Where to stay in Tromsø: best areas and hotels

Tromsø is a stunning destination, no doubt about it, but you’ve got a lot of options when it comes to choosing where to stay. Should you plump for accommodation in the city centre, or opt for somewhere a bit further out of town, lured by the promise of watching the Northern Lights from your bed? This guide explores the different areas in and surrounding Tromsø so you can choose the best area for your trip.

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I spent five days in Tromsø in February, and I split my stay in two. First, I headed out of town to a glass-roofed aurora cabin at ÆRA, about half an hour’s drive from the city, where I watched the Northern Lights from my bed. Then I moved into town, to Enter St. Elisabeth, for the second half of the trip. Both had their pros and cons, and that’s really the choice you’re making when you decide where to stay in Tromsø.

Only 2,200 km from the North Pole, you’ll want to know about your different options when it comes to Tromsø, if only because the area is quite spread out. While there are charming mountain villages and idyllic cabins by the Arctic Sea, there are vast stretches without any restaurants, resorts, or (frankly) people.

So, which part of Tromsø or the surrounding area is right for you? It depends a lot on what you want to see and the specific activities you want to schedule.

Downtown Tromsø is perfect for a weekend getaway. There’s plenty of accommodation available in the city centre and nearby areas like Tromsøya offer an urban holiday where you can still get fantastic views of the northern lights.

Alternatively, travellers looking for epic hikes, kayaking, or snowmobiling in the Arctic wilderness might want to choose places like the Lyngen Alps or Senja (more on these below).

Julianna feeding reindeer — Feeding reindeer with Sámi herders on my trip to Tromsø

On my trip, I hired a car and explored as far as I could, from the fjords and beaches of Kvaløya to the Lyngen Alps, and I learned a lot from local guides about how to navigate this vast landscape. Now I’m going to share what I learned about where to stay and what to do when you visit.

Grab your hiking boots, snowshoes, and camera. We’re going to one of the most scenic areas in Norway.

Some links in this article may be affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you decide to purchase through one of my recommended partners.

Best places to stay in Tromsø

Want to take a quick peek at the best places to stay in Tromsø? Here are my top picks:

Best Overall Hotel in the City Centre: Enter St. Elisabeth Hotel, where I stayed
Best Hotel for Seeing the Northern Lights: ÆRA, where I stayed
Best Budget-Friendly Comfort: Moxy Tromsø
Best Boutique Hotel on the Harbour: Clarion Collection Hotel With
Best Hotel for Hiking: Hamn i Senja

Downtown Tromsø

Best For: An easy city break

Tromsø isn’t named Paris of the North for no reason. The city of nearly 80,000 inhabitants is far less remote than you might guess from its location around 350 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle.

The area’s history dates back over 11,000 years, and the Sámi people have called the surrounding areas home for over 2,000 years. Around 1850, Tromsø became the centre for Arctic hunting expeditions, which earned it another nickname: the Arctic Gate.

But what is Tromsø like now? I’ll let you in on a little secret. I think it deserves a lot more hype than it gets.

Walking around downtown near the harbour, you’ll experience a cheery vibe with friendly locals and visitors going about their days. There are some great restaurant choices, educational museums, and boutique hotels that are a great landing spot for looking for places to stay in Tromsø.

Burger at Matthallen — Dinner at Mathallen

I spent the second half of my trip in town, and I’d recommend booking at least a few nights here. In short, it offers many of the things you know and love about a European city break, but with fewer crowds.

It’s also easy to get to surrounding hikes and northern lights vistas by car. This charming city in Northern Norway offers the perfect balance of urban and rural activities. It’s also where most tours start, so if you’re not hiring a car, this is the most convenient place to base yourself.

