Welcome to our Tromso Winter Activities Guide to the top things to do in Tromso Norway in winter!
Tromso, Norway, known as the Arctic capital, is located 350 km north of the Arctic Circle. Despite its remote location in northern Norway, Tromso is the third largest city in the world above the Arctic Circle. This vibrant city boasts a rich cultural heritage and has earned the nickname “Paris of the North”.
Tromso is a bucket-list destination for travelers seeking unique winter experiences. From watching the Northern Lights, and Arctic safaris, to cultural encounters and breathtaking fjords, Tromso has something for everyone. The Winter season is actually the peak season in Tromso. Despite its high latitude, the city is not as cold as one might expect. Thanks to the warming effect of the Gulf Stream, which brings a warm-water current, Tromso experiences relatively mild winters compared to other locations at the same latitude. This means that visitors can enjoy those winter activities in comparatively mild temperatures.
We covered our amazing trip to Tromso in our full 5 day Tromso Itinerary. From all the activities we did during our 5 night stay, we chose our top things to do in Tromso in winter. Now let’s dig into each winter activity.
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Tromso Winter Activities - Top Things to Do in Tromso Norway
We will start this Tromso Winter Activities Guide directly with the top things to do in Tromso Norway in winter. We chose the top 7 activities to do in Tromso winter which we personally enjoyed during our trip.
1. Northern Lights Tours in Tromso
One of our main reasons for visiting Tromso was our hope of seeing the Northern Lights. We chose a location within the Arctic Circle to increase our chances of witnessing this natural phenomenon. We created two guides about the Northern Lights. The first is a general Northern Lights Guide with information on the best locations, optimal times, how to interpret forecasts, the best apps to use, and our photography tips. Everything to help you maximize your chances of watching this breathtaking sight. The second guide is specific to watching the Northern Lights in Tromso, with the best viewing spots in the city, and a review of our favorite Northern Lights tours.
Since Tromso is known for being a relatively cloudy city (which will obviously interfere with Northern Lights watching), we highly recommend joining a Northern Lights Chasing Tour. These tours take you on an Aurora hunt to find less cloudy areas, away from light pollution. We suggest taking as many tours as possible, as there’s no guarantee of seeing the Northern Lights, and tours can be canceled due to weather conditions. Below, we will briefly describe each Northern Lights tour we took:
Wandering Owl – We booked the ‘Aurora Hunt With Citizen Science’, a small minibus tour with just 15 participants. Our guide, Florian, and the driver, Michael, were exceptional and did everything possible to ensure we had the best chance of witnessing the Northern Lights, even though it was an overcast and cloudy day in Tromso. They took us to an incredible spot in Finland, overlooking a frozen lake. We were provided with thermal suits and boots, and we warmed ourselves by the fire while enjoying vegetable soup, coffee, and hot chocolate. Ultimately, we were treated to an amazing display of the Northern Lights in a beautiful location.
Arctic Circle Tours – We took the ‘Aurora Minibus Chase Tour‘ tour, which had a maximum of 15 participants. Our guide, Margaux, was exceptional and provided us with informative insights about the Northern Lights and Tromso. Although it was a cloudy day in Tromso, they managed to find an opening in the clouds in Finland. Unfortunately, we saw only a faint Aurora due to a not-favorable Northern Lights forecast. However, this was the best tour of the three we took in terms of facilities and food, as they had a toilet in a heated tent and they offered the widest range of delicious food.
Enjoy the Arctic – We took the ‘Tromso Northern Lights Trip with campfire and snacks‘ which was the most affordable of the three Northern Lights Chasing Tours we took in Tromso, accommodating up to 16 participants. Our guide, driver, and photographer, Alan, was fantastic. Despite the unpromising weather with rain, Alan chose a great spot near Skarsfjord that he believed would clear up—and he was right! We were fortunate to witness a spectacular Aurora show that night. However, this tour was our least favorite because it was the shortest, did not include a hotel drop-off, and had limited food options.
For more information on each Northern Lights tour and what to consider when choosing one, read more on our Tromso Northern Lights Guide.
2. Fjellheisen Cable Car in Tromso
The second of the top 7 things to do in Tromso Norway is to take the Fjellheisen Cable Car to the top of Storsteinen Mountain, which stands 421 meters high. It is a must-do attraction in Tromso! From the cable car, you will enjoy panoramic views of Tromso and the surrounding snow-covered mountains. If you prefer a more challenging experience, you can hike up the 1,200 stone steps of the Sherpa Staircase. In addition to offering the best views of Tromso, this vantage point provides a good chance of seeing the northern lights, as the Fjellheisen Cable Car operates until midnight.
There is no need to purchase the ticket ahead, just make sure that the mountain is not covered by a cloud before going. We took a bus from Tromso Center, which was quite convenient. Beware of the extremely high taxi prices in Tromso.
