Things to do in Tromsø

AVALANCHE DANGER!

There is currently a high risk of avalanches in Troms. Visit Varsom.no and become familiar with the avalanche warnings in the area you plan to visit.

In 2018, the world’s largest travel website, TripAdvisor, listed Tromsø as Europe’s best and the world’s third best travel destination for experiences, beaten only by La Fortuna in Costa Rica and Kauai in Hawaii.

In the selection, the fjords, reindeer feeding and the northern lights are highlighted as the best experiences.

And we understand their fascination for Tromsø very well: here you get a wonderful combination of culture, history and nature – which almost guarantees a fulfilling visit.

Tromsø is also often referred to as the capital of the northern lights, so the chances of seeing the magic light dance across the sky are extra high. Tromsø is also one of the best places in the country for those who want to go on a summit hike – summer and winter. As an international technology, research and student city, interspersed with a rich cultural life and small-town charm mixed with big-city vibes, Tromsø also lives up to its nickname "The Paris of the North".

Both of our hotels in Tromsø, Thon Hotel Polar and Thon Hotel Tromsø, are located in the heart of the city and are therefore a great starting point for making the most of the city.

Here you will find our favourite places and recommended activities in Tromsø, which are suitable for the active, the luxury lover, the foodie and the ones interested in culture.

Tromsdalstinden

Tromsø is truly a top hiking paradise with a wealth of hiking opportunities both on foot and on skis. A well-known classic is Tromsdalstinden, which rises 1,238 metres above sea level, with the highest peak visible from Tromsøya. The starting point is around a quarter of an hour’s drive from the city centre, and it is possible to get to the top from both Tromsdalen and Ramfjord, with the former the most common in the summer. From the top you get a 360-degree panoramic view of Tromsøya, Kvaløya, Senja and Ringvassøya. The hike takes about 5–7 hours for a round-trip, is moderately demanding and is also suitable for children who are used to hiking.

Sherpa steps

The Sherpa steps up to Fjellheisen are one of Tromsø’s most popular hiking destinations. The steps, built by Nepalese Sherpas, was completed in 2019, and since then many thousands have taken the hike up the mountainside. The trail starts just behind the Arctic Cathedral, and after climbing over 1,200 steps, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the city. There is also a cafe at the top if you need refreshment. The hike is graded as very easy and takes around 2–3 hours.

P.S. The view is particularly beautiful in the midnight sun. Remember the camera!

Prestvannet

A nice and easy round-trip of around 30 minutes takes you around Prestvannet lake, which is 96 metres above sea level. approximately in the middle of Tromsøya. You can get here by hopping on the bus from the city centre to the Prestvannet stop, taking the car and parking at Langnesvegen by Bymyra kindergarten or walking from the city centre. The path is suitable for bicycles, prams and wheelchairs, and there are several benches around the water that are perfect for watching the birdlife, enjoying the sun or looking out for the northern lights. As well as being a favourite destination in Tromsø all year round, Prestvannet is a popular ice skating lake in the winter. N.B. Remember to check the thickness of the ice! The area is also a habitat for a number of plants and animals, and was designated as a landscape protection area with wildlife conservation in 1995.

Store Blåmann

If you are looking for an extra demanding challenge, you can put Store Blåmann on the list. With its 1,044 metres above sea level it is the highest peak on Kvaløya, and of course offers spectacular views in all directions. There is a well-marked path from Slettneset, but the hike to the top is quite demanding, so you should be in good physical shape and estimate around 6 hours.

Tromtinden

Around one hour’s drive from Tromsø, an easy summit hike awaits that is suitable for the whole family. Tromtinden (696 metres above sea level) is located on Kvaløya and has a good path all the way to the top. From here you can enjoy great views towards Skamtind, Rebbenesøya and the sea. Parking is available at Rekvikvatnet. Allow about 3-5 hours for the hike and if you want to go on a little further, you can continue to the Mellomtinden and Sørtinden.

Lyngen Alps

The Lyngen Alps are every outdoor enthusiast's dream! Mountaineers, ski enthusiasts, northern lights chasers, mountain climbers and fishermen alike will like it here. The mountainous area is divided by the municipalities of Balsfjord, Lyngen, Storfjord and Tromsø, and consists of a number of peaks and glaciers. There are many different hiking options here, which vary in both length and difficulty. The Lyngen Alps are also known as one of Norway’s most popular offpiste destinations, with the main season normally from January to May. If you prefer ski slopes with a lift, you will find the alpine resort Tromsø Alpinpark around 15 minutes from our hotels.

