The Top 14 Things to Do in Tromsø

A dreamy location known for its snow-capped peaks, frosty fjords and spectacular northern lights, Tromsø is certainly a place to add to your bucket list. Located just 350 kilometres (217 miles) north of the Arctic Circle, this Nordic City offers countless natural and cultural attractions.

From museums and stunning architecture to trips out to jaw-dropping landscapes, there are plenty of activities to enrich your stay. So, without further ado, here are our top 14 things to do in Tromsø!

The Best Things to Do in Tromsø

1. Go on a Snowshoe Hike
2. Explore The Fjords
3. Marvel at The Northern Lights
4. Witness The Midnight Sun
5. Visit Tromsø Cathedral
6. Appreciate The Arctic Cathedral
7. Admire Tromsø’s Colourful Harbour
8. Discover The Polar Museum
9. Take a Reindeer Sleigh Ride
10. Go Whale Watching in the Fjords
11. See the Seals at the Polaria Aquarium
12. Enjoy the Views from The Fjellheisen Cable Car
13. Stroll Down Storgata Street
14. Pay a Visit to a Sami Settlement

1. Go on a Snowshoe Hike

To kick off our list of things to do in Tromsø, we propose a snowy adventure! Have you ever heard of snowshoe hiking? In our opinion, it’s one of the most exciting ways to explore the icy landscapes on the outskirts of Tromsø.

Equipped with these shoes designed to help you walk across the snow with ease, you’ll explore landscapes you could only dream of. Fans of hiking and mountain climbing will absolutely love this winter activity. If you’re looking for a bit of adventure in the snow, why not check out our snowshoe hiking tour?

2. Explore The Fjords

A trip to Tromsø would not be complete without beholding some of Norway’s famous fjords. With over 1,000 around the country, they are an important element of the landscape. Did you know that a fjord is a sea inlet that’s perfectly embedded between valleys and mountains that have been moulded by glaciers over thousands of years?

A great way to explore the natural beauty of the Norwegian Arctic fjords is by taking a boat cruise along them. When joining this fjords boat cruise, you’ll spend 4 hours marvelling at the magnificent fjords near Tromsø.

For those of you who would prefer to stay on dry land, you can also discover some of Norway’s best fjords on this road trip from Tromsø.

To find more information about Norway’s fjords, check out our recent blog post about 20 of the coolest fjords to visit.

3. Marvel at The Northern Lights

It’s no secret that thousands of tourists flock to Norway each year hoping for the chance to witness the phenomenon of the Northern Lights. Thanks to Tromsø’s location, it’s one of the best places in the world to admire them during the cold Norwegian winter!

The ideal conditions for spotting this atmospheric spectacle depend on several environmental factors, such as the season, the presence or absence of the moon, and light pollution. To be in with the best chance of seeing the intense glow that illuminates the night sky, it’s best to travel away from highly populated places. We recommend checking out our Northern Light photography tour if you want to experience this breathtaking light display and capture incredible photos.

4. Witness The Midnight Sun

Between May 21st and July 21st, the sun in Tromsø doesn’t set. This phenomenon, known as the midnight sun, occurs north of the Arctic Circle and south of the Antarctic Circle.

Around the summer solstice, the sun remains visible all day and night. This creates a striking effect, particularly in the evening, when you can admire the prolonged sunset of deep orange and red hues. Instead of dipping below the horizon, the sunset transitions directly into the next sunrise.

If you’re lucky enough to visit Tromsø during this time of the year, there are endless things to do during the everlasting sunlight hours. One of our favourite activities to do during the summer in Tromsø is taking this boat cruise as the midnight sun appears, and admiring views of the city under the orange hue of the sun. You’ll love it!

5. Visit Tromsø Cathedral

Tromsø is also a great destination for those who love admiring beautiful architecture. Among the best to see in the city is Tromsø Cathedral. This neo-Gothic construction, which was designed by Christian Heinrich Grosch in 1861, is the only fully wooden church in Norway and the northernmost Protestant church in the world.

In its place once stood Elverhoy Church, which was moved to the island of Tromsoya in 1861 to make way for the building we know today. We highly recommend paying a visit to the cathedral and admiring its interior, which houses two incredible organs.

6. Appreciate The Arctic Cathedral

Another architectural gem in Tromsø is the breathtaking Arctic Cathedral. Despite its name, this structure actually houses a parish church that has become one of the city’s most popular tourist hotspots.

