19 incredible things to do in Tromsø in winter

Discover the best things to do in Tromsø in winter – and explore incredible landscapes, fun activities and a charming city along the way.

There’s nothing like experiencing the inky-black darkness of an Arctic winter for the first time, and there are few better places to experience it than Tromsø.

In the depths of winter, the sun doesn’t rise at all. Either side of the polar night, it barely clears the horizon, scattering the sky with hues of pink and gold before sinking back below and plunging the city into darkness.

Luckily, there are plenty of things to do in Tromsø, Norway in the wintertime that don’t require lots of daylight (I bet you can think of at least one!).

If you’re looking for a winter destination that combines incredible nature experiences, beautiful landscapes, amazing food, and a charming city, Tromsø is the perfect place.

Many visitors come here specifically to see the northern lights, and I spent five days here chasing them myself. But there are so many other things to do in Tromsø, especially in the wintertime. What really surprised me was just how beautiful the surrounding area is.

About a 2 hour flight from Oslo, Tromsø is the biggest city in Northern Norway and has been coined the “Paris of the North.”

Although it doesn’t have much in common with the City of Lights, it is a spectacularly beautiful city, located in a dazzling fjord and surrounded by snowy mountaintops. It’s home to nearly 80,000 people, the world’s northernmost university and one of its northernmost breweries.

The city is very welcoming and hospitable to tourists, making travel pretty smooth sailing. Plus, Tromsø is known as the Gateway to the Arctic.

Visiting is an experience worth having at least once in your life… and here’s what you should do when you do.

PS: Watch my video for planning the ultimate adventure in Tromsø!

Incredible things to do in Tromsø

Chase the Northern Lights

Among the most obvious things to do in Tromsø in the winter is to view the aurora borealis, more commonly known as the northern lights.

The Northern Lights are the reason why most people visit Tromsø in the first place!

Although it’s difficult to predict whether you’ll be able to see the northern lights in Tromsø, it is a fantastic place to maximise your chances due to its northern latitude and the ability to find clear sky nearby.

The catch? Cloud. It was crazily cloudy for most of my trip. On my first night, the sky was 100% cloud from 9pm onwards. On the second, I caught a faint green glow from the bed of my glass-roofed cabin at ÆRA, then headed down to the lake for a better look. Any aurora is better than no aurora.

The best night came after I added an extra night to my trip. I spent most of that day on weather apps, mapping where the cloud would be against known viewing spots, and drove out to Oldervik. It was completely clear, and I watched the lights dance for two hours. Absolutely otherworldly.

If you hire a car, you can chase them yourself, like I did. But if you’re not used to driving on snow and ice in the dark, book a northern lights chase tour and leave it to the experts to help you find the northern lights.

Small-group tours like this Northern Lights photography tour are a great option, and the guides will also help you photograph the lights.

Whichever you choose, keep an eye on the weather. I’ve got loads of weather apps on my phone, and Windy Premium has been the most reliable for Tromsø. And wrap up properly: you’ll generally be standing around for at least a couple of hours, so bring layers, a thick coat and hand warmers.

Tour the Arctic Cathedral

Tromsø is home to one of the strangest-looking churches in the world, which looks like a horizontal cascade of triangles stacked together like dominoes. You can see the church from almost anywhere in the city, a beam of white light in the dark of winter.

Built in 1965 and designed by architect Jan Inge Hovig, the church has a wide seating area, incredible natural lighting, and an organ with almost 3,000 pipes. Victor Sparre’s huge glass mosaic, added in 1972, fills the east wall. It’s actually a parish church rather than a cathedral, but nobody calls it anything else.

I say all this as if I went inside. I rolled up at 5.20pm, and it had closed at 5. So close.

The entrance fee is 90 NOK (under-12s go free). It usually closes at 5pm, but opening times change from day to day, so do check the cathedral’s calendar before you go.

Taste some delicious seafood from the Arctic

One thing that some of the coldest areas of the world can boast is incredible seafood. From king crabs to fresh fish, the seafood options in Tromsø are to die for.

There are restaurants all along the waterfront that serve local seafood, from king crab to sea bass to prawns and more.

If you’re up for a splurge, head to the waterfront Fish Company (Fiskekompaniet), one of the most popular restaurants in town. They have all kinds of seafood dishes, from succulent soups to grilled sea bass, with harbour views and an impressive wine list. It’s pricey, so save it for a special night, and book a table in advance.

For something smaller, Mathallen in the centre of town serves locally sourced food from a seasonal menu, with four or five-course tasting menus. I went with the burger, which was 290 NOK when I visited and great value: a generous portion, with fries, and top-notch flavours. It gets busy, even at lunch, so reserve ahead.