Floodlit trails

You will find floodlit hiking trails in several places around Tromsø, and they are great both on foot and on cross-country skis. The floodlit trail in Tromsøya is closest to the city centre, the trail on Kvaløya has the best view and the trail in Tromsdalen offers the greatest chance of being by yourself. In other words – there’s a trail here for everyone! If you follow the floodlit trail on Tromsøya, where the centre of Tromsø is located, you can visit the Skihytta and head to the island’s highest point, Varden. If you go for a hike in the summer, the breakwater, the Telegrafbukta swimming area and the pier are great stopping points.

Full speed to the mountains

Since 1961, the Fjellheisen has provided the city’s best view by far, with cable cars taking you up to Storsteinen 421 metres above sea level in four minutes. In the summer, the chances of experiencing the midnight sun are high, while in winter it is a good place to hunt for the northern lights. From Fjellheisen’s upper station, Fjellstua, the city lights are distant, and the opportunities for seeing the northern lights become better. In Fjellstua, dinner is served using local ingredients, or you can choose appetisers from a cafe menu. A good tip is to take the Sherpa steps up in the summer and the cable car down, so you get to combine both hiking and sightseeing.

Wild, beautiful and woof

In the past, dog sledding was an important means of transport in the north, while today it is mostly a sport and lifestyle for many locals, as well as a fun activity for both children and adults. Tromsø Villmarksenter is located on Kvaløya about 25 minutes from Tromsø, and offers various dog sledding tours in winter between November and April. As you move through the beautiful landscape and relax in the sled, you can look out for foxes and snow foxes, owls, eagles, reindeer and elk, and really get up close to nature behind eager dogs. In the summer, the Husky Café is also open, with 200 huskies waiting for your visit – completely free of charge!

Visit the dog run and cuddle up with both adult dogs and puppies; all super sweet and well used to visits from adults and children. There are several companies in Tromsø that offer dog sledding, see overview here.

Unique boat trip

Take a trip with the beautifully restored wooden boat Hermes II from 1917. It offers authentic coastal experiences with historical notes. Go back in time – and feel the tranquillity that descends when the silence of the sea mixes with the rhythmic pulse of the old boat engine. Whether Tromsø’s midnight sun makes it impossible to separate day from night, or the veil of the northern lights dances across the sky, the experience is magical.

Meet reindeer and experience Sami culture

Have you dreamt of meeting reindeer up close, or would you like to learn more about the history and culture of the Sami? Tromsø Safari offers a number of different experiences a short drive from Tromsø, where you can join in feeding the reindeer, ride in a reindeer sleigh, test your lasso-throwing skills, hear joik and enjoying a traditional Sami meal.

Northern lights hunt

In the winter, the hunt for the northern lights is an obvious activity. With a wide range of northern lights excursions in Tromsø, you’re sure to find something that suits you. Via Visit Tromsø, you can choose between two forms of excursions: Northern lights hunting or northern lights experiences. During a northern lights hunt you will be accompanied by an experienced and knowledgeable guide to hunt the northern lights by car, bus, minibus or boat. The northern lights experience offers a little extra adventure during your Arctic visit.

You can find an overview of activities at visittromso.no, where you can filter your way to the perfect experience for you. Either way, seeing the Aurora Borealis dance across the sky is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience.

Snowmobile safari to Lyngen

Tromsø is surrounded by beautiful nature, but the Lyngen Alps offer perhaps the most majestic landscape. If you want to explore the nature here, and at the same time like speed and excitement, you can join Tromsø Safari on their snowmobile safari. During the trip, there will be time for both playing in the snow and taking pictures of the scenery, before fresh fish soup is served in the camp.

Experience the midnight sun

It’s true what they say – there is a totally different magical summer atmosphere in the north. Because with the midnight sun, which means that the sun is visible around the clock, not only is the light more beautiful, but the days are also richer in experiences. Tromsø normally has the midnight sun from the end of May to the end of July, and then you can go on a summit hike, kayaking, fishing, find a beach or go on a boat trip – in the middle of the night! In other words, it is important not to "sleep away the summer night"

Meet the giants of the sea

Whale watching is probably on every adventurer’s "bucket list", and in Tromsø there are several great ways to experience the majestic animals. Every winter, from November to January, the whales migrate to the coast of Troms in search of food, and on a whale watching trip you can experience humpback whales, killer whales, fin whales and porpoises up close. At Tromsø Safari, you can choose between whale watching in a RIB boat or on a quiet hybrid boat, equipped with an underwater drone and microphone.