Downtown Tromsø highlights

Perspective Museum: Learn more about the history of Tromsø and the Arctic through photographs at this small museum in Storgata 95, a house built in 1838 for the Mack family. The novelist and painter Cora Sandel lived in the building in her youth, and there’s an exhibition dedicated to her life and work. Entry is 95 NOK (under-18s go free), and it’s closed on Mondays.
Ølhallen: Pints at one of the northernmost breweries in the world? Yes, please. Ølhallen is the brewpub of Mack, which was founded in 1877. Step down into this taphouse, and you’ll instantly see why it’s been going strong since 1928 (it’s Tromsø’s oldest pub), with 72 beers on tap.
Mathallen Tromsø: This small, popular restaurant in the centre of town serves locally sourced food from a seasonal menu, with set tasting menus if you want to go all out. I opted for 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.
Polar Museum: Nicknamed the Arctic Gate, Tromsø played a central role in the 19th-century boom in Arctic hunting and trapping expeditions. You can see photos and exhibits dedicated to that grim past, and to the polar explorers who set off from here, at this local museum by the harbour.
Tromsø Cathedral: Completed in 1861, this Gothic Revival church is the only Protestant cathedral in Norway built of wood. Inside, beautiful details are etched into the wooden balconies and window frames, and the altarpiece is a copy of Adolph Tidemand’s painting Resurrection.
Fiskekompaniet Restaurant: This popular restaurant on the waterfront serves up fresh seafood from the Arctic, with harbour views. It’s open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner, with three and five-course menus in the evening. It’s pricey, so save it for a special night, and you’ll want to book ahead.
Pust: For something different, try this floating sauna in Tromsø harbour, where you can take a plunge into the Arctic water between sessions. It’s open from 6am to 11pm, and you can book on their website.

Suggested places to stay in downtown Tromsø

Enter St. Elisabeth Hotel

Mid-Range

This former nun-run hospital has been turned into a stylish hotel, about a 10-minute walk from the centre. I stayed here for the second part of my trip and enjoyed it: the service was friendly, the suites are huge (if a bit bare on the decor), the bed was cosy, and there are great facilities in the suite. It’s good value for Tromsø, too. Was it the most amazing hotel I’ve ever stayed in? No. But it’s a great base if you’re booking tours.

There’s a restaurant on the top floor with killer views through the large windows. The spa (sadly) hadn’t opened on my visit, but it’s open now, with an indoor pool, hot tub, sauna and steam room. Parking is paid.

Radisson Blu Hotel Tromsø

Luxury

This lively hotel by the harbour offers guests several dining options, including Yonas Pizzeria and the Rorbua pub, which has live music several nights a week. Rooms have tasteful Scandinavian designs, and you can opt for exceptional views of the harbour below. The sauna and gym look out over the city and the mountains.

Scandic Ishavshotel

Mid-Range

If you’re looking for beautiful accommodation in Tromsø, Scandic Ishavshotel is the perfect choice. Located right on the quay, it offers idyllic views of the harbour and boats, and across the water to the Arctic Cathedral. Breakfast is included, and it has a great reputation. It’s also handy for tours: a couple of the tours I mention below meet right outside.

Clarion Hotel The Edge

Mid-Range

The Edge is a modern hotel on the harbour in the heart of downtown Tromsø, with a popular restaurant using local produce and a rooftop sky bar with views over the city. You can book a room with breakfast included and choose from budget-friendly singles or deluxe double rooms.

Clarion Collection Hotel With

Mid-Range

For something more boutique, this waterfront hotel near the harbour has interiors that nod to the old boathouses that once lined the quay, with maritime touches like ship’s bells. There are lounges with panoramic views on the top floor, and an afternoon fika with coffee and pastries.

Tromsø island (Tromsøya)

Best For: Urban Green Spaces

While most of the activities, dining, and accommodations are located downtown, you can find some nice Tromsø accommodation elsewhere on the island. It’s actually a large area with over 8 square miles of land and a few neighbourhoods with hotels and things to do.

Tromsøya is a great option for exploring local suburban life and finding charming local parks and vast open spaces to enjoy the beauty of the Arctic Sea and fjords around Tromsø.

If you stay in the areas of Tromsøya outside of downtown, it’s an excellent starting point for day trips, with quick access to the bridges to Kvaløya and the mainland. This is the place to stay if you want good-value accommodation with lots of amenities on-site and easy access to day trips and travel.

You can also find some great hotels near the airport, which reduces your travel time before and after your flights.