Visit one of Tromsø’s many museums

If you’re tired of trudging through the cold, polar night of Tromsø, there are a good number of indoor museums, exhibits, and learning centres to enjoy.

I think the Perspective Museum (Perspektivet Museum) is well worth a visit. It’s a small museum of photography and local history, with exhibits from Norwegian photographers and exhibitions on the novelist Cora Sandel. Entry is 95 NOK (under-18s go free), and it’s closed on Mondays.

There are several other museums in Tromsø, including the Polar Museum, which tells the story of Tromsø as the centre of Arctic hunting and trapping expeditions, Polaria, and the Arctic University Museum of Norway. Whether you like art, science, history, or culture, there is an indoor museum for you to explore and escape the freezing cold of the outdoors.

I didn’t manage to fit any in on my own trip (winter opening hours are short, and I was out exploring every day), but they’re top of my list for next time.

Drink at one of the northernmost breweries in the world

Maybe all that dog sledding is making you thirsty. Or perhaps you’re craving some bar snacks after burning all of those calories keeping your body warm.

If all that cold weather is making you want to heat up with a beer in hand, you can do so while visiting one of Tromsø’s most iconic brewhouses.

Mack’s Ølhallen is the brewpub of Mack, one of the northernmost breweries in the entire world, founded in 1877. Ølhallen opened in 1928, which makes it Tromsø’s oldest pub, and it’s a Tromsø staple. If you like beer at all, Mack’s is a must-see for you.

With 72 taps, it’s a lovely spot to grab a beer, chill out and warm up after a day in the cold and snow.

Alternatively, if you’d rather try a few of the different local brews around the city, you can reserve your spot on the Tromsø Beer Safari, which includes a walking tour of Tromsø and ten samples of local craft beer.

Be sure to book ahead, as the safari sells out quickly!

Soak up the views from the Fjellheisen cable car

If you’re a fan of sweeping city views from a bird’s eye view, hop on a bus or taxi to Fjellheisen. There, you can hop on a cable car 421 metres up Mount Storsteinen, which boasts dazzling landscapes and a restaurant and café, Fjellstua, where you can watch the twinkling lights of Tromsø down below.

The best time to visit Fjellheisen is right before sunset (or during the polar night golden hour), when the sky is still golden and the city begins to light up in the night.

That’s the theory, anyway. When I went, it was snowing, and riding up into the cloud felt like being loaded into the Matrix. I spent a while chucking snow around before the view very vaguely came out. Oh, and it was so cold. But that’s the reality of travelling in winter, and it’s part of the fun.

At the top, there’s an open-air observation deck and an indoor seating area. The restaurant is in demand, so if you’re lucky, you can snag a table with a window view of the city.

To get to Fjellheisen, take bus 26 from the centre to the Fjellheisen stop, or it’s about 10 minutes by car or taxi. The cable car runs from 9am to midnight, and a return ticket costs 645 NOK.

Explore the fjords and islands

If you love the outdoors more than the city, take a day to get out and explore the fjords and nearby islands. I think it’s a real shame that so many people visit Tromsø and don’t explore the islands around it.

Kvaløya, just across the bridge from Tromsø island, is the easiest place to start. The first time I stopped at the Ersfjord viewpoint, it was foggy and cloudy. The next day it was bright blue skies, and the colours and contrast were just too good to pass up. Ersfjordbotn is only about 20 to 25 minutes from the city.

Keep going to Grøtfjord, about 40 minutes from Tromsø. It had been too windy to fly my drone anywhere else that day, but at Grøtfjord I finally got it up, and it looked spectacular. I’d been to Lofoten a couple of years before, and everyone talks about how beautiful Lofoten is (it is). But Tromsø is a straight-up spectacular destination too.

Don’t miss Sommarøy either, a small fishing village on an island off Kvaløya, connected by bridge and about an hour’s drive from Tromsø. It’s got colourful houses, mountains and stunning white sand beaches. You won’t be sunbathing on them in winter (believe me, you are not), but it’s a beautiful place to walk around, and another Northern Lights hotspot.

Not driving? There are several local tour companies that run polar fjord tours, which will take you around to various villages and nature areas in the surrounding mountains.

Before booking a tour, I would check reviews on TripAdvisor and, after you’ve chosen where you want to go, you can book fjord tours in Norway here.

Road trip through the Lyngen Alps

I just loved this part of the trip. The Lyngen Alps are some of the most spectacular scenery anywhere near Tromsø, with peaks reaching 1,834 metres, and you can drive a loop through them in a day.