Breathe in, breathe out

Whether you want to soothe aching summit hiking muscles or are simply looking for a unique and relaxing experience, you should check the floating sauna Pust. The sauna is located in the middle of Tromsø harbour and offers fantastic views and bathing opportunities right outside the door. Choose between drop-in or book the whole sauna for yourself. The sauna also has its own men’s and women’s changing rooms with showers. In Telegrafbukta there is also a wood-fired sauna on wheels with room for eight people, with bathing opportunities from the pier. Perfect for your group of friends or the family!

Spa at sea

Approximately in the middle of the city centre, an old fishing boat has been given a new lease of life as the Vulkana spa boat, and there is quite a bit on board! Here you can jump into the hot tub with salt water, find peace in the zen lounge or try out the Turkish hamam. And the hardiest ones can jump in the cold plunge pool before entering a wood-fired sauna. The boat also has its own restaurant and bar, and launches various fjord cruises from Tromsø – as well as hosting different spa experiences in the harbour. Perfect if the weather gods get in the way – or you are just looking for a completely unique experience.

Tromsøbadet

Whether you’re looking at the mountains of Kvaløya from the outdoor pool or get caught by the whirlpool and let the waves wash over you, the Tromsøbadet has something for everyone and is guaranteed to bring joy. You can sweat in the steam bath, solve the world’s problems in one of the saunas or cool off in the cold plunge pool. The 50-metre pool is Norway’s northernmost pool, and one of the country’s largest competition pools.

Restaurant Smak

Restaurant Smak is a small and intimate eatery on Skippergata that serves top-class food. In fact, the restaurant is listed with the masters level in the White Guide Nordic. A set menu is served here every evening based on local ingredients – and they are happy to help you with suitable beverage packages. Delicious appetisers are definitely something you should try, and you can choose between the 4, 5 and 6 course menus. N.B. Remember to book a table in advance.

Mathallen Restaurant & Delikatesser

Do you dream of Arctic treats? Head to Mathallen – where northern Norwegian elite chefs prepare food from scratch using local ingredients inspired by both local traditions and international cuisine. Mathallen is open for lunch and dinner, the menu varies according to the season and the drink menu consists of local producers as well as international influences.

Helmersen Delikatesser & Vinbar

Here you get a little bite of Europe in Tromsø. At Helmersen Delikatesser & Vinbar you can experience food and food culture from Italy, France and Spain, combined with top quality Scandinavian products. Cheeses have also become a specialty here, and you can for instance buy comté, gruyère, manchego and Norwegian Kraftkar. Drop by us and experience the great atmosphere!

Fiskecompaniet

Naturally, seafood should be on the menu on a visit to Tromsø, and at the restaurant Fiskekompaniet in the city centre you get dishes from the sea and sea views at the same time. The menu changes according to the availability of fresh ingredients and the head chef’s mood, and you can choose between shellfish and 4 and 6 course meals.

Hildr Gastrobar

Hildr Gastro Bar is a cosy neighbourhood restaurant known for its great cocktails and creative appetisers. The intimate gastropub is located in a cosy wooden house with a garden, where you can sit outside in the summer on lovely days. Choose between seasonal 3 or 5 course meals or different appetisers. The menu includes reindeer carpaccio, smørrebrød and HFC (Hildr Fried Chicken).

Casa Inferno

Feeling for an Italian? Then Casa Inferno on Vestregata is the place. Italian food and quality wine are served here, with a particular focus on pizza. The menu varies, but the pizza is of course always made in a wood-fired stone oven, as an authentic Italian pizza should.

Kaffebønna

If you want to taste really good coffee, head to Kaffebønna. There are several Kaffebønna cafes in Tromsø, which, in addition to quality coffee, serve cakes, panini, buns, pastries and fresh bread from their own artisan bakery.

Risø Mat og Kaffebar

If hunger strikes around lunchtime, head to the rustic Risø Mat and Kaffebar, which is on Strandgata. Great coffee and delicious lunch dishes are served here, which vary from day to day according to what ingredients are available.