Tromsøya highlights

Arctic–Alpine Botanic Garden: This hidden gem is on the northeastern side of the island and boasts a beautiful collection of flowers, trees, and landscape. It’s the northernmost botanical garden in the world (bucket list tick) and completely free to visit. It’s usually open from May to October, depending on the snow, and closed in winter.
Varden: This popular lookout point is a great place to photograph the mountains and inlets surrounding Tromsø. You can hike up this short trail for panoramic vistas from one of the highest points on the island.
Telegrafbukta: On the southwestern tip of Tromsøya, this urban green space is the perfect place to take in mountain views from the rocky beach or public jetty. It’s an excellent place to see the northern lights and a hidden gem spot for checking out a sunset.
The Arctic University Museum of Norway: This cool museum features in-depth exhibits on Sámi culture, Arctic wildlife and the northern lights, away from downtown. It also runs guided “Discover the Aurora” tours, which are a good way to understand what you’re looking at before you head out to chase them.

Suggested places to stay in Tromsøya

Moxy Tromsø

Mid-Range

This stylish hotel near the airport has affordable rates and everything you need, from the 24-hour front desk service to WiFi. Check-in is at the bar on the top floor, there’s a rooftop terrace with views over the city and the fjord, and the rooms are compact, making them a great place to catch up on sleep after a long flight.

Pingvinhotellet UNN Tromsø

Budget

The decor is a bit basic, but this budget-friendly spot is a comfortable hotel with a restaurant on-site and complimentary breakfast. Be aware that it’s inside the University Hospital (UNN) complex, which surprises some guests. Buses to the centre are frequent, and parking is paid and limited, so it suits you best if you’re getting around by bus or tour.

Kvaløya

Best For: Experience Sámi Culture

Kvaløya is a large island located just west of Tromsø, under 20 minutes from the airport. Reaching the island, you can immediately sense the history, with Sámi people calling this location home for over 2,000 years.

This is an area to choose if you want to experience local life and traditions, while on your holiday in Tromsø. But it also offers plenty of excellent places to stay, accommodating travellers of nearly any budget.

The island is one of the largest in Norway, spanning nearly 285 square miles. As such, you want to narrow down where to stay in Kvaløya when you plan your trip.

If you want to base yourself near the famous Sámi reindeer experience, I suggest the western side of the island, near the village of Brensholmen. The tour I did follows Kvaløya’s coast road out towards Sommarøy, and the reindeer camp is out that way. But you can base yourself in many other locations around the island. Kvaløya has lots of accommodation to choose from, including some lovely spa retreats.

I think it’s a real shame that so many people visit Tromsø and don’t explore the islands around it. I kept coming back to Kvaløya on my trip (the Ersfjord viewpoint alone got two visits), and I’d go back in a heartbeat. If you’re not driving, the reindeer tour and fjord tours pick you up in town, so you can still see it on a day trip.

Kvaløya highlights

Sámi Reindeer Experience: The Sámi are Norway’s Indigenous people, and their culture still thrives in Northern Norway. This tour shows the importance of reindeer to the Sámi people, who began taming them for food, clothing, and transport around 700 years ago. I went with Wondering Reindeer, and my guide, Ula, who is of Sámi heritage, took me to some fantastic photography spots before I met Sámi reindeer herders, fed the reindeer, warmed up in a lavvu (a traditional Sámi tent) and heard traditional joik singing. It starts at 9am, and they leave very promptly, so don’t be late.
Ersfjord View Point: This is the place to see northern lights while staying on Kvaløya. The remote vista overlooks a bay with a mountain backdrop and hardly any lights to distract from the nighttime views. The first time I stopped here, it was foggy and cloudy. The next day it was bright blue skies, and the colours were just too good to pass up. It’s only about 20 to 25 minutes from the city.

Grøtfjorden: Head up to the northwest of the island to find Grøtfjorden, about 40 minutes from Tromsø. This remote village and viewing point is at the literal end of the road. This makes it an amazing place to capture aerial shots of the mountains, sea, and paved roadway from a drone. It had been too windy to fly mine anywhere else that day, but at Grøtfjord I finally got it up, and it looked spectacular.
Sommarøy: Just off the coast of Kvaløya and connected by bridge, the small island of Sommarøy houses a charming fishing village with colourful houses, white sand beaches, and a hotel restaurant, making it a great day trip about an hour from Tromsø. You won’t be sunbathing in winter (believe me, you are not), but it’s a beautiful place to walk around, and another Northern Lights hotspot.