3. Snowmobile Safari from Tromso
Thrill-seekers will love our third Tromso winter activity – snowmobiling through Arctic terrains! When we searched for a Snowmobile Safari Tour in Tromso, we wanted it to take place in a scenic mountainous location. We found the perfect spot — the Lyngen Alps! We booked the Lyngen Snowmobile Safari through Best Arctic, which took 7 hours and was simply amazing! Everything was organized perfectly and we had a blast.
Our Lyngen Snowmobile Safari Day Tour began with a bus ride from Tromso, which took about 50 minutes. This ride took us to the Breivikeidet – Svensby Ferry. The scenic ferry ride across the beautiful fjord towards the Lyngen Alps was a huge bonus, as the views were absolutely incredible.
Once we arrived at Svensby, our guides met us. After a short ride, they provided a briefing on how to drive the snowmobile and equipped us with thermal suits, boots, and helmets. The snowmobile ride took place in the stunning landscape of the Lyngen Alps. We made several stops at picturesque spots for photo opportunities and enjoyed delicious hot chocolate. The snowmobiling experience took about an hour and a half.
As it was our first time riding a snowmobile, I must say it was not as easy as riding an ATV. The steering was a bit challenging, and you really need to use your body weight when turning to avoid falling.
After the snowmobile ride, we were taken to a restaurant for lunch before heading back. Many companies provide a similar experience in the Lyngen Alps which includes a bus ride from Tromso to the ferry, ferry tickets, a snowmobile tour, lunch, and the same way back. Explore the different tours below:
4. Reindeer Feeding and Sami Experience from Tromso
Moving to our fourth winter activity of the top seven things to do in Tromso in winter – Reindeer Feeding. Being a vet, animal welfare is extremely important to me. Therefore, we will not participate in any activity that uses animals for tourists, ruling out options like reindeer and dog sledding. Nevertheless, we wanted to meet these incredible animals and found the best tour that allows us to interact with them in a safe and respectful way – feeding them!
We cannot talk about the reindeer without talking about the Native Sami people. The Indigenous Sami people have been living in Lapland, which includes, Northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia, since the end of the last Ice Age. In the Sami culture, reindeer are sacred, as they are essential in every aspect of their lives. Herding reindeer is a way to keep their cultural heritage alive, as they have been doing since the 17th century.
Reindeer in Norway are allowed to be herded only by the Sami people. Therefore, every reindeer feeding tour includes an opportunity to learn about Sami culture and their way of life, alongside the experience of interacting with the reindeer.
We chose the ‘Arctic Fjord and Reindeer Experience‘ by Wondering Reindeer and had an incredible experience. The small group of just 15 participants made the experience even more enjoyable, and our guide, Ole, who is Sami, was fantastic. Ole was friendly and professional, providing us with lots of information about the Sami people and the places we visited. This tour included not only reindeer feeding and Sami experience but also a Fjord tour which is our next Tromso winter activity!
As we arrived, the reindeer herd was roaming freely in their natural habitat. When the herder brought food for them, we had the amazing opportunity to feed these majestic animals by hand. Later, we gathered in a traditional Sami lavvo (tent) around an open bonfire, where we enjoyed hot chocolate, learned about Sami traditions, and even listened to a Joik (traditional Sami song).
Although this tour by Wondering Reindeer was more expensive than other reindeer tours, it was worth it, as it included a Fjord Tour as well and it was a more intimate tour. If you are seeking a more budget-friendly option, check out these tours which include just the Reindeer feeding along with Sami experience:
5. Fjord Tour to Kvaløya and Sommarøy Islands from Tromso
Next in our Tromso Winter Activities Guide is a Fjord Tour to Kvaløya and Sommarøy Islands. As mentioned earlier, the Arctic Fjord and Reindeer Experience Tour by Wondering Reindeer we took included a Fjord tour as well. The reason we recommend visiting Sommarøy Island is that it is exceptionally beautiful, and we even considered staying overnight at the beautiful Sommarøy Arctic Hotel, but unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time in Tromso, definitely next time! Luckily, our trip included a stop at the hotel, and this is where we had our delicious lunch.
Every Fjord tour from Tromso should include a visit to one of the most picturesque Fjords in the area, Ersfjordbotn on Kvaløya Island. This spot is surrounded by towering mountains on each side and it is known for being a recommended location for viewing the Northern Lights in Tromso.
Next on our Fjord tour, we stopped at the Kattfjordeidet Viewpoint, which overlooks the snow-covered Kattfjordvatnet Lake.
Just before arriving at Sommarøy, we made another scenic stop with a view of Tussøya Island.
Finally, we reached the picturesque Sommarøy Island! With its stunning turquoise water beaches, you might think you are in the Seychelles. We will let our photos and video do the talking.