From Tromsø, drive east to Breivikeidet and hop on the car ferry to Svensby. It’s a 20-minute crossing, and even though it felt fairly mild when I set off, the wind chill out on the fjord was mad. Wrap up and get out of the car anyway, because the views are vast: mountains all around you and an inky black fjord below.

From Svensby, drive through small settlements like Lyngseidet and Oteren, then loop back to Tromsø on the E8.

I took a detour to Otertind, often called the Matterhorn of the North, and it really was spectacular. Nobody’s climbing to the top in the middle of winter (certainly not me), but I did some short walks around the base, and I’d definitely recommend it.

Dash through the snow on a dog sled

Ever wanted to feel like the mushers you see on TV, riding a sled led by a pack of happy huskies? You can try it in Tromsø!

Join a husky safari tour to fly through the snow on a sled pulled by as many as 6 dogs. It’s a bit of a workout, and it will almost certainly be freezing cold, but the experience of guiding your own dog sled is out of this world.

Dog sledding has been a form of transportation in Arctic climates for centuries, and has become more mainstream through large races like the Iditarod in Alaska and movies like Balto.

Along with a guide (and a rented set of extra thermal gear), you can learn how the experts ride and steer dog sleds through miles of snow and ice.

If riding isn’t your thing, you can also visit a dog farm and pet some huskies and puppies. Dog lovers rejoice: this Arctic activity is one you shouldn’t miss while travelling in Tromsø.

I highly recommend booking a dog sledding tour in advance, as it’s one of the most popular activities in Tromsø and there are limited companies that offer it. You can book a dog sledding tour in Tromsø here.

Visit a Sámi reindeer farm

One of the most unique things about Northern Norway is that it’s home to the country’s reindeer-herding Sámi population.

The Sámi are Norway’s Indigenous people, and have lived for generations in the harsh climate of the Arctic, traditionally raising and herding reindeer for a living. They’ve lived across Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia for over 2,000 years, and Norway has the largest Sámi population.

Today, most Sámi are fully integrated into Norwegian society, but they have long faced discrimination. For many years, it was forbidden to speak the Sámi language in schools. However, despite the historical unwelcome climate against the Sámi people, some families have continued their traditional reindeer herding business.

While in Tromsø, you can meet some Sámi people, go sledding through the fluffy snow, and hang out with some real-life reindeer.

This was one of my favourite things I did in Tromsø. I went with Wondering Reindeer on their Arctic Fjords and Reindeer Experience. My guide, Ula, is of Sámi heritage, and he took me to some fantastic photography spots before I met Sámi reindeer herders and fed the reindeer. Surrounded by reindeer, with snow absolutely everywhere, it was the definition of a winter wonderland. Fair warning: those reindeer are hungry, so watch out for their antlers when they come in close.

Afterwards, I warmed up in a lavvu (a traditional Sámi tent), learned more about Sámi culture and heard traditional joik singing. It was such a fascinating experience. Read more about my Sámi reindeer experience in Tromsø.

If you’d like to go reindeer sledding too, this Reindeer Sledding and Feeding Tour combines sledding with and feeding the reindeer with learning about Sámi culture and history. Childhood Christmas dreams, come true.

Visiting a Sámi farm is a great way to support Sámi families whose livelihoods include selling reindeer products and running these tours. It’s important to support them to help keep their traditions alive!

Try your hand at snowshoeing

If you love to hike but fear the knee-deep snow, snowshoeing could be a compelling alternative for you. On a snowshoeing tour, you’ll breeze through the forested trails of Tromsø with a guide to lead the way.

For those that don’t know how to snowshoe yet, the guide will teach you the basics, including everything you need to know to go on your first snowshoeing adventure. And, of course, since you’ll be outdoors most of the time, most tours provide a set of warm clothes too.

You can compare prices and book a snowshoeing tour here.

Go ice fishing

During certain months of the year, some companies in Tromsø offer ice fishing excursions. Yeah, you know, those ones where you drop a line through a sheet of ice? Like I mentioned above, there’s all kinds of seafood in the Arctic, and ice fishing is one way to get it.

If you’re interested in what it’s like to gather food in the harsh conditions of the Arctic, a day of ice fishing on a frozen lake outside the city is a unique way to try it. Look for trips that include a fire and a hot meal of your catch.

Walk through the Tromsø Ice Domes

Please note: the Ice Domes won’t open for the 2026/27 winter season. Check their website for future seasons.

The Tromsø Ice Domes aren’t in the city itself. They’re in the Tamok Valley, about 95 km (1.5 hours) from Tromsø. Every single year, a whole hotel, bar and restaurant is carved from scratch out of huge slabs of ice.