Husky Tour: Though not traditionally part of Sámi culture, dogsledding is extremely popular near the Arctic Circle. On this self-drive husky tour, you drive your own sled through the backcountry from a kennel on Kvaløya, with pick-up in Tromsø. It books up fast, so reserve well ahead.

Suggested places to stay in Kvaløya

Yggdrasil Farmhotel Retreat, Spa & Yoga

Luxury

Located at Straumsbukta, about 45 minutes from the centre, this boutique farm hotel is the definition of cabin chic. It’s small, with space for around 20 guests, and aimed at couples and small groups of adults. The bedrooms look out over the fjord and mountains, and there’s an outdoor hot tub, a wood-fired sauna and a sea sauna where you can take a dip in the Arctic water, which put this at the top of the Tromsø where-to-stay list.

Steam Pier

Mid-Range

A good-value option right on the water at Kvaløysletta, on the eastern side of the island and just across the bridge from Tromsøya. You can choose between seaside cabins and glass igloos, with a sauna and jacuzzi on site, and you might spot otters, seals and sea birds from your window. It’s an excellent starting point for a weekend in Kvaløya.

Sommarøy Arctic Hotel Tromsø

Mid-Range

Technically in Sommarøy, this charming fishing village accommodation puts you right on the edge of the ocean in cosy, modern rooms, suites, cabins and harbour apartments. Opt for a balcony with a sea view for views of the fishing town and Arctic Sea. There’s a restaurant, a bar and a sauna, so you won’t need to go anywhere else in the evening.

Skittenelv

Best For: Northern Lights Spotting

About 30 minutes outside of Tromsø, Skittenelv is a small settlement on the mainland northeast of the city, looking out over the Grøtsund strait. There isn’t a whole lot going on around here, I’ll admit. Even so, it’s one of my personal favourite areas I’ve stayed in during my Tromsø travels.

ÆRA is the main place to stay out here, there’s no main strip of restaurants or bars, and you absolutely need a car when you visit. That said, if you’re looking for where to stay in Tromsø for northern lights, this is it. Why? Where there are few people, there is little light.

The area around Skittenelv is teeming with mountain views and expansive skies, with the auroras lighting up the winter months and the midnight sun shining bright in the summer.

Aerial view of the mountains from Skittenelv

It’s a great jumping-off point for spotting the northern lights, and is close to other viewing hotspots like Oldervik.

Just be aware that this is for travellers truly looking to get away from it all. I’m not exaggerating when I say amenities are limited. Stock up on food in Tromsø before you drive out.

So, if you want access to fine dining, walkable villages, and any semblance of nightlife, this isn’t the area for you. But if you want jaw-dropping morning walks, eyefuls of fjord views and some super-clear night skies for Northern Lights, go right ahead.

Top Tip

I’d really recommend hiring a car if you stay out here, ideally a 4×4 in winter. Rental cars come with winter tyres in the winter months, but you still need to take care on snowy, icy roads. Book it well ahead, along with your accommodation, because Tromsø books up fast in the aurora season.

Skittenelv highlights

Tromsø Lyngshest: Visit this small horse farm, on the same road as ÆRA, to meet and ride Lyngshest horses, a local breed that has lived in this area for centuries. Farm visits last about two hours, and riding depends on the weather.
Oldervik: On my trip, Oldervik offered the best northern lights viewing I found. It had been crazily cloudy for days, so I spent most of a day mapping the cloud forecast on Windy Premium against known viewing spots, then drove out here. It was completely clear, and I watched the lights dance for two hours. You can see them from the harbour or find a darker spot along the shore nearby.
Aurora Viewpoint: This large parking area, just between Oldervik and Skittenelv, is another popular aurora vista point. There’s enough space for 10 to 15 cars, but it can fill up, especially at the weekend.
Reindeer Feeding: If you’re pressed for time, you don’t need a full-day tour to meet reindeer. Tromsø Arctic Reindeer runs shorter reindeer feeding and Sámi culture visits from its camp in the Krokelvdalen area, on the way out towards ÆRA.