Bryggejentene

The interiors store Bryggejentene is located on the pier in the middle of Ersfjordbotn outside Tromsø, and sells everything from creative duvet covers to decorative mobile phone covers. Bryggejentene is also known for its cafe, which offers fantastic views of both fjords and mountains, as well as homemade baked goods, coffee roasted in Ersfjordbotn and their own lunch menu. From here, there are also excellent hiking opportunities before or after the coffee break.

Ølhallen

Welcome to Tromsø’s oldest bar! The Ølhallen has been an institution and one of the most distinctive places in the city since 1928, and it is said that you have not been to Tromsø if you have not visited Ølhallen. Today it is a place where people of all ages meet and get to taste a wide range of beers from both Mack and other Norwegian breweries, serving quality beers from 72 different taps.

Bardus Bar

Have you tasted an arctic seaweed cocktail before? If not, you know what to order at Bardus Bar, which is located in historic premises from 1868. The classic cocktail bar, which is also next door to Bardus Bistro, serves cocktails, good quality wine and beer, which ensures a pleasant evening, in what was previously both a bakery and Tromsø’s first cinema.

Arctic Cathedral

Tromsdalen church – also called the Arctic Cathedral – was inaugurated on 19 November 1965, and one can safely say that the architect Jan Inge Hovig succeeded in creating a masterpiece. The church is a sea mark that can be seen both from the Tromsøysund, from the bridge and during landing by plane – and has almost become a landmark for Tromsø as the Eiffel Tower is for Paris. Here you can experience the northern lights, midnight sun and New Year’s concerts, join a church service – or just enjoy the majestic sights..

Adventurous ice kingdom

If you can't get enough of the northern Norwegian winter, or fancy a cooling break from the summer heat, head into the Magic Ice Bar & Gallery. Here, everything is made of ice, and you can see beautiful ice art inspired by Norway’s historic and famous explorers, while you are served signature cocktails in glasses made of ice – of course! You can borrow ponchos and mittens, so you're not cold. The ice gallery is located on Kaigata in the heart of the city centre and is open all year round.

The world’s northernmost aquarium

Polaria is an Arctic adventure centre and the world’s northernmost aquarium – perfect as a family activity. The aquarium focuses on animals and fish from the Arctic, and you can enjoy their feeding and exercising every day. This is also one of two places in Europe where you can see the bearded seal up close. The centre also has its own "cinema" with a 21-metre-wide panoramic screen, which shows films where you can experience the northern lights and Arctic nature in spectacular fashion.

The Arctic University Museum of Norway

Northern Norway’s oldest scientific institution has contributed to knowledge and insight into Northern Norway’s natural and cultural history, society and livelihoods since 1872. Through their four exhibition venues, you can get to know nature, culture, history and famous personalities from the north.

Learn about the Arctic's history at the Polar Museum

Tromsø established itself as the gateway to the Arctic Ocean and Arctic from around 1850, and the city quickly became a central base for polar expeditions, hunting, science and tourism. The Polar Museum preserves and conveys stories from here, and in the permanent exhibitions you can learn about seal hunting, hunting in the winter, the stories of hunters such as Henry Rudi and Wanny Woldstad, Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen’s expeditions and Svalbard’s cultural history.

The world’s northernmost botanical garden

Tromsø Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden is home to colourful arctic species and plants from alpine and cold regions around the world, including the Himalayas and Siberia. Many of these depend on a cool climate to grow, so the garden can boast species found in few other botanical gardens. A must for all botany enthusiasts!

Captivating film festival

Tromsø International Film Festival (TIFF) is held in January each year, and is Norway’s largest film festival if measured by the number of visitors. As well as being popular with the public and film-loving cinema-goers, the festival is an important meeting place for the Norwegian and international film industry. Here you are guaranteed unique and great film experiences – also outdoors, as it is dark and the opportunities for outdoor cinema are good.

Full speed to the mountains

Since 1961, the Fjellheisen has provided the city’s best view by far, with cable cars taking you up to Storsteinen 421 metres above sea level in four minutes. In the summer, the chances of experiencing the midnight sun are high, while in winter it is a good place to hunt for the northern lights. From Fjellheisen’s upper station, Fjellstua, the city lights are distant, and the opportunities for seeing the northern lights become better. In Fjellstua, dinner is served using local ingredients, or you can choose appetisers from a cafe menu. A good tip is to take the Sherpa steps up in the summer and the cable car down, so you get to combine both hiking and sightseeing.

