in town itself.

The first one that my travel guide recommended as a must-see in Tromso was Polar Museum. I see that it’s also been selected as one of Norway’s top-10 museums by Trip Advisor, so if you visit just one museum in Tromso, make it this one.

The Polar Museum has an interesting and eye-opening exhibition about the first polar expeditions, as well as hunting and trapping in the Polar regions. It’s difficult to stay indifferent to the stories, especially when you realize what people did to the Arctic wildlife: hunting of whales, seals, hundreds of polar bears… But it’s a big part of the region’s history, a part of our history as a human race too. And so I strongly recommend visiting this museum when in Tromso.

 

The Arctic Experience Center Polaria is a nice place to visit if you are in Tromso with the family. The main attraction of Polaria is the bearded seals, so try to be there at the feeding time.

There are some smaller aquariums and you can also watch some beautiful nature films. It’s not a very big place and exposition is limited, but if you are visiting Tromso with kids, it’s worth checking out.

Just next to Polaria you can visit MS Polstjerna – a historical Seal hunting vessel. There is also a statue to Helmer Hanssen – a Norwegian polar explorer who was one of the first people to reach the South Pole in 1911. And if you like colorful street art, you’ll find it in the same area too.

 

Tromso Arctic Cathedral is one of the most recognizable and iconic buildings in town. They have amazing ‘midnight’ concerts here and the acoustics is amazing.

Many of our readers told me that attending a concert here was magical. Just be sure to check in advance if they are running on your travel dates and reserve a spot because this has become a very popular thing to do in Tromso in winter.

Good to know: Located not too far from the Fjellheisen cable car, Tromso Cathedral is a nice stop if you are walking there from the city center. If you are taking a bus, there are bus stops at both of these places.

 

Tromso Public Library is another fine example of modern architecture that you can’t miss in town.

It’s worth a short visit and is a nice place to warm up on a cold winter day.

 

Yet another nice thing to do in Tromso in winter is a visit to Magic Ice Bar. It’s a really cool experience (literally and figuratively!).

If you are visiting Tromso during the coldest winter months – it will likely be warmer here than outside.

 

Where to Eat

If there’s one thing you don’t have to worry about in Tromso, it’s finding a good place to eat. From trendy coffee shops and bistros to cozy little restaurants serving local specialties, to big seafood restaurants and international fast-food chains – Tromso has it all.

Below you can find some restaurant recommendations I received from the locals:

• Restaurants: Emma’s Dream Kitchen ($$$)- Mathallen ($$$) – Art Cafe Bistro ($$) – Bardus Bistro ($$) – Hildr Gastro Bar ($$$) – Arctandria Seafood Restaurant ($$).
• Coffee: Risø – Smørtorget – Helmersen Delikatesser- Kaffebønna.
• Bars: Bardus Bar – Cafe Sånn – Mack’s Beer Hall (Ølhallen – the oldest bar in town and connected to the world’s northernmost brewery Mack).

TIP: Try the famous fish gratin at Emma’s and a very Instagrammable coffee at Riso’s.

 

Where to Stay If Visiting Tromso in Winter

Good to know: Tromso city center is small and walkable, so if you stay at one of the centrally located hotels, you don’t need to rent a car for your winter trip at all. All the organized tours and excursions have a pick-up in the old town center and you can easily walk to all of the attractions in town or take a bus for bigger distances. If you rather not take a bus with your luggage, simply book an airport transfer.

Here are some of the best-located hotels in Tromso city center:

• Clarion hotels are among the best-located in town: Clarion Collection Hotel With, Clarion Collection Hotel Aurora, and Clarion Hotel The Edge. Some of them include breakfast and dinner in the rates, which is often an amazing deal compared to other accommodations nearby.

• Scandic Ishavshotel has the most beautiful location in Tromso. If you can afford it, book a sea view room. In the winter, you may even get lucky and see auroras from your room.

• Radisson Blu Hotel Tromsø is one of the most popular upper-mid-budget choices in the heart of the city center.

• Quality Hotel Saga – great price/quality ratio on a somewhat lower budget.

• Thon group hotels are a little bit further from the water, but still within a very short walking distance from everything in town. Thon Hotel Polar and Thon Hotel Tromso are just across the street from each other and offer great price-quality stays.

Our experience: On this winter visit in Tromso, I stayed at Thon Hotel Polar. It’s a simple modern hotel that is a bit further away from the harbor, but still very close to everything.

On a recent summer trip, we stayed at Clarion Collection Hotel Aurora and I have to say that it’s one of the best price-quality-location hotels in Tromso. The rooms are a bit dark (but you are not here to sit in a room anyway), but their standard rates include breakfast, afternoon tea, and dinner. Taking into account how expensive dining out is, the value you get at this hotel is excellent. Their rooftop hot tub with the views of the harbor is amazing too.

