Tromsø

Midnight sun, northern lights, and arctic adventures.

Located above the Arctic Circle, this Norwegian city is known for Northern Lights viewing, the Midnight Sun phenomenon, and its Arctic Cathedral. Explore polar history and enjoy local Arctic cuisine.

4.4
out of 5

Tromsø, located 350 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, is a city in Norway known for its Arctic setting. This Norwegian city allows you to witness natural phenomena like the Northern Lights and Midnight Sun. You can explore the Arctic Cathedral, visit the Polar Museum, or join a dog sledding expedition.

Location and Arctic Setting

Tromsø sits at 69 degrees north latitude, making it one of the northernmost cities in the world. The city spans the island of Tromsøya, connected to the mainland by bridges. Despite its Arctic location, Tromsø has milder temperatures than expected due to the Gulf Stream's influence. This geographical position puts you in the heart of the city while allowing easy access to surrounding Arctic landscapes.

Viewing the Northern Lights

From September to April, Tromsø serves as an excellent base for observing the Aurora Borealis. The city's location within the aurora oval increases your chances of seeing this natural light show. You can join guided tours that take you to areas with minimal light pollution outside the city to improve visibility. Some tour operators combine Aurora viewing with activities like dog sledding or snowmobiling for a comprehensive Arctic adventure.

Midnight Sun and Summer Activities

Between late May and late July, Tromsø experiences the Midnight Sun phenomenon, with 24 hours of daylight. This extended sunlight allows you to engage in activities throughout the night. You can hike in nearby mountains, kayak in the fjords, or attend a late-night concert at the Arctic Cathedral. The constant light gives you extra time to explore the city and its surrounding nature.

Museums and Landmarks

Tromsø has several museums and significant buildings. At the Polar Museum, you'll learn about Arctic exploration and Tromsø's role in polar expeditions. The Arctic Cathedral, with its distinctive triangular structure, hosts concerts throughout the year. For a comprehensive look at the region's nature and culture, visit the Tromsø Museum, which includes exhibits on Sami culture, Arctic wildlife, and Northern Norway's geology.

Arctic Wildlife and Nature Experiences

The region around Tromsø allows you to encounter Arctic wildlife. In winter, you can join whale watching tours in fjords where orcas and humpback whales gather to feed. You can visit reindeer farms to learn about Sami traditions and interact with the animals. For a hands-on winter activity, try dog sledding, where you can guide your own team of huskies through snowy terrain.

Local Food and Restaurants

Tromsø's restaurants incorporate Arctic ingredients and Norwegian culinary traditions. You can sample local dishes like reindeer meat, Arctic char, and stockfish. Several eateries in the city focus on using ingredients sourced from the surrounding region. For an educational dining experience, consider joining a Sami food tour to taste traditional dishes and learn about indigenous food practices.

Transportation in Tromsø

You can reach Tromsø via its international airport. Within the city, buses provide public transportation. Many attractions are within walking distance in the central area. To explore the surrounding region, you can rent a car or book tours that include transportation for excursions.

Average temperatures during the day in Tromsø.
December
1°
Jan
1°
Feb
0°
Mar
2°
Apr
4°
May
10°
Jun
15°
Jul
18°
Aug
16°
Sep
11°
Oct
7°
Nov
3°

What people say about Tromsø

4.4
People
4
Food
4
Spaces
4
Value
3
Safety
5

Best places to visit in🇳🇴Norway

Articles about Norway

Image of National parks in Norway, iconic fjords
Image of National parks in Norway, iconic fjords

National parks in Norway, iconic fjords

March 2024,
Norway's national parks are renowned for their breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and opportunities for adventure and relaxation. Each park offers a unique slice of Norway's natural beauty,
Image of Bucket list-worthy places in the Nordics
Image of Bucket list-worthy places in the Nordics

Bucket list-worthy places in the Nordics

December 2023,
The Nordics is a beautiful region in Northern Europe consisting of Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Iceland. These five countries are some of the world's safest, most peaceful, and most prosperou
Image of The most beautiful national parks in the world
Image of The most beautiful national parks in the world

The most beautiful national parks in the world

November 2024,
National parks are unique in several ways, about 15% of all land and 8% of all water in the world is protected. National parks are protected pockets of nature that offers a unique opportunity for bot
Image of The 20 happiest cities in the world
Image of The 20 happiest cities in the world

The 20 happiest cities in the world

November 2024,
This is a list of the top 20 happiest cities in the world according the World Happiness Report which is based on data from 160+ countries. The Nordics and Oceania are heavily over-represented, but the
Image of The best places to visit in January
Image of The best places to visit in January

The best places to visit in January

April 2024,
Many travelers eagerly anticipate the arrival of January. While some are looking for the beauty of the Northern Lights, or enjoying the best time for skiing, others aim to participate in vibrant cultu
Image of The 20 most bike-friendly cities in the world
Image of The 20 most bike-friendly cities in the world

The 20 most bike-friendly cities in the world

January 2023,
To find the best cities for cycling, we looked at the Copenhagenize Index, a comprehensive ranking of the world’s most bicycle-friendly cities based on ambition, culture, and city design. Below you wi
Image of Where to see the Northern Lights: The ultimate guide
Image of Where to see the Northern Lights: The ultimate guide

Where to see the Northern Lights: The ultimate guide

October 2023,
Humbling experience Traveling to see the Northern Lights is worth every mile, every hour on the road or in the air. Imagine standing under the dark sky, surrounded by silence, when suddenly the black
Image of The best lesser-known places to visit in Europe
Image of The best lesser-known places to visit in Europe

The best lesser-known places to visit in Europe

December 2023,
In the midst of European explorations, some cities remain less frequented by the throng of tourists yet hold an abundance of cultural wealth, natural beauty, and a compelling history. This guide aims
Popular on Humbo right now
Humbo™AboutVisitedBucket listSustainable travelPrivacyTerms