Wild, beautiful and woof

In the past, dog sledding was an important means of transport in the north, while today it is mostly a sport and lifestyle for many locals, as well as a fun activity for both children and adults. Tromsø Villmarksenter is located on Kvaløya about 25 minutes from Tromsø, and offers various dog sledding tours in winter between November and April. As you move through the beautiful landscape and relax in the sled, you can look out for foxes and snow foxes, owls, eagles, reindeer and elk, and really get up close to nature behind eager dogs. In the summer, the Husky Café is also open, with 200 huskies waiting for a visit – completely free of charge! Visit the dog run and cuddle up with both adult dogs and puppies; all super sweet and well used to visits from adults and children. There are several companies in Tromsø that offer dog sledding, see overview here.

Unique boat trip

Take a trip with the beautifully restored wooden boat Hermes II from 1917. It offers authentic coastal experiences with historical notes. Go back in time – and feel the tranquillity that descends when the silence of the sea mixes with the rhythmic pulse of the old boat engine. Whether Tromsø’s midnight sun makes it impossible to separate day from night, or the veil of the northern lights dances across the sky, the experience is magical.

Meet reindeer and experience Sami culture

Have you dreamt of meeting reindeer up close, or would you like to learn more about the history and culture of the Sami? Tromsø Safari offers a number of different experiences a short drive from Tromsø, where you can join in feeding the reindeer, ride in a reindeer sleigh, test your lasso-throwing skills, hear joik and enjoying a traditional Sami meal.

Northern lights hunt

In the winter, the hunt for the northern lights is an obvious activity. With a wide range of northern lights excursions in Tromsø, you’re sure to find something that suits you. Via Visit Tromsø, you can choose between two forms of excursions: Northern lights hunting or northern lights experiences. During a northern lights hunt you will be accompanied by an experienced and knowledgeable guide to hunt the northern lights by car, bus, minibus or boat. The northern lights experience offers a little extra adventure during your Arctic visit. You can find an overview of activities at visittromso.no, where you can filter your way to the perfect experience for you. Either way, seeing the Aurora Borealis dance across the sky is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience.

Snowmobile safari to Lyngen

Tromsø is surrounded by beautiful nature, but the Lyngen Alps offer perhaps the most majestic landscape. If you want to explore the nature here, and at the same time like speed and excitement, you can join Tromsø Safari on their snowmobile safari. During the trip, there will be time for both playing in the snow and taking pictures of the scenery, before fresh fish soup is served in the camp.

Meet the giants of the sea

Whale watching is probably on every adventurer’s "bucket list", and in Tromsø there are several great ways to experience the majestic animals. Every winter, from November to January, the whales migrate to the coast of Troms in search of food, and on a whale watching trip you can experience humpback whales, killer whales, fin whales and porpoises up close. At Tromsø Safari, you can choose between whale watching in a RIB boat or on a quiet hybrid boat, equipped with an underwater drone and microphone.

Breathe in, breathe out

Whether you want to soothe aching summit hiking muscles or are simply looking for a unique and relaxing experience, you should check the floating sauna Pust. The sauna is located in the middle of Tromsø harbour and offers fantastic views and bathing opportunities right outside the door. Choose between drop-in or book the whole sauna for yourself. The sauna also has its own men’s and women’s changing rooms with showers. In Telegrafbukta there is also a wood-fired sauna on wheels with room for eight people, with bathing opportunities from the pier. Perfect for your group of friends, colleagues or the family!

Spa at sea

Approximately in the middle of the city centre, an old fishing boat has been given a new lease of life as the Vulkana spa boat, and there is quite a bit on board! Here you can jump into the hot tub with salt water, find peace in the zen lounge or try out the Turkish hamam. And the hardiest ones can jump in the cold plunge pool before entering a wood-fired sauna. The boat also has its own restaurant and bar, and launches various fjord cruises from Tromsø – as well as hosting different spa experiences in the harbour. Perfect if the weather gods get in the way – or you are just looking for a completely unique experience.

Captivating film festival

Tromsø International Film Festival (TIFF) is held in January each year, and is Norway’s largest film festival if measured by the number of visitors. As well as being popular with the public and film-loving cinema-goers, the festival is an important meeting place for the Norwegian and international film industry. Here you are guaranteed unique and great film experiences – also outdoors, as it is dark and the opportunities for outdoor cinema are good.