Suggested places to stay in Skittenelv

ÆRA

Mid-Range to Luxury

ÆRA offers Scandinavian-chic cabins, the best of which have glass roofs and floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the water near Skittenelv. I stayed in one of the glass aurora cabins, and on my second night I saw a faint green glow through the glass from my bed, then headed down by the lake for a better look before warming up in the sauna.

Amenities are pared back (there was nowhere to put my clothes, and the dinner menu was limited), but the lodges have a small kitchen, the beds are comfy, breakfast is delivered to your cabin, and you get some of the most spectacular northern lights views you could hope for. The team also sends aurora alerts on WhatsApp (until midnight), which were really useful. As well as the glass cabins, there are Panorama Glass Lodges and aurora igloos. I highly recommend it. Read my full ÆRA Tromsø review.

Senja

Best For: Camping and Adventure Outdoors

If you’re looking for where to stay in Tromsø, consider taking a road trip to one of the nearby islands.

Senja is the second largest island in the country and is packed with fun things to do for travellers with a sense of adventure.

For starters, the remote location, around three hours’ drive southwest of downtown Tromsø, makes it a great option for seeing the northern lights. It’s also a great option for visitors who want to take a road trip and see the mountains, fjords, and dark skies.

The area is full of spots to fish, hike, and take in the great outdoors in the vast 612 square miles of land, well north of the Arctic Circle.

In the winter, stops at places like the incredible viewing platform at Bergsbotn Utsiktsplattform are excellent for checking out the northern lights with a view of the mountains and sea.

In the summer, take advantage of Norway’s Right to Roam, which allows you to go “wild camping” in open countryside, as long as you stay at least 150 metres from the nearest house or cabin, keep off farmland, and don’t stay more than two nights in the same spot without the landowner’s permission.

Senja highlights

National Scenic Route: Drive this 102-kilometre stretch connecting the villages of Gryllefjord and Botnhamn. It’s a beautiful drive (and popular cycling route) that takes you through mountains and idyllic seaside towns in Senja.
Segla: This dramatic, angled mountain peak rises above the Norwegian Sea. You can hike this 2.6-mile trail to the summit vista, which climbs over 1,000 feet of the 2,100-foot mountain.
Ånderdalen National Park: This national park features ancient pine forests, dramatic mountaintop vistas, and wildlife sightings like red foxes, moose, and reindeer.
Snowshoeing on Senja: Take advantage of one of the most popular winter activities outside and go snowshoeing. This guided snowshoe hike takes you up Hesten, with views across to Segla, and includes snowshoes, poles and warm clothing.
Polar Fjord Tour: Not driving? Get an up close look at Arctic nature and wildlife on a guided day trip from Tromsø to Senja, with lunch included.

Suggested places to stay in Senja

Senja Fjordhotell and Apartments

Mid-Range

Stay in the fjords near the small fishing village of Stonglandseidet, at the southern tip of Senja. The hotel has 17 rooms, and its sister company rents out fishermen’s cottages and apartments nearby. There’s plenty of free parking, and the hotel restaurant is a handy option in such a remote spot.

Hamn i Senja

Luxury

This harbourside resort on the west coast of Senja has a room for budget-friendly or luxury travellers. Opt for one of the apartment-style suites, with a kitchen and a private veranda overlooking the harbour. There’s a shared hot tub and sauna, a seafood restaurant, and a lighthouse with 360-degree views where you can watch for the northern lights. In winter, pre-order your meals.

Skagi Senja Hotel & Lodge

Mid-Range

At Skaland on the west coast of Senja, close to the Bergsbotn viewpoint, this small hotel offers six rooms with breakfast and cabins for travellers looking for a peaceful getaway. The Husfjellet trail starts right outside the door, and the restaurant serves local food.

Tromsdalen

Best For: Views of Tromsø

Visitors looking for a place to stay in Tromsø to see the northern lights without getting far from the city should not overlook Tromsdalen.

You won’t get the same uninterrupted views of the aurora that you do from more remote locations like Skittenelv, but the views from vantage points across the sound from downtown Tromsø are nothing to scoff at, either.