LEARN MORE: Where to Stay in Tromso (complete guide!)

 

Practical information for visiting Tromso in winter

• Visit Tromso in September through mid-April for the Northern Lights, November to January for the whales, December – January for the Polar Night, or in February – March for more daylight for your winter activities.

• Book your trip in advance (hotels, tours, airport transfer, etc.). I can’t stress this enough. Winter is the peak season in Tromso!

• You can rent a car in Tromso and explore the area individually (keep in mind that the roads are covered in ice), but all tours provide pick-up and drop-off in the city center, so the car is not a must. If you decide to hire a car, we personally use and recommend this car rental website for the best selection, prices, and very affordable insurance.

• Dress in layers with lots of wool. Good winter boots and ice grips for shoes are a must. Most outdoor activities (dog sledding, reindeer sledding, polar fjord cruise, small-group aurora tours, etc) provide warm overalls, some companies even provide boots, gloves, etc. So no need to worry about getting cold in Tromso, even if the temperatures are really low in winter. Here you can read more about what to pack for Norway in winter.

• How much time do you need? I spent 3 days/4 nights discovering the best of Tromso in winter and my days and nights were packed with activities. If you want to see and do the same things that I did, consider spending at least 5-6 days in Tromso. It will be a much more relaxing and enjoyable trip. And – if you have more time in Tromso – your chances of seeing auroras are also higher because you have more evenings when you can go aurora hunting.

LEARN MORE: Tromso Itinerary in Winter

 

Our Reader Questions About Visiting Tromso in Winter

Here are my answers to some of the most popular questions about visiting Tromso in winter from our readers (see also the comments section under the article):

• What are the must-dos in Tromso in winter? The absolute best things to do in Tromso in winter are dog sledding, watching the Northern Lights, reindeer sledding, visiting Tromso Ice Domes, and a polar boat cruise. Also Fjellheisen cable car and museums in the city center are perfect winter activities.

• How cold does it get in Tromso in winter? Average winter temperatures in Tromso are between -1 and -5 °C (22-30°F). That being said, you can also experience much colder temperatures of -10 to -15°C (5-14°F). Some areas outside the city and further from the sea can experience temperatures of -20°C (-4°F) and colder.

• Is it always dark in winter? No, it’s not always dark in Tromso in winter. While the days are indeed very short in December and January, there are always at least a few hours of some twilight. In February, there are already 5-8 hours of daylight.

• Can you drive in Tromso in winter? Yes, you can explore the Tromso area in winter by car. However, most winter activities require an organized tour anyway and so renting a car is not necessary, especially if you stay in town. That said, if you are used to winter driving and want to rent a car, we personally use and recommend this website for car hire. In that case, be sure to look for accommodation that offers (free) parking!

• When can you see the Northern Lights in Tromso? You can see the Northern Lights in Tromso between September and March.

• Can you see the Northern Lights in Tromso city? Yes, it’s possible to see the Northern Lights in Tromso city. If the auroras are strong enough, you can see them everywhere. For a better chance, head to the darker areas outside the city center. If you want to maximize your chances, however, it’s better to take an organized Northern Lights tour that looks for the best location on that particular night.

 

So, this is my guide to the absolute best things to do in Tromsø in winter that you really shouldn’t miss when visiting for the first time.

With so many bucket list activities like dog sledding, aurora hunting, reindeer sledding, and many more, Tromso is one of the most incredible winter destinations I’ve ever been to!

On the other hand, I wanted to show you that there’s more to Tromso than just winter activities. With trendy cafes and world-class restaurants, quirky museums, modern architecture, midnight concerts, and a very active nightlife, Tromso is bustling with life. It’s a true gem of Northern Norway just waiting to be discovered.

Have a wonderful trip!

More tips for your trip to Tromsø in winter:

• Accommodation: Where to Stay & Best Tromso Hotels
• Packing: What to Wear in Norway in Winter
• Itinerary: 3 Days in Tromso in Winter
• Auroras: How to See the Northern Lights in Tromso
• Huskies: Dog Sledding in Tromso
• Ice Hotel: Tromso Ice Domes
• Tours: Best Tromso Tours
• Budget: How Expensive is Norway

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Svalbard in Winter

Some more travel inspiration for Northern Norway:

• Northern Norway Itinerary (Lofoten, Vesteralen, Senja, Tromso)
• Best Things to Do in Lofoten
• Lofoten Travel Tips
• Lofoten in Summer
• Where to Stay in Lofoten
• Best Rorbuer in Lofoten
• For more destinations and travel info, please check our Norway travel guide.

If you found travel inspiration in this post, don’t forget to bookmark it for future reference and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!