On our way back to Tromso, we made one last stop at another beautiful Fjord on Kvaløya Island, Nordfjorden:
To summarize, this was one of the most scenic trips we have had! Combining it with the Reindeer Feeding made it one of our favorite things to do in Tromso Norway. If you decide to do them separately, check out the following Fjord Tours:
6. Fjord Cruise / Whale Watching Cruise from Tromso
Our sixth of the top 7 things to do in Tromso in winter is one of our favorites. We love taking cruises and spending time on the water in general, as it gives us a relaxing vibe along with the chance to see new places. Even more so, we love taking whale watching cruises, which we successfully enjoyed in Vancouver, Madeira, and Iceland. Unfortunately, during our visit to Tromso in March, we were outside of the whale watching season, which runs from the end of October until the end of January. During these months, you might spot Humpback Whales, Fin Whales, and Orcas. Brim Explorer offers Whale Watching Tours which is the most ethical option for whale watching, as they switch to a silent electric engine around the whales, minimizing any disturbance to these gentle giants.
Despite the absence of whales, we still wanted to take a cruise during our winter trip to Tromso. Since we loved the Hybrid-Electric Catamarans by Brim Explorer, we chose the Arctic Fjord Cruise, which operates on the same modern catamarans, and we absolutely loved it! The Catamarans look brand new with spacious, heated salons that provide plenty of comfortable seating options. We enjoyed being on the outside decks, as it was the best way to take in the panoramic views of the fjords, returning inside only when it got too cold. Inside the fjords, we enjoyed the silent cruise as we sailed quietly and peacefully through the calm waters.
During our scenic cruise, we disembarked at a Fish farm where we learned about the historical importance of the fishing industry in Norway and even got to do some fish and oil tastings. While it was interesting, we felt it could have been skipped in favor of more time spent exploring the stunning fjords. Overall, we loved the breathtaking scenery of the cruise and highly recommend it.
7. Pust Sauna in Tromso
We will conclude our top things to do in Tromso Norway with a relaxing winter experience that offers a unique thrill! Pust Sauna is located right in the center of Tromso Harbor. It is a floating sauna with a designated area for jumping into the Arctic Ocean for a polar plunge. It is designed as an iconic Norwegian fish drying rack that illuminates at night. The views from the sauna are spectacular, featuring the Arctic Cathedral, Tromsø Bridge, and the surrounding mountains. At night, if the sky is clear, you might even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
The facilities are clean and well-maintained, with a modern design. There are two changing rooms, one for men and one for women, both leading to the shared sauna in the middle. The sauna can accommodate a maximum of 12 people, which can feel a bit cramped, and the changing rooms are on the smaller side. Additionally, there are lockers and a shower available, but no toilets.
You will need to book online in advance, as it fills up quickly due to its popularity among both locals and tourists. You must select a time slot for your visit, and you will receive a PIN code to enter the sauna one hour before your scheduled time. The operation is fully automated and based on trust, as there are no employees present. Once your hour is up, please respect the next group by leaving on time.
The water in the port is surprisingly crystal clear, and in March, its temperature is a chilling 3°C! To be honest, we were a bit apprehensive about the cold plunge, but we conquered our fears and jumped in! Your body experiences a shocking freeze when you hit the water, but afterward, once you’re back in the sauna, you realize how fun this was and you’ll want to do it again and again! A highly recommended experience.
Here are a few tips: make sure to memorize the PIN code you received! Once you get out of the freezing water after your plunge, you will want to rush back inside to warm up in the sauna. You definitely don’t want to get stuck outside without your code. Also, remember to bring your own towel.
How Many Days in Tromso Do You Need
We spent 5 days in Tromso, which we found to be the ideal duration for a winter trip. As you can see in this Tromso Winter Activities Guide, there are many things to do in Tromso in winter, with most of the activities lasting a few hours to a full day. Therefore, doing each of our suggested activities will fill up your schedule pretty quickly. For a detailed overview, check out our full Tromso itinerary, where we outline how we organized our activities over the five days and suggest more things to do in Tromso.
We believe that spending less than five days might feel rushed, and there’s a risk of missing the chance to see the Northern Lights in Tromso. While our five-day plan allowed us to cover everything we wanted to do, having more time could be even better. However, keep in mind that Tromso is not a budget-friendly destination, and each trip comes with a relatively high cost.
Where to Stay in Tromso Norway for a Convenient Tromso Winter Trip
We will finish our Tromso Winter Guide with a hotel recommendation. Actually, During our stay in Tromso, we experienced two different hotels, however, we will focus on the one that is most convenient for taking the winter activities detailed in this guide – Scandic Ishavshotel.
The Scandic Ishavshotel is a modern 4-star hotel, located right in the heart of Tromso, at Tromso Harbor. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city, harbor, and surrounding mountains. We stayed in a King Room on the top floor. The room was elegantly designed and offered amazing views of the harbor. The location could not be more perfect for participating in our suggested Tromso winter activities, with some tours having a pick-up point right at the entrance of the hotel. Also, we loved the very abundant breakfast which was delicious.
Well, this is it! We hope our Tromso Winter Activities Guide to the top things to do in Tromso Norway in winter will help you plan your trip.