Tromsdalen is an extension of downtown, just across Tromsø Bridge on mainland Norway.

The neighbourhood offers some spectacular northern lights viewpoints and is also home to some of Tromsø’s most famous landmarks.

You won’t find as much accommodation in this part of town, but that’s part of the appeal. You really get the sense of the local community and small town vibes when you stay in Tromsdalen.

Tromsdalen highlights

Fjellheisen Cable Car: Get the best views of downtown Tromsø from across the sound on this popular cable car ride. You climb 421 metres up Mount Storsteinen, giving you an excellent view of the city, northern lights, or midnight sun (depending on when you visit). It runs until midnight, and a return ticket is 645 NOK. When I went, it was snowing, and riding up into the cloud felt like being loaded into the Matrix, so go on a clear day if you can.
Sherpatrappa: This famous lookout point is reached by a long, steep staircase of more than 1,200 stone steps, built by Sherpas from Nepal. It’s a wonderful way to see the skyline of Tromsø during the day or the northern lights once the sun goes down. You can hike a longer 3.4-mile loop to check out more of the area around Tromsdalen. Avoid it when the steps are covered in snow or ice, and take the cable car instead.
Arctic Cathedral: Arctic Cathedral, otherwise known as Tromsdalen Church, is a stunning modern church designed by Jan Inge Hovig and completed in 1965. The trademark glass mosaic by Victor Sparre, which fills the east wall, is incredible inside and out of the iceberg-shaped cathedral just outside downtown. Entry is 90 NOK, and it usually closes at 5pm. I rolled up at 5.20pm, so do check the calendar before you go.

Tromsdalen Kunstisbane: If you are interested in ice skating, Tromsdalen Kunstisbane is the place to do it. Billed as the world’s northernmost outdoor speed skating track, it usually opens from early November to the end of February, weather permitting, and you can hire skates at the café. Why not give it a try for the ‘Gram?

Suggested places to stay in Tromsdalen

Tromsø Lodge & Camping

Mid-Range

Set yourself up with outstanding northern lights viewing from these cabins and lodges only a few minutes outside town. Nestled between the mountains and sea, they range from basic economy cabins to fully equipped lodges, and the Explorer cabins have glass roof panels for watching the sky. There’s free WiFi, and it stays open through the winter.

Villa Havblikk Tromsø

Luxury

This welcoming boutique hotel is in a classic wooden house from 1917, between the Arctic Cathedral and the Fjellheisen cable car. It has old-school charm, with every room decorated differently, and a café and bar downstairs. It’s a lovely option if you want somewhere with a bit more character than the big city hotels.

Lyngen Alps

Best For: Arctic Road Trip

One thing I discovered on my trip is how much there is to do in the areas around Tromsø. One of my favourites? The Lyngen Alps. I just loved this part of the trip.

The Lyngen Alps are a spectacular destination just outside of Tromsø, with outdoor activities available year-round. Thrill-seekers and photographers travel to the long stretch of mountains to hike and snow ski some of the tallest peaks in the area.

I drove from downtown Tromsø east to Breivikeidet, where I took the 20-minute car ferry to Svensby to explore the nearby mountain roads. It felt fairly mild when I set off, but the wind chill out on the fjord was mad. Meandering through towering peaks up to 1,834 metres (6,017 feet) high, past small settlements like Lyngseidet and Oteren, I discovered that the area truly has some of the best scenery in the region. You can loop back to Tromsø on the E8 in a day.

As I said, if you’re looking for outdoor adventure, you can’t overlook the Lyngen Alps. Glacier treks, backcountry skiing, and walking past alpine lakes on an afternoon stroll are just a few reasons it’s one of the premier areas in Norway for nature lovers.

Deciding where to stay in Tromsø to see the northern lights? You won’t do much better than reserving a cabin in the mountains in small villages like Lyngseidet.