Located in Tromsdalen and designed by architect Jan Inge Hovig, this charming church is made up of 11 concrete panels covered with aluminium, an architectural style that earned it comparisons with the Sydney Opera House in Australia. A must-see in Tromsø!

7. Admire Tromsø’s Colourful Harbour

Tromsø Harbour is another picturesque part of the Norwegian city. If you love photography, be sure to capture some great shots of the pretty colourful houses reflected in the water below. As well as that, there are great views of the Arctic Cathedral and the surrounding mountains from the harbour.

The harbour becomes even more beautiful at Christmas, when the decorations go up, creating a cosy atmosphere. If you happen to visit during the festive season, be sure to come down to the waterfront on New Year’s Eve to see the fireworks!

8. Discover The Polar Museum

Near the harbour, you’ll find Tromsø’s Polar Museum. Dive into the thrilling tales of explorer Willem Barentsz’s first encounter with a polar bear and learn about daring hot air balloon adventures over icy terrains.

Set in the charming historic buildings that used to be Tromsø’s Customs premises, the museum narrates the polar history that ties into both local and national heritage. We highly recommend checking out the permanent exhibits that explore sealing, overwintering, epic polar expeditions, and much more.

9. Take a Reindeer Sleigh Ride

While in Tromsø, why not make your childhood dreams come true on a reindeer sleigh ride? Whether pulled by dogs or reindeer, sleigh rides are some of the most popular activities in Tromsø. What better way to enjoy the area’s snowy landscapes?

Not only is it a traditional Arctic activity, but it’s also a vital part of the local culture. Participating lets you immerse yourself in the area’s rich traditions and history. If you want to experience this once-in-a-lifetime winter activity, check out our reindeer sleigh ride tour, in which we’ll also visit a Sami Camp and hear about their culture and traditions firsthand.

10. Go Whale Watching in Norwegian Fjords

If you’re an animal lover, seeing whales swimming in their natural habitat will be an experience you’ll never forget. Be sure to travel in winter if you want the best chance of seeing them, as the ideal time to spot whales in this area is from November to early February.

During these months, hundreds of humpback and killer whales make their way to the Norwegian fjords to feed on herring. If you want to catch a glimpse of these magnificent mammals, don’t miss our Whale Watching Fjord Cruise.

11. See the Seals at the Polaria Aquarium

Another great place to visit in Tromsø if you love animals is the Polaria Aquarium, the northernmost aquarium in the world! Originally created for scientific and educational purposes, it still retains its original intent of educating visitors about the delicate balance that governs life at sea.

Inside, you’ll find attractions such as a panoramic cinema, an exhibition showing polar exploration equipment and of course, the actual aquarium. During your visit to the aquarium, you can admire the seals from observation windows in the side of the tank, as well as from below by walking through the underwater tunnel. The perfect plan for families!

12. Enjoy the Views from The Fjellheisen Cable Car

A ride on the Fjellheisen cable car is a must during a trip to Tromsø. Aboard, you’ll reach the 465-meter-high (1,525-foot-high) Storsteinen Mountain, where dreamy panoramic views await. Top tip: this is also an exceptional viewpoint for seeing the Northern Lights in winter.

If you love hiking, check out the many hiking trails that begin at Fjellheisen Station, winding through Norway’s lush forested areas. A real standout is the trail to Tromsdalstinden, which reaches 1,238 metres (4061 feet) above sea level—a fantastic adventure for nature enthusiasts.

13. Stroll Down Storgata Street

If you want to spend a day exploring the city, we recommend taking a stroll down Storgata Street. One of Tromsø’s main streets, it’s overlooked by hotels, museums, bars, restaurants and stores. In the midst of all these trendy establishments, you’ll find a few traditional barbershops and family-run stores, creating a perfect marriage of past and present.

If you love buying souvenirs of your travels, be sure to pop into one of the charming shops along this lively street!

14. Visit a Sami Settlement

The Sami community, an indigenous group, primarily inhabits the Arctic regions of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. In fact, there are several settlements of this community in and around Tromsø.

The Sami live harmoniously with nature, faithfully preserving their ancient traditions. Learning about their culture can greatly enrich your Tromsø experience. If you’re interested in visiting a Sami camp and immersing yourself in their unique way of life, don’t miss the chance to check out this Sami Camp Visit!

All in all, this Arctic city offers an unforgettable experience for all who visit it. We’ve highlighted some of Tromsø’s best bits, but there’s so much more waiting for you! For more inspiration, check out all the activities Civitatis offers in Tromsø.