It’s really something to see. Each room has a different theme, and there are ice sculptures everywhere, from carvings in the walls to tables and chairs. I spent about 30 minutes there and was absolutely freezing. Spending the whole night? I’m not sure I could. But when it’s open, I’d 100% recommend a visit. There’s nothing for sale at certain times of day, so bring food with you.

Admire the midday twilight from the Tromsø Bridge

Activities in Tromsø aren’t cheap, so you’ll want to throw in a few free activities around the town to balance things out.

One lovely way to spend a short time outside is by bundling up and walking across the Tromsø Bridge, where the midday light casts beautiful hues over the entirety of the city. In the polar night (roughly 27 November to 15 January), the sun doesn’t rise at all, but the sky still glows a deep blue around midday.

Head out as soon as you see the sky start to lighten, and you should make it there in time for the best of the light.

The bridge links the island to the mainland (and the Arctic Cathedral), and you can look out over the city on one side and into the rest of the fjord on the other.

Go whale watching

Whale watching is a huge activity in Tromsø because there is so much marine life nearby. From around November to January, humpbacks and orcas follow the herring into the fjords north of the city, and there are several organised whale watching tours that offer boat rides to see them.

Each tour is typically equipped with a marine biologist guide who can teach you about the different species you’re seeing.

Onboard, you have the chance of seeing killer and humpback whales, as well as various species of seabirds and other marine life. A whale watching tour is a great way to escape the city and take to the seas for a day of wildlife watching. I’d missed whale season by the time I visited, but it looks fantastic.

I strongly recommend booking a whale watching tour in advance to secure your place. Note that these tours are weather dependent.

Catch a boat ride

Speaking of taking to the seas, there are several other boat rides available to visitors besides whale watching tours. You can see the aurora borealis from a boat, try out a luxury cruise, watch for whales, or embark on a maritime fjords tour.

If you love boats more than you like the land, Tromsø is a great place to be. And for a different kind of water, try Pust, a floating sauna in Tromsø harbour, where you can take a plunge into the Arctic waters between sessions. It’s open from 6am to 11pm, and you can book on their website.

Try snowmobiling

Snowmobiles get you deep into the wilderness, far beyond where the roads go. You can head out in daylight across the valleys, or join an evening snowmobile tour that combines the ride with a chance of seeing the Northern Lights.

Wander through the city

If you’re exhausted from your aurora chasing or dog sledding adventures, Tromsø is a charming city where you can meander forever (or at least until you get too cold to feel your feet!).

There are a lot of cute areas, restaurants, and coffee shops to explore within walking distance of most hotels in downtown Tromsø.

Storgata is Tromsø’s main walking street and is home to many shops, cafés, tour operators, and restaurants. It’s also a wonderful place to go people-watching or take some interesting street photography in the polar night.

If you have some down time, this street is worth a wander: you might just find an interesting hideout to watch the world go by.

If you’d like to learn more about the history of the city, you can join a Tromsø walking tour that takes you through the highlights of the city, including historic trading areas and more.

Sleep under the Northern Lights

Let’s start with the good news: there are a ton of Northern lights hotels to choose from around Tromsø. The bad news? Many of them are really, egregiously expensive, especially for budget-conscious travellers.

If seeing the aurora is your top priority, stay outside the city. I booked one of the glass-roofed aurora cabins at ÆRA, 30 to 40 minutes’ drive from Tromsø, and you can lie in bed under the glass and watch the Northern Lights when they come out. That’s exactly how I saw them on my second night. You’ll definitely need a car. Read my full ÆRA Tromsø review.

In the city, I stayed at Enter St. Elisabeth for the second part of my trip. It’s a cool little boutique hotel in a former hospital, with huge suites (if a bit bare on the decor), a cosy bed and good value, plus a spa with thermal pools and saunas. Was it the most amazing hotel I’ve ever stayed in? No. But it’s a great base if you’re booking tours.

If you’re travelling with someone, splitting a room is a great way to keep costs down: the Scandic Grand Tromsø is a comfortable, central option. For budget travellers, the Tromsø Activities Hostel is a well-rated backpacker option, so if you’re going solo, that’s your best bet.

If you want to compare other hotel options in Tromsø, see my guide to where to stay in Tromsø, or plan your days with my 3-day Tromsø itinerary. Tromsø gets booked up well ahead in winter, so sort your accommodation, tours and car hire early.

What to do in Tromsø in winter: read next

• A Sámi Reindeer Experience in Tromsø, Norway
• How to Chase the Northern Lights in Tromsø
• 3 Days in Tromsø: The Perfect Tromsø Itinerary
• The Ultimate Norway Travel Guide
• The Best Things to do in Norway
• Why You Really Need to Visit the Lofoten Islands
• Stunning Northern Lights Hotels in Norway

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