Lyngen Alps highlights

Steindalsbreen Glacier: Take a challenging but seriously rewarding 7.6-mile hike to see Steindalsbreen Glacier. Along the way, you’ll have up-close views of mountains, forests, and local sheep grazing the tall grass.
Snowmobiling Tour: If you’re not quite up for an afternoon of hiking, don’t fret. You can still see the scenery of the fjords on a guided snowmobiling tour through the Lyngen Alps. It’s a full day from Tromsø, with a ferry across Ullsfjorden and around an hour and a half on the snowmobile.
Ski Touring: Many people head to the Lyngen Alps in the winter to look for the northern lights, and I’m all for it. But the area is also known for an extreme sport known as ski touring. Hardcore skiers hike up one of over 100 different mountains to ski some of the best back-country powder in the world.
Otertind Mountain: When you take a road trip to the Lyngen Alps, be sure to drive about an hour south of Lyngseidet to photograph this jagged peak, often called the Matterhorn of the North. It features dramatic peaks you can see from the highway or by taking a short walk around. I took a detour here, 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.
Tromsø Ice Domes: Please note: the Ice Domes won’t open for the 2026/27 winter season, so check their website for future seasons. When they’re open, they’re in the Tamok Valley, beyond Otertind, and well worth the additional drive. Every year, the ice hotel is built from the ground up and features incredible ice sculptures inside and fun tours like dog sledding and snowmobiling if you want to make a full day out of it. I spent about 30 minutes there and was absolutely freezing. There’s nothing for sale at certain times of day, so bring food with you.

Suggested places to stay in Lyngen Alps

Aurora Fjord Cabins

Mid-Range

Aurora Fjord Cabins are a set of small modern cabins in Lyngseidet, about an hour and a half from Tromsø. Every cabin faces the fjord, with panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows, and each one has its own kitchen and bathroom. Definitely opt for the Deluxe Cabin if you can, which has a private jacuzzi with a jaw-dropping view of the mountains.

Solhov, Castle of the Lyngen Alps

Budget

This historic guesthouse is about 2 km south of Lyngseidet, with views of the Lyngenfjord and the Lyngen Alps all around the property. Built in 1924, it’s said to be the largest wooden building in Northern Norway, with a dining hall with a huge open fireplace. Rooms share bathrooms, but the location is perfect for outdoor adventurers who want to spend time skiing, mountain biking, or hiking during the day. There’s a hot tub on request, and free parking on the grounds.

Lyngen Alps Panorama

Luxury

If you’re going with a group, or just want a lot more space to spread out, this 3-bedroom house in Russelv is perfect. Views of the mountains and sea are beautiful inside and out, with a terrace perfect for setting up a few camera tripods, a sauna, and two bathrooms.

Lyngen Lodge

Luxury

For a splurge, this family-owned boutique lodge at Djupvik, on the far shore of the Lyngenfjord, looks straight across the water at the Lyngen Alps. It has just eight rooms, a lounge with a fireplace, and a sauna and outdoor hot tub overlooking the fjord. It’s especially popular for ski touring in spring.

Choosing where to stay in Tromsø

What is the best area to stay in Tromsø?

Where to stay in Tromsø depends on the season and why you’re visiting. If you want to see the northern lights, Skittenelv and Kvaløya are your best bets.

That said, there is a ton to do in the area, and I think downtown Tromsø offers the best amenities if you plan to stay longer than 2 to 3 days. If you’re not hiring a car, stay downtown: you can get around by bus and ferry, and almost every tour picks up in the centre.

If you can, do what I did and split your stay: a couple of nights in an aurora cabin out of town, then a couple in the city. And if you’re on a budget, look for accommodation with cooking facilities, because eating out in Tromsø is expensive.

How long to stay in Tromsø

Choosing the right length of time in Tromsø comes down to which area you decide to stay in and what you plan to do.

If you’re staying in downtown Tromsø, I think 3 to 4 days is enough time to plan a couple of day trips to surrounding areas, see the northern lights, and check out the museums and food in the city. If the northern lights are your priority, give yourself as many nights as you can: my best night was the one I added at the last minute.

Have a little more time? Add a couple of days if you want to explore Senja.

Now that you know where to stay in Tromsø, it’s time to start planning your trip!

Whether you want to plan a city break downtown or a longer trip to areas like Senja or the Lyngen Alps, it’s well worth a visit.

I hope this guide helped show you that there is a whole lot more to this charming city near the Arctic Circle than northern lights and the midnight sun.